"MICHAEL VEY: Storm of Lightning" by Richard Paul Evans, Mercury Ink, $18.99, 288 pages (f) (ages 12 and up)
Michael Vey’s powers are growing. The formidable electricity that courses through him continues to intensify and threatens to burst free.
In Utah author Richard Paul Evans’ latest book, “Michael Vey: Storm of Lightning,” Michael is shocked, and forever changed, by the magnitude of his own powers.
Michael and the other members of the Electroclan are devastated to learn about a horrific attack on the Mexican safe house of the resistance movement. Unsure if there are any survivors, the group warily makes its way toward the remains of the safe house, hoping to find friends and families unharmed.
The devastation is massive, and the teenagers discover only one living being at the site — and it is not someone they know.
Within the Elgen ranks, there is devastation as well. Admiral-General Hatch releases his rage at the recent failures of his forces, and not even his most trusted and faithful servants are safe from his wrath. Hatch’s Glows are unsure of their standing with the maniacal leader and must choose where their true loyalties lie.
But for Taylor, Michael’s girlfriend, the devastation is much more personal. When her parents end up as victims of a devious Elgen scheme seeking to draw the Electroclan out of hiding, Taylor yearns to rush to their aid. Knowing the grave consequences if plans go awry, Michael and Taylor must find a way to rescue Taylor’s parents without becoming victims themselves.
“Storm of Lightning” is the fifth installment in Evans’ Michael Vey series. The story is sharp and fast-paced with intense action bursting from even the first few pages. As the book charges forward, the action shifts regularly among characters and between forces, drawing readers deeper into the tale.
Michael Vey is a distinctive but troubled hero, which makes him feel very authentic. His supporting cast is full of quirky but likable characters who weave the peculiar and beautiful fabric on which the story is told.
Like the other books in the series, “Storm of Lightning” features no foul language or sexuality. However, there are moments of intense violence. While these scenes are not detailed, they could be disturbing to young readers.
Evans will be at Salt Lake City Comic Con Sept. 25-26.
Book trailer: 'Storm of Lightning'
Melissa DeMoux is a stay-at-home mother of six young children who lives in West Valley City, Utah. Her email is mddemoux@gmail.com, and she blogs about her adventures in motherhood at demouxfamily.blogspot.com.