Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen

Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen by Richard Paul Evans, begins with the Electroclan forcing Hatch to run from a Pasadena located Elgen Academy and then escaping to Idaho where they face a recapture by Elgen guards. Tragedy arises with Jack's house burning down and Taylor's family placed in immediate danger. The Electroclan leader, Michael, discovers his mother being held captive and through the use of a cell phone, he attempts to sneak into the Peruvian plant through the guidance of the Voice. Through Zeus' help and sacrifice, the Electroclan find Michael's mother and Michael in the end stumbles upon a native tribe that tell him he cannot go home.

The setting at first is Pasadena, then Idaho, then it culminates in Peru. It is a science fiction novel so there are futuristic elements, but the timeframe appears to be modern time. In the prequel, Michael Vey discovers he has electricity-based powers. In the book, he absorbs electricity from rats. The main conflict centers on Michael, his power, and his desire to find his mother. After having succeeded in locating his mother and escaping the Peruvian plant, Michael comes upon the native tribe which leads to the third book.

The climax of the story is when Zeus sacrifices himself. Just before that, Michael and the Electroclan discover the Elgen's sinister plot to control the world's electricity. Just as they are about to meet their fate via electric rats, Zeus turns on the sprinklers and Electroclan members are able to save Michael's mother and Tanner, a Glow from danger. The ending of the story puts Michael in a new environment, unable to meet up with his allies. He must face a tribe that tells him he cannot go home, leading to a new scenario where he must make it back to the people he knows.

This was after he was held captive by Dr. Hatch who tried to convert him back to the Elgen. Through much effort, he stays true to himself even after Torstyn comes into the picture along with several loyal Glows. It was Michael's desire to meet up with the Electroclan that led him to be lost in the jungle, where he encountered the tribe.

The theme of the book is connection. Michael stays with his Electroclan. They help him find his mother. He spends most of the time looking for his mother. Then a tribe comes to tell him he cannot go home. So, the theme revolves around connection to family, friends, and home. The lesson learned is to never give up and that people are not alone. There will always be someone there to help. One should stay positive. Also, Michael's determination against villains and tribulations shows the indomitable spirit people innately possess.

The mood of the book is that of almost suspense and fear. The Elgen and the Electroclan play a sort of cat and mouse game and there's constant worry on Michael's end about his mother. Then the mistrust of the Voice, and the inevitable fight to protect what Michael and the Electroclan hold dear. It is a book that has a dark, yet optimistic tone.

My favorite scene is Zeus' sacrifice. "My shout was too late. Fierce yellow bolts of electricity shot from Zeus's fingertips, connecting with the sprinkler head. At first nothing happened, then, like a breaking dam, water burst the ceiling." (Evans 268) This scene was intense. With Zeus looking back at them and Taylor's eyes wide with terror, everything was put on the line. This was the most exciting part of the story and was truly emotionally charged.

Works Cited

Evans, Richard P. Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen. 2013.