Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 Review & GIVEAWAY

Pre-teen and teenage children can often be hard to motivate to want to read a book.  Thanks to Richard Paul Evans, that job just got a little easier.  He has written a great science fiction novel, Michael Vey:  The Prisoner of Cell 25, for young adults that will have them engaged and excited to be reading.  

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is your average, ordinary fourteen year old.  But Michael is anything but ordinary -- in fact, he is electric.  When Michael's best friend, Ostin Liss and cheerleader Taylor Ridley, make an accidental discovery, the three of them learn that there are other kids with similar powers -- and that someone, or something, is hunting them.  After Michael's mother is kidnapped, Michael will have to rely on his wits, his unique power, and his friends to combat the hunters, free his mother and save the others.  

My Thoughts:  Richard Paul Evans is the author of wonderful books such as "The Christmas Box", "The Gift" and "The Locket" so I was very excited to get read his book written for young adults.  I have to admit, I wasn't sure our 2 daughters would like this book (ages 8 & 10) but they really enjoyed reading it and didn't find it too "boyish" at all. I have to admit, that I felt sorry for Michael from early on in the story. His father died when he was little, he gets bullied at school (a great lesson to talk to our kids about!) and he suffers from Tourette's Syndrome.  I love how he discovers his special ability completely by accident and as the story unfolds he is forced to use that power throughout the book after he discovers it.  

As a parent, there were a few things I really liked about this book as well.  Since it is geared toward preteens and teenagers, there is virtually no sexual content in this book.  I think there is a kiss in one part of it but that is all I can remember as far as sexual content.  The story line portrays an almost "super-hero" feel to it with the unique special powers that are used throughout the book so you know young adults will be captivated and drawn into its pages. I could see many opportunities to discuss "lessons" with the kids through the story with plots like Michael facing choices of good or evil, making the morally correct choices, topics like bullying, special needs, etc.   The characters personalities and character flaws in this story are actually quite believable despite the overall sci-fi nature of the book.  Evans has done a great job of creating a book filled with mystery, suspense and excitement that you can feel good about letting your young adult read.  

For homeschoolers, there is even a downloadable homeschool kit that contains 54 pages of activities to go along with this book.  You can purchase the book online at several locations or you can enter to win your very own copy using the Rafflecopter form below!

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