Rise of the Elgen

Michael Vey, Book 2

By: Richard Paul Evans

Narrated by: Fred Berman

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Michael must save his mother - and protect his powers - in the electric sequel to the number-one New York Times best-selling Michael Vey, from Richard Paul Evans.

Michael was born with special electrical powers - and he’s not the only one. His friend Taylor has them too, and so do other kids around the world. With Michael’s friend Ostin, a techno-genius, they form the Electroclan, an alliance meant to protect them from a powerful group, the growing Order of Elgen, who are out to destroy them. The leader of the Elgen, Dr. Hatch, has kidnapped Michael’s mother, and time is running out.

After narrowly escaping an Elgen trap, Ostin’s discovery of bizarre “rat fires” in South America leads the gang to the jungles of Peru, where the Electroclan meets new, powerful foes and faces their greatest challenge yet as Michael learns the extent of the Elgen’s rise in power - and the truth of their plan to “restructure” the world.

©2012 Richard Paul Evans (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

So Good!!

This was soooo good!! Seriously, though?!? Talk about a cliffhanger! I’ll be starting the next one ASAP.

Fun listen, hope this is heading somewhere

Would you listen to Rise of the Elgen again? Why?

Yes- Great for a long trip in the car with kids. This is a great compromise for parents who want to listen as well. Entertaining for the whole family (ages 10+). This might be too much for anyone younger than 10, due to violence.

What other book might you compare Rise of the Elgen to and why?

The first Michael Vey book is great- This series falls in a category that is hard to find. I have younger kids (10-12) and they loved the first 2 books. There is serious action, but nothing more serious than a PG-13 rating. No real language, and nothing sexual in nature. The Rick Riordan novels, or the Ranger's Apprentice series fall somewhere in the same category. Enjoyable action/adventure stories, with some violence.

What about Fred Berman’s performance did you like?

Continuity is a big deal with Audiobooks. I hope he will continue reading follow-on books. Nothing worse than changing readers during a multi-book series.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing that serious. There is a fair amount of humor in the face of danger, paticularly with one of the main brainiac characters who provides some comic relief.

Any additional comments?

Be sure to listen to 1st book for frame of reference. This second book isn't as good, but is still enjoyable.

Inspiring story for teens who may be different

Any additional comments?

This series is something I would have my students with disabilities read, to encourage them to see the strengths within themselves. Overall, it is a great story, and I was hooked on every book. I did find it embraced cultural stereotypes, in that the women in the story tended to be in supporting roles or take a back seat. But if that is ignored, the story itself is still worth reading, especially for kids who may struggle with Tourette's syndrome, dyslexia, or any other struggle with being "different" from others. The narrator changes later in the series, who is actually very great. So, I would give it a chance, or read the paperback.

Love the book!

Love, love, love Fred Berman . Best narrator ever!. Excellent series! I just hate cliff hangers! Richard Paul Evans almost always gives us great books! I've read many and will continue to read more. I just hate the cliff hangers!

a heart thumper

What did you love best about Rise of the Elgen?

This continues the story from the first book. Swiftly paced, it covers a lot of ground with a few good surprises.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Michael Vey exemplifies the virtues and strengths of a hero.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, this story moves from danger to danger and held my interest. Sometimes I had to take a break because the antagonist speaks with such oily propaganda I had to shake it off before I could continue.

Good job

Love this series so much this is one of my favorite series you are a great author.

Outstanding narration!

What did you love best about Rise of the Elgen?

Good, solid story. Moves fast!

What does Fred Berman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He does about 20 different voices, so well, and so seamlessly that you forget its one person doing it!

Any additional comments?

Great fun!

great book must read

great book. one of my favorites by far. voices were great. story was great. 5 stars all the way

Great Family Audiobook!

This series is great for ages 10 and up, and it's even enjoyable for this dad of two 11 year old boys! I look forward to it just as much as them I think.

LOVE IT

IT WAS AMAZING. I NEED TO READ THE NEXT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has a cliffhanger though.