The Parasite (Michael Vey #8)

What worked:
Three years have passed since the previous book, so the characters have moved on to college or are pursuing other jobs and interests. The story is mostly told through the eyes of Michael Vey, leader of the Electroclan, until the characters split into teams for a rescue mission. The Electroclan consists of teenagers with various abilities involving electricity. Michael is able to pulse charges as a weapon and he’s able to absorb electricity from other sources. Other abilities involve shooting lightning bolts, rebooting and reading people’s minds, connecting with computer technology to access information, creating tremendous amounts of heat, and tazing enemies.
The author enhances the story with colorful personalities and compelling relationships between Electroclan members. A curious twist is how many of the friends were once enemies in earlier books. Ostin is an interesting character as he doesn’t have any special powers other than being a genius with awkward social skills. He knows everything, almost literally, and truthfully speaks to others without always being aware of how it might be received. Michael and Taylor have been a faithful couple since the beginning of the series but everyone knows another Electroclan member is in love with him. Obviously, this creates some tension. Other characters are struggling to accept the group’s friendship and family environment since life with Dr. Hatch was violent, solitary, and combative.
Most of the first half of the book establishes the current state of affairs and describes the characters’ plans for a reunion. However, cryptic information about a power plant in Peru and the disappearance of several Electroclan members establishes a conflict, although the actual antagonists aren’t confirmed until later. The disappearance of characters is reminiscent of events earlier in the series when Electroclan members were hunted down and kidnapped by Hatch. The plot in this book involves a radical group that once worked with Dr. Hatch and the Elgen but they're now determined to dominate the world. An arsenal of millions of electrified rats was created earlier in the series and another animal species is weaponized this time. The characters will be surprised to discover other things the radicals have been planning.
What didn’t work as well:
I read book seven when it came out in 2019 and thought it ended the series with the death of Dr. Hatch. This sequel comes three years later, so readers will need to read the previous books to get back up to speed. Before reading this book, I recommend you read the whole series but at least start with books five or six, Storm of Lightning or Fall of Hades. Be prepared to read book nine because this book’s ending leads right into the sequel.
The Final Verdict:
The book is very engaging and entertaining if you’re aware of what’s happened before. The author does some reminiscing but it doesn’t make up for not having read the previous books. The plot builds to an exciting climax but readers will need to wait until the next book to see how things turn out. I hate when authors do that as the story seems unfinished. Nevertheless, I’m enjoying the series and recommend you give it a shot.