Review Detail

The Traitor (Michael Vey 9) Featured

Young Adult Fiction 1742

A Surprise 9th book in a 7 book series!

October 05, 2023

Overall rating

3.0

Plot

3.0

Characters

3.0

Writing Style

3.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Just when Michael thought he would be able to go to college and have a pleasant romance with Taylor, he has to go back to Peru with the Electroclan to save Tara, who has been kidnapped by Amash. Jack is also there, and seems to have thrown in his lot with Amash as well. Not only that, but the Chasqui army is planning on burning down the town of Arequipa. After a battle, the Electroclan is devastated not only by the fact that Taylor has turned herself over to Amash to try to secure the release of her sister, but that Bentrude has been killed. Taylor finds out that Amash is shipping Fentanyl to the US, and basically trying to kill as many people as he can. Jack is not really on his side, and during a fancy dinner, Tara, Taylor, and Jack try to use their powers to escape. They are not successful. At the same time, Michael and his group try to figure out a way to stop the Chasqui army from transporting a large number of bats in trucks by infiltrating their cave. Both Amash and the Chasqui army are dedicated to making the world a better place, and even the Electroclan with their powers find it hard to take them down. The losses are heavy on both sides, and the fight is not yet over. Even if Jack, Tara, and Taylor can be rescued, with Michael be able to prevail?

Good Points

This series, which started in 2011, has some avid fans who were glad to see the surprise eighth book in the seven books series, The Parasite, come out in 2022. The fact that Michael and his friends are all older will appeal to young readers new to the series, who always like to read about characters who have a lot more opportunities, and will delight original readers of the series who want to reconnect with characters who have grown up with them. Interestingly, Michael seems to have outgrown his Tourette's Syndrome; I thought that made him an more complicated character, and miss his struggles with this.

Michael and the Electroclan are always involved in lots of adventure, and the short chapters lend themselves to turning the pages quickly. There are plans, strategies, and secret missions galore. The Electroclan is clearly on the side of right, since burning down entire cities or selling Fentanyl cannot possibly be construed as activities that make the world a better place.

The light romance is fun; it's always been a part of the series, but takes a more serious role as the characters age. Amash's very fancy digs added a fun element, and readers who want to explore Dior gowns and expensive wine will delight in Taylor's chance to experience high fashion and haute cuisine.

Traveling the world, especially while imbued with super powers, is always engaging, and readers who virtually ventured forth with Stoke's Addison Cooke series, Bradford's Bodyguard books, or Roy's Blood Guard trilogy will enjoy the continued adventures of Michael and his friends. And never fear! A note at the end of the book from Richard Paul Evans indicates that there are still more adventures to come!