Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 and Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen by Richard Paul Evans

SYNOPSIS:  Michael has always known he was different.  By "pulsing," he can cause electricity to flow from his body and into others.  However, he has always known he couldn't use this power.  When, for the first time, he meets someone else who can manipulate electricity, he questions his origin and the greater purpose of his abilities.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I very much enjoyed reading this book.  Although it was at times dismal and a bit hopeless, it had plenty of adventure and excitement.  I'd recommend it to older readers who can handle the darkness and violence.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with frightening imagery and violence

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Percy Jackson Series, Maximum Ride Series

SYNOPSIS:  This book picks up right where the first book leaves off, with Michael and his new friends traveling home after escaping their prison.  Michael 's first order of business is to find his mother, but he must first avoid recapture by the Elgen and their thugs.  Things only get worse when he realizes his mother is in the secure, heavily-guarded South American factory.  Michael won't give up, however impossible the odds.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was another page-turning adventure, with the same violence and dark imagery.  I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first novel.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG13 with strong violence and dark imagery

STARS:  3