Richard Paul Evans is the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than forty novels. There are currently more than thirty-five million copies of his books in print worldwide, translated into more than twenty-four languages. Richard is the recipient of numerous awards, including two first place Storytelling World Awards, the Romantic Times Best Women's Novel of the Year Award, and five Religion Communicators Council's Wilbur Awards. Seven of Richard's books have been produced as television movies. His first feature film, The Noel Diary, starring Justin Hartley (This Is Us) and acclaimed film director, Charles Shyer (Private Benjamin, Father of the Bride), premiered in 2022. In 2011 Richard began writing Michael Vey, a #1 New York Times bestselling young adult series which has won more than a dozen awards. Richard is the founder of The Christmas Box International, an organization devoted to maintaining emergency children's shelters and providing services and resources for abused, neglected, or homeless children and young adults. To date, more than 125,000 youths have been helped by the charity. For his humanitarian work, Richard has received the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award. Richard lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Keri, and their five children and two grandchildren. You can learn more about Richard on his website RichardPaulEvans.com.
"Michael Vey is fantastic. I simply couldn't put it down. I believe
Michael Vey is every bit as good as Twilight or Harry Potter." -
Glenn Beck, #1 bestselling author, media personality
"Michael Vey is one of the most original thrillers I've come across
in years. It's rare that a book can appeal to a young adult just as
much as their parents-but Evans has pulled it off." - Vince Flynn,
#1 New York Times bestselling author
"Evans (The Christmas Box) enters the YA market with this
fast-paced... tale of a teenager with superpowers and the
conspiracy that created him... Evans delivers a pair of believable
lead characters--Taylor has wits and personal integrity, while
Michael's Tourette's syndrome, coupled with an emotional jolt from
his past, adds dimension." -Publishers Weekly, August, 2011
"My kind of book-- fast, funny, and strange. Once Michael's
astounding powers are revealed, the shocks keep coming chapter
after chapter." - R.L. Stine, #1 bestselling author of
Goosebumps
Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans
Reviewed by John M. Wills Released: August 9, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse (336 pages) ". . . my 13-year-old grandson
picked it up and began reading the first chapter after I had put it
down. He remarked, "Papa, hurry up and finish reading this, I want
to see where this story goes." I already know where this is all
going: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 is going to be another
bestseller for Richard Paul Evans. The book is electric." Having
read much of Richard Paul Evans's work, I knew to expect a
wonderful story; however, I admit I was skeptical about reading a
novel geared toward children 12 years old and up. My skepticism
disappeared quickly as I began reading about the book's
protagonist, Michael Vey. Author Evans has created a character that
will entertain both adults and children. I found myself absorbed in
the story just several pages in. Michael Vey is, ostensibly, an
average teenager, 14 years old, who has the same problems as others
in that awkward age group. He finds himself the victim of bullying,
mostly due to his facial tics, a result of Tourette's. He doesn't
fit in with most kids in school, and the girls avoid him whenever
possible. His only friend, Ostin, the class brain--and therefore a
nerd to the school jocks--also endures endless bouts of pranks and
teasing. The two likeable adolescents form a bond that enables them
to endure the constant gauntlet laid down by their classmates. At
one point in the story an incident occurs in which Michael
discovers he has a secret power--he's electric. Although his mother
has known this about her son for some time, Michael is just now
discovering his abnormal abilities can be used to his advantage. As
the story develops, Mr. Evans creates moral dilemmas that Michael
and his friends must face. Questions of ethics and evil versus good
become pivotal points and serve to develop a moral compass for the
youngsters, both in the story and hopefully for the children
reading the book. There are plenty of thrills and adventure in this
well-written novel, one that readers will feel comfortable in
having their sons and daughter read. In fact, my 13-year-old
grandson picked it up and began reading the first chapter after I
had put it down. He remarked, "Papa, hurry up and finish reading
this, I want to see where this story goes." I already know where
this is all going: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 is going to
be another bestseller for Richard Paul Evans. The book is electric.
Reviewer John M. Wills is the author of Gripped by Fear
(TotalRecall Publications), the second novel in the Chicago
Warriors Thriller Series. His book, Targeted, won 1st Place in 2011
at the Public Safety Writers Association Convention; he is also a
former Chicago Police Officer and retired FBI Agent. - New York
Journal of Books, August 2011
5Q 4P M J Evans, Richard Paul. Michael Vey: The Prisoner of
Cell-25. Simon Pulse, 2011. 336p. $17.99. 978-1-4516-5650-3. Ninth
grade can be brutal, especially if you are an undersized boy
dealing with Tourette's syndrome. Add bullies, disingenuous
authority figures, a geeky best friend, a loving but financially
strapped parent, and you have a relatable protagonist who just
happens to have an amazing superpower. Michael Vey can zap people
with electricity. With his mother's help, he has been able to keep
his "mutation" a secret until the eventful day when popular
cheerleader, Taylor, witnesses him defending himself against three
tormentors. This event sets into action a chain of discoveries,
deceit, and destruction that brings together an unlikely group of
young people who must work together to save themselves and others.
Throughout these adventures, the author interweaves a plausible
scientific explanation for Michael's powers: sixteen years ago,
seventeen babies were inadvertently given special abilities. Now,
evil powerbrokers want to use these young people to cause
international mayhem and gain wealth through extortion. Short
chapters with intriguing titles, excellent writing, and engaging
characters make this action-packed story a compulsively
entertaining read. The tale progresses with altering points of
view. Michael tells his story in first-person and Taylor's tale is
narrated in third-person. This first book of a planned series has a
satisfying conclusion but leaves the reader determined to discover
what the next book, Rise of the Electroclan, has in store for our
young hero and his friends. Though contemporary and edgy, this book
contains no bad language, sex, or gratuitous violence. This is a
book Rick Riordan's fans will want to read.
VOYA, October 2011
Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25, by Richard Paul Evans, is one of
those books that you'd better give yourself time to read because
once you begin, you won't stop! Michael Vey goes to high school in
Idaho where he's keeping a secret. He has strange electric powers
and soon discovers there's another girl who has similar powers.
When both the girl and his mom are kidnapped, the action
accelerates! There are more books planned in this series. Newton
Book News
"A fast paced, entertaining read with an engrossing storyline and
well developed characters...I think [Michael Vey] is going to be a
fabulous new series by Richard Paul Evans. It's exciting, full of
action, snark, unique powers and has a group of teens who are worth
reading about...I definitely recommend picking this one up." -
-Mundie Moms
"Michael Vey is electrifyingly awesome. This new series ...will
thrill, shock, amaze and entertain male and female readers of all
ages...I loved this book and can't wait for the sequel, RISE OF THE
ELGEN, which can't get here fast enough." - Teenreads.com
"Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans is a
fantastic read...because of the realistic writing, the likable
characters, and a plot that guarantees non-stop action from almost
the first page...Any teen into action, adventure or science fiction
will want to make sure Michael Vey is on his or her bookshelf."
- Chicago Examiner.com
"Young super hero fans will enjoy this new release...With mystery,
suspense, and plenty of thrills - Michael Vey is highly
entertaining. With more psychological excitement than action, the
intensity builds to a climatic ending with more than a few
surprises along the way."
- SciFiChick.com
Evans, Richard Paul
Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
2011. 336pp. $17.99 hc. Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster).
978-1-4516-5650-3. Grade 7 & up
Like Richard Evans' adult novels, this title has a message of hope
and love. However, this book also has pure adventure, science
fiction, and creepy bad guys. Michael Vey has been hiding a secret
all his life: he has a superpower. Sixteen other children born in
the same hospital at the same time also exhibit unusual
electromagnetic powers. Michael and Taylor are the only ones who
haven't been collected by the evil, power hungry men. With some
help from others, Michael and Taylor free the prisoners of the
twisted Elgin Academy where they are held. The book ends with
Michael, Taylor, and their new friends banding together to rescue
Michael's mother, setting the scenario for a sequel. Although the
book starts out rather slowly, the pace picked up. Readers will be
looking forward to the next book in the series. Kyla M Johnson,
Librarian, Farmington (New Mexico) High School [Editor's Note:
Available in e-book format.]
Recommended
Library Media Connection, Jan/Feb 2012
EVANS, Richard Paul. Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25. 336p. S
& S/Pulse/Mercury Ink. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4516-6183-5;
ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4516-5822-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9-Michael Vey, 14, has problems. Not only does he suffer from
Tourette's syndrome, but he also has electricity coursing through
his body. He can shock people without rubbing his feet on the
carpet; he can jump-start his mother's car by holding the battery
connectors and "surging," and he can knock bullies who attack him
off their feet. Michael and his mother have moved to Idaho because
there was an "incident" in his former town, and now he discovers
that the prettiest girl in his new school has powers, too. Taylor
can read people's minds. Ostin, Michael's best friend, doesn't have
powers, but he is wicked smart and helps them to figure out that
there is more to the mystery than the fact that they were born in
the same hospital within days of each other. Soon there is a
terrifying adventure afoot when they are captured and introduced to
others with powers who, under the lead of the sinister Hitch, have
kidnapped Michael's mother and have evil plans for the world. The
dialogue and interactions among the teens seem more like they
belong in the 1950s rather than today, but the fast-paced action
and cool powers will probably outweigh any negatives.-Jake Pettit,
Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO
SLJ, November 2011
"Michael Vey is fantastic. I simply couldn't put it down. I believe Michael Vey is every bit as good as Twilight or Harry Potter."
- Glenn Beck, #1 bestselling author, media personality
- Vince Flynn, #1 New York Times bestselling author
-Publishers Weekly, August, 2011
- R.L. Stine, #1 bestselling author of Goosebumps
by Richard Paul Evans
Reviewed by John M. Wills Released: August 9, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse (336 pages) ". . . my 13-year-old
grandson picked it up and began reading the first chapter after I
had put it down. He remarked, "Papa, hurry up and finish reading
this, I want to see where this story goes." I already know where
this is all going: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 is
going to be another bestseller for Richard Paul Evans. The book is
electric." Having read much of Richard Paul Evans's work, I
knew to expect a wonderful story; however, I admit I was skeptical
about reading a novel geared toward children 12 years old and up.
My skepticism disappeared quickly as I began reading about the
book's protagonist, Michael Vey. Author Evans has created a
character that will entertain both adults and children. I found
myself absorbed in the story just several pages in. Michael Vey is,
ostensibly, an average teenager, 14 years old, who has the same
problems as others in that awkward age group. He finds himself the
victim of bullying, mostly due to his facial tics, a result of
Tourette's. He doesn't fit in with most kids in school, and the
girls avoid him whenever possible. His only friend, Ostin, the
class brain--and therefore a nerd to the school jocks--also endures
endless bouts of pranks and teasing. The two likeable adolescents
form a bond that enables them to endure the constant gauntlet laid
down by their classmates. At one point in the story an incident
occurs in which Michael discovers he has a secret power--he's
electric. Although his mother has known this about her son for some
time, Michael is just now discovering his abnormal abilities can be
used to his advantage. As the story develops, Mr. Evans creates
moral dilemmas that Michael and his friends must face. Questions of
ethics and evil versus good become pivotal points and serve to
develop a moral compass for the youngsters, both in the story and
hopefully for the children reading the book. There are plenty of
thrills and adventure in this well-written novel, one that readers
will feel comfortable in having their sons and daughter read. In
fact, my 13-year-old grandson picked it up and began reading the
first chapter after I had put it down. He remarked, "Papa, hurry up
and finish reading this, I want to see where this story goes." I
already know where this is all going: Michael Vey: The Prisoner
of Cell 25 is going to be another bestseller for Richard Paul
Evans. The book is electric. Reviewer John M. Wills is the author
of Gripped by Fear (TotalRecall Publications), the second
novel in the Chicago Warriors Thriller Series. His book,
Targeted, won 1st Place in 2011 at the Public Safety Writers
Association Convention; he is also a former Chicago Police Officer
and retired FBI Agent. - New York Journal of Books, August 2011
5Q 4P M J
Evans, Richard Paul. Michael Vey: The Prisoner of
Cell-25. Simon Pulse, 2011. 336p. $17.99. 978-1-4516-5650-3.
Ninth grade can be brutal, especially if you are an undersized boy
dealing with Tourette's syndrome. Add bullies, disingenuous
authority figures, a geeky best friend, a loving but financially
strapped parent, and you have a relatable protagonist who just
happens to have an amazing superpower. Michael Vey can zap people
with electricity. With his mother's help, he has been able to keep
his "mutation" a secret until the eventful day when popular
cheerleader, Taylor, witnesses him defending himself against three
tormentors. This event sets into action a chain of discoveries,
deceit, and destruction that brings together an unlikely group of
young people who must work together to save themselves and others.
Throughout these adventures, the author interweaves a plausible
scientific explanation for Michael's powers: sixteen years ago,
seventeen babies were inadvertently given special abilities. Now,
evil powerbrokers want to use these young people to cause
international mayhem and gain wealth through extortion. Short
chapters with intriguing titles, excellent writing, and engaging
characters make this action-packed story a compulsively
entertaining read. The tale progresses with altering points of
view. Michael tells his story in first-person and Taylor's tale is
narrated in third-person. This first book of a planned series has a
satisfying conclusion but leaves the reader determined to discover
what the next book, Rise of the Electroclan, has in store
for our young hero and his friends. Though contemporary and edgy,
this book contains no bad language, sex, or gratuitous violence.
This is a book Rick Riordan's fans will want to read.
VOYA, October 2011
Newton Book News
"A fast paced, entertaining read with an engrossing storyline and
well developed characters...I think [Michael Vey] is going to be a
fabulous new series by Richard Paul Evans. It's exciting, full of
action, snark, unique powers and has a group of teens who are worth
reading about...I definitely recommend picking this one up."
- -Mundie Moms
"Michael Vey is electrifyingly awesome. This new series ...will
thrill, shock, amaze and entertain male and female readers of all
ages...I loved this book and can't wait for the sequel, RISE OF THE
ELGEN, which can't get here fast enough."
- Teenreads.com
"Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans is
a fantastic read...because of the realistic writing, the likable
characters, and a plot that guarantees non-stop action from almost
the first page...Any teen into action, adventure or science fiction
will want to make sure Michael Vey is on his or her
bookshelf."
- Chicago Examiner.com
"Young super hero fans will enjoy this new release...With mystery,
suspense, and plenty of thrills - Michael Vey is highly
entertaining. With more psychological excitement than action, the
intensity builds to a climatic ending with more than a few
surprises along the way."
- SciFiChick.com
Evans, Richard Paul
Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
2011. 336pp. $17.99 hc. Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster).
978-1-4516-5650-3. Grade 7 & up
Like Richard Evans' adult novels, this title has a message of hope
and love. However, this book also has pure adventure, science
fiction, and creepy bad guys. Michael Vey has been hiding a secret
all his life: he has a superpower. Sixteen other children born in
the same hospital at the same time also exhibit unusual
electromagnetic powers. Michael and Taylor are the only ones who
haven't been collected by the evil, power hungry men. With some
help from others, Michael and Taylor free the prisoners of the
twisted Elgin Academy where they are held. The book ends with
Michael, Taylor, and their new friends banding together to rescue
Michael's mother, setting the scenario for a sequel. Although the
book starts out rather slowly, the pace picked up. Readers will be
looking forward to the next book in the series. Kyla M Johnson,
Librarian, Farmington (New Mexico) High School [Editor's Note:
Available in e-book format.]
Recommended
Library Media Connection, Jan/Feb 2012
EVANS, Richard Paul. Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25. 336p. S
& S/Pulse/Mercury Ink. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4516-6183-5;
ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4516-5822-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9-Michael Vey, 14, has problems. Not only does he suffer from
Tourette's syndrome, but he also has electricity coursing through
his body. He can shock people without rubbing his feet on the
carpet; he can jump-start his mother's car by holding the battery
connectors and "surging," and he can knock bullies who attack him
off their feet. Michael and his mother have moved to Idaho because
there was an "incident" in his former town, and now he discovers
that the prettiest girl in his new school has powers, too. Taylor
can read people's minds. Ostin, Michael's best friend, doesn't have
powers, but he is wicked smart and helps them to figure out that
there is more to the mystery than the fact that they were born in
the same hospital within days of each other. Soon there is a
terrifying adventure afoot when they are captured and introduced to
others with powers who, under the lead of the sinister Hitch, have
kidnapped Michael's mother and have evil plans for the world. The
dialogue and interactions among the teens seem more like they
belong in the 1950s rather than today, but the fast-paced action
and cool powers will probably outweigh any negatives.-Jake Pettit,
Thompson Valley High School, Loveland, CO
SLJ, November 2011
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