Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Michael Vey: Battle of the Ampere


Title: Battle of the Ampere

Series: Michael Vey (Book #3)

Year: 2013

Author: Richard Paul Evans

Summary: Michael, Taylor, Ostin and the rest of the Electroclan have destroyed the largest of the Elgen Starxource plants, but now they’re on the run. The Elgen have teamed up with the Peruvian army to capture them, and only Michael remains free. With his friends due to stand trial for terrorism—a charge that may carry the death penalty—Michael will need all his wits and his abilities if he’s to save them.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Dr. Hatch and his loyal Electric Children have seized control of the E.S. Ampere—the super yacht the Elgen use as their headquarters. With the seven ships of the Elgen fleet now under his control, Hatch heads back to Peru to gather his army and begin his quest for global domination.

Michael must free his friends then find a way to stop Hatch, but Hatch knows Michael and the Electroclan are coming. And he’s ready for them. Can the Electroclan win the battle of the Ampere
? Or has Michael’s luck finally run out? (from Goodreads)

Main Characters:
~ Michael Vey
~ Taylor Ridley
~ Ostin Liss
~ Tessa
~ Jack
~ Zeus
~ Abigail
~ Ian
~ McKenna
~ Dr. Hatch

Review: *rubs hands* Well, well, well. Where to begin? Another epic novel describing the further adventures of electric Michael Vey. Just so we're clear, Rise of the Elgen is still my favorite book of the series. Don't get me wrong -- this was a fantastic continuation of the Electroclan's adventures. I really can't wait for book four, Hunt for Jade Dragon, which... doesn't come out until later this year. This is the first time I've had to wait to read the next book, and I'm not very happy about it. Not happy at all, Bob. {edit: I originally wrote this review during the summer and waited to post it; Hunt for Jade Dragon is now out}

Whew! Talk about a quick pace! Michael awakens in the jungle with no knowledge of his friends' whereabouts. With Hatch still searching for him, he can't really stop in one place. Nope. First, he's got to escape the jungle, rescue his friends, and then hop a ride to their newest mission: the Ampere, the Elgen's gigantic, luxury ship which acts as their main headquarters. There's never a moment to be bored.

Okay, let me say here that I applaud Mr. Evans for writing a believable hero/adventure series. Sure, it's all about the kids, but they act like kids. They joke, they get upset with each other, and they all don't automatically know how to drive an army truck or have high class explosives they can pull out of back pocket. They take care of themselves, yet they're not afraid to admit fear or ask for help. In fact, oftentimes they act with the advice/assistance of an adult, making the plot a lot more believable, in my opinion.

Advisory: There was more in this book that I need to point out than the first two in the series. For one thing, this is probably so far the most violent as there are kidnappings, chases, explosions, shootings, deaths, etc. etc. I didn't find anything overly graphic, but Battle of the Ampere definitely had some darker themes than the previous two books.

One thing that really bothered me (and the main reason this book only got 3 stars) was the relationships between the romantic couples. More than once, as the boys and girls were traveling together and staying in close quarters, a couple would sleep next to each other or sleep in the same bed/couch. It remained innocent, but I have to say the idea bothered me. There are at least three couples that are identified in this book, but (other than a kiss or two) each romance is downplayed as the main plot of the novel is the kids' mission with Dr. Hatch's ship, the Ampere.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars


Related Reviews: Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
                           Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen

Click here to buy Battle of the Ampere on Amazon!

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