This isn’t the first book in this series to feel full of filler, but it is the one that seems to be most full of filler. There’s not really any one main quest, even the kind that doesn’t get started until far into the book. I suppose technically going back to help Taylor’s parents can be seen as the quest of the book, but it’s not set up until well into the book, so until then, all we get is Michael and the gang trying to get answers or get to safety. And they’re mostly led around by other people. The only powers that are really used are when Michael is (yet again) stupid and draws attention to himself. Add to that the wholly unnecessary format that Evans uses, which he’s probably always done but is just a lot more noticeable now, of starting a new “part” every time there’s a new perspective to show, and this book doesn’t really feel like action—it’s more like one long rest hold.

Other things in this book that would have been minor points if the rest of the book had been more interesting became bigger distractions. For example, why wouldn’t Quentin’s power that is basically an EMP knock out the locator beacon he’s been implanted with? How does he even have a phone that works? Since the first resistance base was kept super secret, yet Michael managed to reveal its location to the bad guys, why on earth do they tell him the name and location of the next one? And how are we supposed to take Hatch seriously as a super powerful (if not over-the-top) bad guy when one of his favorite methods of punishment is to lock his enemy in a cage with monkeys? I don’t really have a problem with the cliffhanger at the end, though the way it was written was maybe a bit unnatural-sounding. I’m still interested in the series, but while a filler episode in a TV show can sometimes be excused (especially if it’s enjoyable in its own right), my investment in a nearly 300-page book leaves me much more dissatisfied with filler (plus, it wasn’t particularly enjoyable in its own right). Though if you’re reading the series, you probably shouldn’t skip it, unless you find a recap somewhere that gives spoilers. ( )

They keep getting better! ( )

I am getting really frustrated with Michael Vey. It seems like nothing happened this entire book! They just went from place to place, eating, getting as much sleep as they could, talking about what they were eventually going to do. But then it ended before they did anything.
I can't help but feel like Richard Paul Evans is dragging this series out as long as he possibly can- so he can milk as much money out of it as possible. ( )

Good book, the rebellion of Hatch's glows is fascinating to me and it makes me wonder how he's actually staying in power without their assistance. ( )

This Young Adult Book should be read not only by Young Adults but by adults and Seniors too. This book is the fifth in a series of seven. Compared to the other books there was less action but like many classics such as "Charlotte's Web" and "The Wizard of Oz," it is very philosophical.

The author, Evans uses the villain Dr. Hatch to demonstrate the evil of craving power. "Let's say he is suddenly the king of the world. What is he going to do with it that he can't do now? Is his food going to taste better? Is the weather going to be better?"

Likewise Evans's good characters espouse good values and make for very good examples to readers. All in all a great book - and yes, every reader will be waiting with bated breath for Book 6 since this one ends in a cliffhanger. ( )