In this electrifying ninth installment of the award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling Michael Vey series, the Electroclan must fight a former friend to save their captured ally!

With Tara still in the clutches of the Elite Elgen Guard Unit the Chasqui and their malevolent leader, the Sovereign Amash, Michael Vey and the Electroclan have no choice but to continue the fierce battle that has been waging since their arrival in Peru. But saving one of their own means battling a onetime teammate, as Jack has turned traitor and joined forces with Amash and his men.

At the same time, the clan must work with the Alpha Team to act before the Chasqui can put their plan to destroy the city of Arequipa into motion. And when Taylor makes a bold yet dangerous move to save her sister, the urgency climbs even higher.

With so many lives at stake, the Electroclan has no time to waste, and no room for error as they take on this latest growing threat.

Excerpt

Chapter 1: Pink Dolphins and Alpaca Spit

1 Pink Dolphins and Alpaca Spit
My name is Michael Vey, and I’m back in Peru.

I hate Peru. I’ve got good reasons to hate the place. The first time I was here, my mother was being held captive in an electrified cage, the Elgen tried to feed me to rats, and one of my friends was killed. And, as thanks for saving their country from Elgen tyranny, the Peruvian government put us on their Most Wanted terrorist list. So, yeah, not my favorite place. I’m sure there are a lot of great things about Peru. Especially when they think you’re a tourist instead of a terrorist. I know because Ostin once went off on one of his diatribes and told me more about the country than I ever wanted to know.

For instance, Peru is home to most of the world’s alpacas. If you don’t know what an alpaca is, it’s basically a miniature llama that isn’t secretly plotting to kill you. Alpacas couldn’t kill you if they wanted to. They’re smaller, softer, and gentler than llamas, and their primary defense is spitting. Sure, it’s green and smells, but if that was my only defense, I’d avoid street fights.

There are interesting things in Peru besides alpacas. A lot of big things start or started here, like the world’s largest river, the Amazon. Potatoes come from Peru, ergo your french fries and potato chips. So did the Incan civilization.

The country boasts other curiosities. The tallest sand dunes in the world are in Peru. There’s a mountain that’s colored like a rainbow. One of the deepest canyons in the world is here—it’s twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. And Ostin’s personal favorite, the Nazca Lines, giant geoglyph drawings of animals that can only be seen from the air—which begs the question (cue the eerie UFO music), who were they drawn for?

Peru also has the world’s most expensive coffee. It’s called Coati Dung Coffee. It’s exactly what its name says it is—coffee made from beans that have been eaten by a jungle beast called the coati (basically a raccoon with a bigger nose), then pooped out. The local Peruvians collect the beans, wash the poop off them, dry them in the sun, and then sell the coffee for around sixty-five dollars a cup. That’s almost a thousand dollars a pound. I swear I’m not making this up.

In addition to the coffee-eating coati, Peru’s got a whole slate of weird animals the rest of the world doesn’t have, like pink dolphins, glass frogs, wood-eating catfish, hairless dogs, and penguins, which probably got stuck on an iceberg a thousand years ago, floated to Peru from Antarctica, and liked the neighborhood, so took up residence. I’m probably not making that up either.

But, like I said, I’m not here as a tourist, and I didn’t come for the dung coffee. I came to rescue Tara and Jack from the Chasqui, a break-off band from the Elgen with another megalomaniacal leader. At least that was our intention. Now Jack claims he’s one of them. What am I supposed to do with that? Could he have been brainwashed like in The Manchurian Candidate? I don’t know, but Jack’s the most loyal person I know. I’d trust him with my life. At least I would have. Now I don’t know. He’s just not one I would ever think could be a traitor. So, here’s the dilemma we’re wrestling with: Is it worth risking all our lives to save Jack from himself? And is that even possible?

I know that the last time I wrote, I said that I was bored and wished something exciting would happen, but boring suddenly doesn’t seem so bad. Now I just wish people would stop trying to kill us. If I’m going to die, I’d rather do it in the comfort of my own home, not travel all the way to some piranha- and bug-infested jungle to be un-alived.

Like I said, I hate Peru.

Reading Group Guide

Reading Group Guide

Michael Vey 9: The Traitor

By Richard Paul Evans

About the Book

In this electrifying ninth installment of the award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling Michael Vey series, the Electroclan must fight a former friend to save their captured ally! With Tara still in the clutches of the elite Elgen guard unit, the Chasqui, and their malevolent leader, the Sovereign Amash, Michael Vey and the Electroclan have no choice but to continue the fierce battle that has been waging since their arrival in Peru. But saving one of their own means battling a onetime teammate, as Jack has turned traitor and joined forces with Amash and his men. At the same time, the clan must work with the Alpha Team to act before the Chasqui can put into motion their plan to destroy the city of Arequipa. And when Taylor makes a bold yet dangerous move to save her sister, the urgency increases. With so many lives at stake, the Electroclan has no time to waste, and no room for error as they take on this latest growing threat.

Discussion Questions

1. In the opening of Michael Vey 9: The Traitor, Michael Vey tells readers, “My name is Michael Vey, and I’m back in Peru. I hate Peru. I’ve got good reasons to hate the place. The first time I was here, my mother was being held captive in an electrified cage, the Elgen tried to feed me to rats, and one of my friends was killed. And, as thanks for saving their country from Elgen tyranny, the Peruvian government put us on their Most Wanted terrorist list. So, yeah, not my favorite place . . .” (Chapter one) While Michael goes on to share many of the unique and positive features of the country, do you believe he is justified in feeling the way he does about it? Why or why not?

2. Michael shares that he believes himself to have some PTSD from his past experiences. Do you think he is correct in his self-assessment? Use evidence from The Traitor to support your answer.

3. While processing what he needs to accomplish to save the people he cares about, Michael states, “I know that the last time I wrote, I said that I was bored and wished something exciting would happen, but boring suddenly doesn’t seem so bad. Now I just wish people would stop trying to kill us. If I’m going to die, I’d rather do it in the comfort of my own home, not travel all the way to some piranha- and bug-infested jungle to be un-alived.” (Chapter one) What are some of the ways that Michael’s life is so unusual? Do you agree with him about boredom? What are some of the ways it can be positive?

4. Throughout the series, each member of the Electroclan has displayed a great many talents and gifts. Who has been your favorite up to this point and why?

5. Michael tells the Electroclan, “‘Jack is a Chasqui now. He’s joined them.’” (Chapter two) Why is McKenna so shocked to learn this news? In what ways does the idea to swap Taylor for Tara seem an impossible option to their team?

6. While strategizing on their plans to attack, Ostin tells the group, “‘War is just math . . . I’m a mathematician.’” (Chapter two) What other skills does Ostin display that makes him extra competent in this field?

7. When the Sovereign Amash seems surprised that Michael wasn’t willing to make the trade he wanted, Jack informs him that “‘Michael’s not going to do anything to endanger Taylor. He’s in love. He’d protect her with his life.’” (Chapter three) Explain why you agree or disagree with Jack’s assessment of Michael’s feelings for Taylor?

8. The Chasqui declare, “‘Electroclan, you have lost. Give us the girl Taylor, and we will let you live. If you refuse, we will kill all of you and take Taylor. Your survival is your decision. You have one minute to decide.’” (Chapter four) Why is taking possession of Taylor so important to the Chasqui?

9. If this story were to be told by anyone besides Michael, who would you choose to narrate it and for what reason?

10. As the team tries to better understand where they stand during their battle, Taylor states, “‘They’ve killed three of us and taken two more. Now Cassy’s hurt. They just wanted me. I could have stopped all this.’” (Chapter five) Do you believe she should be willing to sacrifice herself to save more lives? What might be the flaw to that plan?

11. After surrendering to Amash and flying away with him and Jack in a helicopter, Jack tells Taylor, “‘You made the right decision. . . . You’ll see.’” (Chapter nine) Why does Jack offer her such a response? Do you believe he truly believes that? Why or why not?

12. While discussing Jack’s relationship and whether Jack is truly a traitor, Amash tells Taylor, “‘And like they say, one man’s traitor is another man’s hero. Jesus and George Washington were considered traitors in their time, but that’s not how history remembers them.’” (Chapter nine) Does this feel like a fair assessment? How does distance from the actions of a person change our perspective?

13. While sharing with Taylor that he has no plans to free Tara, Amash tells her, “‘You know, we never intended to kidnap your sister. Our associates didn’t know there were two of you. You might say that Tara was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But I’ve always said, if life gives you a lemon . . . crush it.’” (Chapter nine) How does this statement really capture who Amash is at his core?

14. What are some of the specific qualities about Michael’s character that make Taylor sure he will attempt to rescue her?

15. After learning about the death of Bentrude, Johnson tells Michael, “‘My command has been a disaster since I got here. I failed them. I failed all of you. I’m not fit for command.’” (Chapter ten) How do you feel about his self-assessment?

16. As they celebrate the life of Bentrude, Johnson shares that “‘He said his fear was his best friend. It made him smarter and sharper. What he left off is that it also made him brave. Because you can’t be brave without fear.’” (Chapter eleven) Consider this and explain whether you agree or disagree with the sentiment. Discuss other series or stories where a similar theme is present.

17. While Taylor debates the fentanyl epidemic in America and blames it on Amash and his henchmen, the Chasqui, calling him a mass murderer, Amash snaps at Taylor and states, “‘We haven’t murdered anyone. Handing someone a knife isn’t the same as stabbing them with it. If they choose to use it, it’s on them.’” (Chapter twelve) Consider his defense. What are similar ways other people or organizations justify their terrible decisions?

18. Amash tells Taylor, “‘Figuratively speaking, you are a baby. The true world is as unknown to you as to a newborn in a crib. If you knew the truth about this world we inhabit, we wouldn’t have had to chase you down. You would have come to us willingly.’” (Chapter thirteen) Why does Amash actually believe his statement is accurate? What can you glean about him from this?

19. Compare the Chasqui and the Elgen in regard to their approaches to the treatment of prisoners. Do you see one as better than the other? Explain your position.

20. Amash tells Taylor, “‘Unfortunately, it’s that blind faith in your compadres that will be your undoing.’” (Chapter fourteen) Do you believe Taylor is foolish to believe that the other Electroclan members will save her? Why or why not?

21. While they are rescuing him, Jack tells Michael, “‘I’d rather be dead than be a traitor to you and my friends.’” (Chapter twenty-nine) Why do you believe it’s so important to Jack that Michael understands where his loyalties truly lie?

22. The conclusion of The Traitor leaves readers questioning what’s to come; based on your reading and what you know about these characters, what do you predict will happen next?

Extension Activities

1. Michael tells readers that “Peru’s got a whole slate of weird animals the rest of the world doesn’t have, like pink dolphins, glass frogs, wood-eating catfish, hairless dogs, and penguins.” (Chapter one) Investigate to discover more about these particular animals as well any other unique features of the country, such as indigenous plants, cuisine, and landscapes, being sure to share what you learn with other readers.

2. In the closing of Michael Vey 9, readers are left with questions about what may come for their most beloved or despised characters. Using the novel’s closing as a springboard, create an original creative story extension that could serve as a bonus chapter or a “Where are they now?” feature.

3. In Michael Vey 9 and throughout the rest of the series, the author focuses on timeless themes such as the role of friendship, loyalty, trust, responsibility, and love. Select the one that resonates most with you and compose a journal entry discussing the ways in which you connect to that theme, why you feel it’s so important, and how the novel and series showcases it.

4. Throughout the novel, several characters exhibit acts of loyalty. Consider the individual actions of these characters. Who do you believe to be the most loyal? Write a letter to that character explaining why you believe his/her actions are so brave.

This guide was created by Dr. Rose Brock, an associate professor in the Library Science Department in the College of Education at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Brock holds a Ph.D. in Library Science, specializing in children’s and young adult literature.

This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes. For more Simon & Schuster guides and classroom materials, please visit simonandschuster.net or simonandschuster.net/thebookpantry

About The Author

Photo by Emily Drew.

Richard Paul Evans

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.