Review: Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson

Jul 5, 2011 by shanyn

Title: Maximum Ride Series
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little, Brown
Source: Purchased
Buy: Amazon

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Book Summary, Book One:
Characters based on James Patterson’s international bestsellers When the Wind Blows and The Lake House are re-invented in Maximum Ride and are launched on the ultimate action-packed adventure full of humor and suspense. Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it’s like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the “Flock”–Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel–are just like ordinary kids–only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time–like when Angel, the youngest member of the “Flock,” is kidnapped and taken back to the “School” where she and the others were genetically engineered by sinister scientists. Her friends brave a journey to Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare–this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf “Erasers” in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb–now her betrayed and greatest enemy–that her purpose is save the world–but can she?

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Steve Review:
I know you guys (girls) hate me because I’m so harsh on JP.  The last few books I’ve read of his (Witch and Wizard Series??!?!) haven’t quite impressed me, to say the least.  Happily I can say that this review should please those of you who stand behind everything Mr. Patterson does.  Well, unless you hated the Maximum Ride series.  Then you’ll still be upset with me

This series went by quickly.  Not difficult reads, but enough depth to make the characters and plot enjoyable throughout the Maximum Ride Series.  This is the fast paced, fun, interesting James Patterson that I enjoy.  It’s far from mindless and while it might be aimed at a younger audience I found it very absorbing as you went on the adventures with Max and the flock.

Definitely a must read for any JP fans, and a good read for anyone who enjoys YA.  I especially liked how the characters talk directly to the reader/audience, it makes for good dialogue and certainly holds your attention.

Points Scale FOR THE WHOLE SERIES, BAM:
Covers: 2/5 – Not really into the various covers of the real life people.
Title: 3/5 – A lot of corny ones, but a good corny.
Plot: 7/10 – Really entertaining, some nice twists, and keeps the reader guessing.
Characters: 7/10 – I liked Max and enjoyed the interaction between her and the flock quite a bit.
Writing: 8/10 -  I found the way that the story was presented and flowed very amusing.
Ending: 8/10 – A good ending to a good series.

Total: 35/50 – Fun series, no criticism found here for JP ;D

Buy: Amazon

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