Age: 11+
This book, the first in a series from adult-thriller writer Paterson, has all the characteristics of his work for grown-ups: pace, action, mystery and cool; it has a slangy, staccato style that does not pretend to be literary, but is sharp and punchy with plenty of jokes and shocks. The hero, Max, is the leader of a “gang” of child escapees from a mind-blowingly cruel laboratory that experiments on mixing up humans and animals. Max and co have wings, and can fly — this is only one of their strange skills. But they are constantly on the run from human/wolf fusions, called Erasers, created by the same lab. Set in California and New York, the book unfolds like a computer game — all episodic surprise attacks and violent retaliation. Somewhere under the wild, rebellious surface are reactionary values: killing makes you feel bad, but sometimes it is appropriate revenge; mothers who make cookies are the ideal; prayer helps. But this skilled and compulsive tale is so involving about kids being brave against the odds that it sweeps away any qualms. And it proves that girls can be tough, too.
CHILDREN'S MONTHLY HIGHLIGHT!
HOW COULD I RESIST!! Our children's pick for our annual Father Day's newsletter has to be the great thriller author James Patterson's first foray into the children/young adult arena! Three cheers!! Maximum Ride, Max for short, is one of the fastest, smartest, strongest, funniest 14-year-old heroines around. Strap yourself in "Fly Baby Fly" with six kids created from The Experiment who want to find their families and, if they have time, save the world! Don't put this down, how could you?
"[Patterson] delivers an action-packed cross between Gertrude Chandler Warner's Boxcar Children and Marvel Comics' X-Men."
"Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment," by James Patterson is like the best sort of video game or action movie, in book form. It shows the promise of becoming a favorite… Think of this group of six, from 14 year-old Max to 6 y ear-old Angel, like the ‘Boxcar Children' of a new millennium."
"Think wings, big wings… Any teen who's ever been treated unkindly in a fancy restaurant will like the scene at the Tavern on the Green in Central Park."
"Nonstop action carries this page-turner breathlessly from start to finish… Speed, suspense, excitement."
"…a never-ending series of twists and action… a fantasy romp that's hard to put down… Patterson assures that the action never ends…"
"A compelling read."
"Patterson's first offering for young adults has plenty for adventure fans; between the teeth-grinding suspense, energetic fight scenes, and chilling genetic experiments, readers will develop an attachment to Max's group. …The immediacy of Max's voice and the intriguing nature of her predicament will ensure that readers will swoop in for the sequel."
Despite the fact that Maximum Ride was written for young adults, the novel should have an appeal that transcends age. Like the Harry Potter series, this is a reading experience that will be shared by children, their parents and grandparents. In the guise of a science fiction story, James Patterson raises questions of ethics and morality that should make for many spirited dinner table discussions.
"Patterson has penned this tale for young people – 12 and up – but it remains an exciting adventure for readers of any age… while this book races towards a much-anticipated revelatory climax, it is not the end."
