MAX by James Patterson (A double review by Angela and Bella Aire)

2

James Patterson's heroine, Maximum Ride, returns in the next book in the series, Max. This time Max and the gang- Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, and Angel- are putting on shows to raise awareness about the environment when a new version of bad guys, the M-Geeks, show up, led by the nefarious Mr. Chu. Soon, in the Pacific Ocean, fish are dying and ships are being destroyed, and Max's mom is kidnapped. To save her, Max and her winged family are going to have to go where they've never gone before- underwater. All the while, Max finds that her relationship with Fang is getting serious, her bird/human family is still gaining new powers, and her authority over her flock and her life is getting challenged more and more often.

This book is definitely the best Maximum Ride yet. I am so happy that things finally got moving between Max and Fang (they are perfect for each other!). Angels character also developed and got a lot more interesting in Max. However, I am getting a little tired of the save-the-environment plotline (even though I totally support it), especially since the bad guy was rather boring. Even so, Max is still her sarcastic, kick-butt self, and the book is still entertaining and funny, so I suggest you go get Max as soon as possible!

-Angela

One thing about James Patterson is certain. He knows how to write! Anyone who has read any of his other works have to marvel with me over his range. He can write everything from teenage mutant fiction to sweet adult love stories. It's truly impressive.

However, even the best of authors can have a flop book here and there. But I am happy to say that this is not the case with James Patterson's Max. Max is, as Angela puts it, the best book in the Maximum Ride series- a bestselling series that boasts an "all ages" range (again with the amazing range). Though most of the relationships really grew in this novel, one relationship really outshone the rest: that of Max and Fang. The two finally start acting upon/reacting to the connection that they shared.

Thus said, this book will please all Fang lovers immensely. For all the girls who have been dreaming about Mr. Tall, Dark, and Winged, your prayers have been answered.

Another interesting subplot is the leadership struggle that Max experiences. Is she doing the right thing? Doing enough? Too much? Trying to find a correct balance of power is a crucial factor for Max.

I love that James Patterson has created a strong female leader as his heroine. But you know what I love even more? I adore that he has created a male romantic role who doesn't always have to dominate or who becomes sullen when a female takes control. Sure, there have been a few struggles regarding this before, but all struggles were between two people and not between and man and a woman. What I guess I'm trying to say is that gender never really seems to be a determining factor in whether or not Max is a strong leader (which she just so happens to be).

For first time Max readers, I highly recommend that you begin with the first Maximum Ride novel. This is not one of those series that you can really pick up in the middle. And for old fans? Do not be deterred by The Final Warning (which was, in my opinon, the weak link of the Max series). Patterson's latest more than makes up for it.

~bella aire~

Purchase MAX here.

Buy the first Maximum Ride novel, The Angel Experiment, here.

Or you can visit James Patterson's website!