The fourth book in the Maximum Ride series was such a huge disappointment that I almost didn’t want to continue reading the series. As much as I enjoy James Patterson and his books, The Final Warning was just downright terrible. There was such a major focus on Global Warming and the plot line was, well, there was no plot! I was nervous about reading Max, but I enjoyed the first three books in the series so I wanted to continue on. Plus, every great series typically has at least one book that isn’t up to par with the rest. After reading Max, I have to say that James Patterson is back on the right track. Throughout Max there are still some global warming and environmental issues to contend with, but they are much more subtle and not as in your face.

Unlike the last book, the environmental issues actually make sense and I’m really glad that Mr. Patterson listened to his readers and cut back on throwing in his own personal opinions so obviously. In the fifth installment in the Maximum Ride series, Max and her flock are again faced with more exciting challenges and they have to save the oceans from an ecological disaster, while also trying to save Max’s mother and deal with their growing teenage hormones.

Like with all of the other books in this series, it is written, I believe, for younger teens and maybe some adults like me who can handle Mr. Patterson’s snarky language and an overabundance of teen angst. Max and her flock have to deal with the U.S. Navy in order to stop millions of fish and other sea creatures who are dying in the Pacific Ocean and they have to find out who or what is behind all of the chaos. The thought of human hybrids with wings trying to dive under the ocean was somewhat humorous (and unrealistic, but much of what is in these books is unrealistic) but somehow it works.

The plot of Max actually made sense and had a purpose to the story line. Not saying that this book was perfect, but it is a thousand times better than The Final Warning. James Patterson seemed to ignore half of his characters in this book which was a huge disappointment. He also lacks in any character development and instead focuses too much on high action scenes with debatable substance. For a book that is named Max, I expected to read a lot more about Max. It was kind of a letdown that James Patterson didn’t give us more of a direct focus on her. I guess in a way, he did. Max is narrated by Max so you do learn more about her, but it’s nothing mind-blowing. I did enjoy the action though, I must say. This book was very exciting and it seemed like something was always going on, but without it becoming too confusing. I also liked the dialog in this book and it is much better and funnier than what it was in The Final Warning.

The romance between Max and Fang has definitely been turned up. Their hormones are doing the normal teenage thing where they are extremely wrapped up in one another. I’ll admit that I like to see these two characters together, but I can see how some people might be turned off by their constant devotion and affection for one another, including a ton of make out sessions, but you know… They are teenagers and I remember those days! Max does go a little bit overboard though in this particular book.

All in all, I liked Max (both the book and the character). I’m thrilled that this series seems to be back on track and moving in a good direction. Plus, Max ends on a cliff-hanger, so of course I have to read the next book to find out what happens!