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Maximum Ride #1-3
The Angel Experiment/School's Out Forever/Saving the World Set
Three action-packed, exhilarating reads in one unbeatable-value volume WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE. Do not put this book down. I'm dead serious - your life could depend on it. I'm risking everything by telling you - but you need to know. STRAP YOURSELF IN for the thrill ride you'll want to take again and again, with your faithful companions: Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, and Angel. Six kids who are pretty normal in most ways - except that they're 98 percent human, 2 percent bird. THE MISSION: Rescue Angel from malicious mutants. Infiltrate a secret facility to track down the flock's missing parents. Scavenge for sustenance. Get revenge on an evil traitor. And save the world. If there's time. The MAXIMUM RIDE omnibus contains the first three books in James Patterson's thrilling series for children.
First published January 1, 2006
26 people are currently reading
1219 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
953 books356k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 29, 2015
Maximum Ride is a great series and this would be the second book of the series. Character development is done very well and makes the story more interest and more emotional. The story is filled with a lot of plot twist that makes you just want to just fan girl. Well that's for me. In these book more romance was included and more excitement. To be honest I don't know if there is a continuation for this book but if there is then I would want to read it in the ends. At the end of the book there isn't a cliff hanger but I would love to see how the rest of their lives play off. These book was a mazing and will does take you on a ride through their lives.
April 29, 2011
Maximum Ride series are AHHHmaaaZING! :D
April 28, 2015
I absolutely loved these books. Though none can compare to this series, the storyline does fade out in the later books
January 24, 2025
action, adventure and angst. a whirlwind journey for a group of winged and otherwise genetically-modified kids. this might ruffle a few feathers but i was promised thrills and a relentlessly engaging story and instead i'm grappling w/ inconsistent characterisation and plot points tht seriously hinder the richness. had it not been for the infectious love that fans have for the series and the supplemental pieces made (like Piera's amazing short-form videos) i'm sure i wouldn't have had such a palatable reading experience.
the observed inconsistencies go hand in hand w/ an understanding that allegations of ghostwriting have inundated patterson's work for quite some time now and that opens an entirely new can of worms centered around marketability versus authenticity. can't help but wonder if a more personal approach could elevate and properly sustain the narrative. also never watched buffy but i need the two fangs to engage in hand to hand combat immediately
the observed inconsistencies go hand in hand w/ an understanding that allegations of ghostwriting have inundated patterson's work for quite some time now and that opens an entirely new can of worms centered around marketability versus authenticity. can't help but wonder if a more personal approach could elevate and properly sustain the narrative. also never watched buffy but i need the two fangs to engage in hand to hand combat immediately
September 25, 2017
This series will make you want wings to fly to the School and punch the scientists in the face. and to you know, have wings.
January 7, 2019
Love the maximum ride series
February 20, 2019
Love them books
March 27, 2020
I love maximum ride. If anyone is looking for a book to read and you like any other james patterson books this is what you have to read. His teen books are amazing!!! I couldn't put it down!!!
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September 25, 2020It was such a good book!
March 9, 2021
| Read on Reader Fox |
“Holy [Insert your choice of a swear word here]," said Fang stunned.
I always want to scream a little bit in frustration whenever I see James Patterson's name on anything, and it's all because of this stupid book. Over the years, Maximum Ride has kind of stuck with me as an example of precisely how to eviscerate a genuinely intriguing premise with poor writing, shell characters masquerading as people with depth, and general word-vomit. It truly feels as though Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment exists basically for Patterson to announce to the world that he thinks teenagers are idiots. And what's depressing is that this isn't even the only poorly written drivel that Patterson has put out there. In my experience, that's almost all that he ever writes.
to Destroy a Decent Premise
I remember the first time I found Maximum Ride, I remember being really enamored with the idea behind it. A group of kids who were experimented on and escaped? Experiments that resulted in the kids having bird characteristics, wings included? This book sounded great. And I think Patterson knew that about his premise.
What I think he also thought was that if he just word vomited a terribly written book with a decent plot idea behind it, he'd make a lot of money off young readers. And yeah, that's exactly what he did. Because this book is both terribly plotted and terribly written. But the idea that started it? Yeah, that was pretty good.
Perhaps it was easy for Patterson to pump out a batch of novels by putting minimal efforts into the writing. But it left us with some of the most painful writing I've ever seen in literature. He never really put any depth into anything and this always bugged the hell out of me. This book and series always felt like a way of saying teenagers didn't deserve well thought, profound, or intelligent fiction. It felt like he just wrote it with the sole purpose of making money.
Disappointment
If you're looking for anything worthwhile in this novel, you're not going to find it. Maximum Ride is very clearly written by an old man who doesn't remember what it's like to be a teenager. His main character, Max, is meant to be an edgy heroine. But instead, she reads more like a little girl trying too hard to be cool and never really succeeding. There's no depth or dimension to any of the characters. Often times, instead of following an actual plot, Patterson has a habit of spiraling off into random pointless events that add absolutely nothing of substance to the novel as a whole.
I can't believe the number of instances where we are subjected to the most random and useless scenes in the lives of these characters. And it all seems to be solely for the purpose of padding the novel with extra pages. You could skip multiple chapters and still not read anything pertaining to the overall plot. Skipping even more chapters takes nothing away from anything you read.
The plot, itself, isn't bad. I actually really liked the premise when I first picked it up. I also kind of liked the world that Patterson built. But barring those initial concepts, there's not much to applaud about this book. Nothing he ever writes really does anything impressive with these themes and ideas. You get bare-bones plots and characters, leaving you feeling like you read an empty shell of a book. And yet the blurb that enticed you to pick it up in the first place had promised you so much more.
Just...Skip It
This book series is the sole reason behind my absolute distaste for anything with Patterson's name on it. It genuinely bugs the heck out of me that he's getting other authors published with his James Patterson Presents. I know first hand how vapid his novels are and hate that he's putting his name on the works of others. Granted, I would never judge another author's writing capabilities by another author's books, but I can't help the grating feeling I get whenever I see his name on a book. Maximum Ride made it incredibly difficult for me to take this author seriously at all.
The story as a whole amounts to what is basically power-written drivel, devoid of any substance at all. And it's a real shame because I truly do believe that the premise had a lot of promise. It's just a shame that it all turned out to be a pitiful waste. I think, ultimately, that I'd love to see a similar premise written by a more competent author who actually cares enough to spend the time and effort to really develop both plot and characters.
TLDR; Maximum Ride is a desultory waste of time and money, despite sounding interesting on paper.
| Reader Fox Links |
“Holy [Insert your choice of a swear word here]," said Fang stunned.
I always want to scream a little bit in frustration whenever I see James Patterson's name on anything, and it's all because of this stupid book. Over the years, Maximum Ride has kind of stuck with me as an example of precisely how to eviscerate a genuinely intriguing premise with poor writing, shell characters masquerading as people with depth, and general word-vomit. It truly feels as though Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment exists basically for Patterson to announce to the world that he thinks teenagers are idiots. And what's depressing is that this isn't even the only poorly written drivel that Patterson has put out there. In my experience, that's almost all that he ever writes.
to Destroy a Decent Premise
I remember the first time I found Maximum Ride, I remember being really enamored with the idea behind it. A group of kids who were experimented on and escaped? Experiments that resulted in the kids having bird characteristics, wings included? This book sounded great. And I think Patterson knew that about his premise.
What I think he also thought was that if he just word vomited a terribly written book with a decent plot idea behind it, he'd make a lot of money off young readers. And yeah, that's exactly what he did. Because this book is both terribly plotted and terribly written. But the idea that started it? Yeah, that was pretty good.
Perhaps it was easy for Patterson to pump out a batch of novels by putting minimal efforts into the writing. But it left us with some of the most painful writing I've ever seen in literature. He never really put any depth into anything and this always bugged the hell out of me. This book and series always felt like a way of saying teenagers didn't deserve well thought, profound, or intelligent fiction. It felt like he just wrote it with the sole purpose of making money.
Disappointment
If you're looking for anything worthwhile in this novel, you're not going to find it. Maximum Ride is very clearly written by an old man who doesn't remember what it's like to be a teenager. His main character, Max, is meant to be an edgy heroine. But instead, she reads more like a little girl trying too hard to be cool and never really succeeding. There's no depth or dimension to any of the characters. Often times, instead of following an actual plot, Patterson has a habit of spiraling off into random pointless events that add absolutely nothing of substance to the novel as a whole.
I can't believe the number of instances where we are subjected to the most random and useless scenes in the lives of these characters. And it all seems to be solely for the purpose of padding the novel with extra pages. You could skip multiple chapters and still not read anything pertaining to the overall plot. Skipping even more chapters takes nothing away from anything you read.
The plot, itself, isn't bad. I actually really liked the premise when I first picked it up. I also kind of liked the world that Patterson built. But barring those initial concepts, there's not much to applaud about this book. Nothing he ever writes really does anything impressive with these themes and ideas. You get bare-bones plots and characters, leaving you feeling like you read an empty shell of a book. And yet the blurb that enticed you to pick it up in the first place had promised you so much more.
Just...Skip It
This book series is the sole reason behind my absolute distaste for anything with Patterson's name on it. It genuinely bugs the heck out of me that he's getting other authors published with his James Patterson Presents. I know first hand how vapid his novels are and hate that he's putting his name on the works of others. Granted, I would never judge another author's writing capabilities by another author's books, but I can't help the grating feeling I get whenever I see his name on a book. Maximum Ride made it incredibly difficult for me to take this author seriously at all.
The story as a whole amounts to what is basically power-written drivel, devoid of any substance at all. And it's a real shame because I truly do believe that the premise had a lot of promise. It's just a shame that it all turned out to be a pitiful waste. I think, ultimately, that I'd love to see a similar premise written by a more competent author who actually cares enough to spend the time and effort to really develop both plot and characters.
TLDR; Maximum Ride is a desultory waste of time and money, despite sounding interesting on paper.
| Reader Fox Links |
May 28, 2013
I realize that this series is written for a different type of audience than typical James Patterson novels, but the writing in this novel was not even close to up to par to his typical offerings. It almost seems like somebody else wrote this and James Patterson slapped his name on it. Knowing that Patterson doesn't write all of his material, that would not surprise me. In this novel Maximum Ride and her cohorts of winged avian mutants, have escaped from their captors and are now running free. However, Jeb and the folks who created Max and her friends, are out to get her. The Erasers, who are sort of like werewolves, now have wings. Also, there is a second Max that has been created.
The characters in this novel are weak and not very believable. The plot holes in this novel are about the size of Mount Everest. The logic is poorly thought out. The prose is not remotely impressive. The only positive I can say is that the novel moves at a fast pace and is a quick read. This novel is not worth reading. I would recommend giving it a pass.
Carl Alves - author of Blood Street
The characters in this novel are weak and not very believable. The plot holes in this novel are about the size of Mount Everest. The logic is poorly thought out. The prose is not remotely impressive. The only positive I can say is that the novel moves at a fast pace and is a quick read. This novel is not worth reading. I would recommend giving it a pass.
Carl Alves - author of Blood Street
June 4, 2016
A well-written science fiction novel - Patterson seamlessly integrates human-like traits into his fantasy characters. Max is the most developed character, naturally, but there is still detail provided about the other characters he travels with. My favorite part of the book was Maxs interaction with Ella and her mom. I think Patterson did an excellent job using this as a foundation for maxs longing for a "normal" parental relationship, an important element at the end of the story.
My only complaint about the book is the introduction of so many new characters at the end. I know it is a series but for continuity I would have liked to read more about these characters, who were discovered at the institute.
5/5 for an excellent combination of action and dialogue. Maxs internal monologues were very well written, and helped with both plot and integration of "the voice" into this novel. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! I hope more details are revealed about max and jebs relationship, as I find this pseudo-father figure very captivating.
My only complaint about the book is the introduction of so many new characters at the end. I know it is a series but for continuity I would have liked to read more about these characters, who were discovered at the institute.
5/5 for an excellent combination of action and dialogue. Maxs internal monologues were very well written, and helped with both plot and integration of "the voice" into this novel. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! I hope more details are revealed about max and jebs relationship, as I find this pseudo-father figure very captivating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2013
I enjoyed reading maximum ride. I think most people enjoy stories with characters who can fly. The characters were also likeable most of the time but I felt that Max was a little to arrogant and cocky to really like her as a character, Fang's character also irritated me at times but over all I liked the characters I was supposed to Like and hated the characters I was supposed to hate. Maximum ride it a pretty easy read and has some good humour in it which made it quite light hearted. It had some good adventure scenes and lots of family type bonding as well as a little romance. Over all it was an enjoyable book and an enjoyable series.
January 14, 2012
Good series, but you have to be very open-minded--it is VERY fictional. Nonetheless, I did find the first three books of the series entertaining, and the writing style is quite good, and believable as it deals with a lot of internal emotions of the narrated character.
Can definitely understand that some folks would not like the premise or books, but I found it very enjoyable. Only giving 4 stars since the scenario is so out there and it is a little "young" for me (but still a darn good read). I will continue to read more in the series and from this author.
Can definitely understand that some folks would not like the premise or books, but I found it very enjoyable. Only giving 4 stars since the scenario is so out there and it is a little "young" for me (but still a darn good read). I will continue to read more in the series and from this author.
Read
January 8, 2015The Maximum Ride series (specifically books 1-3, as 4-8 have "ghost writer" splattered all over them with their inconsistent voices and details and more plot holes than a 1700s road) were what originally got me interested in writing. The combination of short, snappy, sarcastic dialogue and a dark scifi basis enthralled me, and the characters sucked me into writing fanfiction. This snowballed into novels of my own, and I only have Maximum Ride to thank.
Read
March 9, 2015I think this book is pretty good. its about the six main characters and where they one gets hurt and goes to the hospital and is found by the FBI. in this they also find more powers an better control others. they also find a dog at a facility that can talk. later in the book max is captured and is replaced with a clone of her. As you can tell this is an action packed great book if your into the supernatural type of book and im not even all the way finished with the book.
June 2, 2015
I started and completed this series with my teenaged son. We typically read a lot of the same books so we can discuss them daily. This book series sucked us both in immediately! We scrambled, begged, whined, and cried for each book as we ended each one. James Patterson has written a teenage series that grapples with many emotions that we all struggle with via the venue of scifi and bird children. Sounds corny but pick up book one & I guarantee u will b hooked!!!
January 8, 2013
books one through three were okay but after that they just seem to keep going and going honestly i stopped getting excited over the books after the third one but the first three were really good even though ometimes it seemed like they could not pick one storyline it kinda seemed like a few storylines at the same time in some parts but other than that i think they were a good read
July 26, 2016
It's aimed at adolescents, but I really did enjoy it. I found myself wanting to read more and more, and when I realised I was in Cuba with no access to getting the 4th book I was really disappointed!!
It's clever, but easy reading and thoroughly enjoyable. Not up there with my Rachel Morgan series and VA series, but still a good read!
It's clever, but easy reading and thoroughly enjoyable. Not up there with my Rachel Morgan series and VA series, but still a good read!
Read
June 12, 2014- this book is about 6 mutant kids with a strange ability, they can fly.
- maximum ride and the others have been given a mission to save the world, well that's what they think, as well as being hunted by wolf like men.
- I like this book because its really thrilling and you never want to put it down!
- maximum ride and the others have been given a mission to save the world, well that's what they think, as well as being hunted by wolf like men.
- I like this book because its really thrilling and you never want to put it down!
Read
March 20, 2011this book is awesome!!!! Even though I read the series out of order and I am still reading the series and the series is amazing.....Mrs. Hinger(the librarian at CMS) is trying to find the fifth book in the series for my friend Emily and I.
May 30, 2013
Remember, I only put this on because I couldn't find MY book. However, school's out forever was an amazing book and I recommend it to you all, just remember to read the first book first. That's why it's called the first book. Soooooo......... yah.
December 10, 2014
I thought this book was action packed and exiciting. The only reason this wasnt five stars was because i felt that it was way to unrealistic. Usually in sci-fi or fantasy they making believe that it was actually happening. This book was so outragous I couldn't put myself in the character's shoes.
September 25, 2008
ehh, not as good as the otheres. I finished this book in no time flat and was like..."uh..ooookay..." i mean, no flyboys...just an evil box dude and some franken-freek...not that climatic...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2009
the bet set ever READ IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read
June 18, 2009great book loved it and it took me anout a week to finish it
so good!!!!
so good!!!!
July 9, 2009
Fast-paced hard to put down books! As you read them they keep getting better and better!
March 13, 2010
Book one was pretty lame but it definitely picked up some speed by book 3. Now I need to continue the series just to see how it all turns out.
May 12, 2010
Love it!!
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June 11, 2010Quick read, very entertaining if you like tween books. Mutant bird children that were designed to save the world, running for their lives...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews