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Maximum Ride #1-3
Maximum Ride Box Set
Discover the #1 New York Times bestselling series that inspired the movie and manga with the ultimate sleek box set.
Join Max and her flock on three Maximum Ride The Angel Experiment (#1), School's Out-Forever (#2), and Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (#3). Being a kid with wings sounds like a dream come true, but when you're facing half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" and a sinister science experiment, life can be complicated. From the deadly heat of Death Valley to the treetops of Central Park in Manhattan, this is one set of adventures you will never forget.
This box set also includes a bonus teaser and an exclusive excerpt from Angel (Maximum Ride #7) and a Witch & Wizard teaser!
Join Max and her flock on three Maximum Ride The Angel Experiment (#1), School's Out-Forever (#2), and Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (#3). Being a kid with wings sounds like a dream come true, but when you're facing half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" and a sinister science experiment, life can be complicated. From the deadly heat of Death Valley to the treetops of Central Park in Manhattan, this is one set of adventures you will never forget.
This box set also includes a bonus teaser and an exclusive excerpt from Angel (Maximum Ride #7) and a Witch & Wizard teaser!
1392 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2010
306 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
930 books354k 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 36 reviews
October 8, 2020
| 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.
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“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.
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November 23, 2013
This is the only good part about this series SDEHTGIUSHGIJ I NEED THIS NAOW!!!!!!!!!!
August 17, 2020
I love the flock!!
Max ,Fang, Gazzy, Nudge ,Iggy, Angel. There is no way you can't call in love with this flock of aviankids. Brought up in cages, experimented on, and learning how to survive on their own. These kids can I'm I some butt and keep each other safe. When they are betdayed, they stick together to get everyone back where they belong. Together
Max ,Fang, Gazzy, Nudge ,Iggy, Angel. There is no way you can't call in love with this flock of aviankids. Brought up in cages, experimented on, and learning how to survive on their own. These kids can I'm I some butt and keep each other safe. When they are betdayed, they stick together to get everyone back where they belong. Together
September 10, 2020
Only read first book. I may go back and read the rest, but I was disappointed by the ending. I found the story a bit hard to read. The material was depressing. The constant fighting was a bit tiring as well. This is my first James Patterson book. It seemed aimed at younger readers. I'll try another one at another time, perhaps. This was on a recommendation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
Favorite read
The first 3 books were excellent😍 My daughter was the one who found all the Max books gave the titles in order. Now I just need to get #4 " the final warning. So when I get done with this review, I am going to find it. Dianne
The first 3 books were excellent😍 My daughter was the one who found all the Max books gave the titles in order. Now I just need to get #4 " the final warning. So when I get done with this review, I am going to find it. Dianne
September 17, 2019
The idea of human experimentation sucked me in right away and kept me turning pages until the very end! I wanted to know what happened to these characters. I didn’t love the writing but the story itself was fascinating.
May 19, 2019
Damn good series
I didn't I would get into the series but low and behold I love thia series. I am going to buy all the remaining books..
I didn't I would get into the series but low and behold I love thia series. I am going to buy all the remaining books..
September 28, 2019
Some of my favorite books in middle/high school!
November 3, 2019
MAXIMUM RIDE
This book was so good. It was full of adventure and was always on edge. I just kept wanting to keep reading it over and over. I really recommend this book
This book was so good. It was full of adventure and was always on edge. I just kept wanting to keep reading it over and over. I really recommend this book
June 30, 2021
Amazing
I loved this series. I loved the flock and it is,amazing the action adventure along the way. Max is such a bad ass.
I loved this series. I loved the flock and it is,amazing the action adventure along the way. Max is such a bad ass.
February 9, 2024
Thrilling. Suspense is great. Love the characters and plot.
February 25, 2025
Awesome books!!
April 6, 2013
CHARACTER LIST:
- Maximum "Max" Ride is a title character and the primary protagonist of the series.
- Fang is 14 years old (15 in the last three books). He is second-in-command of the Flock and Max's best friend (and later her boyfriend).
- Iggy is 14 years old (15 in the last three books). He is usually sarcastic, 5'11", has pale skin, strawberry blonde hair, very light blue eyes, a wingspan of over 14 feet, and is blind.
- Nudge is 11 years old (12 in Fang, Angel, and Nevermore), has brown skin, and has wild, long, dark brown hair.
- Gazzy (or The Gasman) is 8 years old (9 in Fang,Angel, and Nevermore) with blonde hair, blue eyes, tan/light brown wings with a 10 foot wingspan.
- Angel is 6 years old (7 in Max, Fang, Angel, and Nevermore), with blue eyes and curly blonde hair. Angel is also the biological sister of The Gasman (Gazzy).
- Dylan is an avian-human hybrid who joins the Flock in Fang. He is said to be Max's "perfect other half."
- Total is a black Scottie whom Angel saves from the Institute at the end of The Angel Experiment.
Maximum Ride is an incredible series following the adventures of a family of flocked kids just trying to survive. Just normal, everyday winged children. With powers. And a winged, talking dog. No biggie.
This series is very enjoyable. A great production of Mr. Patterson's labor.
- Maximum "Max" Ride is a title character and the primary protagonist of the series.
- Fang is 14 years old (15 in the last three books). He is second-in-command of the Flock and Max's best friend (and later her boyfriend).
- Iggy is 14 years old (15 in the last three books). He is usually sarcastic, 5'11", has pale skin, strawberry blonde hair, very light blue eyes, a wingspan of over 14 feet, and is blind.
- Nudge is 11 years old (12 in Fang, Angel, and Nevermore), has brown skin, and has wild, long, dark brown hair.
- Gazzy (or The Gasman) is 8 years old (9 in Fang,Angel, and Nevermore) with blonde hair, blue eyes, tan/light brown wings with a 10 foot wingspan.
- Angel is 6 years old (7 in Max, Fang, Angel, and Nevermore), with blue eyes and curly blonde hair. Angel is also the biological sister of The Gasman (Gazzy).
- Dylan is an avian-human hybrid who joins the Flock in Fang. He is said to be Max's "perfect other half."
- Total is a black Scottie whom Angel saves from the Institute at the end of The Angel Experiment.
Maximum Ride is an incredible series following the adventures of a family of flocked kids just trying to survive. Just normal, everyday winged children. With powers. And a winged, talking dog. No biggie.
This series is very enjoyable. A great production of Mr. Patterson's labor.
Read
January 1, 2012I just finished book two (school's out, forever.) These books are amazing, they are really addictive. The only bad thing is there is alot of cussing involved.
I finished book three, ( saving the world and other extreme sports) i really love these books because every new chapter brings a new twist and the way James Patterson blends it together it all comes together. i need to go to Barnes and Nobles to buy the next 4 books. :)
I finished book three, ( saving the world and other extreme sports) i really love these books because every new chapter brings a new twist and the way James Patterson blends it together it all comes together. i need to go to Barnes and Nobles to buy the next 4 books. :)
October 7, 2012
Started today September 26th, 2012. The basic concept of the story reminds me of the "Virals"-Series by Kathy Reichs, which I like a lot. So I will probably breeze through this one. As an added bonus the series is finished, so I know how many books I have left to buy.
So just finished it yesterday (October 6th, 2012), I will save a larger comment for the time being. It will be written, after I finished all books
So just finished it yesterday (October 6th, 2012), I will save a larger comment for the time being. It will be written, after I finished all books
December 30, 2011
As a box set: I rate it as 5 stars. I enjoyed them together. Now if you added in the fourth I would set the rating down by one. Just wanted to make that clear that's why I added the box set.
It's kind of similar to my situation with Warriros by Erin Hunter.
** The dates are when I started and finished MOST of the series. Just a rough guess (it's when I got out of school to now)
It's kind of similar to my situation with Warriros by Erin Hunter.
** The dates are when I started and finished MOST of the series. Just a rough guess (it's when I got out of school to now)
May 20, 2015
Inspiring
I believe James Patterson has suprised me once again. This is an amazing series that I recommend to anyone who likes mystery and action genres. If you have enjoyed James Patterson's books before you will most likely love this series. There was the perfect blend of action, comedy, and mystery all tied up in all these books. I am truly inspired.
I believe James Patterson has suprised me once again. This is an amazing series that I recommend to anyone who likes mystery and action genres. If you have enjoyed James Patterson's books before you will most likely love this series. There was the perfect blend of action, comedy, and mystery all tied up in all these books. I am truly inspired.
November 27, 2013
The Angel Experement was awsome i loved awsome
Schools out Forever kept me laughing for some reason
Saveing the world and other extreme sports was alitle tooo too short for me not full of action i think the author lay back on this book
other then that I LOVE MAXIMUM RIDE SERIES
Schools out Forever kept me laughing for some reason
Saveing the world and other extreme sports was alitle tooo too short for me not full of action i think the author lay back on this book
other then that I LOVE MAXIMUM RIDE SERIES
July 31, 2012
As of this morning, I have finished book #2 and so far, really enjoyed it. It is an easy series to get into and a quick read on top of that. I think it's the perfect beach book, or a rainy day page-turner.
September 11, 2016
Read one of these - does it really matter which one? - for my niece and Oh. My. Goodness. Shocked at how awful this stuff is. Does Patterson have a factory full of tweens who crank this stuff out for him? Grateful my niece is reading but she might be better off with cereal boxes than this.
June 12, 2010
Really captivating, amazing series. All about children with wings and their escape from scientists. LOVED them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
February 16, 2011alot of my friends are reading it soundsa good
April 30, 2012
Winged kids and werewolves! Keeps you on the edge of your seat!
March 4, 2013
Ive always loved james patterson for his murder mysteries but i never knew he could do sci fi fantasy so well i loved every word of these books
March 5, 2013
Not just these three, but the entire series is phenomenal!!!!
September 3, 2013
Fun books to read.
February 2, 2014
Amazing!!
March 27, 2014
While I was reading the books I thought they were really addicting and amazing, but in hindsight, they weren't the greatest books ever.
June 23, 2014
One of my favourite series I have ever read. I am absolutely obsessed with it even after I've finished the whole series
March 23, 2015
Have got this box set, smart looking. see reviews for individual books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews