The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride #1) by James Patterson → Start Date: May 29, 2013

[Ally]

AW thanks Becky!

I'm in EST as well, so it's 2:13PM for me. I'm not feeling well so I left school early, but at least I get more reading done!

I'm at chapter 84 now, and I'm just sooooo conflicted:
(view spoiler)[
- Jeb's passive-aggressiveness is really disconcerting. I think he's a twisted, vile being, but I don't know what to think about the school. All of the years the children grew up in the mountain house was part of the plan? Why, to breed independence and creative thinking? The School seems to be one of those places that really believes they are torturing these kids for the greater good. But then the question is...
- Who are these kids fighting against? If Max really is the one that needs to save the world (which I have no doubt she will be). It's not the Erasers - they were genetically engineered by the school as well, probably just an experiment gone wrong that now makes an effective, obedient authority. So who is the real enemy?
- Also, poor Max with her migraines. You know she's going to have to go back to the School eventually for them to heal her (although she won't go willingly until something much worse happens). Her headaches have something to do with that "hidden power", I think. The one Jeb was talking about. Because Max doesn't have one yet (besides unlimited empathy/compassion. Is that a thing?)
(hide spoiler)]

In any case, it's getting really good! It's so hard to stop for the day LOL

[Kathy]

Ok I'm on chapter 62 and Vicki as usual it's like you're reading my mind and Becky and Ally too! This is an awesome book to discuss, so many things going on and to figure out!

So I had a couple of questions about some of the characters and wanted your thoughts.

Max (view spoiler)[ She's getting headaches, she's having dreams and weird image flashes. With Angel having the ability to read minds could Max be developing the ability to see the future? I only ask because she was having the dream of the Erasers the morning they showed up and then she was being shot at by those guys. I don't know, I could be reading too much into it. (hide spoiler)]

Nudge (view spoiler)[ Does she have like a photographic memory, did it say that somewhere? Her memory is like off the charts! (hide spoiler)]

Angel (view spoiler)[ Why did they only take her? Why not take them all at the same time? I thought they were going to eat Iggy and the Gasman, then with Fang and Nudge I can't decide if they trying were to capture them or eat them? (hide spoiler)]

Jeb (view spoiler)[ Could he have been forced to go back to the School? They could have found something to use against him like Ari? Threaten to change him to get him to come back and then do it anyway? I don't know that might be a stretch. (hide spoiler)]

Ari (view spoiler)[ What did they do to him? He should be 11 years old!! Nudge said he was a full grown man! When they put wolf DNA with his and it accelerated his growth? The erasers really give me the creeps!! (hide spoiler)]

I'm going to put this one down for a bit, I'll pick it back up later tonight! :)

[Ally]

Kathy - some answers/comments on your thoughts

(view spoiler)[
Max - More of a comment, but that's a really awesome prediction! I thought it was a power coming, too, but I had no idea what and that's a really good guess.

Nudge- Not sure, I missed it if they did

Angel- I'm assuming because she's the youngest and easiest to experiment on. She's probably much easier to use medicine/alter genes on because she's still growing. Plus, she has the special mind-reading power. They must be intrigued by that.

Jeb - Judging by how calm and reserved he is, I don't think he was forced to do anything. I think he took Ari with him willingly, and he thinks he's doing the right thing in his own twisted mind. After all, Ari did say "Don't you know we're the good ones?". I think they both wanted to be at the School.

Ari - This isn't actually an important spoiler, but they mention later that the lifespan of an Eraser is accelerated to the point where they only live for around 6 years. So they mature much, much quicker than the average human. It's an experimental defect.
(hide spoiler)]

I agree though it's a great book for discussion!

[Vicki]

Becky (Indiana) wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Becky, it's 6:50 AM where I am in California and I'm on Pacific Standard time. so you are 2 hours ahead of me, right?

I finished with chapter 55 last night. I think Angel is becoming..."

Awe, thank you Becky! What I REALLY love is when I can turn kids on to reading. They have NO clue what all is out there in the way of books! I assign an "outside reading book" per quarter (4 a year) and they have to report on them. I know not all of the kids read the entire book (I'm not naive), but some kids literally begin to love to read. I ask them about what they might like to read, what their interests are, etc. Then I show them books in the library that fit their interests or I even let them read on my NOOK to see if a book interests them before they check one out. I've had parents literally see me at a football game and thank me for getting their kid to read. LOL That is rewarding!!! ANY time I see a student with a book I ask them what they're reading, what it's about, if they like it and how much. I show an interest. Then I start looking for books that are similar and tell them about it. Next thing I know I have kids coming to talk with me. One girl I had didn't get her own books hardly ever, and she would come in to talk with me about what she'd read over the summer. Well, she was really into the series and she was DYING for book 3 but she didn't get it for her birthday or Christmas, so I bought it for her. She was SO excited because she had ONE book to add to her bookshelf at home.

Okay, I need to read! lOL I spent the last five hours of today taking my car in to get a new windshield, pick up my granddaughter who is going to Oceanside with us, and have a meal out. LOL Now we're finally home and it looks like everyone is ahead of me in the book now. LOL

I'll be stopping at our planned reading for today. I DO have to get ready for our tip at some point. LOL

[Vicki]

Ally wrote: "AW thanks Becky!

I'm in EST as well, so it's 2:13PM for me. I'm not feeling well so I left school early, but at least I get more reading done!

I'm at chapter 84 now, and I'm just sooooo conflicte..."

Ally, I am only in chapter 59 so I won't read your spoiler yet. LOL I'll read it after my husband and I finish doing whatever we need to do while he's off today to get ready for vacation.

I'm really glad you joined us! I love your input!

[Vicki]

Kathy wrote: "Ok I'm on chapter 62 and Vicki as usual it's like you're reading my mind and Becky and Ally too! This is an awesome book to discuss, so many things going on and to figure out!

So I had a couple o..."

I'll give you my thoughts on these characters:

Max: (view spoiler)[ At first I thought the headaches were literally just due to the stress of having such a huge responsibility and not being able to get to Angel right away. But they continue, so now I'm thinking that they are going to play an important part. Maybe they implanted something in her brain for studies. Perhaps since she and Angle are so close, they have similar (or will have) abilities to hear thoughts or something to that effect. But also remember that Athena, Zeus's favorite daughter was his favorite because he was the only parent. He got this HUGE headache and she "popped" right out of his head. Now I can't stop thinking about that and wonder if something huge is going to come of it. LOL Not a goddess popping out, but something that will definitely be huge. (hide spoiler)]

Angel: (view spoiler)[ The Angel Experiment is the title, so this whole book is about her, right? She and Max and the closest and the oldest and youngest. I think that they might have taken Angle, in part, as a carrot to hold out for Max and the others to go to The School. The Erasers knew they'd come for her, so then they could get the flock easier if they were on Eraser territory. (hide spoiler)]

Jeb: (view spoiler)[ He is the most confusing to me because he was (in Max's mind) so kind and a father figure. He and Ella's mom are the only two who have ever made her feel like she had a "parent." I think he is forced to be there because Angel is very intelligent and she told him she hates him. I think she senses he is bad, even though he might have looked sad when she said that to him. I imagine that he does have some fond memories and feelings, so maybe he isn't all bad. (hide spoiler)]

Ari: (view spoiler)[ I don't know what they did to him, but I can't stand him!!! He is mean and mean-spirited! He could "do his job" without the mocking and sarcasm that upsets even me, a reader! I can imagine how the flock kids feel. He is plain ol' mean! (hide spoiler)]

Okay, now I am really going to go read a little while. LOL

[Becky]

I just started chapter 65. I have to say I absolutely love how we have divided up these chapters. It's working out wonderfully, lol.

I LOVE this book and I HATE these evil ppl! UGH. What the heck is up with JEB??? Guess I have to wait and see and keep reading.....

[Vicki]

I know, right? I wonder about Jeb but no matter what the end doesn't always justify the means!

I'm so glad you like the way we divvied it up! I do too! :)

[Becky]

Ok I just finished through chapter 85, Part 5 will be starting next.

I'm so so so worried about Max. (view spoiler)[ I know these pains and visions are from the School, but I don't really understand how the fit in yet. The thing with the MAC crashing and showing the images in her head is really interesting! They need to figure out how to short out their tracking devices and fast! The erasers are FREAKING me out man! (hide spoiler)]

[Ally]

I agree with loving the way we divvied up the pages!! The book is such a breeze and the sections are very manageable.

[Kathy]

Thanks guys for your input, it helped to put things into perspective! :)

I'll read more tomorrow. :)

[Vicki]

I've been so busy today that I haven't finished through ch 82 yet, but I will! Lol

[Ally]

Just finished through 109.

Not much to say about this section, though. I feel like a lot of it was just about setting the scene for part 6. Few notes though:

(view spoiler)[
- Angel is starting to scare me with her mass manipulation. I mean, I get that she's 6 and she's still developing morally, but jeez. Someone (aka Max) needs to start reigning her in. And something is off with how she knew the password and the way she acted in AFO Schmidt (LOL at that name).
- Along that same train of thought, I don't think anymore that Max's power is telling the future. I don't even think it's an actual power. I think that the tracker (or something else implanted in her brain?) is allowing the Director of the School to communicate with her. It would explain the literal voice in her head, and I'm sure the device would be able to communicate with other electronics to display messages on them as well. She's the oldest, and spent the most time in the School, so it's possible. They could have put the same thing in Angel when she was just there, which explains how she knew the password.
- I don't like how easily the Erasers can impersonate cops. There's something really illegal about that LOL.
(hide spoiler)]

[Becky]

Ok, Ally, I'm going to start reading that section now so I'll come chime in in a little bit. I am not only addicted to reading books, but this board too! LOL!

[Vicki]

Haha, we are just about all book addicts here. That's what makes it fun.

[Becky]

OK, (view spoiler)[ This random "Voice" is really starting to piss me off! LOL. (hide spoiler)]

Sorry just had to vent there for a second. And seriously, I am so over these Erasers popping up constantly! Ugh!

[Ally]

WHAT. Okay I cheated and finished the book!

(view spoiler)[
THEY DIDN'T ANSWER ANYTHING. AT ALL! Except for the addresses, but those won't do very much!! I've honestly never read a book that didn't answer ANY of the questions that they asked during the story.

- Max and Fang. Why ruin the story with a stupid kiss that nothing came of?
- Max and Ari. I don't doubt they're blood related. Max probably is a test tube baby with Jeb as the father. Sucks that he's dead, but thats SO not Max's fault (except in the extreme literal sense, obviously).

And I have nothing more to say because NOTHING ELSE WAS REVEALED. UGH.

Now we have to read the sequel!!! And very soon.
(hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

CHEATER!!! Lol

[Vicki]

Becky, are you liking the book less?

[Ally]

I know!! I couldn't help it!! LOL. I'll keep my mouth shut though!

[Becky]

No, I still love it! just hate those things!!!!! lol. :-)

[Vicki]

OH, whew! I am still loving it too! Okay, I got today's reading done and am going to stop there.

My heart went out to all of them when (view spoiler)[ they were in the church praying. There prayers were so sweet. (hide spoiler)]

I am really concerned about (view spoiler)[ Angel now, too. I'm worried that she had something done to her to make her almost demonic or something. I don't like the mind control she seems to have!. (hide spoiler)]

At the end of the chapter before getting to the last section, they decide to have a (view spoiler)[ make-over. LOL I am wondering what they'll look like. Also, it seems to me that it's obvious that it is very likely that Max's chip is a tracker and that's how the Erasers always know where they are. It couldn't be removed surgically due to her growth, so Jeb, or whoever, must have planned it that way. (hide spoiler)]

I am saving the last section for my car ride tomorrow. My husband BETTER drive!! LOL

[Becky]

Vicki wrote: "OH, whew! I am still loving it too! Okay, I got today's reading done and am going to stop there.

My heart went out to all of them when [spoilers removed]

I am really concerned about [spoilers re..."

I am done with our "assigned" chapters today as well. This book is such a nice easy read. I agree with you about your spoilers hon. I also freaked out in the (view spoiler)[ restaurant when they seemed to be trapped! And what was with the earlier drama of the police caring if they were in the trees? Definitely Erasers I think... I love that they have found a calm beach. But I echo your concerns about what was done to Angel. And Max's valid point about sometimes they're found instantly and other times left alone for days at a time! Frustrating! (hide spoiler)]

I may finish it later tonight, but I won't post any thing about the ending til tomorrow, I promise. Going to do a few chores and work my way through Delirium!

[Kathy]

Ok guys, I'm being really slow, I have a headache and I'm going to go take a nap and hopefully it will be gone when I wake up.

So I finished chapter 82

Jeb said (view spoiler)[ that everything is a test and they are supposed to save the world. Okaaaayy??? Who or what are they supposed to save the world from? And why do the white coats think they have the right to abuse the kids? If they are supposed to saviors of the world then they need to put a muzzle on Ari!! (hide spoiler)]

I loved the part (view spoiler)[ where Max told that white coat that getting kicked in the chest was an occupational hazard!! (hide spoiler)]

Did anyone else tear up when (view spoiler)[ Angel told them about hearing about their parents? It about broke my heart. (hide spoiler)]

I worried for Max and (view spoiler)[her headaches and they images she's sees. (hide spoiler)]

I might not get back to this until tomorrow, we'll see.

[Becky]

No Rush Kathy, hope your nap helps your headache!

[Becky]

Kathy wrote: "Ok guys, I'm being really slow, I have a headache and I'm going to go take a nap and hopefully it will be gone when I wake up.

So I finished chapter 82

Jeb said [spoilers removed]

I loved the p..."

I agree about the jeb thing... I have a feeling that's something we learn in future books!

Yes, it broke my heart when Angel had to tell them that stuff!

And I am STILL worried about Max's head and I'm quite a bit further than you, lol!

Feel better!

[Becky]

I can not WAIT for the rest of you to finish! I'm still not done, but Youza it's getting EVEN better!!!!

SO Awesome! WTG James Patterson. Hope you guys are planning on Buddy Reads for the series because I want to be able to discuss them with you too!!!!

WOW!

[Ally]

Yes! We have to schedule the next one soon, Becky!

(And I'll wait to respond to your reactions once you guys finish tomorrow ;) )

[Vicki]

Sorry to make you wait, Ally. We're definitely reading cuz I have to get to my favorite cover book!!! Lol

[Becky]

Awesome! I'm soooooooooooooo glad! Ally and I can be patient! It's our fault we finished early, lmao!

[Vicki]

I know what you mean, but I quit at the assigned chapter and the my granddaughter helped me clean house. We still need to pack tonight. Lol

Plus I read 3 chapters of Dare You To for a buddy read. :)

[Kathy]

Ok I just finished chapter 109 at the end of part 5

I think the Voice (view spoiler)[ is the director and it sounded...to me, the way he talked, wording he used...like Jeb. (hide spoiler)]

Ari (view spoiler)[ It's driving me crazy not knowing why they had free reign with the flock before and could do anything they wanted just about and now all of a sudden they can't touch them? Yes! And they keep popping up everywhere!! So annoying! (hide spoiler)]

Max (view spoiler)[ that thing in her wrist has to be a tracker and that is how the Erasers know where they are all the time. But how is the Voice transmitting in her head and also onto to TVs and computers? And at the end of chapter 109 it seemed like they flipped a switch and she went to sleep. The Voice said "It's time to learn." Did they like download something into her brain while she slept? (hide spoiler)]

Angel (view spoiler)[ Yeah, she starting to scare me too!! That was really creepy what she did to that lady and to Ari, though Ari deserved it!! (hide spoiler)]

I'll try to get to the last chapters later tonight, I still have my headache. They can last a while sometimes, but I'll be fine. :)

[Becky]

So sorry about your headache hon! Glad you got to chapter 109!

Feel better!

[Vicki]

We are about 1 1/2 hours from our destination and I have been driving half the time so haven't gotten to the last section yet.

Kathy, I sure hope your headache goes away!!!

[Becky]

Vicki, be safe driving and just post whenever! Enjoy your family vaca!!!!

[Ally]

Feel better Kathy!! And don't worry, I don't mind waiting! I have a bunch of work to do at the moment so it's better that I DON'T get wrapped up in another one of these LOL

[Vicki]

Thanks, Becky. We're at our destination so I'm happy! We still have to eat dinner, grocery shop and whatever else. Lol I'll try finishing tonight if I can. :)

[Kathy]

Ok I'm done and ready to discuss when you guys are!! But I'm in no rush Vicki so whenever you're ready!! :)

[Vicki]

Thanks Kathy. We still haven't had dinner and I just got out of the shower

[Kathy]

Yep, you're welcome! Take your time, we'll be here when you're ready!! :)

[Kathy]

I'm sorry guys, my headache was gone and now it's back again. It's a allergy headache and they can last for a while sometimes. But I'll catch you guys before I go into work tomorrow. Night all!! :)

[Vicki]

Thanks Kathy. Gosh, I sure hope your headache goes away. How frustrating!!

[Becky]

So, ladies. I just have to say I'm so glad we read this together. I hope we can keep going, one book at a time, lol until we reach the goal fo #8 for Vicki and her cover obsession! LOL.

So, the ending???? What did you guys think (view spoiler)[ When Jeb said you killed your BROTHER???? Does that make him her dad? or was he lying? or do they have different parents and he was lying about being Ari's dad??? I'm so curious! I was so sad for Max, when everyone else found parents in the DC area and her name was no where to be found! (hide spoiler)]

Will be great ot read stories from the other kids POV'S!

[Kathy]

Yes!! I'm glad too, it made for a great discussion and I want to read book #2 with you guys! I'm curious about everything since there are still so many questions that weren't answered and yes I agree about the kids different POV's, hopefully we'll see more!!

I was sad for Max! (view spoiler)[ I was sad that there was nothing about her parents in the papers, that she killed Ari...was I the only one that cried at that? I mean I was sad for Max but also for Ari too! No hating now! I was sad for the 7 year old little boy that he should have been and when he said "You really hurt me, I wouldn't hurt you. Not like this." It was like everything flipped for me. Nothing was what it seemed and I was so confused. I could see Max felt the same way, they made her feel like it was life or death. How many times did Ari threaten them, how many times did Angel hear thoughts of them dissecting them. So of course she felt like she had no choice! (hide spoiler)]

Jeb (view spoiler)[ When she were on the beach, did it say that Jeb was an Eraser too???!! I thought that was what she said! I think Jeb is her dad, whether or not she's a test tube baby I think he's the dad and Ari was her brother, which is even more sad. Also I'm not so sure he was the Voice anymore, I don't know. (hide spoiler)]

We definitely need to read Book #2 so we can figure it all out. Who is the director/Voice? Who/what are they saving the world from? Everything!!!

[Vicki]

I finished and read all of your spoilers. I agree with everyone. I, too, am so sad for Max. She tries so hard to be that (view spoiler)[ parent to all the Flock, but she is only 14. I'm sad that she hasn't found her parents, or if she has, her dad is Jeb. I think when he said she killed her brother and she found nothing on her parents, that was an indicator to me that perhaps Jeb is her father. That would explain why he saved her, but why treat her the way he has then? (hide spoiler)]

I am also wondering about Total. LOL What kind of dog can (view spoiler)[ jump 16 feet in the air? Is it a plant? This book has me thinking everyone is bad! LOL (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Becky (Indiana) wrote: "So, ladies. I just have to say I'm so glad we read this together. I hope we can keep going, one book at a time, lol until we reach the goal fo #8 for Vicki and her cover obsession! LOL.

So, the ..."

Yes, I HAVE to get to book 8! LOL

[Kathy]

Me too!! Can't trust anyone!!! It's ridiculous!!! And I just love that name Total! What did(view spoiler)[ they do to him to make him a superdog?? (hide spoiler)]

lol I agree Vicki, we have to get to book 8, if for nothing else but for the cover!! :D

[Vicki]

Kathy wrote: "Ok I just finished chapter 109 at the end of part 5

I think the Voice [spoilers removed]

Ari [spoilers removed]

Max [spoilers removed]

Angel [spoilers removed]

I'll try to get to the last chap..."

The strangest part to me so far was when (view spoiler)[ they went under the tunnels and that boy was there and all this stuff was transmitted via TV's and computers. The kid freaked out over them and took off like a bat out of hell! LOL (hide spoiler)]

I don't know how the Voice is transmitting (view spoiler)[ thoughts/communication with Max, but I feel so bad for her with all the headaches at the most inopportune times. She needs a break! I agree that the Voice sounds like Jeb, and I had thought perhaps he was the director. But now I just don't know. (hide spoiler)]


The ending left me wondering if the flock (view spoiler)[ really found all of their parents or if that was all fake info. It all seemed way too easy, and where did that one other winged girl go with all of the mutants she took off with that Max had freed? (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

I can't believe this thread is already in the archives. Heck, I JUST finished it this morning. LOL I was looking for it in the active thread and thought it got "erased." Okay, I'm freaking myself out now. Did you read the "Epilogue"? We have been WARNED! Oh my goodness!!!

[Kathy]

I know right!! (view spoiler)[ That boy said that something that small could only come from NSA or something like that. And they were definitely downloading stuff to her brain because she heard different languages, like she will now be able to speak those languages? I wished the elaborated more on that, but maybe we'll see an explanation in the books to come. (hide spoiler)]

It made me wonder too! (view spoiler)[ maybe we'll see her again in the books to come. Or some other mutants maybe. (hide spoiler)]