DNF 10 pages!

That's truly astonishing as it seems to have set a new record.

I'm extremely sorry, but this book gave the impression that it might have been penned by a pre-teen rather than a highly popular thriller writer. It's quite evident that he perhaps should confine himself to the adult thriller genre and refrain from venturing into the teen/YA territory. I simply grew tired of it. Max came across as so unnatural and forced, precisely as I would envision an adult attempting to write about a teenager and utterly failing. I spent a frantic ten minutes double-checking that I was commencing with the first book, given that the prologue sums up Max's entire backstory. (By the way, it sounded really cool. I would have preferred to experience it rather than having it relayed to me in several paragraphs!)

So, in conclusion, it's simply not worth the time invested.

All the way back in 2007, I made a wonderful discovery. It was through listening to an audiobook version of the first book, Stormbreaker, that I was introduced to the Alex Rider series. I had previously seen the celluloid adaptation advertised in Nintendo Power, but unfortunately, it flopped. And after seeing it myself, I now understand the reason behind its failure. At that time, although I was already a member of Facebook, it didn't have all the apps and features that it does now. So, the only place I knew to post a review was on Amazon. Soon after I posted my review of Stormbreaker, that huge shopping website recommended the Maximum Ride series to me.

As a result, I found The Angel Experiment at my local library and quickly devoured it. Later on, I had a great time reading the next two books. I vividly remember reading the third one just after starting a long car trip with my parents. It was such an exciting experience that it really got me hyped up. However, as the series progressed, it seemed to lose some of its momentum. I remember one book in particular that felt more like a documentary on global warming than a novel.

Until today, it had been many years since I had read any of the books, especially the early ones. But when I saw that my local thrift store had the first one for a cheap price, I couldn't resist and bought it. Since I work at a library, I can easily obtain the later volumes. After finishing it just a few minutes ago, I have to say that it still lives up to my memories of it from back in the day. Although I had forgotten a lot of the details, I still remembered the fun I had while reading it. And today, I was able to relive that fun.

I just wish they would make this series into a movie. I know there was already one, but I saw it and it was too low-budget to truly do justice to these amazing books. If they can bring the travesty that was Twilight to the big screen, then surely they can do the same with this series. Are you listening, Tinseltown?

EDIT: After reading this for the third time in just as many years, I can honestly say that it still holds up. My feelings are largely the same as described above.

Title: The Angel Experiment


Author: James Patterson


Series: Maximum Ride #1


Rating: ★★★★★


Summary: In James Patterson's thrilling blockbuster series, we meet fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, or Max for short. She and her "flock" - Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel - are like ordinary kids, yet they possess the extraordinary ability to fly with their wings. What might seem like a dream to some can quickly turn into a living nightmare. When Angel, the youngest of the flock, is kidnapped and taken back to the dreaded "School" where they were all experimented on by a group of crazy scientists, her friends embark on a perilous journey to save her. They brave the scorching heat of Death Valley, CA, only to find themselves in another terrifying situation - fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether it's in the treetops of Central Park or the depths of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family experience the ride of their lives. Along the way, Max discovers from her former friend and father figure Jeb, now her betrayer and greatest enemy, that her purpose is to save the world. But can she?


Review: At first, I must admit with some sadness that I abandoned this book. I was so focused on saving Angel from the School that once that was accomplished, I thought the story should have ended. However, when they started talking about the Institute and other things, I was a little disappointed. But I'm glad I gave it a second chance, and then a third. :)


Things I Loved: Max is an amazing character. She's a strong leader with a great sense of humor. Her sarcastic remarks and inner thoughts always make me laugh. I love her determination and bravery in protecting her family. I can't wait to see how she develops and how she handles the challenges ahead. Fang, on the other hand, gives off a too-cool-for-you vibe at first, but deep down, he's just a shy guy. He's always ready to fight, but when it comes to expressing his feelings, he struggles. Iggy is such a teenager, always getting into trouble with his sidekick, the Gasman. It's amazing what he can do despite being blind. The Gasman is equally mischievous, and their brotherly relationship is so cute. Nudge is a sweet and down-to-earth kid who can also hold her own in a fight. And then there's Angel, who is just adorable. I want to hug her so badly! It's funny how she hasn't picked up any bad language from Max.


Things I Hated: I wish I had loved this book from the very first reading. :(

Great characters are the heart and soul of any story. They have the power to captivate our attention, make us laugh, cry, and cheer. In this series, the characters are truly outstanding. Each one has a unique personality, backstory, and set of goals that drive their actions.

I am really looking forward to seeing how their stories unfold in the rest of the series. Will they overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams? Or will they face new challenges that will test their limits?

No matter what happens, I know that the characters will continue to engage and inspire me. They are the reason why I keep coming back for more, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.

I have high expectations for the rest of the series, and I相信 that it will not disappoint. The writers have done an excellent job of creating a rich and immersive world, and I am excited to explore it further with these great characters by my side.

I read this book back in sixth grade, and now that I'm in tenth grade, my opinions about it haven't changed a bit.

The story follows Max Ride and her group of bionic misfits. They are superhumans with top-secret identities. The creators of these kids will stop at nothing to prevent others from discovering them, even if it means resorting to murder. When Max's family manages to escape, they are pursued by terrifying wolf-like fighting monsters known as Erasers. It's truly a thrilling and captivating read.

James Patterson has an amazing talent for pulling you into the story right from the very first page. I was completely addicted to this book and found it impossible to put down.

The characters are diverse and engaging. Max is your typical tough and feisty fourteen-year-old girl. Fang is the quiet and strong type, and it seems there might be a hint of a crush between him and Max. Nudge is a crazy pre-teen who can't seem to stop talking, but we can't help but love her. Iggy, despite being blind, is still a force to be reckoned with and has a penchant for explosives. The Gasman is everyone's favorite, always putting on a brave face and exuding sweetness. And then there's Angel, the seemingly innocent little sister who is anything but shy and can hold her own in a fight.

The plot is so gripping that you'll find yourself reading the entire book in one sitting. It's full of action, adventure, and mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

A truly bizarre plot unfolds with a rather terrible beginning.

There is no semblance of background provided, and we are abruptly plunged right into the thick of the action.

This might work for Riordan, but unfortunately, it fails to engage here.

I simply could not bring myself to read beyond the first 20 pages.

P.S - Mr. Patterson? Kids most definitely do NOT speak like that.

You just come across as an adult who is trying way too hard to talk in a manner that he thinks kids these days might use.

Bad sentence formation just now, you say?

Well, yeah, that about sums up your entire book.

It seems as if the author has not quite grasped the essence of how to create a captivating story or how children actually communicate.

The lack of proper background makes it difficult for the reader to connect with the characters and the events.

Moreover, the forced attempt at using what is supposed to be "youthful" language only serves to make the book seem artificial and unappealing.

Overall, it is a disappointing read that fails to live up to expectations.

Take a significant dose of the child-like innocence pitted against evil as seen in Harry Potter. Then, incorporate some of the artificially-created destiny elements from Ender's Game. Throw in the captivating flying fantasies that we find in Eragon. Now, blend all these together with Patterson's trademark flippant characterization. The result? You've got Maximum Ride.

This is precisely the book that I will wholeheartedly recommend when everyone is coming to terms with the end of the Harry Potter series later this month. Seriously, it is that outstanding. And here's the best part - there are two additional books following this one. In fact, there's already a waiting list for my copy.

The premise of the story is truly fascinating. Six kids, who have been genetically engineered with avian DNA in a laboratory, manage to escape. Their enhanced DNA gives them super strength and, most remarkably, wings. Their goal is to pursue a life as normal kids, as normal as possible considering they have no parents.

Written specifically for teens, this book is inherently a fun and quick read. It is definitely worth your time, despite the fact that there are a few instances where the continuity and plausibility might be a bit stretched. However, these minor flaws do not overshadow the overall enjoyment and excitement that the book offers.

2.5 Stars!

“The funny thing about facing imminent death is that it really snaps everything else into perspective.”

Well, that was an interesting experience. I truly LOVED MAX. She was great! At times, she could be a bit annoying, but she was also funny and a loving big sister. The writing was just okay. The story had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, it was poorly executed.

The descriptions and character development could have been much more detailed and engaging. There were moments when the plot felt rushed, and some of the twists and turns didn't quite land as they should have.

However, despite its flaws, there were still some redeeming qualities. MAX's personality shone through, and her relationship with her sister was heartwarming. The overall concept of the story was also quite unique.

All in all, it was an average read. I would give it 2.5 stars out of 5. It had its moments, but it also had a lot of room for improvement.

I gave this book a rating of 1 out of 5 stars as I was truly disappointed.

I have family members who are huge fans of James Patterson, and I initially tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, thinking perhaps it was because this is a teen novel. However, I just don't understand the hype surrounding it.

Max, as a character, simply doesn't make sense. I understand that this is a teen series, but I feel that while she has teen actions, her thoughts are not those of a typical teen. I was extremely thrown off when she called Angel her "baby." A 14-year-old would hardly understand that concept, especially not after only 4 years. And despite the fact that Max cared so much about her "baby" getting kidnapped, she still halts her attention for her "baby" for a random stranger. Why? Because, as the book repeatedly states (I think more to convince the author rather than the reader), Max wouldn't be Max if she didn't fight for the underdog. Family is such a strong concept in this book, yet half the time, Max seems to completely disregard their safety.

The only other character I'm going to bother describing is Ari. Why? Because I find him completely unbelievable. I understand that these erasers can look like fairly normal humans (though almost every time they are described in human form, they look like male models). My question is, how is Ari, who we find out is 7 years old, able to have 150 pounds on 14-year-old Max and 100 pounds on 14-year-old Fang? Also, how does that look normal to anyone in the real world? How does a 7-year-old learn to become a killing machine when he was only mutated 4 years ago?

The plot was full of holes, and I now have more questions about what the book is actually about than I did before I even read the summary. First off, when Max discovers that she has a microchip in her arm, she really should realize that the "school" that mutated her can find her anywhere she is, at any time. Why she bothers to hide or stay with her family is a mystery to me. And if she's microchipped, I have no idea why she doesn't assume that her entire flock isn't the same. Then some crazy stuff starts happening with the computers around her, a product of the microchip, I suppose, and a weird voice in her head that she thinks is a good idea to listen to. Ask anyone who hears voices in their heads, don't listen! The voice is usually telling you to do something illegal, immoral, or a bit of both. But no, Max follows it.

I have no more words for this book. I could rant and list off more bad things, but I've already wasted enough of my life on this book.

One of my students recommended this book to me.

At first, I was really intrigued by the premise. The idea of having a female action hero as the protagonist sounded quite exciting.

However, as I delved into the book, I started to notice some drawbacks. The dialogue seemed beyond basic. It was as if only an adult who had no real understanding of how kids communicate would write it like that.

Moreover, the plot was a little repetitious. It felt like the same events were happening over and over again.

This book is actually part of a trilogy, but unfortunately, I don't care enough about these characters to read more.

I'm disappointed because I had high hopes for this book, especially considering it was recommended by a student. But based on what I've read so far, I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.

Maybe others will have a different opinion, but for me, this book just didn't live up to my expectations.

This is my very first encounter with James Patterson's work. Therefore, I'm not completely certain about his writing style. However, I have a hunch that the way he has penned this book is as if he himself were the protagonist. Patterson writes in the voice of the girl hero, Maximum Ride. He ends most of the chapters with small cliffhangers. This truly compels the readers to keep on reading. (I simply couldn't put it down; I was constantly eager to find out what would happen to the characters.)

Patterson didn't merely place small cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. He also added a huge one for the next (few?) books, that Max was destined to save the world. So far, there is no further exploration of that aspect.

While reading this book, another book crossed my mind: The Bar Code Tattoo. In both, the experiment of combining avian and human genes was present. There were also six "members" in each. For both, one of the members was blind, and they all possessed superpowers. As for the rest of the details, it would be better if you read it for yourself.

I desire to continue this series for several reasons. Firstly, I want to witness how she saves the world. Secondly, there's the whole "mutant" concept which intrigues me. And thirdly, it's part of a series (I'm somewhat of a sucker for series).

Even one star is far too much for one of the poorest books I've ever encountered.

It is truly a huge pile of garbage. The story involves kids living on their own in a depressing and artificial world. There is unprovoked and unnecessary violence, and a grotesque mixture of reality and virtual space.

Moreover, you have to pay someone in order to find something positive within it. I seriously wonder what young people can possibly understand from this pile of rubbish.

And how kind were those who have ranked it more than nothing at all?

But perhaps I'm just too old to get it. Maybe the younger generation has a different perspective and can find some value that I'm completely missing.

Nevertheless, from my point of view, this book fails to offer any meaningful or worthwhile content.

It seems to be a jumbled mess that does more harm than good.

I hope that young people will be discerning enough to see through such subpar works and choose to read something that can truly enrich their minds and souls.