MAXIMUM RIDE SERIES – BOOK REVIEW BY NN

I’ve followed James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series for a few years now and I’ve had mixed views about them.

The series follows the Flock, six children that have been genetically altered so that they have wings and the capability of flight. They have escaped from The School, the scientific institute that created them, however The School wants them back.

Patterson presents a group of lovable characters, ranging from the brave leader Max to the immature Gazzy. They are all very engaging characters, with a whole host of characteristics. Also, by setting the novels in present day America, there is something tangible to the series.

I loved this series. Past tense.

The series deteriorates in a serious way. The first novel in the series, ‘Maximum Ride – The Angel Experiment’ is fantastic. It is action packed, filled with thrilling action and a plausible plot. However, as the series progresses, Patterson begins to shoot himself in the foot. By the time the fourth book came out, the plot had become repetitive and dull. There is only a certain number of times Patterson can recycle the plot ‘Flock find somewhere to stay, School chases them away’ before it becomes dry. Also, the novels become less realistic, with the plots growing more and more far-fetched. In the fourth novel, they are sent to the North Pole. It is also revealed that one of the Flock can speak to fish.

My advice is this: Read the first three in the series then ignore the rest. The first three are fantastic reads but from that point onward, you’re better off creating your own ending.

Nicholas Nickelby S5