Max and the gang are back! In the fifth novel of James Patterson’s series, The Great Ride, grandkids must once again save the world. MAX, released by Small, Brown and Company in March 2009, picks up shortly after the fourth book where the herd shuddered and fought in Antarctica. MAX action does not stop from the page, joining the herd reader by yet another greedy, evil scientist.
The group, otherwise known as Max, Fang, Iggy, Gazzy, Nudge, and Angel, are 98 percent human and two percent birds, born in a lab, they have wings and can fly. In the action-packed series, the bird kids successfully fought their way through many evils. Along the way, using the talking (and now flying) dog Total as one of his own, he discovered new abilities, and Max also began to develop a relationship with his biological mom and half-sister Ella.
In MAX, the battle for the survival of both the egg and the planet continues. Author James Patterson presents a fast-paced story that reads like an action movie. The fight sequences are artistically created giving the reader visual images that are spectacular and heart pounding. With each bone hit, readers cheer Max and the gang to victory.
Because it is the fifth book in the series, Patterson provides a minimal background for readers not familiar with the previous books. Every so often in the series, the reader is stuck in the later story in the first chapter or two, so that readers who don’t know or have forgotten the plot lines of the previous ones are stuck. This can slow down the start of a good story. James Patterson doesn’t let his readers down with the first story, as he breaks through the story at the right time. In MAX, you are immediately immersed in history and desperate to know who is behind them and what.
Although the main plot line revolves around the kids saving Max’s mom and ultimately the planet, Patterson doesn’t forget about the human side of the amazing bird of his kids. Growing up in the factory his life was anything but normal. But in each book Maximum Ride, we are drawn to life by the talented Patterson about their various personalities and passions. and manners.
Readers will be delighted by the explosive antics of Iggy and Gasman, especially when they put their skills to work on a nuclear-armed submarine. We see the naked love of school and the blossoming of learning, while he is torn between wanting to be normal and loyal to the herd. Patterson takes a humorous look at talking emotions, flying dog The summaries provide many chuckles and gratitude that are our concern. we cannot say what is in their minds.
And then there is Angel. Angel, our sweet little one, predicting the future, comforting Max as he talks to sharks and beating up the M-Geeks. with bare hands of six years. Sweet and mildly creepy, Angel continues to be an important character in the series and the source of Max’s many frustrations.
In MAX, the continuation of Max and Fang’s passions is shared. Teenage hormones and love can be powerful, even when you’re not a bird kid who has to constantly fight for your life and save the world. The romance between the title character and Fang is one that fans are excited about since the first book. The chemistry has always been there and finally in the fifth book, a new level of intimacy is shared between the two teenage bird kids.
MAX and the Maximum Ride series continue to continue because of its ability to appeal to readers of all ages. Adults, teens, and pre-pubescents can participate in adventure groups because there is something that everyone can relate to. MAX contains the right combination of serious elements, lightness and intelligence that reaches across multiple generations of readers.
MAX, by James Patterson is highly recommended to any reader, young or old, who enjoys a good story with likable characters plus elements of mystery. a little romance, and definite action suspends.
