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I have not read these books, but I have heard that they are very interesting.

Has anyone read them? What do you think?

I LOVED these books. The actual Maximum Ride series is YA, but the quasi prequels, When the Wind Blows and The Lake House are not. I think it was a case of him deciding the story idea would be great for his own child to read, so tweaked it into that genre.

They are awesome books. The third is little bang you in the head with a message preachy, but still very cool!

I really want to like James Patterson. He gets a lot of flak in the bookselling world because he co-writes his current books with other authors, however when you look at it a certain way, it's actually quite a benevolent act (well, from my new view--I cannot have the insight of one of those co-authors, and anyway they are probably under contract to never say anything unpleasant about him)--giving a new, young author a leg up onto your shoulders, when you are the well-published, million-selling juggernaut.

He also co-founded an organization, , "Dedicated to making kids readers for life." I know this is ad hominem, but like I said--really wanting to like this guy, and read his books. But haven't done so yet.

That said, my boss, with whom I share a similar taste in books (she gave me Fablehaven, I gave her Bloody Jack, then we gave each other the thumbs-up) recommends this series too. Her partner is the bigger fan, but to me this affinity is enough to put it on my to-read.

Also, it was a favorite childhood fantasy of mine to have wings, and fly. ^_^

Alethea, these are not literary treasures, I will grant that, but they are super fast, easy, and most of all entertaining reads. Who didn't want to fly as a child? These kids not only fly, but are super cool, loyal and have faults! What's not to love?

I don't have a lot of love for James Patterson. I've given him numerous chances, and he always lets me down. I don't think he's a good writer at all.

That said, I read the first Maximum Ride book (at my brother's recommendation) and want to read the second. Why, when I think his writing is terrible? It's the Twilight factor. The story is compelling enough that I want to see what happens next. I'm a sucker for series. I need to know what happens to the characters, even if they're badly developed and have false voices.

Alethea, I think his books could only improve by having someone else help write them, so that's good news. He's like George Lucas: good ideas but poor execution.

And so I don't sound completely cranky tonight, I'll add a recommendation for another winged-kids book: Growing Wings by Laurel Winter. It's quick and not as exciting as Maximum Ride, but it's a nice story.

If you're a sucker for series, I hope you take a stab at Bloody Jack (ya historical/adventure). That and Laurie King's Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series (starting with The Beekeeper's Apprentice) have pretty much ensured I got no homework done in the last 3 weeks.

Bloody Jack is even better in audio than in print.

If you like fantasy, try Poison Study. I got so hooked last year, I think I've read it/listened to the audiobook at least 15 times (and that's just for the first book).

I have picked up the first book in Maximum Ride, just probably won't make time to read it until school is over and/or I finish reading all the L.A. Meyer and L.R. King books there are to read (so about 5 weeks).

Thanks for the recommendations, Alethea. Bloody Jack always caught my eye, but aside from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies I'm not much one for seafaring tales. I might try the first one, though. I always like a good cross-dressing story. :) I don't really like being read to, but I think you can download audiobooks from the library or order them or something, so maybe I'll try that.

Poison Study sounds interesting, and I've been seeing Maria V. Snyder's name popping up all over my GR friends list in the past few weeks.

I was a long time fan of Patterson's and loved the Alex Cross series. I continue to read them but don't feel the way I used to.

Loved the first 2 Max books (When the Wind Blows and Lake House) but have hated the rest of the series. I think I've read 2 or 3, just to be fair, and won't read anymore.

I'm not sure why I've fallen out of love with JP. I think he's become a jack of all trades and a master of none. I've heard a few interviews with him and his attitude was a real put off.

Saved By Grace wrote: "I absolutely loved the first two, the third was alright, the fourth ... eugh ... and I have not read the fifth (?) but it has been quite spoiled for me and I do not intend to read it anyway; unles..."

I could not have said it better. I really enjoyed the first two and I was very very disappointed by the others. I don't think I even finished the fourth one.

If I didn't really like the first one is it worth continuing with the series? I was interested enough in the story to finish the book and curious enough to want to read the second, but if it's all downhill from there I won't bother. I just don't think Patterson is a good writer, even though he has some good ideas.

Lynlee4 wrote: "I was a long time fan of Patterson's and loved the Alex Cross series. I continue to read them but don't feel the way I used t

When the Wind Blowsand The Lake House are both adult books and even though Max and the flocka re introduced, they are not the way they are eventually presented in the Maximum Ride series. The series is specifically YA. I think that's why so many people are disapointed in either those two or the series. They really aren't the same thing.

Alexis wrote: "If I didn't really like the first one is it worth continuing with the series? I was interested enough in the story to finish the book and curious enough to want to read the second, but if it's all ..."

I felt the same way about the first book, but I really did like the second book so I think it might be worth it to read the second. The third book I liked more than the first but not as much as the second. And I don't recommend the fourth book. I'm still looking for the fifth book at the library.

I do like Patterson but maybe because they are such quick reads. They take you immediately out of yourself and for the few short hours it takes to read any of his you are transported to another place.
I like all the Max series give or take some odd moments. I am not so sure what I think of the new YA Daniel X series but I will probably read the next when it comes out.

Okay, never read a James Patterson book in my life and I'm on the third disc out of 8 in the first book of the Maximum Ride series. Y'know.. it's not bad. I think they're the shortest chapters ever invented... but I'm starting to enjoy it. I'm not sure if I'll work through the whole series this summer, but I'm liking the characters and the consistent action.

Just finished the first one and really did enjoy it. For my first Patterson experience, it was a pleasant one. The only thing that was horrible was that the audio narrator changed back and forth and was semi-annoying.

I love Patterson's books when I don't know how long I'll get to read...the beach, waiting at the Dr. office, waiting in the car for a child...Like you said, all his chapters are ridiculously short, so it's very easy to stop. They are also super quick-paced.

I really loved Max. She appears in two of his adult books too.

I only read the first maximum ride book" the angel experiment"...

I have not read these yet. I hope to read them this Fall.

These books are very fast-paced and easy to read. Max is a likable character and super sarcastic and funny.

I loved the series!

Internetuse wrote: "Saved By Grace wrote: "I absolutely loved the first two, the third was alright, the fourth ... eugh ... and I have not read the fifth (?) but it has been quite spoiled for me and I do not intend t..."

I completely agree. With the fourth, I finally just skipped most of it and read the end. Too preachy for me. I won't read anything else in the series.

Saved By Grace wrote: "Hmmm ... I've heard from someone that Patterson may kill off Fang or something like that in his next book(s) in the series. Anyone know if that's true?"

I haven't heard that but he may try to do something to punch it up (would killing a main character count?) because the fourth in the latter books in the series weren't as popular.

The fourth book wasn't as popular because it didn't have nearly as much action as the previous trilogy and it was super environmentalist. I'm not against green peace or whatever other groups are in charge of that whole movement, but I do find it annoying that they had to ruin a good set of books with that. I don't plan on reading the fifth in the set.

Yeah, it kind of annoyed me that Patterson changed the tone of the series by making the fourth book about saving the environment. Although that is a great cause in real life, I didn't think it was appropriate for the book. It seemed kind of...random.

Bhumi wrote: "Yeah, it kind of annoyed me that Patterson changed the tone of the series by making the fourth book about saving the environment. Although that is a great cause in real life, I didn't think it was ..."

I agree. This is the only reason why I haven't even read the fifth yet. I didn't want to be beaten over the head with the need to save the world, literally, not just from evil scientific corporations that like to mutate children.

I'm just not an environmentalist. I don't mind books with some of that in them, but to make the whole story around that theme ruins what could be something good.

Susan wrote: "Bhumi wrote: "Yeah, it kind of annoyed me that Patterson changed the tone of the series by making the fourth book about saving the environment. Although that is a great cause in real life, I didn't..."

lol I read the fifth one anyway, and I really liked it, despite the environmental overtones.

I've read all of the books and loved the first ones. But I absolutely hated the 4th. It seemed he just spit it out because his deadline was coming up or something. But the fifth one is very worth reading! It returns back to the fun action ride that these books are. If you were turned off from the 4th don't let it stop ya from the 5th. Much, much better!

Andrea wrote: "I've read all of the books and loved the first ones. But I absolutely hated the 4th. It seemed he just spit it out because his deadline was coming up or something. But the fifth one is very wort..."

First of all, hi everyone! Just joined. I agree with Andrea. The fifth book was very good and held the same thrill for me as the first one. JP finally gives the reader what they are looking for in some of the characters and the plot is not too shabby! I really enjoyed this series, despite book 4, :-) and was glad hee improved with the fifth one. I have to say that the inspiration for the series, Where the Wind Blows and The Lake House, was the only reason I picked up Maximum Ride! I loved those two books so much I wanted more.

well if the 5th was better than the 4th I guess I should consider reading it.

I have read all but the last and they were ok. The first ones qere better as was said previously.

Is there another one coming out? I heard it's called Fang. Refer to my TBR list for details :)

I agree that the first three books were quite good, but the fourth stunk. Book 3 was written like the final installment in a trilogy, and then Book 4 came along like he just decided he might as well make more money.

Book 5 was better than Book 4, at least, although not as good as the first three.

I'll keep reading, to see what happens. I like the Max and Fang relationship.

My son just read the 5th and says it was a huge improvement over 4. The series is being divided into two sections now. The first 3 books are labeled "The Fugitives" and the next 2 "The Protectors", which sort of explains the change in tone.

hugh, well I think the fugatives was way better than the protectors so far. Why try to do the whole save the world thing? Global warming? Why is this the 2nd coldest and 3rd wettest summer for the N American Midwest if the planet is heating up so badly?
I don't mind the change in tone I just wish It was a different now tone.

The Patterson books sound good after reading these posts. As for Global Warming, I did a kids book discussion on it and discovered that the term really means weird weather patterns that are caused by earth's overall increase in temperature.

His series, Daniel X, is very, very environmental, so I wish he would go a different route with Max and the flock. I can understand his need to get the word out, but isn't one series enough? I love the first 3 MRs and will continue to read them, but I will be hoping they revert back to the original tone.

Kandice wrote: "I LOVED these books. The actual Maximum Ride series is YA, but the quasi prequels, When the Wind Blows and The Lake House are not. I think it was a case of him deciding t..."

I've read the first book in the YA series, The Angel Experiment and loved it! Will definitely be reading the others, however, I did not know Patterson had written "pre-quals" in adult format. When do you recommend someone read those? Before the YA series or after?

Darcie wrote: "Kandice wrote: "I LOVED these books. The actual Maximum Ride series is YA, but the quasi prequels, When the Wind Blows and The Lake House are not. I think it was a case o..."

It was because of those prequels that I picked up Maximum Ride in the first place. I probably wouldn't have had any interest in them otherwise. But, the Lake House and Where the Wind Blows were soooo good and I wanted more so badly! The Max series doesn't really have anything to do with their story line, though, but rather takes the characters and writes them a new story with more of a YA feel to it. I think you should read them before, because you'll really want more of these characters, but don't go into it thinking these are prequels. They are simply another, more adult, telling of the characters' story.

I agree with Shoshanah. Reading the adult books makes you want more of the characters. Having said that, my youngest sone has read all the YA series, and is now half-way through Where The Wind Blows. He doesn't think he owuld have liked it on it's won, though.

I am almost half way through the first book, The Angel Experiment. I am really liking it so far because it is so easy and fun to read. Max is a very likeable character as well as all the others in their flock.

I read the 'Maximum Ride' series before Christmas, and I'll agree that they're fast-paced and catch the attention of children and young adults, but compared to the other two books featuring Max (When the Wind Blows & The Lake House) the writing is really sub-par. In fact, I think these two would be more suitable for a YA audience, given maybe just a little editing - and that's clearly what his editors have latched on to, and between them they've flogged the idea of Max and the flock in the children's books market to make the most money.

I finished The Angel Experiment last night. I talked to a friend who is reading it too and it felt to me like the first book just ended with so many questions unanswered. She told me that most of my questions are answered in the next book and that I should continue to read the series. I started another book last night, The Pact: A Love Story, so I will read book #2 next.

Also, go to They are in the beginning stages of making a movie out of this series. The director is the same woman who directed Twilight. That will be a cool movie, I think!

I finished Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment this morning. I think it was decent as far as brain candy goes, but I won't say it's quality YA, as the writing was pretty horrendous. That said, I liked how fast of a read it was. :-) And I can't complain about wasting my money, since I won the series up til Daniel Z: Watch The Skies in a contest!

April, I agree that the writing isn't fantastic. But I still really enjoyed the plot.

I fought reading this book, but the Maximum Ride seres was so popular in my classroom, I had to see what all the hype was about.

And, yes, the writing is not great, but the plot is so unique and entertaining. I regretfully admit that I really enjoyed The Angel Experiment. I have not read any of the sequels yet, but I don't see why I won't.

Also, the book leads easily to a discussion about animal testing which fits in with my students because we read Hurt Go Happy which deals with testing on apes and monkeys. The Maximum Ride series gives a human spin on the testing making students realize the inhumanity of it all even more.

I borrowed Fang from the library recently and was thoroughly disappointed. I don't understand why Mr. Patterson didn't stop writing the series after Max. Max's and Fang's relationship was so mushy I felt like gagging while reading the latest installment. What a sad addition to a wonderful series.

I just read The Angel Experiment and thought I'd see what this discussion was about. I might have to look into the adult books that tell the story, that could be an interesting angle. I need a break though, because the audiobook version dragged on... If I read the rest of the original trilogy, I might have to read it in book format. I liked Ella and her mom, they were my favorite secondary characters--maybe because they were among the few good guys.

I did enjoy this series (so far), I found that as the series has progressed though I've found myself rolling my eyes at the messages being protrayed about genetic engineering, scientists in general, the environment etc. Not that I don't think that young people should be exposed to this but I think that thye should be allowed to form their own opinion based on the experiences in the book. Mr Patterson, rather than giving room for people to form their own views, kind of pushes his own down the readers throat and it doesn't have quite the same impact.
I also found that the character of Angel was highly irritating and selfish and that it distracted me from the plot.

The first three are definitely the best and I would recommend them the latest ones I'm not a fan of and I am yet to read 'Fang' so I hope that this one will help renew my interest in the series!
Oh and the only other book by James Patterson I've read is Sunday at Tiffany's and I really didn't find it enjoyable - has anyone else not got on with his books? I know he's very popular but judging from that book I just can't understand why!

I loved them