The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride #1)

Reader reviewed by Bettina

Maximum Ride (or just Max) is a teen with a big responsibility. She has to look after her "family" all by herself. Her family is actually a group of kids that she grew up with in a lab. The truth is, they're not really normal. Scientists had altered their genetic structure so that they are 2% bird. They have different anatomical makeups than humans, and they have Wings. They can fold their wings against their backs, so they look like regular people.

"They" are Max, Fang, Iggy, the Gasman, Nudge, and Angel. Max is their leader and she has the natural qualities of one. Fang is, as the book says "the strong, silent type." Iggy is blind, but somehow a great cook. the Gasman is... well his name says it all. Nudge is the chatterbox and Angel is just a little girl who is unnerving at times with her ability to read minds. Some of "The Flock" have some special abilities. the Gasman can imitate voices unnervingly well and Nudge can sense some things about people when she touches something which makes her really good with computers.

The actual plot of the story is really interesting. At the beginning, Max and the Flock are living in a house which their "guardian," who suddenly disappears, left them at. All's fine until one day, Angel is kidnapped by "Erasers," half wolf hybrids, sent by the scientists at the lab who want the Flock back. Max and the rest of the Flock want to get Angel back, which is no easy feat.

The book is really great because it is told most of the time from the point of view of Max. The character development is outstanding in this book, and Max is hilarious. She has a great attitude and the book is really great. Twists in the plot make it really interesting.

Note: This book is unrelated to "When the Wind Blows" and "The Lake House."

Reader reviewed by msse

Thouroughly enjoyed. My two sons, age 14 and 13 each read within a two-day period. None of us could put the book down.

I am about to start Maximum Ride as our class book in my middle school special ed. classroom. I enjoy fantasy and this is a book that should help me relate my love for this genre to my students.

I could not wait for the 2nd book. We even enjoy the web site and the blogs written by the characters.

Reader reviewed by linda

Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel are six kids who have been genetically altered so that they are only 98% human, and 2% bird. They try to keep a low profile and live hidden in a house with only the internet to educate them. One day, other genetically altered animals "The Erasers," come after them and grab Angel, Max's favorite out of the 5 kids. They go on a fast-paced and exciting journey to find not only Angel, but the information about their pasts which will lead the to their parents. Max is worried though, not only is there a strange voice in her head, but there are clear messages that tell her that she is going to save the world. Max feels like she is independent and making her own decisions but each time she runs into the Erasers and a scientist who betrayed her, they tell her that she is merely a pawn in their game.

Reader reviewed by Alexandra

Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel are six kids who have been genetically altered so that they are only 98% human, and 2% bird. They grew up in cages, but now they're free, and live all by themselves. But when the mutant Erasers capture Angel, the Flock must leave the comfort and security of their newfound home and rescue her. Max, the oldest has a plan. But will it work, and what will they do after they find Angel? Find out in the young adult debut from James Patterson. Normally, this kind of book isn't my prefered genre but both the plot and the writing really held me.

Reader reviewed by Jessie F

this book was awsome it was fantastic the book was for young adults so it didnt have anything to do with the other two books (which it says in the beginning) Max has to go through a lot of stuff she has to take care of 5 kids and has to save the world ,wow