The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1)
by James Patterson
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Book Reviews of The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1)
Book Review: Recaptured By Mad Scientists
Summary: 4 Stars
The Angel Experiment (2005) is the first SF novel in the Maximum Ride series. It is set in the present and involves a secret science lab -- the School -- where human DNA is being manipulated. The mutated human stock are often tested to destruction.
In this novel, Maximum Ride is a fourteen year old girl with wings. She and her friends can fly like birds. They all believe that they had been grown from in vitro embryos, although they dream of having parents somewhere.
Fang is the next oldest within the flock. He is about six months younger than Max. He is rather close mouthed, usually speaking only when he has something significant to say.
Iggy is about the same age. He is blind due to a failed operation on his eyes. He is very intelligent, the smartest in the flock.
Nudge -- AKA Monique -- is the fourth oldest, probably around eleven years old. She is a motormouth, saying whatever pops up in her mind. She only quiets down when she is asleep.
Gasman is about eight years old. He is the brother of Angel. Gazzie has a flatulence problem.
Angel is about six years old. She can read minds.
Jeb Batchelder was a lab technician at the School. He had stolen Max and her friends away about four years ago. He was the nearest thing to a father that they have ever had. Two years ago, Jeb disappeared and is presumed to be dead.
In this story, the flock is attacked by Erasers -- bioengineered human stock with the ability to change to wolves -- and Angel is stolen. The flock counterattacks, but Angel is thrown into a helicopter and carried away. Max is stunned by the incident, but soon starts planning Angel's rescue.
The flock figures that Angel is being taken back to the School. They dig out a map showing the location of the secret lab. Nudge also sees her name and notices the address of her parents.
Max, Fang, and Nudge start flying toward the School. Iggy and Gasman are left behind. They are very upset, but then they find a way to keep busy while the others are gone.
The boys start preparing defenses for the property. Their masterpiece is a time bomb, but they also rig traps on the roads coming into the area. Then they get to try out their devices.
On the way to the School, Max diverts her flight to rescue a younger girl from three bullies. She quickly puts all three on the ground and sends Ella running home. Then one of the bullies picks up a shotgun and Max also runs away.
The guy with the shotgun shots at Max and mostly misses her. But one shot injures her arm and wing. She gets away from them, but now needs medical attention. And then a hard rain begins to fall.
Fang and Nudge wait for Max near Lake Meade, but Max never shows. Then they search for her and Nudge notices that she is near her hometown. She flies down to look for her family and almost gets caught by the Erasers.
Meanwhile, Angel wakes to find herself within the School. The white coated technicians start testing her strength, agility, cognitive ability and other talents. She gets to run mazes, trying to avoid the hot wires and electric prods.
This tale leaves Max lost and alone. Then she finds the house where Ella lives and is treated by Ella's mother, a veterinarian. If she didn't have to rescue Angel, Max could get use to living this way.
According to the author, the idea for this novel comes from When the Wind Blows and The Lake House. These works also feature a character named Max, who escapes from a School. But this novel is not otherwise related to these earlier works.
The story has some fantastic elements. Thirteen foot wingspans are not likely to lift a teenager, even with thin and hollow bones, stronger muscles, and improved respiration. And then there is the mind reading ability.
Still, the novel has much the same suspense as other works by this author. The next volume is School's Out - Forever. Read and enjoy!
Recommended for Patterson fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of mutated humans, evil scientists, and strong comradeship.
-Arthur W. Jordin
Book Review: Attention-grabbing Action!
Summary: 5 Stars
Maximum Ride-The Angel Experiment
James Patterson
Fiction Book Review
The Angel Experiment, which is the first book of the Maximum Ride series, is about 6 mutant-avian-kids, Max (the leader), Fang, Nudge, Iggy (he's blind), and the Gasman and Angel, the twins. It seems like their whole life is about running away from the Erasers. Erasers are mutant-wolf men whose job is to capture the mutant-avian-kids. Many babies were either taken away from their home or given away, to a lab called the School. The School is where scientists test on animals and humans to try to make mutants. But there was one special group, Subject Eleven, the mutant-avian-kids. They are 98% human, 2% bird, created as an experiment. You may not think it, but the 2% bird makes a huge difference. They have raptor vision, wings, and hollow bones that are great for flying. After growing up in cages inside of the School, a scientist at the School let Max and the rest of the flock escape. Jeb Batchelder, the scientist, took care of them like a dad would. They lived in a house on top of a mountain. But a couple of years later, he disappeared, leaving the flock with thoughts that he was dead. The flock thought they were safe until Angel got taken away from them by Erasers. Ari, an Eraser, would like to kill Max because his father Jeb, cared for Max and the flock, but not his own son. Before Ari became an Eraser, he was a little boy who loved to follow Max around, but Max wouldn't pay attention to him. While Angel is at the School and the rest of the flock is coming to save her, the scientists are running experiments on her. On their journey, the flock does things that bond them closer; they surpass many events, rescue Angel, look for a building called The Greater Institute for Living, fight Ari and the Erasers, and find out that Max is supposed to save the world. How's that for a destiny?
I like how the author warns the readers at the beginning. He says "Warning. If you dare to read this story, you become part of the Experiment. I know that sounds a little mysterious-but it's all I can say right now." That phrase really caught my attention because not a lot of authors put warnings in their books that make you want to read more. On the back cover it also had a warning like that and it caught my eye when I picked it up. James Patterson made the book with many action parts so readers don't get bored. The characters are well developed with very different personalities. For example, he describes how silent Fang is by saying he always appeared out of nowhere, like a dark shadow come to life. My favorite character is Angel because she is a cute five year old that can charm anybody and has the ability to read other people's minds.
I would give this book a ten out of ten because of the attention-grabbing action of the story. I have never really read anything like this book but it gives the reader the reality of what being homeless and always on the run is like. The flock never gets time to settle down in one spot because the Erasers are always chasing them. I think anybody would be interested in this book. It's not just for girls or just for boys. Any group would like it. But I would say it would be for ages 11 and up because of some short romance parts that parents might not want their child reading. This book is amazing. It catches the reader's attention so easily and makes you want to stick your nose in the book the whole day long. If you like attention- grabbing and action-packed books, then you should definitely read this book and the rest of the books following it.
Marika
Book Review: The New Dark Angel
Summary: 3 Stars
What turned me on to this book, was actually Patterson's other book Witch and Wizard. There was a free iPod app where you could get a free excerpt, that I began reading and liked (but didn't want to buy the book while it was only sold in hardcover since I didn't like it that much), so I decided to try out one of his other books instead (while I waited).
Maximum Ride is sort of like James Cameron's Dark Angel (even has the same name for the main character!), if you remember that TV show. (Interestingly, Patterson says he actually took it from a different book he wrote with a main character named Max, though the two books are not related.) It follows a bunch of kids who were raised as test subjects in a lab. They were genetically engineered so that their DNA was combined with a bird's (unlike Max in DA, whose DNA was combined with a cat). One of the things this genetic combination does is provide main character Max, and her small "family" with wings that allows them to fly. They are also much stronger than the average adult, despite being kids. And, they have other, stranger abilities, such as mind reading and voice mimicry, among other things (there seems to be no rhyme or reason to who has what ability, but I suppose we learn more about that in later books. Book 1 of this series follows Max (the de facto leader) and her five mutant siblings as they try to hide from the people who created them, when the youngest, Angel, is captured by the Erasers (half-wolf, half-human mutants) and brought back to the lab, called the School. The rest of the flock is determined to rescue Angel and discover more about themselves, like if they had parents and where they are from and how long they can expect to survive. But some things they may not be ready to learn-like who betrayed them and Max's "destiny" to save the world.
Patterson does an excellent job of mixing the child-like confusion and emotions of our heroes with strength and determination, making them kids we can't help but root for. Each of the kids has unique abilities and somewhat distinct personalities (though some more than others, which is not surprising when you have so many main characters) that are likable. You can't help but root for them. But he also does a good job of adding a spark of humanity into some of the villains, so that while you hope they lose, you also feel a little bit bad. (I would have appreciated a little more of an insight into Ari's character, but I'm glad we got a glimpse.)
Perhaps my biggest complaint with the book would be its structure. Before the book begins, there is a letter addressed to the reader, written by Max, warning us about what we will read and how important she feels it is that we read it anyway. 85% of the book follows in first person fashion, from Max's perspective, but on occasion, the book jumps to third person to allow it to follow the characters who are not with Max at the moment. While I agree that those parts of the book are best included, I do not like the jump of perspective. I would prefer to simply follow the entire thing in third person or have him figure out a way to keep it first person throughout. As far as things go, it's a pretty small complaint because even though it bothered me intellectually, it didn't really ruin the flow of the book.
From the segments I've read of Witch and Wizard, I find this to be the more compelling read and cannot wait to see where the adventure goes.
Book Review: Maximum Ride; Flying High
Summary: 5 Stars
Maximum Ride, a novel by James Patterson, throws the reader onto an action-packed thrill ride, unpredictable and tinted lightly with romance. As the curtains open in the beginning, we meet Max, Fang, Iggy, Gazzy, Angel, and Nudge, the stars of the show. Max, a sarcastic, bold, daring, and occasionally sharp-tongued girl at the age of 15, takes on the role as the leader of the family. Then comes Fang, the second-in-command, whose dark hair and mysterious, quiet personality make him difficult to predict and understand. Iggy, the next member of their family, loves all things explosive and, surprisingly due to his blindness, proved himself good at cooking. Gazzy, or `Gasman', has an appropriate name, due to his volatile digestive system and the occasional release of something smelly. The psychic girl, Angel, looks cuter than she should be credited for, due to her occasional two-faced way of acting. Fashion magazines found in her hands, Nudge loves to read about looks in her free time; however, her toughness should not be doubted. All of these children seem rather normal, besides the fact that they live without a parental authority in their Colorado home....until you see their wings.
Calling themselves the Flock, these children escaped from diabolical scientists in a lab they dubbed `The School'. After years of imprisonment there, a helpful hand came to save them; Jeb. Jeb, a father to them for a while, helped them live on their own, supporting them like a father would. Suddenly, he disappeared one day, leaving the Flock to fend for themselves. Forced to fight for their freedom and survival from the very start, the Flock realizes that they haven't escaped the scientists' grip. With a bit of help they find along the way, our feathered friends make their way across the world in their constant battle for their lives against people and things of all shapes and sizes.
I love the main characters, due to their depth and variety of actions. The story, never predictable, includes times when you just can't help but laugh. The very sarcasm that appears throughout the story lights it up, refusing to let the reader bore. I couldn't help but love their personalities, ranging from cheerful to dark, from cute to mysterious.
As for the book itself, I thought it was wonderful. It hooked me from the very beginning and refused to let me go. The action-adventure combination made every turn of the page more and more exciting. The characters, lovable and amusing, help bring the story to life. Guaranteed, after you put the book down, you'll feel like you've just been flying along with them.
I would recommend Maximum Ride to those teens who usually don't like reading, and to those who do. The first-person viewpoint from Max's eyes helps the reader understand, and just makes it easier to read. Anyone who likes action, adventure, and lots of sarcasm, make sure to read this book!
Book Review: An Action-Packed Thrill Ride
Summary: 4 Stars
I've never been much of one for suspense/thriller, so I've never picked up a James Patterson novel before Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment. I thought I'd give it a try after getting interested in the plot and reading some reviews. I also thought it was interesting that Maximum Ride has been turned into a Japanese manga series and even has a pending movie deal -not bad for Patterson's first venture into the young adult universe.
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment is an action-packed young adult science fiction novel that keeps the reader flipping pages. It tells the story of six children who were genetically spliced with bird DNA. This left them with special abilities -basically, superpowers -and, most notably, wings. After being freed from the "School," the laboratory where they were created, the "Flock" lives together for a time before the youngest member, Angel, is kidnapped by Erasers, genetically created half-wolf mutants that seem like terminator rip-offs. The Flock, led by the spunky heroine Max, sets out to save Angel and find out the secrets behind their origin.
It's a high-energy thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This book, I must admit, isn't particularly amazing in any area, but the writing style makes you want to read more. It's made up of short, simple sentences combined into short paragraphs and short chapters. Even though this creates a lot of white space, it keeps the reader constantly moving, eliminates any extraneous items and requires the author to include just enough detail for the reader to get the picture.
I also really liked Max's style of narration. Even though she talks to the reader more than she should, it just worked. It drew me into the story of these children and put me in the center of their struggle. However, there is a section near the beginning of the book where the narration jumps between first- and third-person before returning to first-person. It was a little annoying and didn't quite work with the short chapters, but thankfully it didn't stick around long enough to become unmanageable.
I'm not entirely sure why, but I enjoyed this book. It's not one of the best things I've ever read, but it kept me engaged and gave me something to escape into. You don't have to think too hard to read this book. It's completely frivolous and fun...and a great stress reliever. Even though I don't always enjoy this type of literature, you sometimes need it to get through the day.
While the characters are only partially developed and the plot is pretty linear, there was just enough excitement and uniqueness to draw me in. I enjoyed Max's witty comments and outrageous stories. Maximum Ride isn't great literature and it's not groundbreaking, but it's downright fun.