School's Out Forever

I've read a lot of good YA literature. This isn't one of them. Sound familiar? That's because the second Maximum Ride book commits all the sins of the first and then some. There's generally a rule in writing, that occasional coincidence that makes the protagonist's situation worse is acceptable, but coincidence that makes the protagonist's life easier is a cheat. I don't know what that makes this book, then, because Patterson relies on coincidence to advance the plot in practically every three-page chapter. Characters die and come back to life with no explanation. The villains are of the mustache-twirling variety. The entire effort would end abruptly if various parties would simply talk to each other, but instead they fight because "It show more isn't time to explain things, yet." Don't expect any kind of resolution, revelation or even plot--you won't find one. All this book offers is a series of events that lead the reader to the third book in the series. Somebody, please, make it stop! show less

This is the second in a nine book series.

Max is dealing with the fact she killed Ari when she and the flock had to go through a heart stopping escape plan. There's tons of adventure, action, and thrills to keep the pages flipping. The flock continues to mutate and gain new powers much to the surprise of themselves and others around them. Even their dog can talk!

The only problem I'm continuing to have is the theme of the environment's imminent destruction. I fully believe in global warming, especially as I just spent Christmas in North Texas wearing a swimsuit then the next day a snowsuit. The way the environment issues are being portrayed though come off a little pushy and unbelievable.

I love Max's attitude and her irreverence show more towards adults while she showcases absolute love towards her family. Something about her reminds me of the way I was growing up and the way my own daughters seem to have inherited. It's definitely fun reading these books with them. show less

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Max and the gang are on the run. Again. They always are. They run from Jeb, the Erasers, and the School - plus anyone who might want to make them into some freak show exhibit. But now there are flying Erasers - yup, you heard right - and Max's mission to save the world is becoming clearer as they figure out who they need to save the world from. They also have to deal with a mommy-ing FBI agent, Anne, who puts them into school and slowly becomes attached to them. How much more could go wrong for this winged family? Well...lots.
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My thoughts -
While this book didn't quite make it as awesome as book #1, The Angel Experiment, it was still extremely gripping, full of show more great characters, and easy to read due to a TON of action. What did I not like? Ari. And...ahem...the entrance of a double of one of the Flock. But more on that...

Character notes -
I love the Flock. LOVE them. They are so realistic, each one sporting his/her own personality. Each one is consistent. Perfect for the story. Spot on. I love it. I never realized how consistent they are until the double entered. She acted so unlike the real deal, and the Flock immediately realized it's not her because everything was all wrong. I was so grateful to the author for this when I recognized it.

The Flock interacts so well together...I just love them and their adventures. (Have I said it enough yet? Ha!) And Fang. Fang gets double love. Iggy shot up on my favorites list because he was just so sweet and sad the whole time. And Angel...she just cracks me up! (There's laugh out loud humor through this book, by the way. Be up for funny stuff the whole book - it really set me in a good mood!)

So. The double. Now that I look back on those scenes with her, I realize that they were needed, but when I was actually reading the scenes, they felt a bit rushed. Maybe that's just a personal opinion? I felt like since she was introduced at the beginning she should have taken the place of the real character earlier in the book; instead, they "switch" when the book's almost over.

And Ari. Just weird. I'm all for creepy weird mutant villain who can fly and looks like Wolverine... but when it's an 8-year-old boy stuck in such a body...I dunno - it felt weird and slightly stupid. The scene where he steals the gameboy actually make me laugh. Not, "Haha this is so funny!" But, "Seriously? This is soooo ridiculous." Plus, what's all this coming back from the dead crap? Bring on the new villains!

Story notes -
Woah! Seriously - I love how non-stop these books are! Even in the scenes where the Flock aren't being chased by Erasers, there's an unbearable tension and you just have to keep reading!

I felt like there were less twists in the story line this time, but that didn't make the book any less exciting. The twists that were there were great!

One word/phrase to sum it up (final thoughts) -
Undeniably exciting! I get one serious kick out of this series (so far) and I'm looking forward to book #3, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports.

For the parents - A few minor cuss words and some short references to cuss words. (Max jokes, "Let's get the Flock outta here!" and then later throws Fang "the bird" as another joke.) Two kisses - Max to a boy she gets to know at school and goes on a date with; Fang to a girl who's totally in love with him. Good for ages 12 and up. show less

Yes, yes, I know. Everybody loves Max. I think that phrase is written across all three of the Patterson books I own. I'm still trying to love Max. I still don't.

The series is not bad. I liked the first book better than I liked School's Out - Forever. I think that they idea of these kids going to school is a little far-fetched and ridiculous, and as much as the travelling annoyed me before, their goals seemed more realistic to their situation. And I simply couldn't get past Anne, their caretaker. The lack-of-FBI-esque qualities that abounded in her character made me want to chuck the book across the room, and several times I found myself telling the page "Ha! And FBI agent would NEVER say that." Obviously later on the lack of traits show more becomes explained, but the lack of even trying bothered me enough that it distracted me.

I have issues with the characters in general, still. The older children are less frustrating - Fang and Max, namely. Total, the dog, bears a Toto (coincidence? I think not) like resemblance to me but he's annoying, and Angel is simply too bossy/innocent... she gets away with too much. That leaves "comic relief" to fall to Gasman and Izzy... and thus it makes them seem less vital to the story, other than being part of the flock. I do, however, give kudos to Patterson's method of handling the situation with Izzy's parents.

I still believe that for grades 8 through 12, the Maximum Ride series should be a huge hit. The characters are relatable, and there is less need for suspension of disbelief. Patterson's pacing is amazing, though. As much as I may find the series disappointing (and that, too, is a danger of a series with so much hype), I can move through the books very quickly, making them a good choice for a light read. show less

In general I do not enjoy James Patterson novels as I find them predictable and formulaic but for some reason I quite enjoy the Maximum Ride series. I found the characters to be interesting and I found the story to be fascinating. I liked how it was fantastical but also believable enough that it felt like the vents could maybe actually happen. The writing style is very readable if a bit simplistic.

Good continuation with this story. This is one of the few series that I am perfectly okay to finish a book with more questions then answers. I also enjoy that I do not figure things out until the flock does, and its not one of those books where you feel like the characters are spoon fed answers and responses. I honestly feel like all the kids in the flock talk and sound like real kids their ages and not some made up kid who talks like an adult thinks they should. Good job Mr.Patterson :)

Maximum Ride School’s Out – Forever is an amazing book. I especially liked how I learned more about the characters. This being the second book I had high expectations for it. I hoped to feel as intrigued by this book as I did in the last one.

To start off Max has just killed the flock’s biggest enemy Ari. Now the flock is on their way to Washington DC. Fang gets in to a brawl with Ari that leaves him barely holding on to life that also leaves Max no choice but to bring Fang to a real hospital. Here they meet Anne, a kind secret agent that takes the kids to live with her. Soon they are learning to be normal kids and they even attend school, but that doesn’t last very long. After fighting many Erasers and breaking into a secret show more facility, they find out who Iggy’s real parents are and bring him home. Soon they are betrayed by the people they thought they could trust. And things take a surprising turn for the better.

I think James Patterson is a phenomenal author. When I sat down to read Maximum Ride I would read for hours. Every word was special so important and dramatically added to the story. He used a wide variety of language to express his ideas. I felt like every thing he wrote had meaning. Everything written had a way to pull your heart. He is one of the best authors I have read in a long time.

To be considered good a book need to make me feel emotion. In many part I felt like I was going to burst out in tears. One part was when Iggy moved in with his new family. I was tearing up because I knew they’d bin together for almost their whole lives. I couldn’t help but giving the upmost sorrow to Max. I know that if I was in this kind of situation I would be a wreck. Even though we fight I love my sister and I could never stand saying goodbye to her forever. Another part that I felt really sad about was when Fang got attacked. I though he was going to die just like Max did but I tried to think positive because I felt like it wouldn’t help the flock through the situation. I felt as if what I thought would affect the outcome.

This book also sparked some anger in me. I absolutely hated what Anne did to them. She backstabbed and lied to them for so long. I never though that she was evil but I found out I was wrong. She “cared” for them and I was surprised that Max didn’t do anything to her. I regret thinking Max your wrong about Anne. She’s so nice. I am glad that I can’t connect to this situation because I would have been mind boggled if someone did this to me. How could you not know about someone’s true intentions and what they were going to do to you? Also how could you be the person lying? Wouldn’t the guilt overwhelm you?

There is really only one thing I didn’t like about this book: the amount of violence. To me it seams like they are only fighting and hurting and killing. I get a message from this that says everything involves violence. To me that is not a good message to send to readers. I know that that is how they live their lives and all but I know violence is wrong and think that it influences much of this book.

Over all this was a good read with heart felt word and ways of betrayal. I recommend this book only if you have read the first. Otherwise you would have missed a lot of explanation. show less