Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

Okay, seriously, politics, global warming, the environment? Might as well cram religion in there and address the economy. Is this even Maximum Ride anymore?! Book three and we hit the crapper, how did you hit it so hard and fast?

Everything reads like it's an insult, he went from talking to teenagers to talking to preteens in two books. Even adults liked the original two, how anyone can like this and not pray the next five aren't just as bad, I don't know. I'd have had to be very young, skip book one and two, and start here to even remotely appreciate this one.

This series seems a little juvenile, but it is from the point-of-view of a 14 year old who didn't grow up like anyone else on the planet (besides her 4 'siblings') but I like the ideas presented as well as the well developed character personalities. Though it may be a little hard to read if you're picky or get bored with easy reads, but I'd say that these exciting adventure novels can be worth it.
I do hope this isn't the last book in the series.

So…we’ve gone from being a reasonably interesting look at genetic engineering to environmental studies and climate change. This entire episode in the series was a rant about pollution told through the guise of a James Bondesque supervillain. Totally, beyond, effin lame. Some authors can weave global concerns and morals into their books seamlessly. Patterson does it with all the grace of a gorilla in a tutu…

At last! A Maximum Ride I couldn't put down.

That is, half of it. At long last, Patterson answers some questions and cuts the flock in half, so that the reader can switch between one half and the next rather than reading about all the travel time. I felt like the flow was better in this one, there were unexpected twists and turns, and Saving the World - and Other Extreme Sports renewed my faith in the hype about the Maximum Ride series... enough that I will be picking up the next book when I run out of things to read.

However, for me, this book wasn't perfect. Understanding that it is intended for younger readers, some of the goings-on, especially under Fang's plotline with his blog, just didn't do it for me as a reader. I do, however, show more think that younger readers will enjoy that plotline - it is the idea of kids (not just the flock, but all kids) making a stand, and I like the premise behind it, even if she my point of view it felt a little cheesy. I genuinely believe that if I were five, six years younger, I would've loved that angle. Really.

And, lo, do I sense a little state-of-the-world disgruntlement, James Patterson? I do like the ideas behind the series - genetic biology, environmentalism - even when I find the characters a little much. show less

Once again, this book has everything Max. Because I originally thought this was the last book in the series, I think I became specially attached to it. Many of my favorite quotes come from this one.

There's more pop-culture and "normal" references in Book 3, but they just it make it all the funnier. Can we say Paris, Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, beach bunnies, LA gangs, and Hollywood sign? :D

This is also the first book to rotate perspective more than the previous two, and for good reason (but I won't say what). I liked it, especially when Fang included the "blog replies".

And we get our first serious hints of Fang/Max here! Whoo! Max on Valium remains one of the funniest things I've ever read in my life. Same goes for all conversations show more that pit Flock against School scientists. "I vill now deestroy de Snickuhs bahrs!" "I'll call you Guy in a White Lab Coat." "I play a mean harmonica." xD

Plus, there's the return of Dr. Martinez, Ella, a certain schizo hacker, a troublesome clone, and chocolate chip cookies. What's not to love? show less

Okay, seriously, politics, global warming, the environment? Might as well cram religion in there and address the economy. Is this even Maximum Ride anymore?! Book three and we hit the crapper, how did you hit it so hard and fast?

Everything reads like it's an insult, he went from talking to teenagers to talking to preteens in two books. Even adults liked the original two, how anyone can like this and not pray the next five aren't just as bad, I don't know. I'd have had to be very young, skip book one and two, and start here to even remotely appreciate this one.

I must say that the more I read this series, the more I love Max. She is sarcastic and witty, loving and caring, and tough and fiesty. Her constant ability to be sarcastic and still admit things to herself has me laughing through most of the book. She has to try to learn things on her own while basically raising 4 kids herself before she reaches age 15. That is a tough spot for anyone. With the recent trials that the group has befallen, throwing in some love triangles and things get even more interesting. Whereas there are plenty of funny times in this book, we also see Max reach her breaking point.
For the past five or so months this group has been on the run from everything like people, mutants, psychos, and now even robots. She show more breaks down and decides to try and remove her chip from her arm herself which really freaks everyone out and we finally see Fang make a move to show he cares for her. Fang and Max go looking for some place for them all to settle down together and just try to live without fighting for their lives or running all the time. She and Fang ends up kissing and oh how wonderful! Then, Max freaks out and they end up at Dr Martinez's again where she tries to take out Max's chip. While high on valium Max embarassingly confesses her love to Fang. While there, the rest of the group gets kidnapped and it looks like Angel has switched sides. When Max and Fang gets to the school to try to rescue the kids, they end up getting captured. Next occurs one of my most favorite scenes yet. I laughed til I cried at all the questioning and responses these kids gave. It was so well written that I couldn't believe it. Then, when they are about to be killed Angel turns out to be following a plan from Max and even Ari switches sides and helps them escape.
So, Max decides to let Ari come with them. His expiration date has already shown up, so Max wants to help him in the last month of his life. However, Fang ain't having it since Ari has tried to kill all of them more times than they care to count and he decides to leave. The next scene is sad because it becomes like parents making their children chose a side. It ends up the girls and Ari head to Europe while the boy head to LA. While in Europe they get captured in Germany and end up finding out many many things. Jeb comes in and tells Max about her real mom and dad and about Ari being her half brother. Max has to defeat a major person and Fang comes to the rescue in time through his blog while kids everywhere rise up against these big corporations.
Overall, a well writtne action packed story that has you wanting the final warning. show less