Review Detail

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."