Reader Review of "School's Out--Forever" by James Patterson

[John Masse]

Catching up can be fun. That's the case for me and the Maximum Ride series. Up till about two weeks ago, I'd only read the first book in the series. But awhile back, I received "Max", the 5th book in this wonderful series ahead of its release date. Needless to say, the release date is long past now, but I'm still catching up with the series. I've now finished the second book in the series, and am here to give all my loyal readers my opinion.

Hot off the heels of their adventure in "The Angel Experiment", Max and her ferocious flock of human-bird hybrids are out on the hunt for answers. Who are their parents? What (and how) is Max supposed to save the world? They barely have time to dwell when another attack befalls them at the hands of the Erasers (human-wolf hybrids). Unfortunately, things don't end well for one flock member, who must be rushed to a hospital or face certain death. It's not long before the authorities are onto the kids. FBI agents question and re-question the kids, but to no avail. Finally, one person, Anne Walker offers them something none of the flock expected. A home. The kids now must learn to adjust to "normalcy". School, homework, crushes, and other normal teenage stuff. But there is always the hinting of danger. Max knows that something bad can, and most likely will, happen. For as much as this seems like a vacation, the flock is still being hunted. And it's up to Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, Angel, and Total (the flocks’ new "pet" dog) to stop the mad scientist behind their creation, and save the world from whatever dangers may face it.

I enjoyed "School's Out--Forever" very much. The pace was what one comes to expect with a James Patterson novel. Short chapters, an intricate web of plot twist, and funny relatable characters all combine to make this book a great read for everyone, no matter their age group. Max, Fang, and the rest of her flock can be read, and loved, by all. You can be 5 or 105, it doesn’t matter. James Patterson has a way to make all his books universal.

So definitely put your money into this series if you haven’t already. The ride is worth the price of admission.