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Maximum Ride #9
Maximum Ride Forever
Navigate a post-apocalyptic world and experience a thrilling finale with the ultimate Maximum Ride novel.Discover the ninth and ultimate Maximum Ride story! Legions of Max fans won't be disappointed by this encore episode in the beloved series about the incredible adventures of a teenage girl who can fly. As Maximum Ride boldly navigates a post-apocalyptic world, she and her broken flock are roaming the earth, searching for answers to what happened. All will be revealed in this last spectacular "ride"-a mesmerizing grand finale featuring all of the nonstop action and twists and turns of a blockbuster Patterson page-turner!
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2015
586 people are currently reading
16070 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
930 books354k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,215 reviews
Want to read
August 5, 2014
Want to read
November 15, 2015APPARENTLY THIS IS THE NINTH MAXIMUM RIDE
*PUNCHES THE WALL AND SCREAMS*
im still going to read it
*PUNCHES THE WALL AND SCREAMS*
im still going to read it
December 19, 2014
JAMES PATTERSON, Come ON.
This is the last time, I swear, this is one time too many now. You said that Nevermore was the LAST BOOK and yOU ENDED IT WITH THE WORLD ENDING.
With the amount of times you wrenched Ari from his grave, the endless jerking around of Max and Fang, the constant mystery and secrecy about the Voice, I would’ve thought that Nevermore was enough for you. You could finally put a close to the series after trying to end it no less than twice. But no, you drug Maximum Ride out of her grave for ten more years than you should’ve. You should’ve let it die.
Because you killed it.
I don't want to read about this Max, who cares so much about herself that she'd let the world die. I don't want to read about Fang, who abandoned Max as well as the new friends he made. I don't want to read a book just so I can see two lines mentioning the character I used to love so much, but bastardizing them into two-dimensional cutout of their former selves.
Max and Fang were my first OTP. I loved them. I loved her. I loved how brave she was. I loved them so much.
But then everything changed.
Relegating your main cast to cameos, trivializing your narrator, bringing in new characters for no reason and tossing in a needless love triangle aren’t things a good writer does. But you don't write your books anymore, do you?
How many lines did Nudge get in your last book? When’s the last time Gazzy did something important? Angel constantly being evil broke me. You used the same plot devices, the same cliched story lines. The last few books read worse than any other book I’ve ever read.
And now Marvel’s making an adaptation of your books. You don’t deserve that. You’re sticking it to your manga (your beautifully drawn manga) and you’re trying to make as much money as possible.
I know money means a lot to you, but Max meant a lot to me.
She meant so much and I’m so tired of being pulled into your books just to have a amateur try to tell me a story. You don’t even write your own books anymore. I don’t know why I even try. I will not be reading this book. I wish I'd never read Nevermore. Sometimes, when I'm not twisted up in rage over your schemes, I even regret ever picking up this series.
Once, these books meant the world to me. Once, I waited for them at the library for weeks and waited to buy them at the store. Not anymore.
Thanks for making me hate something I used to love so much.
- - -
If Max were real and she was here, we both know what she'd say.
But then again, I don't think you care anyways.
This is the last time, I swear, this is one time too many now. You said that Nevermore was the LAST BOOK and yOU ENDED IT WITH THE WORLD ENDING.
With the amount of times you wrenched Ari from his grave, the endless jerking around of Max and Fang, the constant mystery and secrecy about the Voice, I would’ve thought that Nevermore was enough for you. You could finally put a close to the series after trying to end it no less than twice. But no, you drug Maximum Ride out of her grave for ten more years than you should’ve. You should’ve let it die.
Because you killed it.
I don't want to read about this Max, who cares so much about herself that she'd let the world die. I don't want to read about Fang, who abandoned Max as well as the new friends he made. I don't want to read a book just so I can see two lines mentioning the character I used to love so much, but bastardizing them into two-dimensional cutout of their former selves.
Max and Fang were my first OTP. I loved them. I loved her. I loved how brave she was. I loved them so much.
But then everything changed.
Relegating your main cast to cameos, trivializing your narrator, bringing in new characters for no reason and tossing in a needless love triangle aren’t things a good writer does. But you don't write your books anymore, do you?
How many lines did Nudge get in your last book? When’s the last time Gazzy did something important? Angel constantly being evil broke me. You used the same plot devices, the same cliched story lines. The last few books read worse than any other book I’ve ever read.
And now Marvel’s making an adaptation of your books. You don’t deserve that. You’re sticking it to your manga (your beautifully drawn manga) and you’re trying to make as much money as possible.
I know money means a lot to you, but Max meant a lot to me.
She meant so much and I’m so tired of being pulled into your books just to have a amateur try to tell me a story. You don’t even write your own books anymore. I don’t know why I even try. I will not be reading this book. I wish I'd never read Nevermore. Sometimes, when I'm not twisted up in rage over your schemes, I even regret ever picking up this series.
Once, these books meant the world to me. Once, I waited for them at the library for weeks and waited to buy them at the store. Not anymore.
Thanks for making me hate something I used to love so much.
- - -
If Max were real and she was here, we both know what she'd say.
But then again, I don't think you care anyways.
Want to read
January 13, 2015NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOO00000000OOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo
"Legions of Max fans won't be disappointed by this encore episode..."
"Legions of Max fans won't be disappointed by this encore episode..."
Want to read
October 20, 2014For the love of all that is good in the world, please let this be a belated April Fools prank.
When Book #8 made its hellish appearance onto bookstore shelves, I was like, "Ok. This sucks. But hey - he named it Nevermore. Maybe this means he's finally realized that he should never make more books in this series after this one."
But no. James Patterson has decided to milk the money cow and make another book. With an even stupider title than its predecessor.
Maximum Ride Forever.
Ah, no thanks. How about Maximum Ride Never Again? Or Maximum Ride Forever Alone?
Authors need to know when enough is enough. And this series plunged to its death way before Nevermore made our brains hurt with its over-the-top love triangle and poor excuse for a plot.
I used to love this series when it started. And now it's just some series that I used to know.
Sorry, Maximum Ride. But I'm ending this relationship whilst I still slightly respect you!
When Book #8 made its hellish appearance onto bookstore shelves, I was like, "Ok. This sucks. But hey - he named it Nevermore. Maybe this means he's finally realized that he should never make more books in this series after this one."
But no. James Patterson has decided to milk the money cow and make another book. With an even stupider title than its predecessor.
Maximum Ride Forever.
Ah, no thanks. How about Maximum Ride Never Again? Or Maximum Ride Forever Alone?
Authors need to know when enough is enough. And this series plunged to its death way before Nevermore made our brains hurt with its over-the-top love triangle and poor excuse for a plot.
I used to love this series when it started. And now it's just some series that I used to know.
Sorry, Maximum Ride. But I'm ending this relationship whilst I still slightly respect you!
May 30, 2015
First of all: I try. I try to understand that Nevermore is full of plot holes. I try to understand that The Final Warning is way off topic. Yet somehow, the only book in the series that I dislike is Angel, and that's because there's so much DYLAN.
So when I find out about this book, my train of thought is something like this:
I've got to be imagining this... right?
Okay, I've taken some deep breaths and checked multiple sources... and I'm actually not imagining it!
But wait... wasn't Nevermore the final book? Didn't it say, "The Final Maximum Ride Adventure"? Wasn't it advertised as "The End of Maximum Ride"?
You know what? Honestly, I don't care. THERE'S A NINTH MAXIMUM RIDE BOOK!
So when I find out about this book, my train of thought is something like this:
I've got to be imagining this... right?
Okay, I've taken some deep breaths and checked multiple sources... and I'm actually not imagining it!
But wait... wasn't Nevermore the final book? Didn't it say, "The Final Maximum Ride Adventure"? Wasn't it advertised as "The End of Maximum Ride"?
You know what? Honestly, I don't care. THERE'S A NINTH MAXIMUM RIDE BOOK!
don-t-plan-on-it
August 12, 2014Stop.
Please.
I'm begging you.
NO MORE JAMES PATTERSON.
NO MORE.
IT'S OVER.
PLEASE.
I can't handle another one.
You said that Nevermore was the last. Just like the Fire was the last Witch/Wizard book. and we all know how that turned out
It's not okay. Honestly, when you are DONE with a series, you are DONE. If you wanna write a spin-off of Maximum Ride, I can tolerate that. But seriously, there were so many disasters after The Final Warning it wasn't even funny.
Please.
I'm begging you.
NO MORE JAMES PATTERSON.
NO MORE.
IT'S OVER.
PLEASE.
I can't handle another one.
You said that Nevermore was the last. Just like the Fire was the last Witch/Wizard book.
It's not okay. Honestly, when you are DONE with a series, you are DONE. If you wanna write a spin-off of Maximum Ride, I can tolerate that. But seriously, there were so many disasters after The Final Warning it wasn't even funny.
July 10, 2015
Aside from the Harry Potter series, Maximum Ride was the series that I grew up with. Alongside HP, both helped me become addicted to reading. Without the two series, I don't think I'll be a reader. I have to thank Rowling and Patterson for making my reading experience as a child wonderful. I do hope though that this is really the final book of the series. Don't stretch it out further, Patterson. You finally gave the series proper closure, don't ruin that.
After the awful eight book, Nevermore, Patterson decided to write an encore novel. I'm not sure if he read those hate-filled reviews for the supposed conclusion novel, but I'm among the ones who hated the way he ended it the first time. It was a slap in the face to end it the way he did. This novel though, it finally gave respect to the series that I've been reading ever since my early years. I'm honestly satisfied with this. The last part was a bit cheesy, but it was still what I wanted. Bottomline is,
Less action packed as compared to some novels in the series. There were a lot of detours talking about the character's feelings rather than action scenes. I'm not complaining that much though because the character development further flourished. The plot was good despite the lack of action.
Considering this is the last book of the series, I'm not going to talk about the character development anymore. If you've reached this far, then you know that the characters are really good. Max changed a lot from the first few books in the series, but not in a bad way I guess. Either she matured, or I did. Reading taste tends to change over the years.
4/5 stars. Not the perfect book, but I'm sure I would've rated this 5 stars if I read it when I was a lot younger. My taste changed over the years, and lately I don't really enjoy YA anymore. Patterson is one of my favorite authors, and I can say that I see his writing here. I'm not sure if this is one of his books where he has a ghost writer, but hopefully not. Hopefully he started and ended the series. I can't recommend the series to adults, because obviously the targeted audience was young adults. I was around 13 or 14 when I started reading the series, so that's the reason why I loved this so much. If you're in your 20s, you'll probably not enjoy the series that much, but give it a try if you want. Thank you Patterson, for this really good series. There were a lot of bumps in the road, but the important thing is that I'm satisfied in the end. You managed to make one fan really happy.
After the awful eight book, Nevermore, Patterson decided to write an encore novel. I'm not sure if he read those hate-filled reviews for the supposed conclusion novel, but I'm among the ones who hated the way he ended it the first time. It was a slap in the face to end it the way he did. This novel though, it finally gave respect to the series that I've been reading ever since my early years. I'm honestly satisfied with this. The last part was a bit cheesy, but it was still what I wanted. Bottomline is,
Less action packed as compared to some novels in the series. There were a lot of detours talking about the character's feelings rather than action scenes. I'm not complaining that much though because the character development further flourished. The plot was good despite the lack of action.
Considering this is the last book of the series, I'm not going to talk about the character development anymore. If you've reached this far, then you know that the characters are really good. Max changed a lot from the first few books in the series, but not in a bad way I guess. Either she matured, or I did. Reading taste tends to change over the years.
4/5 stars. Not the perfect book, but I'm sure I would've rated this 5 stars if I read it when I was a lot younger. My taste changed over the years, and lately I don't really enjoy YA anymore. Patterson is one of my favorite authors, and I can say that I see his writing here. I'm not sure if this is one of his books where he has a ghost writer, but hopefully not. Hopefully he started and ended the series. I can't recommend the series to adults, because obviously the targeted audience was young adults. I was around 13 or 14 when I started reading the series, so that's the reason why I loved this so much. If you're in your 20s, you'll probably not enjoy the series that much, but give it a try if you want. Thank you Patterson, for this really good series. There were a lot of bumps in the road, but the important thing is that I'm satisfied in the end. You managed to make one fan really happy.
May 31, 2021
when i was in fifth grade, there was literally nothing cooler than this series.
first off, it seemed like the books were somehow coming out once a month, a phenomenon i can now credit to the following:
- some of them were out already
- james patterson is the most nightmarishly prolific testament to the power of ghostwriting of our time
- i was 11, so my sense of time's passage wasn't exactly fully fleshed out.
anyway. my best friend Avery would buy copies (read: have her parents buy copies because hers were the most lenient of the three of us) and read them, then my best friend Grace and i would take turns, and then we would talk about nothing else nonstop for days.
i believe Grace actually still has my copy of the first one, which i lent her during sophomore year of high school in a burst of nostalgia and fond recollection. Grace, if you still have it, no worries - just keep it.
because this series, like everything else james patterson has ever created, turned into a bloated, overwrought monstrosity, a frankenstein's monster of a narrative with characters and a world and identical storylines that were begging for the sweet sweet oblivion of death.
james "the cliché about beating a dead horse was written about me" patterson.
this is part of a project i'm doing where i review books i read a long time ago, and simultaneously shock and impress everyone with my deft ability to hold long-term literary grudges.
first off, it seemed like the books were somehow coming out once a month, a phenomenon i can now credit to the following:
- some of them were out already
- james patterson is the most nightmarishly prolific testament to the power of ghostwriting of our time
- i was 11, so my sense of time's passage wasn't exactly fully fleshed out.
anyway. my best friend Avery would buy copies (read: have her parents buy copies because hers were the most lenient of the three of us) and read them, then my best friend Grace and i would take turns, and then we would talk about nothing else nonstop for days.
i believe Grace actually still has my copy of the first one, which i lent her during sophomore year of high school in a burst of nostalgia and fond recollection. Grace, if you still have it, no worries - just keep it.
because this series, like everything else james patterson has ever created, turned into a bloated, overwrought monstrosity, a frankenstein's monster of a narrative with characters and a world and identical storylines that were begging for the sweet sweet oblivion of death.
james "the cliché about beating a dead horse was written about me" patterson.
this is part of a project i'm doing where i review books i read a long time ago, and simultaneously shock and impress everyone with my deft ability to hold long-term literary grudges.
won-t-read
August 8, 2014
Some things are better left alone, this is one of those things. After the last Maximum ride book, who was like
"You know what? Let's continue this!"
Stop.
May 25, 2015
Sorry not sorry, but I'm not okay with the book at all. JP seems to think for some reason that what he did was okay and it wasn't. Max was strong, independent and time after time she proved that she didn't need someone to save her. As an 11 year old starting this series I really looked up to her. She was the first book heroin that ever stood at to me as special. She reflected the type of strong I wanted to be. Around book six it had really begun to fade, but that was not the biggest deal, because she was still her. She was still strong and she was still Max. But by this book she was not Max. She was an entirely different person, who was no longer recognizable as the girl I had looked up to. And then for some reason JP felt the need to make her pregnant.
That just isn't okay. She is a 15 year old girl, who has adamantly been against having children due to the fact that her life has been lived on the run. She had acknowledged that her situation was not ideal for having a baby, given the fact that she was constantly threatened. Max having a baby at 15 just shows how much JP disregards that girl he first wrote about, maybe even cared about. And the fact that they used it for an ad to draw people in just makes it worse. Having a 15 year old have a baby is not an acceptable plot device in this case.
JP seems to have forgotten who he was writing for (or his ghost writer forgot). As a 17 year old finishing the series I have to say that I found it horrifying, whereas 11 year old me would have found it cute, when it isn't. How JP wrote at the end made it seem like Max was no longer a person. Suddenly she and this baby were jumbled together, neither with their own identities. I didn't needed a happy ending, but I also didn't need one where an author chooses to step over the line just to make more money.
That just isn't okay. She is a 15 year old girl, who has adamantly been against having children due to the fact that her life has been lived on the run. She had acknowledged that her situation was not ideal for having a baby, given the fact that she was constantly threatened. Max having a baby at 15 just shows how much JP disregards that girl he first wrote about, maybe even cared about. And the fact that they used it for an ad to draw people in just makes it worse. Having a 15 year old have a baby is not an acceptable plot device in this case.
JP seems to have forgotten who he was writing for (or his ghost writer forgot). As a 17 year old finishing the series I have to say that I found it horrifying, whereas 11 year old me would have found it cute, when it isn't. How JP wrote at the end made it seem like Max was no longer a person. Suddenly she and this baby were jumbled together, neither with their own identities. I didn't needed a happy ending, but I also didn't need one where an author chooses to step over the line just to make more money.
May 31, 2015
Before I read this I do want to put my own opinion out there. I do not like or agree with anyone posting one star or even a five star review of a book they haven't even read. It can go either way. This could be the best book or the worst book you ever read and already you're criticizing it. I'm indifferent to a ninth book to the series. I did enjoy the eighth book and was fine with it ending the way it did. At the same time I wanna know what the end of the world looks like and who all truly lived through it's demise. If Patterson wants to have a ninth book that's his decision. He originally started Maximum Ride and Daniel X for his son and maybe his son asked for a ninth book. But of course some people aren't as big of a fan or not a fan at all of Patterson to know this so there you go. Maybe it isn't all about the money. Maybe Patterson has family who value his work and want to see more of a certain series so Patterson in return cares enough to have another book. He's not the only author who has said "this is the last book" and then changed his mind. Author's do it all the time and sometimes it's really NOT for money reasons. If they feel their story wasn't finished then that's really up to them not you. I will admit this is my favorite series I do hope the ninth book is better than the last.
UPDATE FULL REVIEW
James Patterson has brought to us yet another wonderful edition to the Maximum Ride series. This book was the absolute perfect way to end the series. Nevermore left many holes and I know many people including myself were a little disappointed with the turn out. It was a good book, but it didn't feel right to end the series with that book. Maximum Ride brought back all the same emotions from when I read all the other books as a teenager. I laughed, I cried (privately), and my heart broke and got pieced back together again and again. There was something in the book that I normally wouldn't agree with happening, but I couldn't help, but to get extremely excited and giddy. I'm happy that I stuck up for Patterson when many others are saying that the series was dead. No! Only the author gets to decide that, not the fans. Haters really need to just back up because this book was incredible! I know many dropped the series after the third book and I feel sorry for them because they have no idea what they're missing. Maximum Ride is such a raw and emotional series that certainly has taken me on the ride of my life. I love how I can try and predict what Patterson will do, but as usual I couldn't. Above all, I finished this book in a matter of hours! I did not want to put it down. I completely fell in love all over again and it has actually made me want to reread the series all over again. I don't think there will ever be a series that will take the place of Maximum Ride for me. But I do finally feel like the series has ended where it needs to. I actually feel like Patterson just may do a spin off on a certain new character. I would love that! It might not happen, but hey I can always dream can't I? This book was just like any other in the series. It was full of twists and so many surprises. This book was such a beautiful creation and it's meant to be the last. It's weird how I can look back and think that Nevermore really was not the end. At the time I was fine with the ending, but not completely satisfied. I was just happy that everything seemed to be somewhat of a happily ever after. But this book finally completed the beloved Maximum Ride adventures that I will forever hold within my heart. It's amazing that this book reminded me of how much I loved the series and of course still do. Maximum Ride has taken me on a journey like no book ever has before. Being a part of this series since I was fourteen and never stopped loving it. So many unanswered questions were filled and it truly feels like we can close the book on Maximum Ride. The ending was so bittersweet, but that's what probably made me love the last book the most. Bittersweet endings are a favorite of mine and this one was heart breaking yet it fell perfectly into place like a missing puzzle piece the series needed to finally be the end. Everything happens for a reason and I'm so happy that this book was brought to life. Thank you, Patterson for bringing my favorite series back to life and killing it again. This was truly beautiful.
UPDATE FULL REVIEW
James Patterson has brought to us yet another wonderful edition to the Maximum Ride series. This book was the absolute perfect way to end the series. Nevermore left many holes and I know many people including myself were a little disappointed with the turn out. It was a good book, but it didn't feel right to end the series with that book. Maximum Ride brought back all the same emotions from when I read all the other books as a teenager. I laughed, I cried (privately), and my heart broke and got pieced back together again and again. There was something in the book that I normally wouldn't agree with happening, but I couldn't help, but to get extremely excited and giddy. I'm happy that I stuck up for Patterson when many others are saying that the series was dead. No! Only the author gets to decide that, not the fans. Haters really need to just back up because this book was incredible! I know many dropped the series after the third book and I feel sorry for them because they have no idea what they're missing. Maximum Ride is such a raw and emotional series that certainly has taken me on the ride of my life. I love how I can try and predict what Patterson will do, but as usual I couldn't. Above all, I finished this book in a matter of hours! I did not want to put it down. I completely fell in love all over again and it has actually made me want to reread the series all over again. I don't think there will ever be a series that will take the place of Maximum Ride for me. But I do finally feel like the series has ended where it needs to. I actually feel like Patterson just may do a spin off on a certain new character. I would love that! It might not happen, but hey I can always dream can't I? This book was just like any other in the series. It was full of twists and so many surprises. This book was such a beautiful creation and it's meant to be the last. It's weird how I can look back and think that Nevermore really was not the end. At the time I was fine with the ending, but not completely satisfied. I was just happy that everything seemed to be somewhat of a happily ever after. But this book finally completed the beloved Maximum Ride adventures that I will forever hold within my heart. It's amazing that this book reminded me of how much I loved the series and of course still do. Maximum Ride has taken me on a journey like no book ever has before. Being a part of this series since I was fourteen and never stopped loving it. So many unanswered questions were filled and it truly feels like we can close the book on Maximum Ride. The ending was so bittersweet, but that's what probably made me love the last book the most. Bittersweet endings are a favorite of mine and this one was heart breaking yet it fell perfectly into place like a missing puzzle piece the series needed to finally be the end. Everything happens for a reason and I'm so happy that this book was brought to life. Thank you, Patterson for bringing my favorite series back to life and killing it again. This was truly beautiful.
May 31, 2015
Holy shit nugget, am I seeing this right? A Max Ride swan song?
I promise you this, mis amigos - I am gonna kill to be first in line for this one!
Yes, I'm rating it five stars in advance. No way it'll be anything short of awesome. Thank you so very much, James Patterson, for presenting the world with this - because God knows, we need all the answers that were left unsolved in Nevermore.
MY REVIEW:
Yeah...this was as amazing as I could have hoped for. Not only was it wall-to-wall with apocalyptic disaster business, but it was crazy intense as all get-out, not to mention livened up by Max's delightful narration. Oh, Max Ride, how I missed you and your snarkiness.
Highlights:
* All the deaths that occur throughout the novel are faked - except two. Those two are, of course, the ones that hurt the most.
* Some of the evil scientists we all know and love to hate did, in fact, contribute to the apocalypse.
* Oh, and the granddaddy of them all...
I imagine some people won't like the way this story reverts to some of the infamous old Max Ride standbys - such as retconning character deaths, Angel being Angel (seriously, she's become way too creepy), and Dylan being Dylan (go away, winged smarmosaur.) But it wouldn't be a proper Max Ride swan song if it weren't done in the old style, would it?
Three years without answers, and now we finally have them. And the future looks a hell of a lot brighter for our beloved Flock now...a future that we can hopefully be free to imagine without the aid of another book. (Not that I wouldn't like another one, but let's face it, nothing lasts forever.)
So, hopefully, this'll be the only time I have to say this: ave atque vale, Max Ride and the Flock! :D
Read
August 12, 2014HONESTLY EVERYONE IS BEING SO RUDE ABOUT THIS BUT IM JUST SO AMAZED ILL BE READING THIS BABY WHEN IT COMES OUT !
November 27, 2015
When will this series end? The world may never know.
After reading:
Um, yikes?
After reading:
Um, yikes?
December 27, 2020
MAJOR SPOILERS.
This book was terrible. After the gut-wrenching blow from the previous book, I figured it couldn't end any worse. But at least it was over. What had started as a series that I cherished had crumbled before my eyes with each ghostwritten disaster. Finally, I had made it to the end and felt a wave of relief.
Nevermore made me furious. It left me with millions of questions that I figure would never be answered. Then a beacon of hope: ANOTHER BOOK!!! My prayers were answered. I would have a satisfactory ending for the otherwise ruined characters that I had once loved. However, it was not so.
What I REALLY didn't want to read about was the continuous on-off love story of Max and Fang that I'd grown to despise. How many times can he leave "for her protection" and come back to save the day without it reading like he's just an asshole with severe commitment issues? The book was a flurry of him peacing out, Max spiraling into despair, and me rolling my eyes. Sometimes, love stories don't need to be in a constant state of turmoil for it to be enjoyable. A stable relationship that's been built up over a series can still be exciting when the rest of the book is exciting. Making the whole plot ride on the Max/Fang trainwreck was exhausting.
The main characters I had once loved became side characters whose very existence I found frustrating. I hated the teenage angst and how Nudge, Gazzy, and Iggy were all of a sudden jerked into the story after ages of being written off as irrelevant. It's like he forgot all about them and had to hurridly wrap up their stories. Angel's constant on/off evil persona and her poorly timed deception were completely traumatizing. Please, get a grip on your characters and their individual story arcs.
And the thing that really shocked me was Max getting pregnant with Fang's child. Max never wanted to be a parent. I'll never understand why Patterson felt that the Max/Fang relationship needed this extra push. Their relationship has been growing in toxicity as the stories go on. I can't fathom that they would make good parents. Especially considering that they are 15 years old and living in a post-apocalyptic era.
The deaths in this story felt like fillers. The descriptions were overly gory and made each irrelevant death even more tiresome to read.
My overall issues:
- Max being a blubbering mess for the majority of the book. Her attitude is completely out of character
- Angels on/off evil persona
- Dylan being the only Horseman going after Fang
- The poorly written and unnecessary gore that felt like filler
- Whatever the hell Harry's character was
- The 'cryenas' suddenly appearing on the 30th floor of a building to attack the flock
- The fake deaths
- Dylan's sacrifice for Max and how she spent "years to get over it" Max not getting over Dylan EVEN though he died for the father of her child was ridiculously irritating. Fang was the one she loved and wanted to end up with. She couldn't make up her mind and it made me want to slap her in the face. Also, how did Dylan's death by electrocution save Fang? How did the two correlate?
- MAX GETTING PREGNANT while being a teenager in the apocalypse
- Fang always leaving for her "protection" when all it does is make her practically comatose
- DR GUNTHER HAGEN? Why did he have to be the evil guy? He wasn't even on my mind through the series.
- the unhealthy relationship between not only Max and Fang but THE WHOLE FLOCK!!!
- The uncomfortable love triangle.
- How COMPLETELY RIGHT Nudge was when she said that "Max just won't be able to live without someone fighting over her"
- Max's mother and sister's presumed deaths that were just glossed over
- The random tribe of fish people....?
- The huge lead up to stopping the apocalypse and then Max just letting the apocalypse happen and kill millions while worrying about Fang and Dylan.
- So much death
- The cliché name of their baby:
"PHOENIX" because she "gives them light in the dark" and "she has wings" (I swear to god I wanted to simply swallow a hammer at this point)
- Fang laughs now... "Chuckles" is my least favorite word in the history of existence.
- Saying "We won't EVER let you fall!" was so cheesy I almost lost it
A TOTAL disappointment. I loved the first three books. Then it all started to go down the drain. I still collapse in fits of hysterical laughter when I think about anyone knowingly reading this book and letting it get published.
This book was terrible. After the gut-wrenching blow from the previous book, I figured it couldn't end any worse. But at least it was over. What had started as a series that I cherished had crumbled before my eyes with each ghostwritten disaster. Finally, I had made it to the end and felt a wave of relief.
Nevermore made me furious. It left me with millions of questions that I figure would never be answered. Then a beacon of hope: ANOTHER BOOK!!! My prayers were answered. I would have a satisfactory ending for the otherwise ruined characters that I had once loved. However, it was not so.
What I REALLY didn't want to read about was the continuous on-off love story of Max and Fang that I'd grown to despise. How many times can he leave "for her protection" and come back to save the day without it reading like he's just an asshole with severe commitment issues? The book was a flurry of him peacing out, Max spiraling into despair, and me rolling my eyes. Sometimes, love stories don't need to be in a constant state of turmoil for it to be enjoyable. A stable relationship that's been built up over a series can still be exciting when the rest of the book is exciting. Making the whole plot ride on the Max/Fang trainwreck was exhausting.
The main characters I had once loved became side characters whose very existence I found frustrating. I hated the teenage angst and how Nudge, Gazzy, and Iggy were all of a sudden jerked into the story after ages of being written off as irrelevant. It's like he forgot all about them and had to hurridly wrap up their stories. Angel's constant on/off evil persona and her poorly timed deception were completely traumatizing. Please, get a grip on your characters and their individual story arcs.
And the thing that really shocked me was Max getting pregnant with Fang's child. Max never wanted to be a parent. I'll never understand why Patterson felt that the Max/Fang relationship needed this extra push. Their relationship has been growing in toxicity as the stories go on. I can't fathom that they would make good parents. Especially considering that they are 15 years old and living in a post-apocalyptic era.
The deaths in this story felt like fillers. The descriptions were overly gory and made each irrelevant death even more tiresome to read.
My overall issues:
- Max being a blubbering mess for the majority of the book. Her attitude is completely out of character
- Angels on/off evil persona
- Dylan being the only Horseman going after Fang
- The poorly written and unnecessary gore that felt like filler
- Whatever the hell Harry's character was
- The 'cryenas' suddenly appearing on the 30th floor of a building to attack the flock
- The fake deaths
- Dylan's sacrifice for Max and how she spent "years to get over it" Max not getting over Dylan EVEN though he died for the father of her child was ridiculously irritating. Fang was the one she loved and wanted to end up with. She couldn't make up her mind and it made me want to slap her in the face. Also, how did Dylan's death by electrocution save Fang? How did the two correlate?
- MAX GETTING PREGNANT while being a teenager in the apocalypse
- Fang always leaving for her "protection" when all it does is make her practically comatose
- DR GUNTHER HAGEN? Why did he have to be the evil guy? He wasn't even on my mind through the series.
- the unhealthy relationship between not only Max and Fang but THE WHOLE FLOCK!!!
- The uncomfortable love triangle.
- How COMPLETELY RIGHT Nudge was when she said that "Max just won't be able to live without someone fighting over her"
- Max's mother and sister's presumed deaths that were just glossed over
- The random tribe of fish people....?
- The huge lead up to stopping the apocalypse and then Max just letting the apocalypse happen and kill millions while worrying about Fang and Dylan.
- So much death
- The cliché name of their baby:
"PHOENIX" because she "gives them light in the dark" and "she has wings" (I swear to god I wanted to simply swallow a hammer at this point)
- Fang laughs now... "Chuckles" is my least favorite word in the history of existence.
- Saying "We won't EVER let you fall!" was so cheesy I almost lost it
A TOTAL disappointment. I loved the first three books. Then it all started to go down the drain. I still collapse in fits of hysterical laughter when I think about anyone knowingly reading this book and letting it get published.
June 7, 2015
I remember how absolutely obsessed I was with this series, since middle school. They were such fun and everyone in the flock had their own funny and loveable personalities. From Toto the talking dog to troublemakers Gazzy and Izzy. And Max and Fang were my OTP. I joined a huge online forum for the book series and was on it every day.
Then after the Final Warning, the series turned into utter crap. The whole "Max is special she's gonna save the world" repeated by everyone book after book without Max actually saving the world or doing much got tired real fast. Everyone else in the flock got less and less page time each book and new, wholly uninteresting characters became the focus. The stupid nonsensical love triangle. The nice slow building relationship between Max and Fang reached high school drama and angst proportions. The dialogue became laughable and I'm pretty sure there was a ghostwriter. Plus, Ari must've died and came back alive more than 6 times by now.
Angel became such a weird, freaky little kid. Jeb kept turning from good guy to bad guy. Everyone just started becoming a caricature of themselves.
I was surpised to see this book because I thought the previous one was the last. Read it just for fun and the dialogue and writing felt really, really amateur-ish. I lost count of how many times by now Fang has left the flock out of some self-sacrificing ideals. And how many times by now Max burst into tears every time Fang or someone in the flock only for it to be a false alarm. Plus, surprise, surprise....friggin Jeb again =_=. And the epilogue...cringe.
Well. I'll always remember my love for the first three books.
Then after the Final Warning, the series turned into utter crap. The whole "Max is special she's gonna save the world" repeated by everyone book after book without Max actually saving the world or doing much got tired real fast. Everyone else in the flock got less and less page time each book and new, wholly uninteresting characters became the focus. The stupid nonsensical love triangle. The nice slow building relationship between Max and Fang reached high school drama and angst proportions. The dialogue became laughable and I'm pretty sure there was a ghostwriter. Plus, Ari must've died and came back alive more than 6 times by now.
Angel became such a weird, freaky little kid. Jeb kept turning from good guy to bad guy. Everyone just started becoming a caricature of themselves.
I was surpised to see this book because I thought the previous one was the last. Read it just for fun and the dialogue and writing felt really, really amateur-ish. I lost count of how many times by now Fang has left the flock out of some self-sacrificing ideals. And how many times by now Max burst into tears every time Fang or someone in the flock only for it to be a false alarm. Plus, surprise, surprise....friggin Jeb again =_=. And the epilogue...cringe.
Well. I'll always remember my love for the first three books.
August 27, 2017
So lets start with... I'm glad that James Patterson wrote this book. My opinions about it does not change the fact that so many problems left with Nevermore were resolved as well as they could be in this book. But still... I just didn't like it. I only read this book because I was a loyal Maximum Ride fan, and I basically grew up with it in my childhood. Now that I'm older with more reading experience, all I can see are immense problems with this series. Maybe it's just me... but I don't know.
To be honest, this book/series was a mess... if you really read it and notice the details. I feel like the plot of this book was thought of overnight, and James Patterson decided to put 400 pages in one sitting. While I was reading it all I could think was, "can this book finish faster?" The plot was so predictable and frustrating, and it was just.
I feel like this book was just an unnecessary installment into this series, and I feel like James Patterson could've fixed up the problems with Nevermore in maybe 100 pages and just released a short story. Everyone seems to be praising this book, and it seems that I'm the only one with an unpopular opinion...
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Felt like this series had so much more potential... but yeah.
To be honest, this book/series was a mess... if you really read it and notice the details. I feel like the plot of this book was thought of overnight, and James Patterson decided to put 400 pages in one sitting. While I was reading it all I could think was, "can this book finish faster?" The plot was so predictable and frustrating, and it was just.
I feel like this book was just an unnecessary installment into this series, and I feel like James Patterson could've fixed up the problems with Nevermore in maybe 100 pages and just released a short story. Everyone seems to be praising this book, and it seems that I'm the only one with an unpopular opinion...
[image error]
Felt like this series had so much more potential... but yeah.
October 1, 2024
The Good: In his usual style, James Patterson has written another page-turner featuring human/avian teenage girl Maximum "Max" Ride and her flock. Suspenseful moments abound, and the action and humor that was present in the earlier books in the series is also seen here. The two events at the end are rather surprising. I was glad to also see a reference to the Bible; does James Patterson read the Word?
The Bad: Seriously, how long can this series go on? Nevermore was supposed to be the final adventure, which is why I was shocked to see this on the new shelf at the library. I think James Patterson should quit while he is ahead, or else this series will devolve into inanity.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: An implied affair that results in pregnancy; a girl being referred to as a "bimbo." 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: "Cr*p" is used at least three or four times; the a-word, at least once. 4/5
• Violence: As usual for this series, the Flock fights monstrous and robotic enemies. A guy gives up his own life for another's. 2/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Not only is the book fraught with intensity, but it also features the whole planet in a state of panic. 2/5
Conclusion: I've enjoyed the Maximum Ride series from the first time I read it...but, I think this is enough. While good for what it was, if James Patterson keeps this going any longer, the series will definitely jump the shark.
Score: 3/5
The Bad: Seriously, how long can this series go on? Nevermore was supposed to be the final adventure, which is why I was shocked to see this on the new shelf at the library. I think James Patterson should quit while he is ahead, or else this series will devolve into inanity.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: An implied affair that results in pregnancy; a girl being referred to as a "bimbo." 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: "Cr*p" is used at least three or four times; the a-word, at least once. 4/5
• Violence: As usual for this series, the Flock fights monstrous and robotic enemies. A guy gives up his own life for another's. 2/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Not only is the book fraught with intensity, but it also features the whole planet in a state of panic. 2/5
Conclusion: I've enjoyed the Maximum Ride series from the first time I read it...but, I think this is enough. While good for what it was, if James Patterson keeps this going any longer, the series will definitely jump the shark.
Score: 3/5
Want to read
February 11, 2015ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW
I AM NOT AMUSED, MR. PATTERSON. NOT. AMUSED.
I AM NOT AMUSED, MR. PATTERSON. NOT. AMUSED.
June 27, 2017
It is my deep and fervent hope that this is the actual last Maximum Ride book that will come out; even if it is not, I'm pretty certain it's the last one I'll ever read. I guess everyone is forced to have that painful experience at least once in their life where they watch as a beloved book, show, or movie series spirals into mediocrity, so I can now say that this is mine.
This is the story of Max and the Flock after the end of the world that was so abruptly, unbelievably, and unsatisfyingly brought about out of left field at the end of Nevermore. While I guess I was somewhat pleased that Patterson (or whoever actually writes these now) realized what a dumb place to leave a series that was, this book didn't really make things much better.
Once again, the character humor that made the first three books instant favorites of mine was practically nil. Most of the book is a depressing, repetitive scan of what remains of the world, which is not much. Over and over again the reader is hit with international scenes of death, starvation, plague, nuclear fallout; basically literally every apocalyptic dystopian scenario happened at the same time. We see and are told about what various disasters and mass death befell each major country and city. It very nearly bypasses grimdark and goes straight into laughable. Either way, it's just entirely the wrong tone for what started out as an action-y sci-fi series with a strong sense of humor and fun. Character interactions aren't much better; most of it is fighting, grieving, and angsting, internally and externally.
Pretty much every ounce of conflict is just a rehashing and recombining of previous book issues, which makes them tiresome on top of nonsensical since you just know you've read all these scenarios already. Tension with Angel. Guilt and tension over Dylan. Is Fang going to die? Which crazy groups want to end humanity now? Will the Flock break up? Who's behind everything? Etc., etc.
I also seriously facepalmed at All along James Patterson has stuck those disclaimers at the front of the books regarding his previous 'adult' bird-kid duality When the Wind Blows and The Lake House, and what does he do at the eleventh hour? Stick in one of the only major remaining plot points in which the two differed. The sad thing is, he did it better in the older two novels; it made more sense, was less out of left field, had much less edge of squick, and
Also, .
There is pretty much only one thing that made this book even the slightest bit worth reading and saved it from a one-star. It's that the ending was happy (if cheesy, yes), concrete, and gave me the bittersweet peace of mind that I could at least leave the Flock in a better place than the awful, stupid close of Nevermore.
Still should have ended with book three. Now for the love I bear the Flock, let it rest, JP.
This is the story of Max and the Flock after the end of the world that was so abruptly, unbelievably, and unsatisfyingly brought about out of left field at the end of Nevermore. While I guess I was somewhat pleased that Patterson (or whoever actually writes these now) realized what a dumb place to leave a series that was, this book didn't really make things much better.
Once again, the character humor that made the first three books instant favorites of mine was practically nil. Most of the book is a depressing, repetitive scan of what remains of the world, which is not much. Over and over again the reader is hit with international scenes of death, starvation, plague, nuclear fallout; basically literally every apocalyptic dystopian scenario happened at the same time. We see and are told about what various disasters and mass death befell each major country and city. It very nearly bypasses grimdark and goes straight into laughable. Either way, it's just entirely the wrong tone for what started out as an action-y sci-fi series with a strong sense of humor and fun. Character interactions aren't much better; most of it is fighting, grieving, and angsting, internally and externally.
Pretty much every ounce of conflict is just a rehashing and recombining of previous book issues, which makes them tiresome on top of nonsensical since you just know you've read all these scenarios already. Tension with Angel. Guilt and tension over Dylan. Is Fang going to die? Which crazy groups want to end humanity now? Will the Flock break up? Who's behind everything? Etc., etc.
I also seriously facepalmed at All along James Patterson has stuck those disclaimers at the front of the books regarding his previous 'adult' bird-kid duality When the Wind Blows and The Lake House, and what does he do at the eleventh hour? Stick in one of the only major remaining plot points in which the two differed. The sad thing is, he did it better in the older two novels; it made more sense, was less out of left field, had much less edge of squick, and
Also, .
There is pretty much only one thing that made this book even the slightest bit worth reading and saved it from a one-star. It's that the ending was happy (if cheesy, yes), concrete, and gave me the bittersweet peace of mind that I could at least leave the Flock in a better place than the awful, stupid close of Nevermore.
Still should have ended with book three. Now for the love I bear the Flock, let it rest, JP.
October 1, 2015
I freaking hated this, the ending and everything. Spoiler: Maximum's pregnant with Fang's baby, no, unfortunately, I didn't make that up. It really bothers me that in past books we found Fang came from teenage parents and he repeated that, fulfilling a boring statistic. What pisses me off the most though is the idea that someone can be programmed to love someone and only that someone forever. Dylan was my favorite in all of this, he was my one good thing in this whole freaking catastrophe and then he offed himself for Fang, a half of a relationship I never even freaking cared about. Maximum and Fang were Ross and Rachel for me: get together, don't get together, I lost interest a long time ago. The fact Dylan could never grow to love someone as much as he loved Maximum is ridiculous to me. It just pisses me off. To me the heart is the strolling bada** of the human anatomy, and it can do whatever the heck it wants, but no - Dylan will forever be devoted to her - and that is some major BS for me. Screw that idea and screw this ending.
Also, this is more general, not a fault found only in this book. I'm tired of all YA fiction depicting teenage sex as if it's completely okay if you're in love. Most of these characters are 15-18 (in this case 15 which is disgusting. How can people be happy with this ending? It's ridiculous to assume all they've been through makes them adults), with their full lives ahead of them - they don't know themselves completely yet, they haven't come into their own. How can you just have sex whenever love is thrown in? They should wait to experience more, to know for sure. I hate this so much, I'm just done with this completely. Authors should stop promoting this as if it's completely okay. They can write anything - how about an ideal world? They could even make it seem real and not some parent ploy.
Maximum Ride, an Human-Avian hybrid, is a teenage mom - great! Fantastic! I love it! Just kill me, it was a struggle to get through the last part of that book after Dylan's sacrifice. This book completely slaughtered any love I had for this series, which is a shame because I used to love it. This is the worst ending I never could have seen coming - I'd rather have them lose, not be able to save the world, and all die than have to live with this ending. Someone grab the gasoline and a match, light me up like Fall Out Boy! JK, I'm just going to erase all of this awful disaster and try not to stab something. You can't destroy library books, but you can bang them against your bed as much as you want, right?
Also, this is more general, not a fault found only in this book. I'm tired of all YA fiction depicting teenage sex as if it's completely okay if you're in love. Most of these characters are 15-18 (in this case 15 which is disgusting. How can people be happy with this ending? It's ridiculous to assume all they've been through makes them adults), with their full lives ahead of them - they don't know themselves completely yet, they haven't come into their own. How can you just have sex whenever love is thrown in? They should wait to experience more, to know for sure. I hate this so much, I'm just done with this completely. Authors should stop promoting this as if it's completely okay. They can write anything - how about an ideal world? They could even make it seem real and not some parent ploy.
Maximum Ride, an Human-Avian hybrid, is a teenage mom - great! Fantastic! I love it! Just kill me, it was a struggle to get through the last part of that book after Dylan's sacrifice. This book completely slaughtered any love I had for this series, which is a shame because I used to love it. This is the worst ending I never could have seen coming - I'd rather have them lose, not be able to save the world, and all die than have to live with this ending. Someone grab the gasoline and a match, light me up like Fall Out Boy! JK, I'm just going to erase all of this awful disaster and try not to stab something. You can't destroy library books, but you can bang them against your bed as much as you want, right?
January 18, 2016
THE REVIEW CAN ALSO BE FOUND HERE!
James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series used to be one of my favourite books when I was younger and would always be appointment reading for me, as in, when the new book came out I’d get on that and drop whatever I was currently reading at the moment. However, after the third book, the series started to decrease in quality dramatically, falling into the love triangle plot that is common with so many young adult series nowadays, and as a result, pretty much all the books after Saving the World (And Other Extreme Sports) (Remember how much better the titles seemed to be before he started naming them after the characters?) aside from Max were a disappointment for me, with Fang, Angel and Nevermore being an example of Patterson at his worst, and the ending to Nevermore was a resounding disappointment. The characters stopped being interesting and likeable, and as a result, my interest in the series wained. However, when Maximum Ride Forever was announced, I was taken by surprise, mainly because Nevermore had been proclaimed to be the last in the series. Evidently Patterson had a change of heart and decided to write another.
Luckily, Maximum Ride Forever almost feels like an apology for the terrible Nevermore. It’s what the series finale should have been, wrapping up loose ends, injecting that same tension and pace that the series had in those early days, and gave us a satisfactory conclusion as it looked at life for Max and her flock in a post apocalyptic world that they failed to save. Not many young adult books end with the main protagonists actually losing so this was an interesting development, and Patterson handled this downer ending well, with the usual short chapters and intense pace that comes with his books.
The book doesn’t hold back and there are plenty of deaths throughout the book. Eventually not everything is as it seems as Patterson has a habit of bringing characters, both good and evil back from the dead in this series, but the impact is felt. There’s echoes of Patterson’s original duology featuring a winged character that is also named Max but bears little similarity to the character here in the how the book found its resolution, Where the Wind Blows and The Lake House (both of which, in my opinion, show the author at the top of his game), but that’s all there are, echoes. Most of Maximum Ride Forever feels fresh (despite retreading some familiar ground), exciting and Patterson back at his best in the young adult genre.
You’ll get through this book pretty quickly as per usual with Patterson books thanks to his trademark style as he gives a satisfactory conclusion to the characters. The characters are handled well for the most part. Even though the attention is focused primarily on Max and Fang as per usual, Nudge, Iggy and the other members of the Flock get more to do here than they’ve had to do in the most recent books from what I can remember, even if their roles have been dramatically reduced since the start of the first book.
A few characters aren’t quite as handled well as others, Jeb Batchelder is just kind of there for example because Patterson decided he should be, and Patterson struggles to make us care for the youngest member of the Flock, Angel, who has always been hard to figure out what her role in everything is. There’s an epilogue that ends on a bittersweet note, but for the most part, Maximum Ride Forever serves as a nice swansong for the series and I hope for once Patterson doesn’t decide to return anymore. A spinoff would probably be the best idea at this point, but Maximum Ride Forever is at least, despite a few problems here and there, a good finale that redeems the series from the mess that was Nevermore. For all the freshness that comes with the book however it does revert to a few same old tropes with the love triangle being unfortunately one of the most unwelcome ones, but now, we finally have answers, and more importantly, a proper ending.
Fans who have stuck with this series for this long will most likely be rewarded. But I really, really hope there isn’t another entry in this series unless Patterson decides to write his best novel yet, because anything else would probably be a disappointment.
VERDICT: 8/10
James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series used to be one of my favourite books when I was younger and would always be appointment reading for me, as in, when the new book came out I’d get on that and drop whatever I was currently reading at the moment. However, after the third book, the series started to decrease in quality dramatically, falling into the love triangle plot that is common with so many young adult series nowadays, and as a result, pretty much all the books after Saving the World (And Other Extreme Sports) (Remember how much better the titles seemed to be before he started naming them after the characters?) aside from Max were a disappointment for me, with Fang, Angel and Nevermore being an example of Patterson at his worst, and the ending to Nevermore was a resounding disappointment. The characters stopped being interesting and likeable, and as a result, my interest in the series wained. However, when Maximum Ride Forever was announced, I was taken by surprise, mainly because Nevermore had been proclaimed to be the last in the series. Evidently Patterson had a change of heart and decided to write another.
Luckily, Maximum Ride Forever almost feels like an apology for the terrible Nevermore. It’s what the series finale should have been, wrapping up loose ends, injecting that same tension and pace that the series had in those early days, and gave us a satisfactory conclusion as it looked at life for Max and her flock in a post apocalyptic world that they failed to save. Not many young adult books end with the main protagonists actually losing so this was an interesting development, and Patterson handled this downer ending well, with the usual short chapters and intense pace that comes with his books.
The book doesn’t hold back and there are plenty of deaths throughout the book. Eventually not everything is as it seems as Patterson has a habit of bringing characters, both good and evil back from the dead in this series, but the impact is felt. There’s echoes of Patterson’s original duology featuring a winged character that is also named Max but bears little similarity to the character here in the how the book found its resolution, Where the Wind Blows and The Lake House (both of which, in my opinion, show the author at the top of his game), but that’s all there are, echoes. Most of Maximum Ride Forever feels fresh (despite retreading some familiar ground), exciting and Patterson back at his best in the young adult genre.
You’ll get through this book pretty quickly as per usual with Patterson books thanks to his trademark style as he gives a satisfactory conclusion to the characters. The characters are handled well for the most part. Even though the attention is focused primarily on Max and Fang as per usual, Nudge, Iggy and the other members of the Flock get more to do here than they’ve had to do in the most recent books from what I can remember, even if their roles have been dramatically reduced since the start of the first book.
A few characters aren’t quite as handled well as others, Jeb Batchelder is just kind of there for example because Patterson decided he should be, and Patterson struggles to make us care for the youngest member of the Flock, Angel, who has always been hard to figure out what her role in everything is. There’s an epilogue that ends on a bittersweet note, but for the most part, Maximum Ride Forever serves as a nice swansong for the series and I hope for once Patterson doesn’t decide to return anymore. A spinoff would probably be the best idea at this point, but Maximum Ride Forever is at least, despite a few problems here and there, a good finale that redeems the series from the mess that was Nevermore. For all the freshness that comes with the book however it does revert to a few same old tropes with the love triangle being unfortunately one of the most unwelcome ones, but now, we finally have answers, and more importantly, a proper ending.
Fans who have stuck with this series for this long will most likely be rewarded. But I really, really hope there isn’t another entry in this series unless Patterson decides to write his best novel yet, because anything else would probably be a disappointment.
VERDICT: 8/10
not-gonna-bother
August 25, 2016THERE'S MORE?!?!?!?!??
WHAT THE FRICK
WHEN
WHAT
WOT
WHY
NO
WHAT THE FRICK
WHEN
WHAT
WOT
WHY
NO
July 24, 2015
oh my god. okay, despite my previous updates, my rating is going against those. i can't really explain how I feel right now, but let's just say that I have been with this series since I started it six years ago and now it has ended and it ended beautifully.
I guess, to sum my emotions up, you guys have Hogwarts, while I have my bird kids.
I guess, to sum my emotions up, you guys have Hogwarts, while I have my bird kids.
August 2, 2015
In the promised final chapter of the Maximum Ride series, Patterson keeps the reader's curiosity on a sloe boil. Living on a post-apocalyptic earth, Max and her Flock seek to determine if there is anything salvageable. Devastation is rampant and the last documented images from the world's largest cities stream in through a poorly defined 5G network. In order to properly ascertain the answers they seek, the Flock divides and promises to report in as soon as they can. Meanwhile, the Doomsday Cult, cloned bird children, lurks in the shadows to snuff out the Flock alongside most of humankind, leaving each Flock member to dodge attempts on their lives with every turn, some with less than successful results. The more Max learns of the situation on earth, the less she seems motivated to trudge on, but she must, as pockets of life emerges throughout her discoveries. The question remains, is the end inevitable, or is there a shimmering ray of light in this overly bleak world? In a fitting ending to the series, Patterson offers his young adult readers a glimpse of the world to come and the way those who witness it react to the final days. Now, can we be sure that Patterson will actually end it here? Let's hope!
I got interested in the series years ago, when it was in its early stages. While I am not a 'Young Adult', my dedication to this series offers me some insight to comment on its content, which has unfortunately (but predictably) suffered from PATTERSON SYNDROME. Those familiar with my reviews of James Patterson will know this refers to his desire to churn out drivel, using his name to sell books rather than solid content. The series had some great potential, but lost its lustre and moved into a world of utter cheesiness. Are young adult readers expected to subject themselves to this? I know John Grisham and Kathy Reichs (both having carved out greatness in their adult genre books) have been able to successfully transition without getting too silly. Alas, Patterson lauds himself as an expert, but fails. Also, interesting to see how Patterson climbs up on his soap box and points the finger at Russia, but stops short at referring to Putin when making his case for those who are to blame for the apocalyptic world in which the story takes place. Well played, Mr. P., as you indoctrinate the next generation.
Tepid, Mr. Patterson. You seem to want your young readers to stifle their reading abilities and comprehension with this sub-par piece of work.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I got interested in the series years ago, when it was in its early stages. While I am not a 'Young Adult', my dedication to this series offers me some insight to comment on its content, which has unfortunately (but predictably) suffered from PATTERSON SYNDROME. Those familiar with my reviews of James Patterson will know this refers to his desire to churn out drivel, using his name to sell books rather than solid content. The series had some great potential, but lost its lustre and moved into a world of utter cheesiness. Are young adult readers expected to subject themselves to this? I know John Grisham and Kathy Reichs (both having carved out greatness in their adult genre books) have been able to successfully transition without getting too silly. Alas, Patterson lauds himself as an expert, but fails. Also, interesting to see how Patterson climbs up on his soap box and points the finger at Russia, but stops short at referring to Putin when making his case for those who are to blame for the apocalyptic world in which the story takes place. Well played, Mr. P., as you indoctrinate the next generation.
Tepid, Mr. Patterson. You seem to want your young readers to stifle their reading abilities and comprehension with this sub-par piece of work.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 23, 2016
Thank you James Patterson for giving us the ending to Maximum Ride that we deserved. I fell in love with this series when I was 10 years old and I'm sad to say goodbye to it 9 years later. Maximum Ride will forever stay in my heart and I will forever ship Fang and Max. I'm so happy they got their happily ever after.
Do I wish Max just kicked some series butt and saved the world? Yes. Am I okay with her saving the world by having a baby that would start the new world after the apocalypse? Maybe. Either way I'm pleased with the ending. Goodbye Maximum Ride. Thank you for taking me on your journey
Do I wish Max just kicked some series butt and saved the world? Yes. Am I okay with her saving the world by having a baby that would start the new world after the apocalypse? Maybe. Either way I'm pleased with the ending. Goodbye Maximum Ride. Thank you for taking me on your journey
March 29, 2016
EXCUSE ME
JAMES PATTERSON
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO RIP OUT MY HEART
NOT HAPPY JAN
JAMES PATTERSON
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO RIP OUT MY HEART
NOT HAPPY JAN
June 27, 2015
I'm starting to get annoyed about all these people saying, "I hate that there is another book, don't beat a dead horse". IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T READ IT, AND STOP RUINING MY EXCITEMENT. Just saying. I ain't sayin' I don't like personal opinions but seriously, there are more reviews that just hate the ninth book without even reading it than there are reviews that share my excitement.
I'm super excited. Even if the plot isn't great, I love the writing. There can almost never be too many books.
I GOT IT, I GOT IT, I GOT IT. CUE HYPERVENTILATION.
Okay.. I admit, I am not wowed by the first couple of chapters. Maybe because it has been so long, but I just seems both rushed and slow at the same time. I am not going to say writing a book is easy but if some of the things that have been happening the entire series repeat (yes, you fang and angel) someone is going to get punched.
Can We just take a moment to discuss how her flock has turned from a loving family into a bunch of disloyal UNGRATEFUL kids. I mean, I could see how their view would be different, and how it might seem that it is always Max that everything is focused on but you know why, BECAUSE SHE HAS CARED FOR THEM WHEN NO ONE ELSE COULD, TAKING ON A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY AT A YOUNG AGE AND DOING ALL SHE CAN AND WHAT SHE THINKS IS RIGHT WHILE ALSO BATTLING TEENAGE HORMONES AND IF YOU THINK YOU COULD DO ANY BETTER YOU SELF-SERVING BUTTFACES I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY BECAUSE YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT FULL EXTENT OF WHAT SHE HAS SACRIFICED FOR YOU. ug.
After Reading:
Okay, there is a very good chance I am in tears. I have always loved Maximum Ride and I did feel that Nevermore left... more to be desired. When I started this book, I was nervous that it would end the same way the last book did. I could not be more wrong. This might be one of the best endings ever, up there with the Harry Potter epilogue. There was a plot twist at the end that I did not see coming, I mean, talk about a surprise, but after that ended, and there was an epilogue, I figured that there would be a small chapter, but then there were I think.. three chapters, and you got a full look at the life after, and I loved it a lot. There was a lot happening in the end, and I love that I did not see it coming. I also cannot stress enough how perfect and satisfying this ending was. I feel like the Maximum Ride series is concluded, but in the way that making me know life will continue on for everyone, and I feel happy knowing that they are ... safe.
It was a great book, and don't give up reading it.
I'm super excited. Even if the plot isn't great, I love the writing. There can almost never be too many books.
I GOT IT, I GOT IT, I GOT IT. CUE HYPERVENTILATION.
Okay.. I admit, I am not wowed by the first couple of chapters. Maybe because it has been so long, but I just seems both rushed and slow at the same time. I am not going to say writing a book is easy but if some of the things that have been happening the entire series repeat (yes, you fang and angel) someone is going to get punched.
Can We just take a moment to discuss how her flock has turned from a loving family into a bunch of disloyal UNGRATEFUL kids. I mean, I could see how their view would be different, and how it might seem that it is always Max that everything is focused on but you know why, BECAUSE SHE HAS CARED FOR THEM WHEN NO ONE ELSE COULD, TAKING ON A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY AT A YOUNG AGE AND DOING ALL SHE CAN AND WHAT SHE THINKS IS RIGHT WHILE ALSO BATTLING TEENAGE HORMONES AND IF YOU THINK YOU COULD DO ANY BETTER YOU SELF-SERVING BUTTFACES I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY BECAUSE YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT FULL EXTENT OF WHAT SHE HAS SACRIFICED FOR YOU. ug.
After Reading:
Okay, there is a very good chance I am in tears. I have always loved Maximum Ride and I did feel that Nevermore left... more to be desired. When I started this book, I was nervous that it would end the same way the last book did. I could not be more wrong. This might be one of the best endings ever, up there with the Harry Potter epilogue. There was a plot twist at the end that I did not see coming, I mean, talk about a surprise, but after that ended, and there was an epilogue, I figured that there would be a small chapter, but then there were I think.. three chapters, and you got a full look at the life after, and I loved it a lot. There was a lot happening in the end, and I love that I did not see it coming. I also cannot stress enough how perfect and satisfying this ending was. I feel like the Maximum Ride series is concluded, but in the way that making me know life will continue on for everyone, and I feel happy knowing that they are ... safe.
It was a great book, and don't give up reading it.
Want to read
May 11, 2015I read Nevermore back in 6th grade (probably 2012). I was really excited for the *ahem "last book" to come out.
I thought it was the end.
The end.
THE end.
THE END.
But wait, fellow good readers. Apparently not.
Life goes on and on. Now I am in 2015. And I see THIS 9th book advertising that it is THE last book.
I went and checked several sources before I wrote this.
My opinions:
Nevermore ended with an ending that I just wanted to scream at the author for. Not because it was good. Because it didn't make sense and it totally made me go like ????
James Patterson, I thought your books were really good. For like the first four books.
Then comes cliche plots, love triangles, the ever most evil Angel, and absolutely no voice from all the other characters. Oh, and that ending.
So. Cliche. <---- Might as well be my favorite word.
What happened to the rest of the flock? Max wasn't supposed to be the only important character here. To me, they're all important.
Gazzy.
Iggy.
Nudge.
Ella.
What the fucking hell did you put them in?
Now, as James Patterson struck a nerve and decides to write the FINAL ending to the series, I will be here whacking my head.
Please, please, make up your mind before you decide to do anything with your series. Stick with your original plan, Patterson. Just because you wrote so many books doesn't mean you are a immortal fandom.
Let me tell you this, brother. We make up your fans.
Yeah, I'm still reading it. Maybe at BN for free or the library. Just to see if Patterson at least made a somewhat acceptable ending.
Anyone read the first 5 chapters (it literally was 3 because of all the shit there) on his website?
I thought it was the end.
The end.
THE end.
THE END.
But wait, fellow good readers. Apparently not.
Life goes on and on. Now I am in 2015. And I see THIS 9th book advertising that it is THE last book.
I went and checked several sources before I wrote this.
My opinions:
Nevermore ended with an ending that I just wanted to scream at the author for. Not because it was good. Because it didn't make sense and it totally made me go like ????
James Patterson, I thought your books were really good. For like the first four books.
Then comes cliche plots, love triangles, the ever most evil Angel, and absolutely no voice from all the other characters. Oh, and that ending.
So. Cliche. <---- Might as well be my favorite word.
What happened to the rest of the flock? Max wasn't supposed to be the only important character here. To me, they're all important.
Gazzy.
Iggy.
Nudge.
Ella.
What the fucking hell did you put them in?
Now, as James Patterson struck a nerve and decides to write the FINAL ending to the series, I will be here whacking my head.
Please, please, make up your mind before you decide to do anything with your series. Stick with your original plan, Patterson. Just because you wrote so many books doesn't mean you are a immortal fandom.
Let me tell you this, brother. We make up your fans.
Yeah, I'm still reading it. Maybe at BN for free or the library. Just to see if Patterson at least made a somewhat acceptable ending.
Anyone read the first 5 chapters (it literally was 3 because of all the shit there) on his website?
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