The Book Theif

The Book Thief

*****

"I'm haunted by humans."

"You save someone.  

You kill them."

"It amazes me what humans can do, even when streams are flowing down their faces and they stagger on, coughing and searching, and finding."

The Book Thief is a phenomenal story told from the point of Death himself.  It's sad, happy, warm, cold, black, white, and glorious.  A world so real is wrapped around you in Zusak's warm blanket of words and metaphors, where one girl steals a book from the snow, and from then on the story is unstoppable.  Nazis parade down Heaven Street, a jew writes in a basement, a girl scrapes her knee playing soccer.  A dusty book is slipped from the shelf of the mayor's library, and a bomb explodes.  Death comes, life unfolds.  The Book Thief encompasses the best and the worst of what is human, and tells a story of a young girl experiencing life in one one of the worst times in human history.  One of the best things about Zusak's writing style in The Book Thief was the way he described words as physical objects, and it made his own words that much more tangible.  This book seems to hold everything we know about the world in it's black type.  Life, love, hate, desperation, loss.  It's humanity, and it's waiting in the pages of this eerie, beautiful book.   

Pretties

Pretties

By Scott Westerfield

Science Fiction, Romance, Adventure.

***

Review

Over all this was a generally good book, though I think it is my least favorite in the series because Tally is a pretty, and that really changes how you perceive the book and story line. What I did like was the insight into New Pretty Town that you never got before, and how the book did have entire different mood. Scott Westerfeld shines in leaving you breathless and waiting for more, and he really makes you think about how life would be under rule of our physical appearances. Over all, it was a good sequel, and it really left me waiting for more action.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

****

"God bless us all, every one."

Review

I thought, hey it's the holiday season, I should review a holiday book. A Christmas Carol is the only ghost story anyone could probably ever consider charming. You feel disgust at the horrible demeanor of Scrooge, and you love the joy of his nephew. You feel a chill in your bones as you meet each new spirit, and in the end you learn the classic lesson that money is not that important, and the spirit of Christmas is the most joyful thing of all. It's a classic story, and one you should relish this year when the weather gets cold and dreary.

Angels And Demons

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Angels And Demons

By Dan Brown

Mystery/Adventure and some historical elements

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****1/2

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"Religion is like language or dress. We gravitate toward the practices with which we were raised. In the end, though we are all proclaiming the same thing. That life has meaning. That we are grateful for that which created us."

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Teaser

An ancient secret brotherhood. A devestating new weapon of destruction. An unthinkable target. When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to hsi first assignment to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol-seared into the chest of a murdered physist-he disovers evidence of the unimanginable: the resurgance of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati...the most powerful underground orginization to ever walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy-the Catholic Chruch...

Review

I loved this book. I really enjoyed the way they tied in tons of art history and Vatican history into the book. Also, lately I've been into mysteries, and this is definitely a good one. Angles and Demons is one of those books that keep you up late and you are constantly carrying around until you're finished. Dan Brown does a great job of weaving each character, description, and word into a massive twisted story of religion, art, history, love and so much more. I also really liked this book because it is never slow, and you wonder how this book could possibly hold so much action and excitement inside.

Wildwood Dancing

Wildwood Dancing

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by Juliet Marillier

Historical Fiction / Fantasy / Romance

*****

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"I've heard it said that girls can't keep secrets..."

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Teaser

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Five adventurous sisters...

Four dark creatures...

Three magical gifts...

Two forbidden lovers...

One enchanted frog...

Cross the threshold into the Wildwood, and enter a land of magic, daring, betrayal... and true love.

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Review

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It is said that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, however this books cover work is the first thing that drew me to it. Kinoku Craft deserves much praise for this peice. As for the novel, I loved it just as much as the cover art. It had a wonderful story line and I often found myself unable to put it down. It had historical ties, but is mostly based off of legends. This provided for excellently developed and interesting characters as well as an intriguing plot line. I absolutely loved everything about this book. Its a must read for fans of fantasy writing or romance.

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Breaking Dawn (Warning, spoilers)

Breaking Dawn

by Stephanie Meyer

romance/fantasy/adventure

*****

Teaser

"Don't be afraid," I murmured.

"We belong together."I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words.

This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it.

His arms wrapped around me holding me against him.It felt like every nerve in my body was alive wire.

"Forever," he agreed.

Review

Raechel's Review:

This book blew me away. I couldn't believe it. Everything about Bella and Edward changes, and the way you look at the entire story changes. But I am happy with the way Meyer ended the series. She turned Bella into who she was always meant to be, and the story just takes off. Breaking Dawn is extraordinary, romantic, and keeps you on the edge the whole time. The whole series speaks so much about how love conquers everything, and how you always have a choice. All in all, this book was amazing and belongs on every bookshelf everywhere, along with the rest of the saga.

Uglies

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Uglies

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By Scott Westerfield

Science Fiction/Adventure/Romance

*****

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Teaser

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Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license-for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few week Tally will be there.

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But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk like on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world- one that isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

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Review

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When I first bought this book, I thought it sounded kind of superficial and weird. When people told me about it, I always thought it sounded just kind of like your average future book. But this book ended up being really good. I was amazed that i was instantly pulled into the book once I had read chapter one. What I really liked about this book is it's just not like hearing a story, even though it's in third person. It seems amazingly real, every human part of Tally just hits home with the reader. This book takes you on a wild, futuristic adventure and leaves you gasping, awaiting more. At first I was reluctant to give it five stars, but for the type of book it is, I definitly think Uglies deserves it.

Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind

by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

Historical Fiction

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****

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as"Gentleman, progress has never been a bargain. You've got to pay for it. Sometimes i think there's a man behind a counter who says, 'Alright, you can have a telephone; but you'll have to give up privacy, the charm of distance. Madam, you may vote; but at a price; you lose the right to retreat behind a powder-puff or a petticoat. Mister, you may conquer the air; but the birds will lose their wonder, and the clouds will smell of gasoline!'"

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Teaser

The accused was a slight, frightened man who had deliberatley broken the law. his trial was a Roman circus. the chief gladiators were the two great legal giants of the century. like two bull elephants locked in mortal combat, they bellowed and roared imprecations and abuse. the spectators sat uneasily in the sweltering heat with murder in their hearts, barely able to restrain themselves.

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At stake was the freedom of every American.

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Review

Inherit the Wind is based off of the famous Scopes trial. This case was centered around the debate between evolution and creation. The seemingly innocent school teacher is placed on trial for teaching his students the theory of evolution, knowing full well that this is illegal in his state. The two legal giants of the time then show up in the tiny southern town and go at it. The dialouges between them are amazing and at times quite thought provoking. The pivitol scene in which Drummond (evolutionist) calls Brady (devout christian) to the stand and helps plead Cates' case by questioning Brady's faith, is intensely fascinating. The characters of Drummond and Brady (the attorneys) are extremely well developed. If you have the slightest interest whatsoever in the centuries old battle between science and religion, this is the book for you.

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

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by Harper Lee

Historical Fiction

***

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Teaser

The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it. Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, To Kill a Mockingbird takes readers to the roots of human behavior - to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos.

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When I first picked up this novel I expected it to be rather boring and honestly, the first hundred pages or so kind of were. In this book you travel with two children through a very rough time in their lives. The great depression has set in and their father, a lawyer, has taken on the toughest case of his career. The trial creates some very exciting drama, for the issue that was really being tried was the credibility of a black man in a time when they had no rights. This book gives a deep insight into what is right and what is wrong. It is an interesting view on this matter because it is seen from the eyes of a child. For anyone interested in historical fiction this is the book for you.

Raechel- I just wanted to add a little bit to this post.  I loved To Kill A Mockingbird because of the tangible world Harper Lee creates and just how descriptive and real Maycomb, Alabama becomes to the reader.  Whenever I think of good imagery, I think of To Kill A Mockingbird.  I think the book also touches and many different moral issues, and the book as a whole is very relatable.  I would probably have given this book four stars.  

The Hobbit

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The Hobbit

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By J.R.R. Tolkien

Fantasy/Adventure

***1/2

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"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold (as the hobbits do), it would be a merrier world."

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Review

When I read The Hobbit, my first impression was that is was a very wholesome feeling book. By wholesome I mean it portrayed some of the characters as contented people, and the book itself was contenting. I have heard some people say they were bored with this book, but I found it exhilarating, and it takes the reader on a journey through magical lands with interesting people. This book is great for fantasy lovers, and good for all ages as well.

Eclipse

Eclipse

By Stephanie Meyer

Romance/Science Fiction/Fantasy

*****

" 'What would you do if she changed her mind?' Jacob asked.

'I don't know that either.'

Jacob chuckled quietly. 'Would you try to kill me?'. Sarcastic again, as if doubting Edward's ability to do it.

'No.'

'Why not?' Jacob's tone was still jeering.

'Do you really think I would hurt her that way?'

Jacob hesitated for a second, and then sighed. 'Yeah, you're right. I know that's right. But sometimes...'

'Sometimes it's an intriguing idea.'"

Teaser

In the dead silence, all the details suddenly fell into place for me with a burst of intuition. Something Edward didn't want me to know. Something that Jacob wouldn't have kept from me. Something that had the Cullens and the wolves both in the woods, moving in hazardous proximity to each other....

Something I'd been waiting for anyway.

Something I knew would happen again,

as much as I wish it never would.

Review

I was so excited for the release of Eclipse. My favorite part of the book is a conversation between Edward and Jacob. I felt Meyer created a true image of what it means to choose your destiny. Bella is struggling with many choices in her life, and in the end, Meyer leaves you waiting for more. The book starts out simple and in a happy mood, Btu it quickly changes to adventure and love. Eclipse made me look at the whole series in a new way. This book is exhilarating, interesting, and makes me wish there were more pages to turn. If you have read Twilight and New Moon, you simply have to read this book. The whole series is great for anyone, even the guys. So regardless who you are, go out and read Eclipse!

I Am the Messenger

I AM THE MESSENGER

By Markus Zusak
Mystery, Realistic Fiction, Romance

****

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"Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of."

Teaser

Meet Ed Kennedy—underage cabdriver, pathetic cardplayer, and useless at romance. He lives in a shack with his coffee-addicted dog, the Doorman, and he’s hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence, until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery. That’s when the first Ace arrives. That’s when Ed becomes the messenger. . . .Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary), until only one question remains: Who’s behind Ed’s mission?

Review
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When I first picked this book up, I thought it sounded really strange. But, I was interested because I had heard many good things about this author. I was actually bought this book on a trip to New York, and so I started it on the way home. I read the book in two days, because once I started it, I was very curious. Zusak really made me want to know what happens next. I liked the character of Ed very much, because he's always very calm, and he's definitely a realist. I Am the Messenger made me think about the way humans react to what happens to them, and it also makes the startling realization that things don't just happen to us, we make our future. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Markus Zusak, and also anyone who liked Wicked, because I saw a few similarities there. I Am the Messenger is good, and meant to be read. I hope you read it, and I hope you get the message.

Number The Stars

Number The Stars

By Lois Lowry

Historical Fiction

***

"It is much easier to be brave when we do not know everything."

Teaser

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Ten year-old Annemarie Johanson and her best friend, Ellen Rosen, often think about the way life was before the war. It's now 1943, and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through their town.

The Nazis won't stop. The Jews of Denmark are being "relocated", so Ellen moves in with the Johansons and pretends to be part of the family.

The Annemarie is asked to on a dangerous mission. Somehow she must find the strength and courage to save her best friend's life. There's no turning back.

Review

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When I first picked up this book, I thought it just looked like a simple, easy read. I have read the Giver, and loved it, so I decided to go ahead and read this one. But I ended up really liking it. It was overall well-written, and it was a little suspenseful. It turns the dark age of Hitler into the innocent childhood of little Annemarie, and the book makes you look at things with a pure and innocent child's point of view. This book was great for anyone who is interested in the Holocaust, and takes an interesting look at the morals of humanity. I recommend this book if you like historical fiction. Otherwise, you might be a little bored.

New Moon

New Moon

By Stephanie Myer

Fiction/Romance/Fantasy

*****

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" Once you cared about a person, it was impossible to be logical about them anymore."

"'NO! This is about my soul, isn't it?' I shouted furious, the words exploding out of me-somehow it still sounded like a plea. 'Carlisle told me about that, and I don't care, Edward. I don't care! You can have my soul. I don't want it without you-it's yours already!"

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Teaser

I knew we were both in mortal danger.

Still, in that instant, I felt well. Whole.

I could feel my heart beating in my chest, the blood pulsing hot and fast through my veins again.

My lungs filled deep with the sweet scent that came off his skin.

It was like there had never been any hole in my chest.

I was perfect-not healed, but as if

there had never been a wound in the first place.

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Review

You know, I've heard most Twilight fans say that New Moon was their least favorite book in the series. Some say it was because there wasn't enough Edward, some say the middle was really boring, but New Moon was actually my favorite book in this saga. I loved the different mood that separates the book from the rest of the series. I think that this book only strengthens our knowledge of the characters, and of the story of Twilight. This book shows how important love truly is, and also the reality that things don't always work out for everyone. The reader feels Bella's pain, shares her joy, and so much more. The book helps us see that despite what we tell ourselves, true love always comes first. This book is really good, and I think if you really liked Twilight, and you liked the story, not just Edward, then you will like New Moon.

Twilight

Twilight

Stephenie Meyer

Fiction / Romance

*****

""Bella." His fingers lightly traced the shape of my lips. "I will stay with you - isn't that enough?" I smiled under his fingertips. "Enough for now."

He frowned at my tenacity. No one was going to surrender tonight. He exhaled, and the sound was practically a growl.

I touched his face. "Look," I said. "I love you more than everything else in the world combined. Isn't that enough?"

"Yes, it is enough," he answered smiling. "Enough for forever." And he leaned down to press his cold lips once more to my throat.

Teaser

About three things I was absolutely positve.

First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him - and I didn't know how potent that part might be - that thirsted for my blood.

And Third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him...

Review

Let me start out by saying that this is the best book ever written. Actually, no... I enjoyed Eclipse (the third novel in the series) even more, but thats beside the point. Twilight is perfect combination of action, romance, and fiction. The characters are so amazingly well developed that I found myself lost in their emotions every time I picked this book up. Many people are turned off of this book because of it's steryotype as a "vampire-love-story", but these are no regular vampires. These ones have morals. They care enough for humanity to curve their malicious appetites and live a more "vegatarian lifestyle", as they put it.

Yes. This book is about an age-less vampire who is desperately smitten with a human. But this book is also a beautifully woven tale of true love and the struggles we are willing to endure to make sure that it lasts... in this case, quite literally... Forever.

I highly recommend this book for people of all ages. It's an incredible page turner. I finished it in a day.

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

By James Patterson

Science Fiction

****

"There is one bright side to this." said Fang.

"Yeah, what's that?" The new and improved Erasers would mutilate us before they killed us?

He grinned at me so unexpectedly I forgot to flap for a second and dropped several feet. "You looove me," he crooned smugly. Holding his arms out wide, he added,

"You love me this much."

Teaser

There's one last chance to save the world... and it's in the hands of six extraordinary kids who can fly. Only they, led by the valiant Max, can stop a deadly plot to annihilate half the human population even as they're being hunted by nightmarish enemies. With mankind on the brink of destruction, Max must fight to protect those she loves, identify a traitor in the flock, and uncover a startling secret that will change her future...if there is a future.

Review

This book keeps the adventure rolling without a break, but it also makes you experience many other aspects of a teenage girl's life, and the strong love for her family. The characters continue to draw you in, and the book raises new questions, both for yourself and the author. It makes you understand how the simplicity of a child's view can alter the world. This book continues to be unique and creates an almost sense of family with the characters. This book is a great read.

The Host

The Host

Stephanie Myer

Science Fiction

****1/2

Teaser

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans have become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remainng human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, the set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

Review

I have read Twilight, so I was worried this book would be too much like Meyer's other books, and it would be a disappointment. I was wrong. This book started out strange, but with great character development. This book doesn't focus on the science fiction part of the story, but the characters. You find yourself wound up in the reality of Wanderer's world, crying her tears, and smiling for her happiness. This is one of those books that you put down, and it takes you a couple days to break out of the haze. It was fascinating, and it drew the reader into the book, and occasionally had me reading into the night. I recommend this book for anyone who liked Twilight, and/or Maximum Ride. There were moments where I was reminded of both books, but The Host still has an eerie uniqueness that I loved.

Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever

Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever

By James Patterson

Science Fiction

399 Pages

****

Teaser

Brace yourself for the #1 bestselling suspense series about your best dream-and worst nightmare: to have wings and be able to fly. For six amazing kids -lab escapes engineered with this incredible gift-it means living and breathing the adrenaline of freedom and fear as they flee from ruthless predators...in search of their parents, their purpose, and survival. The prize is worth everything: Max, Fang Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel just might save the world. Or maybe not.

Review

Okay, this book was a perfect continuation of the first book in the Maximum Ride series. It's full of action as the flock continues to discover more about themselves, and this book really makes you want to go out and do something to save the world, or just kick someones butt. When reading, James Patterson really makes you feel the amazing sensation of flying, of moving your wings up and down a thousand feet from the Earth. This book is breathtaking, and leaves you waiting for more.

Wicked

Wicked

by Gregory Maguire

Fiction

406 pages

****

"You're my soul come scavenging for me, I can feel it." said the Witch. "I won't have it, I won't have it. I won't have a soul; with a soul there is everlastingness, and life has tortured me enough."

Teaser

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we only heard her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? how did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkindlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

Review

I found this book very interesting. It started out a little strange, but the book is well written, and the discussion and internal conflict of Elphaba are amazing. What is waiting for us in the afterlife? Why do we do the things we do? Does everyone possess a soul? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? This book is great, and a book that really makes you think. All Elphaba wants is to be forgiven. But by who? Herself, the Unnamed God(from the story), or her peers? This book was great, and it had one of the best endings I have ever read. But then again, I have a thing for unhappy endings. This book was a whole new experience, and I hope if you read it you enjoy it as much as i did.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

By James Patterson

Science Fiction
413 Pages

*****

"The funny thing about facing imminent death is that it really snaps everything into perspective. Take right now, for instance."

Teaser

Six unforgettable kids-with no families, no homes- are running for their lives. Max Ride and her best friends are products of an experiment: they were engineered to fly. And that's just the beginning of their amazing powers. Now they've escaped, and they need to know who made them, who's hunting them, and why they were designed to be superior to all other humans. James Patterson calls Maximum Ride: "My favorite story, and probably my best."

Review

This book was great. I really liked it because it had lots of action that kept you at the edge of your seat, and all the characters were very well developed and had good humor. It was like nothing I have ever read before, and I occasionally really felt like I was right there, flying with Max. This book was great and an excellent read for book lovers of all ages.