The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1) by James Patterson

Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time...like when Angel, the youngest member of the flock, is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were experimented on by a crew of wack jobs. Her friends brave a journey to blazing hot Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare--this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb--now her betrayed and greatest enemy--that her purpose is save the world--but can she?
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Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment is a novel that you will not soon forget. I'm addicted. These are the kinds of books you stay up until two o'clock in the morning to finish. Just a warning- once you begin reading this series you will most likely find it very, very hard to stop.

The main character, Max, and the other members of her "flock" are part bird. Meaning, they have avian DNA grafted into them and they can fly! If that doesn't spark your interest, I don't know what will.

Max was a strong and likable character. Though she is only fourteen, readers of any age will be able to relate to her.

This novel was never boring, there was always some action going on. The insane amounts of suspense and never-ending excitement makes this book very difficult to put down.

There aren't many YA fiction books out there dealing with genetic engineering so this was a truly unique reading experience for me. For more information on this subject, check out this site.

The short but action-packed chapters (around 3 pages each) make for great stopping points. I don't know about you, but I hate when chapters seem to go on and on forever. Patterson's writing style will also appeal to reluctant readers.

I can't wait to begin reading the second installment in the series, School's Out - Forever. I'm eager to find out what happens next in the crazy life of Maximum Ride. I'll have a review up for that soon!

5 out of 5 stars