Maximum Ride
The Angel Experiment

By James Patterson
Read by Evan Rachel Wood

     Maximum Ride follows Patterson's previous books starring a group of experimental children (When the Wind Blows and The Lake House). When the Wind Blows is listed as a thriller, and The Lake House as general fiction. I'm guessing the reason being language and mature situations is not suitable for teens. I enjoyed both audio books, but considered them more as science fiction. Maximum Ride is more of a teen/young adult tale. The six kids are center stage and behave like typical teens--with one exception; they're being hunted for their special gifts. It's four years after The Lake House, the man who saved them never returned, and there's now a group of wolf-like creatures called "Erasers" hunting them. The Erasers kidnap Angel, and the group makes plans to rescue her. They also discover that they have parents. To find out more about them, they travel to New York. Max continues to lead the group, and her role as the leader/savior is about to expand. Her mind is the target of an unknown person and she is physically challenged by another who personally resents her. It's a high-flying science-fiction adventure with Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman and Angel. Maximum Ride is well written, and it's a good introduction into the youth market for Patterson. In fact, the conclusion leaves the door wide open for future adventures

     Actress Evan Rachel Wood narrates the audio book version. She voices Max-her words, her thoughts and her emotions. The youth will be attracted to Wood's reading voice and the story itself, making this audio adventure a winner.

     Evan Rachel Wood was nominated for a 2003 Golden Globe Award for her powerful performance in Thirteen. (Back cover of TimeWarner's audio book version)