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Oddily #2
Maxim: A New Type of Human
MAXIM: A New Type of Human
Oddily finds herself in a world she never knew existed — a world both beautiful and frightening. Not sure what to think, she tries to adjust to her strange new home. However, someone more sinister than Starla and Kip threatens her happiness. Will Oddily survive?
Oddily finds herself in a world she never knew existed — a world both beautiful and frightening. Not sure what to think, she tries to adjust to her strange new home. However, someone more sinister than Starla and Kip threatens her happiness. Will Oddily survive?
252 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2011
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1356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 1, 2011
I was glad to it left off right were Oddily ended. I dont like bullying and I dont like for people to be mean to others but Starla kind of got what was coming to her when Kip starting being rude to her and mistreating her. Oddily seems so happy and she found her voice in this book. Which I am glad for her. I like how Maxim is learning to adapt to the outside world and the pet names that Oddily has for him. I love how Maxim treats Oddily like she is the only person on earth and how protective he is for her. She needed that kind of love and desereved it. I am really looking foward to the next book. The ending makes you wonder and hope in the next book.
January 7, 2012
This picked up where Oddily left off and I liked that. I liked the new twists and turns the story took. I hope there is no love triangle in the 3rd book. Every story has them it would be nice to have to go a different direction. (Don't want to give any spoilers.) I am ready for book 3.
September 13, 2023
Picking up directly after the ending of Oddily, Maxim dives right into the action with Oddily and Maxim returning to Stafford Estate and finding intruders on the property. Kip and Starla have followed Nexa, Nero has arrived for some mysterious purpose of his own and a dark haired stranger has shown up claiming to be a friend of Maxim's.
Like the first book this is a quirky young adult science fiction novel with a lot of potential. But the second book of the series is even more of a mess than the first and desperately needs a good editor. The main plot was interesting but was bogged down by unnecessary side plots that just confused everything. Decent editing would make this a much better read by streamlining the existing plot and putting everything in the proper place. There was just too much going on and not enough detail for any one thing.
The world building in this one is a lot more intricate than the first book. The hints of technology that were present in the first have been expanded into experimental bred insects and animals, parallel universe domes and rooms that can simulate weather conditions. The science fiction theme is also more prominent.
Oddily was fiercer in this book. Having confronted her bullies at the end of the last book she's more willing to speak up for herself and has cultivated a group of friends that include Pepper, Carrie, Paul, Nexa and Maxim. That said, she annoyed the crap out of me. Her obliviousness in this one was insane. She seems to exist in a dreamlike state and while it was endearing in the first book when she was being bullied and had no one - in this one it was just irritating. She has no curiosity or interest in finding out anything and seems to just accept everything at face value - even when it makes no sense. She doesn't ask questions about her new home or Nexa or Maxim and just seems content to ignore it all. It drove me nuts. But she wasn't the only one guilty of it. Nexa and Maxim both seem to ignore the fact It just wasn't consistent or plausible.
Maxim was about as frustrating as Oddily. He claims he loves her and wants to spend his life with but refuses to just tell her about him and Nexa. Half the problems could've been solved by these people having a bloody conversation. The romance between them was painful.
There was a lot more thoughts and discussion about sex in this one but it was at odds with the innocence of Oddily and it made it weird and awkward to read. Maxim mentions his urges more than once and it bothered me. He's moved Oddily into his room and is planning forever and Oddily can barely look at him fully clothed or consider undressing and having a shower in the next room. The dissonance between their emotional and sexual maturity didn't work for me. Either keep it as a fairytale innocent type love or make it modern but pick one and stick with it. Plus if Maxim is so "advanced" then he should've been clear with Oddily and discussed what he was thinking.
The rest of the book struggled with too many ideas and not enough clarity. There's apparently a High Council who governs stuff, betrothal promises for both of the twins, mysterious experiments conducted on Zaylyn and through her, Oddily, forays into parallel universes by accident, time travel with no clear rules, etc. It was just too much and it started to fall apart.
An admirable effort but one which would benefit from a good editor. 2.5 stars, rounded to 3 stars.
Like the first book this is a quirky young adult science fiction novel with a lot of potential. But the second book of the series is even more of a mess than the first and desperately needs a good editor. The main plot was interesting but was bogged down by unnecessary side plots that just confused everything. Decent editing would make this a much better read by streamlining the existing plot and putting everything in the proper place. There was just too much going on and not enough detail for any one thing.
The world building in this one is a lot more intricate than the first book. The hints of technology that were present in the first have been expanded into experimental bred insects and animals, parallel universe domes and rooms that can simulate weather conditions. The science fiction theme is also more prominent.
Oddily was fiercer in this book. Having confronted her bullies at the end of the last book she's more willing to speak up for herself and has cultivated a group of friends that include Pepper, Carrie, Paul, Nexa and Maxim. That said, she annoyed the crap out of me. Her obliviousness in this one was insane. She seems to exist in a dreamlike state and while it was endearing in the first book when she was being bullied and had no one - in this one it was just irritating. She has no curiosity or interest in finding out anything and seems to just accept everything at face value - even when it makes no sense. She doesn't ask questions about her new home or Nexa or Maxim and just seems content to ignore it all. It drove me nuts. But she wasn't the only one guilty of it. Nexa and Maxim both seem to ignore the fact It just wasn't consistent or plausible.
Maxim was about as frustrating as Oddily. He claims he loves her and wants to spend his life with but refuses to just tell her about him and Nexa. Half the problems could've been solved by these people having a bloody conversation. The romance between them was painful.
There was a lot more thoughts and discussion about sex in this one but it was at odds with the innocence of Oddily and it made it weird and awkward to read. Maxim mentions his urges more than once and it bothered me. He's moved Oddily into his room and is planning forever and Oddily can barely look at him fully clothed or consider undressing and having a shower in the next room. The dissonance between their emotional and sexual maturity didn't work for me. Either keep it as a fairytale innocent type love or make it modern but pick one and stick with it. Plus if Maxim is so "advanced" then he should've been clear with Oddily and discussed what he was thinking.
The rest of the book struggled with too many ideas and not enough clarity. There's apparently a High Council who governs stuff, betrothal promises for both of the twins, mysterious experiments conducted on Zaylyn and through her, Oddily, forays into parallel universes by accident, time travel with no clear rules, etc. It was just too much and it started to fall apart.
An admirable effort but one which would benefit from a good editor. 2.5 stars, rounded to 3 stars.
November 29, 2011
I just loved "Oddily" and anxiously awaited the release of "Maxim." I am happy report that Linda Pohring has enthralled me once again! Maxim begins right where the previous book ended. Maxim is bringing Oddily to his home with his sister Nexa on his tail. Little do they know but Kip and Starla are in hot pursuit with evil plans in their heads. However, an interesting thing occurs, when Starla and Kip find themselves in trouble with the mechanical guard Maxim's father, Nero appears on the scene. Yes, that's right he has returned and boy what an interesting fellow he turns out to be.
Nero is not the only new character in the series. Apparently, a young woman from the future, Jaylyn has decided to show up on Maxim's property as well. She has designs on Maxim and does not plan to tolerate having her plans spoiled by a plain and simple girl like Oddily. Little does she know just how strong the bond is between Maxim and Oddily. However, she will soon find out.
This installment was chocked full of action and surprises. It is a very fast paced read and will not disappoint. My only criticisms are that the writing was a little too simplistic at times and lacked a polished story telling. However, it did not deter from a great read. Also, there were a few typos in the text as well as a faint colored font in places. I am sure that when the paperback edition comes out they will be corrected. I highly recommend this series especially if you know of a teen or teens who are being bullied. It is truly an inspiration for the underdog. I for one cannot wait to read the next book.
Nero is not the only new character in the series. Apparently, a young woman from the future, Jaylyn has decided to show up on Maxim's property as well. She has designs on Maxim and does not plan to tolerate having her plans spoiled by a plain and simple girl like Oddily. Little does she know just how strong the bond is between Maxim and Oddily. However, she will soon find out.
This installment was chocked full of action and surprises. It is a very fast paced read and will not disappoint. My only criticisms are that the writing was a little too simplistic at times and lacked a polished story telling. However, it did not deter from a great read. Also, there were a few typos in the text as well as a faint colored font in places. I am sure that when the paperback edition comes out they will be corrected. I highly recommend this series especially if you know of a teen or teens who are being bullied. It is truly an inspiration for the underdog. I for one cannot wait to read the next book.
February 14, 2012
Book #2 was not a disappointment. It was really continued from book #1 which left you with a cliff hanger. Maxim: A New Type of Human ended without a major cliff hanger which was nice but I will be getting Book #3 in the series. So Maxim: A New Type of Human picks up exactly where the other book stopped.
Paul is more of a character now than in Oddily. You get to see his personality more & see more of his life here. A new character is introduced & you dislike her right away. I think that in Oddily's world she would be wearing a white jacket with belt straps if you know what I mean. Oddily goes through some more heart aches & growing pains. Her relationship with Maxim becomes stronger & also has to overcome some new information that both have to deal with.
Nero (Nexa & Maxim's father) is more of a character here as well. Nero is home to check on things & make sure his children are not getting into trouble. What he discovers will take some major clean up.
Nexa also becomes closer with Oddily. There friendship grows & you can see Nexa's love for Oddily. Oddily has two other new girl friends that she comes to enjoy spending time with & everything seems to be going in the right direction for Oddily. Except for she is kidnapped, almost murdered (more than once), & lied to. On the positive side Oddily is becoming stronger, more confident, & starts to stand up for herself.
I will have to wait for Oddily's next adventure but I will be reading it.
Paul is more of a character now than in Oddily. You get to see his personality more & see more of his life here. A new character is introduced & you dislike her right away. I think that in Oddily's world she would be wearing a white jacket with belt straps if you know what I mean. Oddily goes through some more heart aches & growing pains. Her relationship with Maxim becomes stronger & also has to overcome some new information that both have to deal with.
Nero (Nexa & Maxim's father) is more of a character here as well. Nero is home to check on things & make sure his children are not getting into trouble. What he discovers will take some major clean up.
Nexa also becomes closer with Oddily. There friendship grows & you can see Nexa's love for Oddily. Oddily has two other new girl friends that she comes to enjoy spending time with & everything seems to be going in the right direction for Oddily. Except for she is kidnapped, almost murdered (more than once), & lied to. On the positive side Oddily is becoming stronger, more confident, & starts to stand up for herself.
I will have to wait for Oddily's next adventure but I will be reading it.
March 12, 2012
Okay, so while I wasn't thrilled with the first book, I decided to give the second one a chance and see where the story went. For the low price of 2.99 , I figured what the hey? This was a better book. It had more Maxim, Nexa, and finally their father Nero. These are good characters, but the main character, Oddily, still rubs me the wrong way. Does she have to yell everything? Why at 18 is she so ridiculously childlike? I find it a little creepy that 19 year old Maxim is so in love with someone who acts ten. She whines and whines and whines and begs her breasts to grow. Seriously? This is an 18 year old? Maxim and his family are the only redeeming characters. The story is unique from others I have read. I feel that there are so many unanswered questions about Maxim and Oddily. I hoping the third book will clarify things.
August 17, 2012
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. I have to say it was even better than the first book. I enjoyed seeing Oddily grow and watching the relationship between Maxim and her develop. I also enjoyed getting to know Nexa and Nero better. I also enjoyed the interesting revelations about Paul. Even better, was that for once we get a story that does not involve vampire or werewolves. I love the sci-fi theme to this too. All in all, it was well written story and I am looking forward to reading the next book. I thank you for the opportunity to read and then review this book. linda Pohring is definitely an author whose books I will continue to follow.
January 30, 2013
Meh....ok, so not what I was hoping for. Oddily was annoying to me in this book...and the plot seemed disjointed and jumped around a lot... Maybe it has just been too long since I read the first book... It had some good points but I found myself rolling my eyes several times and I felt a detachment from the characters that I didn't feel in the first book. Maybe I was just expecting Oddily and Maxim to be a little more mature and honest with each other from the beginning of the second book. Anyway, I might read the third book, someday, if I get around to it.
April 15, 2012
I like this book better than the first one, I'm still a bit annoyed about Oddily's character sometimes she just left me confused (I still can't connect with her *sigh*), but Maxim made up for everything thus the 4 stars. His devotion and how he protects/look after Oddily is just swoon worthy! I want to continue with the third installment just to know and find out more about Maxim.
December 4, 2011
Just like the first book, Oddily, I really enjoyed this one. It's a very captivating series. The kind that you sit down meaning to only read one chapter and end up reading 4 or 5. I like it a lot and cat wait for Held in Secrecy! :)
December 31, 2012
I was one of the lucky monthly winners of the book give away from the good reads website. Think Twilight with superhuman alien hybrids instead of vampires and you get the plot. More of a teenage book - I passed it on to my 12 year old niece who is sure to love it
April 7, 2016
Maxim
An action packed complicated plot with many twists. A little cliche towards the end but nevertheless a beautifully enchanting read.
Though I found myself wanting more Oddily and Maxim action and less dramatic action.
An action packed complicated plot with many twists. A little cliche towards the end but nevertheless a beautifully enchanting read.
Though I found myself wanting more Oddily and Maxim action and less dramatic action.
December 19, 2011
I was left feeling Erie. It was good. I like Nero a lot hope to see more with him. Was hoping Paul would be into Oddily. Will read the next one though
March 21, 2012
This cover is a disappointing, because the first one was actually amazing but this one isn't.
The story is better than the first one, but I wasn't blown away so I give it three stars
The story is better than the first one, but I wasn't blown away so I give it three stars
July 14, 2012
I love Maxim but a little ify on Oddily. She's a bit dense. I love the story and it's originality
December 2, 2012
Loved this and thought it was a great continuation of the first. It left me excited and impatient for the next. This series is moving up my list of favorites.
January 20, 2014
Loved it.... want to read Willa next. I love this series. Oddily is one of my all time favorite characters.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews