Maximum Ride, Vol. 2

Maximum Ride: The Manga #2

by NaRae Lee (adapter/Illustrator), 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 genetically engineered by sinister scientists. 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?

Genres: Manga, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics, Fiction

262 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Discovered by Yen Press Senior Editor JuYoun Lee, NaRae was able to make her U.S. debut working on a series that already had legions of devoted fans. It's a lot to live up to, but NaRae proved to be up to the challenge by delivering artwork that looks remarkably polished for a relative newbie to the world of international manga publishing.

Reviews

[Kat (Lost in Neverland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAAAANNNNNNNNGGGGGG.



Damn....I love him. Both Fang AND Tom, lovelies.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Fangs haircuts look amazing!!!!

[Gina Marie (OMG_look_at_her_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m really enjoying reading these books in graphic novel format! This group flies and they KICK BUTT!!! But now Max is hearing a voice?

Note: these books are highly addictive! Make sure you have the next volume ready to read so you won’t have to wait for the next one like me!🤣💙 Happy reading!

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

The kids have escaped their cages from Vol. 1 and are hiding out, trying to recover. They've saved Angel and are all together once again. But soon Max starts to have bizarre headaches and a voice convinces her that they all need to head to New York City to find the Institute of Higher Living.

The children reach NYC and are amazed at the city spread before them. The voice inside Max's head encourages her to experience some fun. What that means, she doesn't know, but she follows the voice's direction. The kids find themselves on a bus stopping in front of a toy store. While in the store, they learn of a new power Angel has acquired: she's able to manipulate people with her thoughts.

But no matter where the kids go, the Erasers always seem to find them. They can't seem to get a decent night's rest, nor a good meal. Cops even force them out of the high tree branches in Central Park, alerting them to the fact that the signs say no climbing the trees.

When they finally discover the Institute, what they find inside is beyond surprising. The discovery creates more questions than it answered. With clues in their hands, the kids head off to learn their beginnings....in Vol. 3.

The artwork and storytelling in Vol. 2 is just as appealing and beautiful as was found in the first volume. And as with the first work, readers do not have to know the full story to understand the action that is going on. The graphics do a wonderful job of revealing the plot and the action at just the right pace.

Anticipation is already building for their next adventure in Washington, DC.

[Ruby Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I will read this one again! This is such a wonderful series so far. I don't know if it is just me or did anyone see that BIG KISS coming at the end? Oh yes, I DID! But I didn't believe myself that it was going to happen!

PARENT NOTE: This book has some scary images in it, people dying and one broken neck as well as voices in Maxes head and people and people-things in cages. They get released but it might be scary to younger audiences. If you have any reservations I read this in 1 hour and 30 to 2 hours, so just read it quickly. And give me feedback if you think this review should change.

AGE RECOMMENDATION: 10 and up! I would hand this to a 10 year old child with no reservations. Unless they haven't watched something like the newest "Beauty and the Beast" Disney movie without being scared. If so this might not be the right book for them.

VIOLENCE: Yes. Some people die, and someone's neck is broken. But other than A picture there is nothing else, no descriptor.

SWEARING: Yes. H like crazy, F a time if any, D a few, and other words are used but I can't remember. There is definitely swearing in this book.

CLEAN ROMANCE: Yes.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustrations! They are SO COOL!

[AshleyZ_E1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

This was a quick and fun read. The gene is comic book/ manga. The illustrations were super high quality! It was a good follow up for book one. This manga tells a story about the "flock": 6 kids with wings from science experiments. In this book, the flock goes to New York to try to find out more about their lost pasts. I can't wait to read the next book!
You would like this book if you like mangas/comic books, and also if you like an action/adventure story that you can finish in around 30 minutes.

[Bex (Bexnbookx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maximum Ride: The Manga, #2 is an improvement from #1, it is filled with more character development, more details and the plot was entertaining to read.

Since this is a review, there are potentials for spoilers. If you don’t want to know anything whatsoever about this Manga, please do not read further. You have been warned.

Nobody locks The Flock up in a cage, and this installment follows where the first manga left off. The flock are escaping the school. Now they are searching for answers in the big city, but they are still being hunted, and they are hot on their trail.

Artwork
Again, the Artwork in the second Maximum Ride Manga was beautiful, it's simplistic but I think that's absolutely perfect in this circumstance. There are still extra details on facial expressions which is my favourite part of the artwork.

Plot
The plot within Maximum Ride: The Manga, #2 provided me with more entertainment than the first installment. This book was slower paced, however it contained some similar plot elements. I liked that there was more shocked factor in this one, and they added a few twists and turns which were enjoyable.

Characters
I feel more connected to the characters within the second installment of this Manga. There was some character development that I enjoyed, as well as some ability changes within the flock which I can't wait to delve further into in the next book. I enjoyed seeing a softer side to Fang, and the small relationship development we had within this one. I think it added a different dimension to the story which I appreciated, a bit of a change up from all the action. Also, we received more information about The Flocks origins, and how they came to be half bird. It was an important part of the back story and I think it really gave us more of a look into the characters.

Overall
I enjoyed this Manga, and will continue onto the next Manga. I do not feel 100% invested in the story yet, but I do really like the characters and that it only takes me an hour or so to read. This series is a great read after some complex fantasy reads. It's relaxing to read, and I enjoy the artwork.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

*Quick disclaimer that this is my second Manga and my second Manga review, so I do not imply that I am an expert, this is just my opinion on what I read.

[Jessica (ThatDamFangirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Physical TBR Book #26

I ship Fang and Max!

[Deaunamiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This kid wants to find their family but they get trapped in steal cages so the kids scream for help but no one is their to help her get out of the cage. Then this adult helps the kids out of the steal cages then they all run away from the people who trap them in the cages. The things that I don't like when they trap the kids in the cages for testing and that they don't tell the kids what they are doing. I think that they should redo the writing of the book so there is not so many pages with just black pages when you start a new chapter of the book. I also think that they should put more color in the pages so they are not black and white. I recommend any kind of reader who likes graphic novels and who don't like to read big chapter books and who like a twist of a mystery or like graphic novels.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely FLY through these!! I love them! Don't want to say anything about the plot because I don't wanna spoil. But this was even better than the first and the end!!! AH I need to start the third volume to see what happens!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

im readin it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Manga Fang is hot.

[Hermione]

I love love love Fang. The cover. Drool worthy. He is just--urgh. So sexy. He's what makes this manga so enjoyable!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

the second manga book was incredible! the illustrations are just mind blowing, and they stick to a lot of the scenes from the actual book series, and it's just awesome.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot exactly how young the Flock is. In my head, and in how they’re drawn, they’re a lot older. Then again they are full of random experimental drugs and whatnot so they could appear a lot older than they are.

When I was younger, I thought Angel was so cute and endearing. Now I just see her as annoying and manipulative. Again, she’s SIX which is super young, but her dumb choices lead to the flock being caught again and again.

I remembered that Ari was Max’s brother but the scene where she breaks his neck in self defense followed by Jeb yelling out that she killed him was still a gut punch.

Again, violence. Some blood. People fight. More experimental science and experiments, nothing too graphic, saddening nonetheless.

[Fred Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book because it's kind of mysterious. I say that because near the end of the book, when everyone got their files of their parents and themselves, they all had files with their parents and their younger selves in the files. But, the only person who didn't have even one file, was Max. I think it's weird that she was the only without any files. That is why I recommend this book.

[Bara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyable and I needed some easy read at that moment but there's no denying it has flaws. :/

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

max is a leater because she led the floke

[Ray Bowers]

good

[Ivanab 2/3]

I really liked this book because it is very interesting and adventurous the main characters in this book are the (the flock) they are discovering new places and saving one another from the bad guys
(the erasers) the book ends with a cliffhanger and makes you want to read the next book vol.3 of Maximum Ride because it's a great manga book.

[Sky_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a day. I’m really enjoying this series so far, they are definitely page turners and they are very fast paced. They have tons of action and are really fun to read!

[Melissa Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the transition from novel to manga I think it works so well. Absolutely love how the characters and everything looks.

[Kylee Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is about these people on the run, The Main character is Max/ Maximum. The people are on the run, They are special. They have wings. In the beginning, This guy named Jeb, he stole them (angel, Max, and Nudge). But Iggy, Gazzy, and Fang Helped them escape but, Later on, when they were flying, Max had a headache and she fell but Fang had picked her up and laid her down.

[kládiš · Rating 5 out of 5]

I-I NEED MORE BITCH! I NEED SO MUCH MORE!

[Brooke C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximum ride part 2 was really good like the first one.Maximum part 2 goes more in depth about what happened to them and why they are like this and weird.I love this book and I hope you guys enjoy maximum ride part 2.

[N.T. Embeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's start things off by introducing the volume this way: If you read the first volume and picked up this one, you've probably already made your decision about whether or not you're going to continue reading this series, since the first volume had possibly the weakest start to any book or manga I've ever read.

That being said, all my criticisms from the last volume still hold out strong in this one as well. There is no real change to anything in this volume besides a continuation of the simple plot with a few minor complexities and details thrown in to add some development of storyline. However, besides those few developments, minor and simple as they were, not much else takes place that's noteworthy. The plot doesn't beg to be mulled over, the characters are simple and two-dimensional (and the only reason I might have hesitated to say so is because I actually enjoy every character we've met so far), and there's no depth to the stale writing.

The unfortunate part about this series is that, try though it might to keep you interested, the dialogue and characters are simply not memorable. You will walk away from this manga without being personally engaged or feeling any sort of connection to these characters. The concept is interesting and the artwork is absolutely gorgeous. NaRae Lee truly does an amazing job. But that's not enough in most cases to keep a person interested.


I keep reading this out of personal choice. But if you're not a fan of James Patterson's works or looking for a light, swift, and uninvolved read, then it's probably a better idea to pass this one by.

There's nothing wrong with the manga, but it's definitely not up to the standards of what most stories have to offer. With that in mind, if you find it dull, put it aside and read something else. Once I read the actual books I might end up revisiting this series and finding some more quality out of them then perhaps. The same might be advised for you, readers.

[Nicholas Torrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like manga's and adventure stories? If so this is a book for you. The genre of this book is manga and adventure. These kids all think that the man who cared for them died . Later on they find out that he never died.

The setting of this story it the present. The plot that they want to find their parent but run into obstacles along they way. They conflict is Person vs person. I think that the theme is persistence.

First it shows how hard it is for max to act like a parent to the flock. I think that this is very true because it can be hard having to grow up fast and care for people who aren't her own family. Also I can only imagine how hard it was to not have a childhood. It shows that fang it very goth and lone wolf. I agree with this because fang and all he rest of them didn't know their parents. That very hard for a kid not to grow up knowing their parents. They only know each other. Thirdly it talks about how they all see themselves as mutant freaks. I agree because they later find out that their parents gave them up fort money. Also they were made in a lab and had DNA of birds inserted in them when they were babies. They are the only people who can fly. They are constantly getting chased down.

I think that this is a very good book. It has action and adventure in it. This book is the second of the series this series is very good. This is a good book to read even if you don't like reading.

Overall this is a very good book. I would give it a 5 out of 5. Just because it is such a great book. You can tell the author put a lot of work into this book. This series is exciting. I would recommend this book to people who like anime and adventure books.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply devoured this! One of my favourite series as a graphic novel, I was straight down to my library to borrow it, and it certainly did not disappoint. I LOVE the covers in the graphic novel series, they truly capture the description James Patterson provided of our protagonists; just look at them all:



I feel they truly add a magical touch to the novels!

This will be a review purely based on the graphic novel and not the story of which I will be writing reviews for soon. The images really captured how I imagined our protagonists and with James Pattersons descriptive writing I was able to compare my imagination to the images; they were the same on countless occasions.

This novel was beautifully draw and really captivated some of the stressful and dangerous moments alongside allowing the characters, the world and situations they were in to really come alive. I highly recommend reading the written series, and then reading the graphic novels!

[Wander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite manga of the series so far, wish they wouldn't have screwed with the part where Max nearly gets kidnapped by that eraser and then he expires. But it wasn't too bad there. Then again if it were exactly the same there'd be no point in buying both really. It's like two stories told in different colors. If I had to choose id definitely pick a manga over the actual book. Why? Because for some odd reason James Patterson's writing style is somewhat irritating to me. All I ever get is this diary-like read, and I really, really want him to describe what the sky looks like from up there. And then I remember that he gives his books to ghost writers, which annoys me even more because he doesn't even write a lot of the books with