Young Adult Book Reading Challenges discussion

Has anyone read this series? What is it about? I have heard so much about them and have seen many groups on Goodreads pertaining to these books.

Trashy thrillers written by somebody hired by Patterson. I read the first one and did not need to read anymore.

Suzy wrote: "Trashy thrillers written by somebody hired by Patterson. I read the first one and did not need to read anymore. "

I have my money on Scott Westerfeld.

Oh, I think Scott Westerfeld is too successful to ghostwrite somebody else's trashy thrillers. But I am going to interview him in a few weeks. I'll ask!

What makes them trashy? What are they even about?

kids with supernatural powers who bond together to fight villainy. and by trashy i just mean they are not literature. there are plenty of people who like them but i need real characters with something real at stake. the one i read felt like somebody wrote an outline and somebody else filled it in.

Okay: first book = AMAZING.
Second book was pretty good too.
Third book was okay, but full of a bunch of really random and totally pointless plot twists.
Fourth book ... I was like, "What IS this??" It went from being this action-packed, sci-fi, adventure series to being all preachy about global warming.
Fifth book, same as the fourth. Except it was about saving fish. It had a little bit of character development, but once again: it was totally irrelevant to the first few books.

Over all, the series is okay.

I love the characters, they're awesome.

The first two books are really awesome and exciting, but things start going downhill in the third book. The fourth and fifth just came out of nowhere; they get all preachy and annoying, and kind of boring, really.

So, I would say the first two and maybe the third are worth reading – if you want to read something shallow and entertaining. After that, though, just stop. Trust me. Don't even keep reading "just to find out what happens", because the author never even bothers to answer the questions brought up in the earlier books, and keeps on adding more dumb twists that, likewise, will most likely never be acknowledged again.

The first book in this series was mildly entertaining, but the later ones aren't worth reading. There's certainly plenty of excitement, but after a while you come to expect it. The plot ceases to interest you and the characters become relatively stagnant.

I've read the first two books and they were awesome!

Yeah the first two are good, but it goes downhill from there.

I actually liked the whole series. Of course, I did like the first one better than all the others... he started to lose focus on the kids, and he instead did this whole "SAVE THE PLANET" scheme. It just wasn't as good after that.

Does anyone think there may ever be a Maximum Ride movie?

Brigid:I have to agree with you. I finished the third book thinking that someone else must have written it.

Nicole: The "Save the Planet" thing does gets old. I hope there is a movie.

Nicole wrote: "Does anyone think there may ever be a Maximum Ride movie?"

It's coming out next year!! ;D
There's not much info on imdb, but this is what they have: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825283/m...

Nicole wrote: "I actually liked the whole series. Of course, I did like the first one better than all the others... he started to lose focus on the kids, and he instead did this whole "SAVE THE PLANET" scheme. It..."

Yeah, I'm not into the save the planet thing. I think it's an important issue, but it seems sorta irrelevant in a sci-fi/action series. And it sucks that all the Erasers are gone ... and Ari ... *cries* It's just not the same. :(

Cool! I can see Dakota Fanning as Max.

That is so awesome that they are making a movie, thanks for the website Brigid, it will come out probably about the same time as The Lightening Thief Movie!

i loved the first three books in this series but i think they completley ruined it with all the global warming junk in the 4th book!!! i am only half way (if that) through the 4th book but i cant bring myself to finish! pelease... global warming? sounds like a book al gore would enjoy! not me

i am soooooooooo excited for the max ride movie

I agree with you London. I felt that the series started going downhill in the third book, but it definitely plummeted to its doom when it got to all the global warming crap in book 4. I haven't read the 6th book yet … I don't know why I keep reading them, but I'm curious. It's one of those series where I enjoy watching it utterly fail, like that watching-a-train-wreck-and-can't-look-away kind of thing. haha :D

I'm also excited for the movie. It could be pretty epic … 

I think that these books are great for a new and younger reader. The chapters are short and sweet and the characters are something that a younger child can relate to. My 10 year old is loving this series. He started off with the manga book, then started reading the first book. Since each chapter is 2-5 pages, he has a real sense of accomplishment when he reads.

It would make a great movie. I think that Catherine Hardwick (twilight) is set to be the director.

My students adore this series.
I've only read the first book and I really like the premise; however, I just wish that it was better written.
It reminds me of Twilight. I like that it makes reluctant readers read, but I just wish that it was well written...
However, I feel that at as long as students are reading, we've won; so, I am all for this series.

I agree, the writing isn't great. The plot (in the first couple books, anyway) is very addicting though.

♥ Brigid ♥ wrote: "I agree, the writing isn't great. The plot (in the first couple books, anyway) is very addicting though."

Yes, I agree with you too. Although the first book wasn't perfect, because of the plot, I really want to read more.

Exactly. :] The buildup was very nice. The problem is, there are a lot of questions that come up in the first two books or so that are never addressed in the later books. That's really what frustrates me …

♥ Brigid ♥ wrote: "Exactly. :] The buildup was very nice. The problem is, there are a lot of questions that come up in the first two books or so that are never addressed in the later books. That's really what frustra..."

Have you read Fang yet? My students said that some things are answered in it.

That is what my sister said too. I guess he outlines and plans the books, but others write for him most of the time.

Did Fang answer any questions, though? Or did it just set up for another sequel and not answer any questions?

GAAAHHH!!! I HAVE NOT READ IT YET. Dang it … x_x *sigh*

I know, but I just glanced at the comment and saw it without seeing the spoiler warning. And the expression "clear as mud" means it was UNclear. hahaha. So yeah … shoot. Oh well. :(

Yeah, whatever. S'ok. lol

Haha I figured. They're not great. At least, the last few of them haven't been. *sad* I don't really know why I read them either. XD

I have students who have never read a book without being forced devour this series. Is it the best literature?....probably not but if a series of books can show them that reading can be entertainment and fun, I'm all for them.

(btw: all of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy books were written by a team as well but yet you will find some of the older generation exclaiming how these books are "classics")

Angie wrote: "Has anyone read this series? What is it about? I have heard so much about them and have seen many groups on Goodreads pertaining to these books. "
Great for reluctant readers! Short chapters, very fast paced. Appropriate for a variety of ages. Action packed, with appeal to both guys and girls. I think they're pretty fun.

Deborah wrote: "Angie wrote: "Great for reluctant readers! Short chapters, very fast paced. Appropriate for a variety of ages. Action packed, with appeal to both guys and girls. I think they're pretty fun."

Well said.

I am reading them right now. Pretty good, but it's like, just stay with the story, Patterson! I mean, he goes off in a million different directions. The fourth book pounded me with global warming crap. I feel sort of like he cares more on what will make money than what will make a good story.

I like the first book, at least until the third. but after the 4th, my mind started thinking "what's with this book anyway?" and bum! I thought Fang is the final book -that's what everyone said- but then Angel comes out as the seventh book.
this really make me feel pissed.

even, these books are entertaining. with humors and all.
by the way, I love Fang and Iggy. :P

I like them, but they arent my favorite books. Fang is the best(the character and book)!

Has anybody else noticed that Patterson makes Iggy seem like he is Gasman's age (8)? He is actually Max and Fang's age as well. I think that is a major flaw in the stories. I am halfway through Max right now and I have Fang checked out.

I just started this book today after hearing really good things about it from my friends. I'm only on chapter 2 but it is so boring so far and it has the worst writing style ever...

Nicole wrote: "I actually liked the whole series. Of course, I did like the first one better than all the others... he started to lose focus on the kids, and he instead did this whole "SAVE THE PLANET" scheme. It..."

I haven't read Maximum Ride books, but I know what you mean about preachy environmental books. One series that I thought does really well with balancing environmental issues with a great plot/characters is the Last Dragon Chronicals by Chris D'Lacey. Icefire and Fire Star have environmental messages, but they aren't too pushy and the rest of the plot is really engaging.

These books had so much potential. Really, they did. The characters had so many chances to evolve and the plot could have taken so many twists...

But it didn't.

Instead it was...rather disappointing, actually.

I agree with Christa the series did have a lot of potential then it crashed, burned, and buried with the release of the 4th book. I'm worried about the movie.

Oh, God no! They're making a movie? I can't think of a less deserving book on the planet. I think the first book was interesting, and I read the rest of the series, but if he releases another, I refuse to read it.

Oh God, there's a movie?!

Hollywood is just desperate for ideas, aren't they?

The first book is good; in fact, it's a favorite of mine. Unfortunately for Patterson, it just goes downhill from there. I'll enjoy reading them up until the fourth one. It becomes this weird "Save the Planet" theme that I just can't stomach. Where's my heart-stopping action? My plot twist questions aren't answered at all. It's like little mysteries are introduced but never solved. Which, to say the least, is annoying. I don't want to see the movie. And I tried to read the most recent one, I really did, but I couldn't get past the first few chapters. Maybe I'll try again just to see, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Err...these were okay. The writing SUCKS but it's an entertaining read if you want a pretty boring scheme of things. The idea...is interesting. Still.
The sixth book was the best in the series with a four stars by me. I've been working on this series and am now completely done with it until Angel comes out. And then I'm done. I just need to find out what happens with Fang.

I liked the series, but I do have to agree that the whole save the world and global warming thing was really odd. The series really took a turn for the worse after the third book. The writing lacks depth, but I can expect that because it's probably written for a younger crowed and will only appeal to 10-12 year olds, even thought I got it for eight grade summer reading which I don't get. It's a quick read, but I don't think it will be made into a movie. My friend auditioned for it and then she said the movie got canceled so I wouldn't expect to see it hit the theaters any time soon.

I don't like reading this series. First of all, I can't relate to Max, and it's very important for me to be able to relate to the main female character in some way. And, I don't like the narration very much. I can't picture the scenes in my mind very well. Also, the plot seemed silly for me. It just didn't feel serious enough to make me believe that Max's world exists. I cannot immerse myself in her world. Sometimes, even the narration itself feels detached to the world of the novel. And, I really haven't read the first three books in the series. I started with The Protectors.

This series was one of my favorites. Not only did it have an awesome group of winged kids, who were totally butt-kicking, but a plot that had the problem of globe warming destroying the world. I'll admit it, the final book was too short and felt disappointing. I was so close on giving up, but there were parts that pulled me in as I was tempted to close the book. Which is why I would still suggest this series to people to try it out first. :D

Plus it always best to start off with the first series, otherwise it wouldn't have "clicked" when you see a sort of hint or connection when you read a certain part ^^