James Patterson’s – “Maximum Ride” Series

I have to admit I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I have been “researching” (i.e. reading like crazy – sure doesn’t feel like work) books in the Young Adult Fantasy (YAF) section. For a moment I thought I was in the wrong area – James Patterson? I had no idea he wrote YAF stories too. So I bought the book and took it home to read. I had been looking for a book with a lot of action to get a feel for the writing and to look at the structure of the paragraphs (all in an effort to tighten up my own writing – as you can see by reading my posts I can be a bit . . . umm . . . wordy). This book came recommended by my neighbor’s step-daughter (a 14 year old that doesn’t much care for reading but loved this book).

So I took it home. And I read it. And I went back to the bookstore and bought the second one (it’s a trilogy of sorts). And I read it. And then I ordered the 3rd one online that same night (because they didn’t have it at the store). It was really good. Action-packed doesn’t even come close. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many highs and lows, victories, obstacles, heartbreak, and well . . . action in so short a space. It literally left me breathless. While I’m waiting for the 3rd book to come in I’m going to go back through the first one (slowly this time) and really pay attention to what he did and how he did it.

If you like YAF and a lot of action, check out this book. Next on my reading list is Cornelia Funke’s “Inkheart”.