Review: School's Out--Forever by James Patterson (MRRC)

So, who out there is participating in the Maximum Ride Reading Challenge?

I'm actually hosting it, along with the delightful Ella from Musings in Ink. Basically, the point of the Challenge is to read (or re-read) all seven of the already-released Max Ride books, in preparation for the release of the LAST ONE, Nevermore! All the details are on the Official MRRC Blog. It's never too late to sign up! (Also, if you've already signed up with Linky, we're going to need you to re-sign up a different way. Details about that are on the signup page on the blog. Thanks!)

School's Out--Forever by James Patterson 

Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride and the other members of the "Flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It seems like a dream come true--except that they're being hunted by half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" who can fly, too. 

In Book 2 of the series, the Flock members are taken under the wing of an FBI agent and try to live "normal" lives by going to school, making friends--and continuing their relentless search for their parents. But the Erasers return, forcing the Flock to abandon their search and make their escape once again. The voice inside Max's head keeps telling her that it's up to her to save the world, but this is especially challenging to do when she is faced with her ultimate match: a newer and better version of herself, Maximum Ride II. Max's heart-stopping quest to investigate the mind-blowing mystery of her ultimate destiny continues in the scariest, strangest, and funniest James Patterson novel yet. 

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 The flock is back and better than ever! No, seriously, the second Max Ride book may be even better than the first!


We're tossed right back into the action, as School's Out--Forever picks up right where The Angel Experiment left off. For a second, it seems like everything's okay and the flock might actually catch a break. And then, naturally, all heck breaks loose.


After an emergency leaves them with no choice but to go to a hospital, the flock is discovered by the FBI, who are VERY interested in the genetically altered kids. Which is only to be expected. Oh, and it gets worse. Because now Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, and Angel are sent to live with an FBI agent. Who enrolls them in SCHOOL. Yeah. 


As they try to blend in with the "normal" kids at school, the flock is still trying to discover all they can about their parents and where they came from. Oh, and let's not forget the fact that Max was apparently made to "save the world". That's a biggie.


All the awesomeness of The Angel Experiment is back in full force. The flock is as hilarious, kick-butt, and lovable as ever, and the twists and turns at every corner keep the pages turning. And if you're a fan of sarcasm, (as I most DEFINITELY am) then Max is seriously the heroine for you, because you can barely go more than two sentences in the narrative without finding a snarky comment.


The rest of the flock is as awesome as ever, too. Especially Fang. I LOVE Fang. And his and Max's relationship can only get more complicated. So it does.


Basically, my point is that if you loved TAE and you haven't read SOF, you MUST. And if you haven't read either, go read them both. (And the rest of the series, during the Max Ride Reading Challenge! [More shameless plugging ;D])


To finish up, some delightful teasers from School's Out--Forever. (You can see more from my Teaser Tuesday HERE)

     "I look like prep school Barbie," Nudge complained, as she entered the kitchen. She caught sight of me in my uniform and looked slightly mollified. "Actually, you look like prep school Barbie. I'm just Barbie's friend."

(This next one's slightly edited for spoilers)

     "You're kidding, right? Please tell me you have a stronger motive for me than 'fair is fair.' Life isn't fair. Nothing is fair, ever. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. I need to help you because fair is fair? Try, 'I need you to help me so I won't rip out your spine and beat you with it. I might respond to that. Maybe."

And one more, because I can't resist.

     "Fang! This is a huge break! Of course we should go check it out!"
     He looked at me. "But we're grounded." he said with a straight face.
     I stared at him for a second, and then we both burst out laughing.

School's Out--Forever gets <*><*><*><*><*> 


(:D)
~Mag