“The funny thing about facing imminent death is that it really snaps everything else into perspective.”

From James Patterson’s Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment.

For almost as long as she can remember, Maximum “Max” Ride has had to live through a terrible, painful, and nightmarish childhood because she is one of six genetically modified children that were born with birdlike wings, a crazy genetic make-up, and sometimes un-explainable abilities.  Over the years, Max and the other kids she was caged with–the brooding Fang, the blind Izzy, the fashion-loving Nudge, the energetic Gasman, and the sweet little Angel-have become a family (or flock) through the worst of circumstances. Their existence was kept secret and the painful experiments and modifications never stopped, so Max and the others managed to escape their facility with help from the lead scientist, Dr. Jeb Batchelder, but Jeb’s disappearance left Max in charge of the flock as they live a quiet, free existence. However, when Jeb’s genetically-altered son, Ari, and his small army of half human/half wolf “erasers” find their home and kidnap Angel, the nightmare of the flock’s past quickly returns. Terrified to go back to the lab where they were imprisoned, but unwilling to abandon Angel, Max leads her flock on a daring rescue mission that will literally change their lives and the world forever.

This first book in Patterson’s young adult fantasy thriller series is filled to the brim with action, mystery, and heart.  The short chapters almost always end in a way that makes stopping nearly impossible, but the variety and emotions of the characters are the book’s true driving force.  A solid foundation to a popular, complex series, The Angel Experiment is the perfect start to an unforgettable adventure.