Critical Praise
"The key to MAXIMUM RIDE'S success may be that it incorporates concepts familiar to young people…Another plus: the book has a feel of a video game. Fights and flights are non-stop in MAXIMUM RIDE. The short chapters appeal to the limited attention span of many of today's teens. The writing is visual and cinematic—things that kids expect from their video games, TV cartoon shows and action movies. And the ending leaves plenty of wiggle room for a sequel."
-USA Today
"[Patterson] delivers an action-packed cross between Gertrude Chandler Warner's Boxcar Children and Marvel Comics' X-Men."
—Booklist
"The nonstop action and suspense, along with Max's engaging, wisecracking narration, make this a compelling read for adventure fans. Max is cool, deadly, loyal and funny-and sure to be popular."
—KLIATT, starred review
"Despite the fact that MAXIMUM RIDE was written for young adults, the novel should have an appeal that transcends age. Like the Harry Potter series, this is a reading experience that will be shared by children, their parents and grandparents. In the guise of a science fiction story, James Patterson raises questions of ethics and morality that should make for many spirited dinner table discussions."
—The Rocky Mountain News
Fun & games