Fang by James Patterson (Maximum Ride #6)

While working with CSM to promote awareness about global warming and the dangers humans pose to the enviorment, Max and the rest of the flock are stunned when Angel dictates a shocking warning. The flock won't be whole much longer. Angels says that Fang is going to die, and soon. Max is unwilling to see any truth in this, and Fang also brushes off the dire threat. However, as the group tries to go on with their lives, the flock becomes more and more unstable. Max's leadership is coming into question, and other memebers (Three guesses who - the first two don't count.) are waiting in the wings to seize power for themselves. Just when things can't get any worse for Max and Fang, a new bird kid is thrown into the mix. His name is Dylan, and he's supposed to be Max's soul mate.

First off, let me just say that whoever came up with the idea of a soul mate for Max is a complete moron. Max doesn't believe in fate. And soul mates? Psh. Besides, who can tell Max who she can and can't be with? I pity the poor guy who tells her that. Anyways, Dylan. Right. The moment I learned he's supposed to be Max's "soul mate", I didn't like him just for that, if only because I think Max and Fang are great together and interlopers are only okay in Nightshade, because Ren is a terrible person.

Shipper bias aside, Dylan is bareable. He's a bit shy and a little awkward, which is relatable because I'm sure anyone would be if you met other mutants such as yourself for the first time. Do they like you? Will you fit in? It's normal. He really does seem to think that being with Max is the most important part of his life. When she's not home, he sleeps in her bed. When she ends up pushing him away 'cause she - not suprisingly - isn't big on the soul mate idea, Dylan actually tries to kill himself. I kidd you not. It's a bit sad, really. I mean, he was brought up witht he notion that Max and he are meant to be, but c'mon. He's not a bad person, but I'm not super impressed with Dylan so far.

Next we move on to sweet little Angel. She's just darling, isn't she? I'm sure you all remember, if you've read the previous books, how she went all creepyish and started talking about how to take over the flock and how she would be a better leader than Max and blah blah blah she's insane.

I guess I can sort of see how she might think she'd be the better leader. Max doesn't have mind control, after all. I just don't like Angel that much anymore. She's all about giving the flock more chances to have fun, but not so much about keeping them safe. While she's great at writing up contracts with talent agents and working the crowd while displaying her powers, she's terrible at checking for traps. I also learned for the first time that she has her own inner voice, which seems to be telling her to ally herself with various evil scientists. Angel is very ambitious, but it's making her very ruthless and leading her to darker places.

There was an interesting development with the whole "The flock will save the world" plan. You know, the one the flock really isn't on board with. It seems like the memebers of the flock are expected to split up and start their own, or something like that. THe idea is horrifying first because I can't imagine the flock breaking up after all they've been through, and second because I'm worried that it might actually happen. James Patterson could do it. He's just so unpredictable!

The Final Warning and Max were a letdown, but I loved Fang. The introduction of Dylan as a new character was interesting, and I can't wait to learn more about them! The book had the series's trademark humor and action with plenty of heart-stopping twists and cliffhangers. The end of the book left me shell-shocked, and I can't wait to read the next book, Angel! The series is very creative, and I can't wait to see how the rest of the story plays out. This would be a good series for any fan of action and who wants a good laugh, regardless of age. 4/5 stars.

#madscientists #jamespatterson #scifi #friendship #humor