Saving the World by James Patterson (Maximum Ride, Book 3)

Patterson, James (2007). Saving the World. New York, New York: Little, Brown Young Readers.

ISBN: 9780316155608

416 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Science Fiction

Age Level: 15-19

Stars: 4 stars

Subjects: New York, Mutation, Identity, Rebellion

Reader's Annotation

Max and her "Flock" have returned to face their ultimate enemy and destroy their creators before they themselves are destroyed, and in the process, save the world from a eugenics plot- but will they succeed? 

Summary

14-year-old Max has returned with her friends in the 3rd book in this series. Now that they have discovered more about who created them and why, the time has come for action. It turns out that it has been decided by their creators that they must be exterminated, but if that happens, then the world as a whole may fall subject to a plot to re-engineer parts of the population and create a superior master race and terminate the rest. With their creators more determined than ever, the group is weak, forced to hide and separated, so this novel begs the question of how they can possibly hope to succeed against such incredible odds. 

Notes

Readers might recognize James Patterson as the author of the Alex Cross books, starting withAlong Came A Spider and Kiss the Girls, both of which were also made into movies. Readers who enjoyed this book might enjoy those mystery thrillers, but they should check out the other books in this series: The Angel Experiment, School's Out-Forever, and The Final Warning. 

Author Information

James Patterson's Website

The Final Warning by James Patterson (Maximum Ride, Book 4)

Patterson, James (2008). The Final Warning. New York, New York: Little, Brown, and Company

ISBN: 9780316002868

272 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Science Fiction

Age Level: 15-19

Stars: 4 stars

Subjects: Mutation, Identity, Rebellion, Science Fiction

Reader's Annotation

This final book (?) in the series finds Max and her friends hiding in Antarctica where they take refuge with a team of environmentalists studying the effects of global warning, and they must battle against corrupt governments, biengineered villains, and nature to survive. 

Summary

Max and her group of genetically mutated friends have sought refuge from predators, governments, and anyone else in Antarctica. There, they find refuge with a team of environmentalists, but surviving in the harsh conditions and staying off the grid is a lot more difficult than it originally seemed, and it isn't long before the adventure picks up again. 

Notes

Readers might recognize James Patterson as the author of the Alex Cross books, starting withAlong Came A Spider and Kiss the Girls, both of which were also made into movies. Readers who enjoyed this book might enjoy those mystery thrillers, but they should check out the other books in this series: The Angel Experiment, School's Out-Forever, and Saving the World. 

Author Information

James Patterson's Website

Voices by Ursula LeGuin

LeGuin, Ursula (2008). Voices. New York, New York: Harcourt Paperbacks. 

ISBN: 9780152062422

360 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Age Level: 15-17

Stars: 5 stars

Subjects: Magic, Fantasy, Family, Revenge, Rebellion, Politics

Reader's Annotation

17-year-old Memer and her mentor are protectors of a library in a world in which war is a fact of life and the ownership of books is punishable by death, but with the arrival of a storyteller, the lengthy war might end at last, forcing Memer to consider what she has been fighting for for so many years. 

Summary

This book is the sequel to LeGuin's Gifts, but it is strong enough to stand on its own. This book follows 17-year-old Memer, who from birth has been brought up to resent the invaders of her town who raperd her mother and destroyed the city. When a storyteller arrives in the city and the differences between the conquered and the conquerors no longer seem as great, it looks like the war may at last be over. Her dreams of vengeance need to find a new outlet, however, once it looks like peace may be on the horizon, and this forces her to consider what she has been fighting for and whether her personal quest for redemption and justice is still a valid pursuit. 

Awards

2007 Locus Award Nomination

2007 New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age

Author Information 

Ursula LeGuin's Website

Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce

Pierce, Tamora (2008). Trickster's Queen. New York, New York: Harcourt Press. 

ISBN: 9780375814730

496 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Age Level: 15-17

Stars: 5 stars

Subjects: Royalty, Rebellion, Spying, Murder, Relationships

Reader's Annotation

Aly, a spymaster bound to keep the Balitang children safe, must see that a rebellion goes according to plan even when all of the people involved aren't on the same page. 

Summary

This is the sequel to Trickster's Choice, and it continues the story of Alianne (Aly), the Lioness' daughter. Aly continues her servitude to Lady Dovasary, daughter of the late duke, and she is determined to keep the late duke's children safe. She is now also the spymaster of a rebellion that is attempting to put Sarai, the oldest of the children, on the throne instead of the four-year-old luarin king. Complications arise when Sarai elopes and their attentions turn to Dove, her sister, to earn the respect and allegiance of the people. 

Notes

There is a lot of action, adventure, and with a smart, sassy heroine and rich characters, this is a great story for teens. Younger teens will likely enjoy it more, but older teens should enjoy the rich fantasy world as well. 

Awards

New York Times Bestseller

Author Information

A Tamora Pierce Fansite