Book Review-Newer Books 45th

Review—Fang

This is s James Patterson book for young readers. James Patterson wrote the novel Fang. Little, Brown Books published the book in March 2010; the novel has 336 pages.

            The bird kids are back and they will take you from Africa to Vegas and Los Angeles. Maximum Ride and the gang are currently on a mission in an impoverished area of Africa. While there, they discover kids with differences and one new bird kid, who claims he was made just for her. Fang is her boyfriend and partner in leading this group of kids created in test tubes with their DNA combined with avian DNA. Flying is just one of their many talents. Each of these kids has special gifts. Their lives have always been fraught with danger, from birth to the current time people have tried to use them or capitalize on their uniqueness.

            After being born to live in crates their freedom has come at high costs. However, now with the backing and support of a humanitarian group they can move across the globe with less risk. Africa brings them in contact with a new powerful man intending to make them part of his plan for the future of the world. Max declines the offer, leading them into another dangerous situation and being chased abroad. They head to a place known as home only to find that trouble follows. Max and Fang try to teach the younger kids more about needed education and the world while maintaining their safety. Angel, the youngest and the one child with the most unique and powerful gifts intends to become the leader. This causes a new rift in the group but also leads Max and Fang to realize their relationship could be a problem to the continued unity of the other kids. From Africa to Montana, Vegas, and LA, the group seeks the answers that will keep them safe and together.

            This is one of several books by James Patterson for young readers based on this amazing group of bird kids. Even adults should find their journey entertaining. Though a few of the books tend to preach a little too heavily about global warming and the evils of big corporations, the majority of the series just provide good stories about kids overcoming a difficult beginning. Max and Fang have proved to be a good pair through each book and each of the other kids are enjoyable to follow.