I've gotten hooked on 2 YA series

[Cloud]

The first is the Alex Rider "junior James Bond" books by Horowitz. Not SF/F, of course, but they are pretty decent reads. Almost like Harry Potter books, without the magic.

The second is the James Patterson "Maximum Ride" books. Okay, well, I've only read the first one and so far there's only 2, so it's probably not accurate to say I'm hooked on the series. (Cloud starts to sing, "I'm --- hooked on a feeling" before she snaps back to reality. sort of).

These are SF--about a group of genetically engineered kids with wings, who can fly and have assorted other abilities, raised in an evil Lab/School from which they have escaped and are still running from. Very reminscent, in fact, too reminscent really, of the "Dark Angel" tv series--down to the main female character named Max. But still entertaining.

I just wish that authors would make each book, even if part of a series, a complete story. Grrrrrr. (Cloud enjoys growling, but refrains usually for fear of scaring her neighbors. and riling the cats.)

 

[Nesacat]

have the read the James Patterson novel on which these are based and it's one of my favourites of his books. The novel is called When The Wind Blows and it was followed by The Lake House. Both books have a girl called Max and five other genetically engineered children all of whom have wings and can fly.

I didn't know about the Maximum Ride books and have certainly not seen them on the shelves here but that you Cloud for the information. I'll try and see if I can get them. If they are anything at all like the novels I can understand you being hooked.

 

[Cloud]

Patterson says that those characters are "not the same." Even though they are.

 

[Loner]

The first is the Alex Rider "junior James Bond" books by Horowitz. Not SF/F, of course, but they are pretty decent reads. Almost like Harry Potter books, without the magic.

Isn't there an Alex Rider movie coming out soon? *googles*
Yes, it's called Stormrider after one of the novels in the series. ( I used to work in a bookstore and these sold quite well to boys who are tough customers to please)

The second is the James Patterson "Maximum Ride" books.

I tried to read this one but I couldn't stand James Patterson's style. I hadn't read any other Patterson books. Does he always write that way? With short, stabby sentences?

I've just gotten hooked on Dianna Wynne Jones. She was writing stories about wizarding schools before Potter was a gleam in Rowling's eye!

 

[Cloud]

are those good?

 

[Loner]

Yes, she writes characters who are suprisingly real for fantasy.
Every gryphon or dragon has an individual personality. Some are stand alone and she also writes series. I have only read 2 so far but now I want to read them all!

Everyone has a history or family. You just get attached and sucked right in! and their problems are ones you can relate to.

 

[Nesacat]

Love Diana Wynnes Jones. Started with Fire & Hemlock many moons ago and have read all her books since. Howl's Moving Castle is one she wrote.

 

[BookStop]

I tried to read this one but I couldn't stand James Patterson's style. I hadn't read any other Patterson books. Does he always write that way? With short, stabby sentences?

No, he doesn't always write that way. It seems to be a style of writing he picked up for the YA books. The 2 originals, When the Wind Blows and The Lake House, were much more detailed than Maximum Ride. YOu really should give them a go, they are excellent. (I couldn't read Maximum Ride either because of the short, choppy sentences.)

 

[Loner]

Phew! Then I guess I can give another of his books a try.

 

[-putawaythosepliers-]

i read the first two James Patterson books and really liked them, but then i kind of lost interest and never really got around to reading the new one, or the one after that.

and Dianne Wynne Jones is great isnt she? I've read the Chrestomanci series, and i thought they were brilliant, and i re-read most of them a couple of times, which is a big thing for me because i find it hard to re-read anything. but it was completely out of choice. I bought another of her books, can't remember what it was called, the title was something to do with Magicians and i don't think it was part of any series. Will do soon though