James Patterson

"Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of her 'flock'-- Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel-- are just like ordinary kids, except they have wings and can fly! It may seem like a dream come true to some, but for the flock it's more like a living nightmare when the mysterious lab known as the 'School' turns up and kidnaps their youngest member. Now it's up to Max to organize a rescue, but...

"Having recovered Angel, Max and the flock head to new York City to pursue a lead regarding their true identities. But where the flock goes, erasers are sure to follow! Even more troubling, though, is the voice that's begun whispering in Max's head. Is it really her destiny to save the world?-- p. [4] of cover.

"Joining a scientific expedition gives Max and the flock a perfect opportunity to distance themselves from the heated debate over their future, but frostbite isn't the only danger in the Antarctic! A powerful figure in the underworld has promised the super-human kids to the highest bidder--and he has the robotic army to ensure the goods are delivered!" - Cover.

While on a scientific expedition, Max and his friends are targeted by an underworld figure who intends to sell these super-kids to the highest bidder and employs his robot army to collect them.

Having narrowly escaped the Erasers in New York City, the flock heads to Washington, D.C., to try to find out more about themselves. After they are approached and offered sanctuary by the FBI, they try going to school and living normal lives, but the Erasers catch up with them and send them on the run again.