Book review by Corey
City of the Dead
City of the Dead follows Hawk, the daughter of Maximum Ride, as she tries to protect a dangerous city where something much bigger is starting to build in the shadows. Hawk and Max are forced to work together even though they clash constantly, and the tension between them gives the story a lot of its personality.
The book is fast, action-heavy, and very much built around danger, loyalty, and the pressure of trying to be a hero when you are not sure you are ready for it. It also expands the Maximum Ride world through Hawk’s point of view, which gives the story a slightly different energy than the earlier books.
The Goods
- Fast pacing
- Strong mother-daughter tension
- Plenty of action
- Hawk has a distinct voice
- Good continuation of the Maximum Ride world
The Bads
- Some parts feel familiar
- A few characters could use more depth
- The plot moves very quickly
- Works better if you know the earlier books
- Some conflict feels a little repetitive
My Recommendation
This is a good pick for readers who already enjoy the Maximum Ride universe and want a fast YA adventure with plenty of action and family tension. Hawk brings a younger point of view to the story, while Max adds some history and emotional weight for longtime readers. If you like dystopian action, genetically altered characters, and stories where the heroes are constantly being pushed into bigger problems, City of the Dead is an easy continuation to get into.