Maximum Ride, Vol. 3 by NaRae Lee

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🕊️ Maximum Ride Vol. 3 by NaRae Lee

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½  4.5 out of 5 stars | Genre: YA Sci-Fi / Action Manga | Wings, secrets, and a lot of awkward feelings

If you’re following along with the Maximum Ride manga series, let me just say: Volume 3 seriously kicks things up a notch. There’s more action, more mystery, more teen angst, and yes, even a few hormonal blushes—because flying kids with bird DNA apparently aren’t immune to crushes. Go figure.

Missed my reviews for Volume 1 or Volume 2? Catch up before diving in.

🧬 Previously on Maximum Ride…

When we left off, Max had just killed Ari, the violent Eraser who’s been tracking her flock—and then had the emotional rug yanked out from under her when Jeb (mad scientist/father figure/maybe villain?) told her Ari was her brother. Uh... what now?

Needless to say, Max is Not Okay™. But there’s no time for therapy because the flock is off to Washington, D.C. to keep chasing clues about their origins and the evil organization behind them.

✈️ A New Breed of Nightmare

On their way to D.C., the flock is ambushed—again—by the Erasers, who are now freaky werewolf-hybrids with wings. They're like angry flying raccoons that almost know how to use airspace but mostly just crash into stuff. One of them gets in a lucky swipe, and Fang ends up bleeding out midair.

Cue emergency hospital visit.

But of course, when you bring a half-bird teenager into a hospital, things don’t stay low-key for long. The FBI shows up, and the flock’s cover story is barely hanging on. Anne Walker, the FBI agent in charge, offers them food, shelter, and what sounds suspiciously like a free Airbnb in exchange for “a little cooperation.” You know… totally normal government behavior.

🏡 The FBI Safe House… or is it?

Anne takes the flock to her gorgeous secluded farmhouse, and honestly? They’re into it. There are hot meals, beds with actual sheets, and Max isn’t the one cooking mystery soup over a fire for once. That said, Max isn’t totally at ease—Anne’s parenting style makes Max feel… kind of irrelevant? Oof.

And while Fang is physically recovering, he’s also decoding secret files using a map of D.C. that leads them to various drop spots. The only discovery of note? A baby photo of Gazzy, which is adorable but not exactly the answers they were hoping for.

Iggy, meanwhile, is really struggling in this setup. Being blind in unfamiliar territory, away from their usual survival rhythm, is frustrating and isolating. His vulnerability here adds real depth to the group dynamic.

📚 Public School, Private Feels

As if being hunted by mutant wolf-men wasn’t enough, the kids are enrolled in public school. Max describes it as feeling like “being dropped into an alien planet”—which is fair. Fang attracts attention immediately, including a kiss from a fellow student that Max accidentally walks in on. Cue jealousy with a side of denial. She’s like, “What? Me? Jealous? Haha, no way. I don’t care that much. I’m just... noticing. Intellectually.”

Sure, Max.

At the same time, reflections in mirrors start showing Erasers where there shouldn’t be any. Both Max and Fang see them, but neither wants to freak out the flock, so they keep it to themselves. (Because that always works out well in books.)

And speaking of things that refuse to stay dead—Ari reappears, very much alive and still looking like an overgrown toddler with a vendetta. Max is seriously spooked now. If he's alive… was Jeb telling the truth?

🧠 What I Loved

  • The pacing! This volume moves fast, but not at the expense of emotional moments.

  • Character complexity. Max’s vulnerability and confusion make her more relatable. Fang’s quiet leadership really shines here.

  • The art. Still loving NaRae Lee’s expressive panels, especially the action scenes.

  • The vibes. We’re in that sweet YA pocket of danger, hormones, and government conspiracies.

😒 What Didn't Quite Soar

  • The school subplot feels a little filler-ish at times.

  • Anne Walker’s motivations are still a bit muddy—is she a good guy? Bad guy? A well-meaning Karen with a badge?

  • Iggy’s arc could’ve used more resolution—he’s sidelined emotionally when he deserved more screen time.

🛒 Buy the Book:

📚 If You Like This, Try:

  • Legend (graphic novel) by Marie Lu – A dystopian survival duo with tension and betrayal.

  • Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida – For readers who like a little more body horror and identity crisis.

  • The Promised Neverland – Another group of kids fighting against the creepy grown-ups running everything.

🧬 Final Thoughts:

This volume really hit its stride. It blends emotional growth, suspense, and just enough teen romance to keep things interesting. If the next volumes keep this same energy (and finally explain what’s going on with Ari?), I’ll be flocking to the finish line. 🕊️

Let me know if you’ve read it—or if you also shouted, “MAX. GIRL. YOU’RE JEALOUS. ADMIT IT.”


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