CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The final book in James Patterson's "Maximum Ride" series starts out as nothing out of the ordinary for the winged children at the heart of it. Scientists are after the six children's special DNA while the world falls to pieces around them. As usual, they are expected to save the human race and life as we know it.

But this final book will shock readers with the ending Patterson has in store.

To begin with, the previous book, "Angel," ended with the flock being separated in Paris while fighting to save each other and the humans they have always cared so deeply about. "Nevermore" picks up a few months later with the flock still separated.

Dylan, the newest member, thinks it would do everyone some good if they tried to go to school and behave like normal teenagers. Max gives into his request and attends school with the rest of them.

However, she has not forgotten about the two missing members of her family: Angel and Fang. The flock thinks Angel is dead, but since Patterson likes to resurrect his characters, the truth behind her story won't be all that surprising to readers.

"Angel" also left off with Fang abandoning Max and the rest of the flock to start his own. "Nevermore" picks up with him trying to get along with his new flock and take on the responsibilities of a leader. Throughout the books, everyone takes Max's natural leadership capabilities for granted, and, almost every time, they come to regret this. It's no different with Fang.

With newfound knowledge that Angel might still be alive, the flock plans a rescue mission. They find Angel in a secret laboratory, much like the one they were created in. They also learn more about the evil scientists' new plan to destroy the world.

After this, Patterson seems to get back on track with his apocalyptic theme. The stakes are higher, and the flock is up against more evil scientists than ever before. When it seems they cannot take it anymore, they are rescued and taken to Paradise.

The book is what readers would expect -- until the very end. In his eight-book series, Patterson takes each character through his or her own personal journey of learning what life is really about and what it means to grow up. He left room for there to be another book, but there is also a distinct possibility this really is the final book in the "Maximum Ride" series.