Hi fiction lover! If you ever ask me about my favorite books, I will definitely talk about the Septimus Heap series. In fact, that was the first series I picked up at the library that got me into reading. Usually, when I was little I would walk around the library with my grandma and wait for my brother to pick out manga, but one day I decided to pick up a Septimus Heap book—I read Flyte first, the second in the series—and that changed everything. Not only did it awaken my love for reading, it also made me think about how cool it would be to be an author. Recently, I searched for other books that the author of Septimus Heap, Angie Sage, has written recently, and I came across this wonderful standalone. Here is my review of Maximillian Fly by Angie Sage.
First of all, can we talk about the giant cockroach on the cover? I have a fear of cockroaches like most people, and at first I questioned myself. Do I really want to read about a giant cockroach? But it did seem like a charming story—a human cockroach determined to protect two children, and so I decided to pick it up. I also know that Angie Sage is a killer at storytelling and creating a vibrant world. So I knew she wouldn’t let me down.
And she didn’t! Maximillian Fly is a charming story with a lot of deep themes. It doesn’t shy away from talking about prejudice. And there is no hiding away from the death, torture, and abuse that happens in the city of Hope. And even though it is a children’s book, I found that older readers will very much enjoy and appreciate it. Maximillian starts off the story by “noticing” the reader, much to my shock. He says that he can sense that you’re watching him, which really tripped me out until I got used to Max pointing me out. In fact, he claims that you’re the reason he wants to help out the two children running away—Kaitlin and Jonno.
Kaitlin and Jonno are SilverSeeds running away from Enforcers, and we quickly find out that the city of Hope is separated from the outside world by the Orb. The Orb was created to defend against the Contagion, which wiped out the majority of humanity. Here in Hope, the rulers keep the city under tight control for everyone’s safety, at least that’s what they claim. Maximillian is a Roach, but fortunately not a Night Roach, which were trained to be ruthless killers.
Maximillian charmed me from the get-go with his kind nature and willingness to be a good person, even though people fear him for his difference and appearance. What touched me most was his strained, heartbreaking relationship with his abusive mother. He longs for a family and for people to understand him, and even though he went through so much pain growing up, that did not snuff out his goodness. Multiple times while I was reading, my heart hurt for Maximillian and I wanted him to find happiness after everything he has been through as a Roach. I mean, I always like a happy ending, but in this case I was begging for Max to turn out alive and happy!
I never knew I could feel such warmth for a human roach. But along with Max’s character, I loved the changes of perspectives. Every voice comes across as unique, from Kaitlin to little Jonno to Max’s best friend, Parminter. And the act of rebellion from the main characters made for a nonstop ride of action. Again, the book did not refrain from talking about death and suffering. At the same time, a lot of humor was sprinkled throughout the book to lighten up the mood.
Do I think Maximillian Fly is worth reading? Absolutely! I would recommend it for anyone in middle school or older. Trust me, you’re going to have an entirely different opinion of roaches. And if your heart breaks when reading, or bursts with relief and warmth when Max escapes his many close calls, don’t be mad at me. Thank you very much for checking out my review of Maximillian Fly by Angie Sage. And check out my blog for other fiction reviews.