The Maze Runner by James Dashner [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

   

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Series: Maze Runner #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian/Sci-Fi

Release: October 6, 2009

Hardcover: 374 Pages

Publisher: Delacourte for Young Readers

My Copy: Purchased

Reviewer: Shannon

Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind. (Courtesy of the Publisher)

 
Shannon's Thoughts:

I've read so much dystopian lately that sometimes I find it hard to find unique elements in them.  I was happy to find that The Maze Runner managed to surprise me.  I liked having a male narrator and Thomas is a good protagonist.   I also liked the Lord of the Flies overtures, which I especially felt when Thomas is introduced to the other boys and the Glade.  But The Maze Runner can be a little frustrating too.  It takes a long time before anything is revealed and even then...well, it's not a lot.  Also, I found the idea of the maze very strange and I had a hard time believing the reason for the maze.  But if I didn't think too hard about it, I liked everything else about The Maze Runner.  I think boys will especially like this book.  I am interested to continue on with the series.  Hopefully there will be some more answers!

Books in the order they should be read:
1. The Maze Runner
2. The Scorch Trials
3. The Death Cure
4. The Kill Order (Prequel)