The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Pages: 374

Intended Audience: Teens and Mature Tweens

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes for Parents: Some violence.

The Back Cover

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is empty.

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 expanse enclosed 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, for as long as anyone can remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, for just as long, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the Maze after dark.

The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might find their way home…wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the Maze is unsolvable.

And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the first book in the Maze Runner trilogy.

What’s good?

The story is driven by a train of mysteries confounded by intense action. The characters are interesting and well-drawn, and they survive their baffling world in a believable, age-appropriate way, reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. The Glade is an excellent setting, the pacing is even and suspense-filled, and the grievers are satisfyingly fear-provoking.

Best Part: Chuck.

What isn’t good?

I didn’t like the main characters, especially Teresa, whose personality irritated me. While I sympathized with Thomas and his situation, I was more interested in the other boys and cared more about their survival than Thomas’.

Worst part: The swear words – klunk, shank, shuckface.

Recommendation þþþoo

I was motivated to read the other two books in the series by the grand mystery behind all the action and adventure. I have no regrets. However, I would recommend Michael Grant’s Gone series before this one.

Dashner, James. The Maze Runner. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009.