The Maze Runner by James Dashner
8:00 AM
Author: James Dashner
Release Date: October 6, 2009 (hardcover)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 384
Source: Won at Indigo Teen Read Awards
Overall: 4 Stars
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.
My Thoughts:
I remember when I first heard of The Maze Runner, I wasn't actually too excited to read the novel right away. I may have judged the book by its cover a bit because it lacks the beautiful touch I'm always more drawn towards. But you know how the saying goes... and with The Maze Runner, I'm glad I finally caved into the praise and read it, even if it was a while after it was first released. The first time I read it, the second novel was about to be released, and a part of me is glad I didn't read it right away because it wouldn't have been fun waiting for the next book!
Like I was saying, I definitely should have listened to the recommendations sooner! The Maze Runner is like one crazy and thrilling roller coaster ride, filled with plenty of twists and turns to keep your heart pounding as you read. The beginning starts off slow as we learn more about the mysteries and dangers outside of the Glade... but the intrigue steadily builds up as the Gladers tried to solve all the riddles. And when we reached the climax of the novel, James Dashner couldn't have added any more suspense if he tried!
I liked the cast of characters, I really did... but most of all, I really liked Thomas. He has no recollection of his past, so he's sort of stumbling to connect all the lost pieces. The lost memories are locked away and the more Thomas tries to access them, the more he feels that they're slipping from his grasp. He's unlike the other Gladers in a certain way, and he's sure there's a way to escape the giant Maze that encloses the Glade... but he's just not sure how. Thomas does, of course, have his moments of weakness, but I liked how he tried to lead the boys into not accepting their fates of remaining forever in the Maze.
James Dashner's The Maze Runner has a perfect appeal for both boys and girls! And if you haven't read the novel yet, make you sure you also have the The Scorch Trials to read right afterwards because the ending leaves off on a cliffhanger note. I'm sure you'll be wanting to read what happens next to Thomas and his friends right away!
And this is just for fun, but if you have some free time, you should check out The Maze Runner game on James Dashner's website. You're a Glader and have to try to escape from the Maze! Will you succeed?
5 comments
I admit I've been avoiding this book, I don't know why, I guess I'm not all that drawn to male narrators -takes me a lot to decide to read a book with a male narrator - and I dunno, sounds dystopyany to me.
ReplyDeleteBut you have tempted me! LOL
I'll see if I Can borrow it from a friend, I don't feel ready to commit to buy. But thanks for the review, I wouldn't consider it otherwise.
I've had this one on my shelf for a long time but never gotten around to reading it. I'll definitely have to get to it soon. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this one forever! I just never get around to it. :/ One day, I suppose. :)
ReplyDeleteSarah
Confessions of the UnPublished!
OMG! I have had this book in my to-read pile since... since forever and I havent read it yet T___T.... It seems Im really missing something!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this review! I wnt to read it so badly now =9
I have to say I put this one off for a long time because I was like "oh it's a boy book" ... before blogging I definitely didn't read as diversely as I do now, but when I was in library school some people recommended it and I finally picked it up. I'm so glad I did because I LOVED it. I got 'The Scorch Trials' the day it came out, and I thought it was pretty great as well. I can't wait to read the 3rd book!
ReplyDelete