The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner
By James Dashner
2009
374 pages

Summary: When Thomas wakes up in the lift, 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 the doors are closed tight, protecting them from monsters. Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind. (from amazon)

Review: Dashner is a talented writer who puts the reader right in the middle of his novel. The world building is slow and at times splotchy which creates a parallel experience where both Thomas and the reader try to make sense of the Glade and the Maze. While the book is a little bit more science fiction that I tend to enjoy, I was not overwhelmed by the language and found that it was very easy to follow. There is a lot of action and suspense and the book has a bit of a Hunger Games feel to it with characters fighting for their lives. It also has a few shocking twists and turns which make this a highly entertaining first novel. Great selection for a teen book club.

Also by James Dashner: The Scorch Trials and the 13th Reality series

If you liked The Maze Runner, you might also enjoy: Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, Feed by M. T. Anderson, Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines, City of Ember by Jeanne DePrau

Additional Info: Check out this awesome (and creepy) book trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2-zYcD-dDs

Author website: http://www.jamesdashner.com/

Rating:W3.5/4 C3/4 P3/4 O3.5/4 PP3.5/4 CR3/4
Grade Level: JS