If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.
Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.
Everything is going to change.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
Remember. Survive. Run.
PUBLISHER: Delacorte Press
PAGES: 375
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Okay, let me preface this book review by saying that I am an idiot. Really and truly. I picked this book up about two years ago, read a chapter or two, and decided to drop it because, and I quote, “it was boring.” I don’t know what was wrong with me two years ago, but I am so happy to say that I have been cured of whatever made me think that this series could ever be boring. Hah. Stupid past Erin. I decided to give this series a second chance after it was bestowed upon me on a recent very, very, very long road trip.
Oh, and please read the synopsis above… there is absolutely no way I can sum this series up. If that bugs you, please stop at the nearest book store and buy yourself a copy of this book. 🙂 See what I did there?
MORAL RATING:
PG: Some cussing, some British cuss words (does that even count?), intense situations for ages 13+, creepy, machine-like, nightmare-inducing beasties
THE GOOD:
James Dashner’s writing keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. If you put the book down to go to sleep, you will not stop thinking about this book. If you have an event to go to while you’re in the middle of reading this book, you will not stop thinking about this book. If you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of reading this book, you will not stop thinking about this book. YOU WILL NEVER BE SATISFIED UNTIL YOU ARE DONE WITH THIS BOOK SERIES (because there are three… and a prologue?). Dashner does an excellent job of pulling the reader in. From the first words, “He began his new life standing up, surrounded by cold darkness and stale, dusty air” to the very last line, you can bet your bottom dollar that you will have absolutely no life. And, while this seems like a bad thing, having your life consumed by a book series is a good thing (in this particular instance). Thomas is a lovable heroine and the reader finds themselves rooting for him as he puzzles through the mystery of the Glade. He’s a natural-born leader and steps up to each challenge as it is presented to him. It was fun for me to see how others came to respect his courage and tenacity! Also, all of the secondary characters are admirable in their own respect and well-written.
It’s definitely dystopian, but James Dashner did not give in to any overly-used, cliché dystopian-isms. This adventure is fresh and exciting, though it does tend to draw some similiarities to Golding’s Lord of the Flies. While I didn’t much enjoy Golding’s novel, I had a lot of fun with this one! There were so many plot twists and turns; it was a wild, crazy ride.
THE BAD:
The Glade slang caught me by surprise; it took me awhile to get used to its originality. Now, it’s like second nature. I just call everyone a slinthead and shuck-face out loud. (NOTE: I’m finding that most people do not understand these terms and I have resorted to calling people these slang terms in my mind, only). Also, Teresa’s feisty and sasstastic attitude–while sometimes refreshing–tended to grate on my nerves at times.
SOUNDTRACK:
MOVIE ADAPTATION:
The Maze Runner filming has already been completed and the movie will premiere on September 19, 2014. You can find more information about the cast and the details of the movie here.
THE VERDICT:
Oh, please. I didn’t even have to think twice about this. This book is definitely a five heart book, no question about it. Already into the second book! It’s an addiction. I have no regrets.
"I Think I'm Obsessed" 