The Maze Runner - Review

Title ~ The Maze Runner
Series ~ The Maze Runner #1
Author ~ James Dashner
Release Date ~ October 6, 2009
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Source ~ a Real Bookstore

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Imagine waking up one day in total darkness, unsure of where you are and unable to remember anything about yourself except your first name. You're in a bizarre place devoid of adults called the Glade. The Glade is an enclosed structure with a jail, a graveyard, a slaughterhouse, living quarters, and gardens. And no way out. Outside the Glade is the Maze, and every day some of the kids -- the Runners -- venture into the labyrinth, trying to map the ever-changing pattern of walls in an attempt to find an exit from this hellish place. So far, no one has figured it out. And not all of the Runners return from their daily exertions, victims of the maniacal Grievers, part animal, part mechanical killing machines.

Thomas is the newest arrival to the Glade in this Truman-meets-Lord of the Flies tale. A motley crew of half a dozen kids is all he has to guide him in this strange world. As soon as he arrives, unusual things begin to happen, and the others grow suspicious of him. Though the Maze seems somehow familiar to Thomas, he's unable to make sense of the place, despite his extraordinary abilities as a Runner. What is this place, and does Thomas hold the key to finding a way out?

REVIEW

The Maze Runner is a dystopian work of art. It captures the paranoia and desperation of a society on the brink.

The boys in The Glade are smart problem-solvers. They set up their own structure with a leader and jobs for everyone. They even test new members to determine their strengths and put them into the best jobs. I am fascinated by how these boys are so resourceful. Alby is not the strongest leader, but that is a good thing. It gives the other boys a chance to speak up and have some control. The lone female, Teresa, is a mystery, but oh so important to the final outcome.  

Thomas, the main character, is a Runner. While all Runners are brave, Thomas is clearly the bravest of them all. The other Runners, and in fact all of the boys, look up to him and he is able to influence them. James Dashner works magic as he presents this story through Thomas’ innocent eyes.

Oh my gosh the Grievers! These dangerous creatures are the reason no one (well, maybe someone) goes into the Maze after dark. The grizzly scenes with the Grievers showed me just how crazy the Creators were for inventing these killers.

I love The Maze Runner. The plot is thick with surprising details and bits from the past. It all leads up to one unbelievable, jaw dropping, revelation. You really need to RUN to the bookstore and get The Maze Runner.

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

I love that the cover of The Maze Runner is the actual maze. Cool. The hedges are just like I pictured them – tall and green. Look at those spikes on the gate too! It’s perfect.