Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner By James Dashner (Book 1 in Trilogy)
Book Description: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.

About the Author: James Dashner was born and raised in Georgia but now lives in the Rocky Mountains with his wife and kids. He always had the dream to be a full time author, and it finally came true in 2008. He's currently loving every minute of it (he'll let you know if he gets sick of writing and needs a job).Here's What I Think: So this is supposed to be a Young Adult book (actually listed as being for Grades 6-10), but I am not sure I could have grasped the complexity of this book at that age. The story is very intense and has tons of depth. The path of the plot keeps changing and changing until you have no clue as to the outcome. I love how complete each of the characters are in their construction, they each have a very specific persona. Really the whole concept of the book is incredible - a group of teenage BOYS are able to create an entire civilization complete with food gardens and animal farms.  Everyone has a specific job and does it for the good of the whole. Then there is the idea that a group of "scientists" would capture all of these children, swipe their memories and then put them into a giant maze like lab rats is just appauling. The book does come to seemingly final conclusion - so please be sure to read on through the epilogue. That is what sent me racing to my computer to order The Scorch Trials on my Kindle, the minute I finished The Maze Runner. The third installment is supposedly due out in March but I have not found a solid date.

He did several books with a small publisher before breaking onto the national scene with THE 13TH REALITY series and THE MAZE RUNNER (a lead title for Random House in Fall 2009). Learn more by checking out his website, http://www.jamesdashner.com/.

Disclaimer: I was in no way compensated to publish this post.

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