Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: October 6, 2009
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. 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 expanse enclosed 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, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark.
The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable.
And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.
Guest Review by Steve:
This original sci-fi-ish fiction novel was great. A community of children are stuck inside a maze and are put through a series of trials as some part of a large experiment which could affect the entire human race. I don’t know if it’s just the whole children against adults/world disaster plotline (Ender’s Game anyone, c’mon people?!), or if I just like kids who aren’t afraid to take on adventure, either way, this book and me click. After a slow start to the book, you begin to appreciate the main character Thomas and his special set of skills. Once the book really gets going, the rest is a speedy downhill sprint. I couldn’t wait to figure out more about the setting and background, the newly introduced characters, or what was going on behind the scenes in the world outside the maze. While this was not the “BEST BOOK EVAR!!1!” it was quite good and definitely worth a read if you like adventure, sci-fi, young adult books, or ponies. I may have made the ponies part up, whoops. Also, the word on the street is that this is book one of a trilogy. Woo, woo. Double also, I see that Shanyn is using a points scale for her reviews!! I love points; here is my own scale for The Maze Runner:
Book Cover: 4 – ugly much?
Book Title: 7 – accurate-ish.
Plot: 9 – adventure + ponies! (yes, the ponies still aren’t real)
Characters: 10 – Thomas.
Ending: 8 – only cuz now I can’t wait for the next book! (coulda been a 9)
Overall: 8 – great book.
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Haha I love Steve's review! I love all his reviews, he's so honest and candid.
I'm not into Sci-fi or Fantasy but this does make me want to read it.
I'm not a sci-fi fan but this one sounds very good!
The Maze Runner is totally on my wishlist. Love the Ender's Game shoutout lol, too bad there's no ponies
Thanks for the compliments guys! For those of you into Shanyn's new system of total points, Maze Runner gets a 38/50. Yay for addition.
Sounds good…sold me at the mention of Ender's Game. Checking into it!