Book one in The Maze Runner trilogy
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: October 2009
Hardcover: 384 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian Future, Science Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★ - Excellent
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." -Amazon.com
I first found this book when I was browsing through the local library's book listings. I wanted to read something in roughly the same genre as The Hunger Games. When The Maze Runner popped up, I thought it looked interesting enough and the title was certainly intriguing.
Positive Elements -
First of all, I have to say that the idea for this book was a great one. I love the air of mystery that surrounds everything and everyone. Why a maze? Are the characters there because of past crimes? Where did the Grievers come from? Who created the maze? Why does it seem familiar to Thomas? Why are there doors to the maze and why do they close at night? There are so very many questions posed throughout the book, and that fact alone kept me interested.
Not only that, but I loved the suspense and surprise that came with every turn of the page. Thomas was quite intriguing, as was the girl, Theresa. While the novel may have been written for teens around the age of thirteen, it is constructed in such a way that even adults can be drawn in.
There really isn't a specific time period laid out here in The Maze Runner. It kind of gives you leave to fill in the blanks with your imagination. The really nice thing about such a book is that one can judge the actions of an insane world from a distance.
Even though the world the main characters live in is not safe, and they don't know what might happen next, they still act on their consciences and risk their lives for others. Thomas is a great role model as he sets a strong example by doing what he knows is right. He even risks his own safety and puts his life on the line to save others. Friendship is valuable to Thomas and he goes to great lengths in order to protect even one friendship.
There isn't really any crude or profane language as Mr. Dashner invents his own words and terms. It's quite nice, actually, to have a book you can read without worrying that the next time you turn the page you'll be confronted with all sorts of swear words.
There is no sexual content in this book.
Negative Elements -
The world The Maze Runner is set in is a very violent one. Children are chosen and used as pawns and the characters face mortal danger from half-machine, half-animal monsters called Grievers outside the walls and boys inside the walls. The Grievers sting or kill people - and those that are stung go insane. One boy attacks another boy by biting him and trying to kill him; he is then shot with an arrow. Another boy tries to strangle himself. It is said that a boy who once tried to escape was sliced in two in the attempt. The Grievers are attacked by the boys with guns, knives, and spears. Children are murdered, disease runs rampant, and there is a scene where multiple characters are killed by gunfire - and one with a knife. The characters witness a woman being repeatedly shot. A bus runs over another woman.
Summary -
While the violence isn't overly graphic, I would definitely recommend this book for 13+ as the violence is fairly disturbing.
I do think that after reading this book, you'll be dying to read the next one: The Scorch Trials. The Maze Runner is definitely a page turner and a great new series to have available. Thank you, Mr. Dashner!
