Book Review: The Maze Runner By James Dashner

Title:  The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Series: The Maze runner Trilogy #1
Publication Date: October 6th 2009
Publisher: Delacorte books for young readers
Format: Paperback
ISBN:0385737947
Length: 374 pages
Genre: Dystopia, Sci-Fi, Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic
Age group: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Links: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US | The book depository




Synopsis (From Goodreads)
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.

Review:
If your looking for a fast paced, action packed, dystopian book then this is for you. It certainly was for me. I defiantly didn't except the amount of twists and turns James Dashner delivered in this book, to what was definitely a roller coaster ride. 

I loved how this book kept me guessing, how it kept me wondering what would happen next. Everything was unexpected, the ending revealed answers which i could not of predicted and evan more questions. The whole book was fast-paced up to the very last page, meaning that taking my eyes of the book was very hard. Evan at the end there was still some mystery, suspense and action. 

The world James Dashner created around the Maze and The glade was described amazingly, I got such a clear image in my mind of what Thomas' surroundings were, what he felt, heard, smelled. James Dashner wrote with such clarity and passion that it really brought the whole book to life. In some ways it was like reading in some form of 3D.

I thought that Thomas, the main character really was a sweetie. He was the typical good guy: Brave, Always trying to help, Just wanting everyone to be happy etc. I admit I do think the 'good guy' character type has been overused, but because there was so many other things going on, i wasn't really bothered by it. Although i am curious to see if it does start to annoy me in the next two books, but hopefully not.

I have to say though that my favourite character was in fact Chuck, Thomas's first friend in The glade. Chuck was so insanely human it really did warm my heart, his desperation but hope to survive no matter what the odds just screamed human! In a way i think he represented human kind in general and in the book. If you have read The Maze Runner then you will know what i mean when i say Human kind is doing anything to save themselves and at whatever the cost.

Overall this was an exciting, great read and i cannot wait to read The Scorch Trials! However it wasn't a complete WOW for me so I have given it 4 stars!

 

Until next time- Happy reading!