Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, # 1) by James Dashner

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: October 6, 2009

Publisher: Delacorte Press 

Pages: 374

Summary: "If you ain't scared, you ain't human." When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers--boys whose memories are also gone.Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out--and no one's ever made it through alive.Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying

My Review: The Maze Runner had heart pounding action, with non-stop out of your seat anticipation! I've had this series sitting on my bookshelf for some time now, and decided what the heck, let me give it a try. The movie is coming out in September, so I figured I'd read the book first.

I was pleasantly happy with the outcome of the first installment. I'm a little skeptical when I see a novel full of male characters, my automatic thought was, okay this will be a guy kind of book. Boy, was I wrong! James Dashner schooled me into not judging a male lead off the bat.

Thomas, oh Thomas, I love this kid. His courageous ability to attack every obstacle blew my mind. In instances where I would probably freeze up and cry in the corner, he would put himself out there even if it meant it was life or death. I really enjoyed getting to know him from start to finish. In addition, all the other supporting characters were just as strong. I have a little thing for Min Ho. Yes, he is sarcastic and a bit of a jerk at times, but I also loved how he was a fighter. They balanced each other out very well.

James Dashner did a phenomenal job in creating this blocked world filled with tests and trials. I was so intrigued by the idea of "who is controlling this whole thing" concept. I was yearning to know more and more, that's why I finished this book in two days.

All in all, this was a great start to the Maze Runner series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the installments, along with watching the book come to life in a few months. The trailer thus far seems to stick to the story's vibe. I can't wait!

My Rating:  (4.5)

Author's Info:

James Dashner is the author of the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series that includes The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, and The Kill Order. He has also written The Eye of Minds (book one in the Mortality Doctrine series), the 13th Reality series, and two books in The Infinity Ring series: A Mutiny in Time and The Iron Empire. Dashner was born and raised in Georgia but now lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains.

To learn more about James and his books, visit JamesDashner.com, follow @jamesdashner on Twitter, or find dashnerjames on Instagram.

Movie Trailer: