The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Waking up suddenly in a moving metal box, Thomas has no clue to his identity – other than his name. He has no clue who he is, where he is, or where he is going. When the movement stops, he is greeted by a gaggle of teenage boys whose odd slang makes their speech barely intelligible. Thomas still has no idea who or where he is, and these boys are of little help. Eventually Thomas learns he has come to a place called The Glade, which is set in the middle of a Maze. Each day the boys of The Glade go out into the maze to try to find a way out, while trying to avoid being stung by Grievers. Upon Thomas’ arrival, though, odd things begin happening in The Glade. At least one boy is sure that Thomas has come or been sent for nefarious purposes and it is up to him to prove that he is not there to cause problems, and that he can help the rest of them escape.
“The Maze Runner” is a bit difficult to get into at the beginning. The Gladers use so much slang and refuse to give Thomas more information about what is going on right away that it is a bit difficult for the reader to pick up on what is happening right away. After that it becomes a fairly interesting story. I only say ‘fairly’ interesting because I really wanted to know more about why the boys are there, and what is happening in the outside world that it would be possible for them to be sent there in the first place. Basically, I wanted a clearer picture of the world that Dashner creates. This is good, because it means I’m intrigued enough in his story to care to know more, but bad because we are only allowed the tiniest peek in “The Maze Runner.” “The Maze Runner” is the first book in a trilogy, and it does appear that in the second book at least we will go much deeper into the society and politics of what is happening. The ending of “The Maze Runner” in particular got me VERY excited for the next book.
For me, “The Maze Runner” was a good but not great setup to what appears that it will be a fantastic trilogy. I think it will gain a lot from the future books as I can look back and see how Dashner set things up.
I saw James Dashner in person! See what he had to say!
Buy this book from:
Powells.
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.
Amazon.
Thank you to Delacorte Press for sending me this copy to review.
My library didn’t have any signs of the book when I first read the review by Beth Fish. I’d really like to get the audio so I could listen with the kids. I will bear in mind that it might take us a disc or two to become invested!
I liked this book for what it was; I didn’t even think of the wider picture until it became more revealed towards the end. I definitely think it has a ton of potential, though.
Hmm. I don’t like it when a book in a series requires you to read the rest (I mean, I do anyway, but still), but this did sound interesting.
I’ve been wanting to read this for a while now. I didn’t realize that it was the first in a trilogy. Good to know. I won’t rush to read The Maze Runner, I like a shorter wait time between books in a series.
I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews for this book! I had no idea it was a series.
I normally wouldn’t read this book but I’ve seen a lot of great reviews about it, so now I’m thinking I should try it out and see what all the fuss is about.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday =-.
I have this and am looking forward to reading it this month. I have read a few books that are set-up to be serials or trilogies and I have noticed that they can be a little clumsy.
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..A Change In Altitude, by Anita Shreve =-.
I just got this book and didn’t know it was a series. I’ll try to remember that it starts out slow.
I had no idea this was part of a series either.
p.s. I’ve left an award for you on my blog
http://jennifermorrill.wordpress.com/2009/10/05/its-monday-yet-again-my-planned-week-in-books/
For me, I rather enjoyed the intrigue that James plays out in the story, leaving the reader just as much in the dark as the boys about the grander scope of their predicament. We are given no more information than what the boys discover for themselves, so for me, their sense of urgency kind of played out to a sense of urgency for me to figure out what was going on. Of course, if he leaves us dangling at the end of book 2 with no more answers than what we have at the end of book 1, by that point I’ll be REALLY irritated!
Yes, I can definitely see that. I thought it made sense what he did, it just drove me crazy because I wanted to know more! I’m impatient like that =)
yes, I have it waiting in my TBR pile. I didn’t realize it was the first in a trilogy either, which does not thrill me really. well, we will see.
I’ve got this one to review, so I’m glad you enjoyed it even if you were a bit hesitant with praise!
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Casting Off – Nicole Dickson =-.
I’ve seen this book being reviewed quite a bit lately and I have to admit that I love the premise of it. you’re the first one who hasn’t been completely over the moon about it but I think I want to check it out still.
I really want to read this. Seems that most people like it.
I just finished the book today and i loved it! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
I absolutely loved it. That’s just me. It’s the kind of story I have been craving for. I just want to know any information when the next book will be out. Do we have any idea yet?
I’ve heard October of 2010. The title, at least as of right now, is The Scorch Trials.
I finished the book last night and I thought that it was a bit confusing at the begining. After reading further into the book, it became one of the best books that I have ever read. I can’t wait to get the next book in October!
Why do I allow myself to get sucked into a book before realizing it’s a part of a trilogy? Just finished it, and came to the same conclusion as you did. I wasn’t sold on it until part 7 of 9 (I listened to the audio), primarily because it was slow going. Being so completely in the dark makes it difficult to invest in the characters and their plight. But, I liked it enough that I’ll be reading book 2 when it comes out…
i agree. the second book comes out October 12, 2010. so im am ready and excited for it. they are also making a movie out of it. it looks pretty intense. i LOVED The Maze Runner. great book overall
This was a very good book in my opion I even just ran out and got the Scorch Trails the Sequel to this book@
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