The Maze Runner

Published on 16 August 2024 at 18:00

The Maze Runner

by James Dashner

Review

This book has been one of my favourite books since it was published in 2014. I ploughed through the entire series of 5 books in a few days as I just could not get enough of the storyline. I recently re-read the series as an adult and, although the writing is not quite as impressive as other authors, I just still enjoyed the books just as much as the first time. 

 

Something I loved about this book is the action and suspense that features throughout. From the very beginning, I was invested in the characters and their journey beyond the walls of the maze to find safety. I also appreciated how Dashner presents the characters in the book and enjoyed seeing their personalities and friendships develop as the story progressed. 

 

As well as this, I enjoyed the use of telepathy as a key feature of the storyline. This is a fairly unusual concept within children's books and brought something a little different to the storyline and two of the main characters. I was therefore majorly disappointed when watching The Maze Runner film, which chose not to include this aspect (!?!). The film did, however, present the grievers (man-killing machines found in the maze) as the ugly, slimy, monstrous creatures that they are! Please note: The film is even more gruesome than the book and is rated a 12)

 

Without spoiling the end of the book, The Maze Runner ends on a pretty enticing cliff hanger which leads nicely into the sequel. This is therefore an excellent book if you are hoping to get stuck in to a series, or love a bit of suspense and mystery!


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Key information

Author: James Dashner 

Illustrator: Tom Clohosy Cole

Release Date: 5th June 2014

Book type: Chapter, 379 pages, paperback

Star rating: ★1/2 

Reader level: Confident reader/ Content (9+)

Series: 1 of 5


Overview

When Thomas wakes up, he finds himself surrounded by a group of boys who are just as shocked as he is.  Not only is he surrounded by strangers, but he is also trapped at the center of an enormous, man-made maze with no way out. However, he soon learns that maybe there is a way out, if he only solves the puzzle laid out each night when the maze walls shift. 

 

Unsurprisingly, things are never that straight forward. In order to solve the puzzle, Thomas must join the Glade's "runners" each night and battle against the man-eating monsters that lurk within the maze walls. As things continue to fall apart, Thomas soon realises that time to save himself and his friends is running out, and he may be the key to their freedom after all. 

Spoiler Alert and Content Warning

During their escape at the end of the book, Thomas' best friend, Chuck, is killed as he acts as a shielf to defend Thomas. Due to the importance of Chuck in the storyline, and the close friendship that they developed throughout the story, I found this scene pretty upsetting! 


Should I read this book?

You should read this book if you...

Love gore and horror 

Can cope with the death of characters!

Are looking for a series of high-action books

Level: Confident reader

Content: 9+


Help me read

  • Griever: A man-made monster that roams the maze at night
  • The Glade: The grassy living area at the center of the maze which is sealed up at night
  • "Runners": A group of gladers who leave the glade each night to draw a map of the maze 
  • Telepathy: The ability to speak to another person via their mind

Where can I find this book?

Don't forget to check out your local library! 


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