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!
Diver Deeper
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.
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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