KitsuneBae's Review of Maze Runner (Maze Runner, #1)

by James Dashner

Book one in the blockbuster Maze Runner series that spawned a movie franchise and ushered in a worldwide phenomenon! And don’t miss The Fever Code, the highly-anticipated series conclusion that finally reveals the story of how the maze was built!

   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 them 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: Remember. Survive. Run.

The Maze Runner and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, and Maze Runner: The Death Cure all are now major motion pictures featuring the star of MTV's Teen Wolf, Dylan O’Brien; Kaya Scodelario; Aml Ameen; Will Poulter; and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Also look for James Dashner’s edge-of-your-seat MORTALITY DOCTRINE series!

Praise for the Maze Runner series:
A #1 New York Times Bestselling Series
A USA Today Bestseller
A Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of the Year
An ALA-YASLA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book
An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick

“[A] mysterious survival saga that passionate fans describe as a fusion of Lord of the Flies, The Hunger Games, and Lost.” —EW

“Wonderful action writing—fast-paced…but smart and well observed.” —Newsday

“[A] nail-biting must-read.” —Seventeen

“Breathless, cinematic action.” —Publishers Weekly

“Heart pounding to the very last moment.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Exclamation-worthy.” —Romantic Times

“James Dashner’s illuminating prequel [The Kill Order] will thrill fans of this Maze Runner [series] and prove just as exciting for readers new to the series.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred

“Take a deep breath before you start any James Dashner book.” —Deseret News

For a full review, please visit: Thoughts and Pens
Plot

The very first thought that came into my mind after finishing this book was: SCARY. It was gripping and mind boggling. Every time I turn a Maze Runner page, there’s always something in the pit of my stomach trying to unseat me with suspense.
Maze Runner is a trigger of adrenaline rush especially when the Glade Runners are surveying the maze whilst risking their lives to outwit and outlast those menacing Grievers. These night time struggles through that vast maze always gives me a chill that I always find myself panting like I’ve also been running with Thomas, Minho and the rest of the runners.
I especially love how everyone was suffering from amnesia because it really adds to the tension of the whole story. Not to mention that I like the mystery surrounding Teresa’s person enhancing my urge to finish the book and find out what really had happened. Why there was a maze? Why everyone is suffering from amnesia? What’s the whole point of imprisoning a lot of teenage boys in a dangerous maze?
This book is an excellent portrayal of surviving the unknown.

Characters

After much deliberation with myself, I finally decided that my favorite characters for this book would be Minho, Thomas and Newt. They were well developed and really suited to unravel the mystery of the maze.
Minho is an overall leader. Meanwhile, Thomas fits the description of a second-in-command, curious and would always do everything in his power to prove his worth. His dexterity in solving the maze was outstanding. His compassion for his fellow Gladers is infectious that by the end, you are desperately hoping that everyone would survive so as not to crush him.

Dialogues and Interactions

Except for the use of too many fictionalized slang that renders you rereading the dialogue to comprehend the discussion, the dialogues and interactions of this book is alright. Anyway, once you set your mind with the slangs, everything should flow wonderfully into your brains.

Maze Runner (Maze Runner, #1)

by James Dashner

Reviewed by KitsuneBae on Jan 1, 2013

Reading updates