Maze Runner (Maze Runner, #1)

by James Dashner

[Kelly]

4½ Stars.
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/09/the-maze-runner-by-james-dashner.html
The Maze Runner is the ultimate no nonsense series. It's incredibly unique and relies purely on the depth of characters and world building, rather than the exhausted young adult dystopian cliché. Thomas who is believed to be sixteen years old, is dropped into The Glade, an self sufficient but frightening community of boys that seem to have accepted their fate. No one knows what lies beyond the Maze and most of the fifty strong community would rather not question why they're there, but are simply content to survive. The world created by James Dashner was phenomenal, and painted a vivid picture how how ominous and expansive the Maze is and the fear that looms over the community. Thomas is a reliable narrator, switching seamlessly from third person perspective while still gaining an insight into his thoughts and fears. For a group of teens that retained no memory of their former lives, they were well developed and each with their own individual personalities.

Within the community, the boys also have their own language and substitute names and colourful phrases for their own, reminiscent of [b:Blood Red Road|13064072|Blood Red Road (Dust Lands, #1)|Moira Young|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328777602s/13064072.jpg|14692536] and [b:Fire Country|16160701|Fire Country (The Country Saga, #1)|David Estes|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358390068s/16160701.jpg|22002174]. The storyline is a mixture of intrigue and frustration as no one is willing to tell Thomas anything about The Glade or The Maze which may leave some readers despondent, but I thoroughly enjoyed it regardless. The storyline springs to life shortly after the lone girl is dropped into the community, and murmuring Thomas' name not only raises eyebrows but suspicions amongst the other boys. Thomas isn't perfect as he focuses on learning what lies beyond the Maze, rather than questioning why. But what he lacks in curiosity, his tenacity, intelligence and bravery succeed him, not surprisingly making his character a fan favourite.

It was simply brilliant. My only complaint is that I would have appreciated the storyline to have progressed further, perhaps including a few timely answers sooner rather than in the final few chapters. Regardless, it was incredible and I look forward to continuing on with the series and the movie adaptation as well.