The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner, #2)

by James Dashner

[rakesandrogues]

Published at http://muggle-born.net/book-review-the-scorch-trials/

THE SCORCH TRIALS does not hesitate to get into the action. Already by the first chapter, the reader is thrust into Thomas’s world after the “rescue” with very little development. It would be impossible for a new reader to the series to jump straight into this book. While the reader is reminded of what happened in the Glade, this limited information would not be enough to establish a foundation for a new reader.

THE SCORCH TRIALS was an enjoyable read but I do not think that it surpassed the standards of THE MAZE RUNNER. The first book was able to make me think. I was there with Thomas, Newt, and Minho solving the puzzle of the Maze. While THE SCORCH TRIALS was entertaining, it did little to make me think. It reminded me of a movie jam-packed with CGI and other special effects. Lots of explosions, lots of gore, lots of dead bodies.

However, there is still a lot of mystery behind WICKED and the Trials. We get a glimpse of Thomas’s past, giving small clues behind WICKED, but the limited information we are given are not substantial enough to lead the readers – and Thomas – anywhere closer to solving the mystery. We are still left as confused as Thomas. It’s difficult to guess what the purpose of the Trials are other than to save humanity – which is more than a little vague.

I felt like Dashner’s writing style is still a bit abrupt and choppy, but it works for the action scenes that he writes. Each chapter still leaves off with a cliffhanger that makes THE SCORCH TRIALS impossible to put down. There was a little bit of romance in THE SCORCH TRIALS, though I was doubtful as to whether or not Dashner could pull it off. While THE SCORCH TRIALS is not the next big romance novel, the romance became a nice touch, adding another layer to Thomas’s character.

THE SCORCH TRIALS is a fast-paced, action-packed book. While it is not as great as THE MAZE RUNNER, readers will not be disappointed. But be warned: THE SCORCH TRIALS will leave you craving for even more than the first book.