This book provided a compelling read. Teen fiction at its best, Dashner’s exciting first instalment in the maze runner trilogy is a riveting and thrilling novel telling the story of Thomas on his incredible journey.
Waking in a lift with no memory of anything but his name, Thomas is thrust into a world of confusion and danger- and so are we.
The first part of the book sets the stage, introducing us to a whole host of intricate characters and the encampment known as the Glade that is situated at the heart of a deadly maze. Here an army of boys have made their home but with only male members it is sure to cause a stir when a girl arrives through the lift shortly after Thomas. These boys are led by Alby and one of my favourite things about the book is the way that they speak. They communicate using English- but with a twist. They use new words that we are not familiar with and it is interesting to try and work out their meanings.
I loved reading about how the different characters clashed and sometimes formed friendships. The Gladers, as the boys call themselves, have to work together in their different jobs to ensure that the Glade keeps producing the materials and resources they require to survive. One of the most important jobs in the Glade is performed by the Runners. They venture out into the maze in order to try and locate an exit. Thomas is immediately drawn to this position despite the danger it poses. Hideous creatures stalk the maze at night and if they capture a Glader, the result can be terrifying as Thomas witness’s first-hand the impact it can have on not just the victim but also the people around them.
I really enjoyed this book and feel that it would be most suitable for those who are interested in the characters as much as the story. This is because the first half primarily centres on the development of the cast and their relationships as well as setting the tone and stage. Afterwards we are taken on a fast paced adventure that would perhaps appeal to a wider audience. This novel would be best suited to younger teenagers who love to be transported to another world that is entirely believable and captivating.
If you enjoy novels about dystopian futures that share similarities with the Hunger Games and Divergent, then you should definitely give this book a go. The second half of the novel is so gripping that you’ll be rushing down to your nearest bookshop to grab copies of the rest of the series. And don’t forget to check out the prequel The Kill Order – it’s well worth a read.
PS – there is a film based on the book released on the 10.10.14.
Book review by Elliot Johnston Coates
