Book Review: "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.(Amazon)

THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner is a gem. Really. I say that because the MAZE RUNNER is a story that will have any reader gripping it for dear life. I could not possibly put it down! You're gripped from the first page –the first thought of Thomas as he mysteriously finds himself in a strange community that is comprised solely of teenagers –young kids who are thrust together to fend for themselves and survive. And their survival isn’t only dependant on their food supply but also on the thick walls that keep them safe from frightening creatures called Grievers. Worse yet, these kids have no memory of their life before and as Thomas comes to terms with his new life everything unravels into chaos and danger. And as a new and final member (and also the only girl) is brought into the group things are not what they seem and the need to figure out their pasts is imperative.

Things are never what they seem in THE MAZE RUNNER. Things are always twisted and flipped and like the maze every turn is unexpected and exciting. Fans of the HUNGER GAMES will devour this book and would maybe love it more. What I love most about this book is the nonstop excitement that will appeal to both girls, guys, old and young and leaves no one in between. With swift pacing and fun but brave cast of characters teens are sure to love this book from cover to cover. Now I must wait patiently for book two, THE SCORCH TRIALS.