Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Maze Runner - Book Review

Read What I Want Month



My friend raved about James Dashner's dystopian young adult novel The Maze Runner. I've enjoyed several of the other dystopian series that I've read and I was anxious to read Dashner's work. Since it's still September and still "Read What I Want" month, I pulled The Maze Runner off the shelf this week.

Thomas wakes up alone in a dark box. He remembers only his name. Suddenly there are faces looking down at him--faces of teenage boys. Thomas has entered a new world and yet it feels eerily familiar. Each month for the last two years one boy has appeared in the box. The boys have formed a civilization of order and law. Their ultimate goal is to solve the maze that surrounds them and free themselves. But things are changing and the boys must work together more quickly now or die.

The novel is intriguing and mysterious and a little frightening. It fits nicely into the dystopian category while still being unique and very creative. Since it is written for a young audience, I especially appreciate that it is actually appropriate for a young audience. My ten year old is anxious to read it. I won't have any problem letting him do so.

Personally, I didn't enjoy it as much as other dystopian genre series but I do look forward to reading the next book in the series--The Scorch Trials. The third book in the trilogy--The Death Cure will be released in October.

4 comments:

Momnerd said...

I remember liking it, but not loving it. I need to check out the next in the series.

MTeacress said...

I've heard so much about it, yet haven't read it yet. I should add it to my tbr list. Thanks for the reminder. :)

Bethany (youngbooklove) said...

Oh my goodness, I really enjoyed The Maze Runner! I just finished Death Cure, a really good conclusion. It was more violent than the first two, but not too terrible.

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

I've heard of this book and appreciated the review. It amazes me that people can come up with such interesting concepts.