THE MAZE RUNNER

THE MAZE RUNNER
By James Dashner
2009
374 Pages





From the Inside Cover:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. 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 expanse enclosed 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, for as long as anyone can remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, for just as long, they've closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the Maze after dark.
The Gladers were expecting Thomas's arrival. But the next day, a girl is sent up-the first girl ever to arrive to the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might find their way home...wherever that may be. But it's looking more and more as if the Maze is unsolvable.
And something about the girl's arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers-if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within is own mind.
My Thoughts:
This action packed story is loaded with questions, mystery and intrigue. From the moment Thomas is dropped in the middle of the Glade, the big question is why? What is the Maze for? Where are the boys from? Where does the Maze lead? What does it all mean?
Throughout the book Thomas strives to answer the questions he knows he must answer before it's too late.
The inter action with the other boys in the Maze is also a big part of the story as Thomas tries to figure out where is place is among the group. Is he a follower or a leader? Why does the need to be a runner( a person who runs the Maze daily to look for a way out) feel so strong to him?
I loved the plot and storyline-it felt fresh and original. I zipped right through it, intent on finding answers.
The only bad thing about this story is that it just ends.....of course leaving the story wide open for a sequel. Which I'll be waiting anxiously for.
James Dashner has also written a series called The 13th Reality, that I'll be checking out with hopes that it's as good as this book.
Overall Rating:
Two thumbs way up!
I bought this book used on Amazon.com and I'll be donating it to my local library.