The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

When Thomas waked 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 empty. But he's not alone. When the lift's doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcom 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 thight. 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 in 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 his own mind.

The Maze Runner is a heck of a book. Suspense, thrill, action, advenute, and trust. What would you do if you woke up and couldn't remember your past? I would freak out. Even though Thomas has no idea whats going on, he has to adapt to his new way of life. The head boy of the Glade, Alby, shows Thomas his jobs in the Glade and how everything works: from the barns to the maze. And Thomas knows. He wants to be a runner. A runner runs through the maze all day and remembers what he sees so he can map out a path when the day is over. They are trying to find a way out of the Glade. And every night, huge stone gates close in the Gladers. You don't want to be stuck inside the maze when the doors close. You don't come back. The Grievers will get you. Scary as it is, it doesn't keep Thomas from pursuing his dream to be a runner. Minho, the main runner trains Thomas to be a runner and together, they set off on the brink of discovery.

James Dashner did a marvelous job of writing The Maze Runner. He knew exactly when to throw in another twist to the plot. The plot is new and original and I enjoyed just about every bit of it. It could get a bit confusing at times, and sometimes it was so suspenseful I thought my heart was about to jump right out of my chest! I would recomend this book to everyone out there. Although there isn't too much romance, there is enough suspense and adventure to please all.

Overall Rating: 4