The Maze Runner

Maze Runner, Book 1

By: James Dashner

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Book one in the blockbuster Maze Runner series that spawned a movie franchise and ushered in a worldwide phenomenon! And don’t miss The Fever Code, the highly-anticipated series conclusion that finally reveals the story of how the maze was built! When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers - boys whose memories are also gone.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround them is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out - and no one’s ever made it through alive. Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying: Remember. Survive. Run.

The Maze Runner and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, and Maze Runner: The Death Cure all are now major motion pictures featuring the star of MTV's Teen Wolf, Dylan O’Brien; Kaya Scodelario; Aml Ameen; Will Poulter; and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Also look for James Dashner’s edge-of-your-seat Mortality Doctrine series!

Praise for the Maze Runner series:

A number one New York Times best-selling series

A USA Today best seller

A Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of the Year

An ALA-YASLA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick

“[A] mysterious survival saga that passionate fans describe as a fusion of Lord of the Flies, The Hunger Games, and Lost.” (EW)

“Wonderful action writing - fast-paced…but smart and well observed.” (Newsday)

“[A] nail-biting must-read.” (Seventeen)

“Breathless, cinematic action.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Heart pounding to the very last moment.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Exclamation-worthy.” (Romantic Times)

“James Dashner’s illuminating prequel [The Kill Order] will thrill fans of this Maze Runner [series] and prove just as exciting for readers new to the series.” (Shelf Awareness, starred)

“Take a deep breath before you start any James Dashner book.” (Deseret News)

©2009 James Dashner (P)2009 Listening Library

Hunger Games/Lord of the Flies

I never liked Lord of the Flies but I did love the Hunger Games. If you liked either of those worlds you will love The Maze Runner. Once I started listening I couldn't stop it draws you in and you are transported into the Glade and go on the adventure with the boys...and girl of course. I look forward to listening to the second one. It's a good read overall.

Not the best listen but not the worst either.

The Narrator performed well. His different voices were enjoyable. I could most always tell which character was speaking by voice/accent alone. I found some contradictions (however little) in the writing, that annoyed me frequently. For some reason I found it difficult to focus on the ending. I was cleaning house but usually I pay attention to the story either way.

What could've been. Oh well.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes and no. If my friend was a teenager or just into "YA" books I would recommend this book with a couple of warnings-yes, this book has a fresh and unique premise. Yes, I liked the whole concept of these guys being trapped in a world with very little memory of who they are and how they got there and yes, I like the fact that the runners had to figure out how to crack the maze and battle the maze monsters. Now for the bad, No, I would not recommend this book because of the weak character development. Considering most of the book was about the characters it would have been nice if they had more depth and personality and weren't so damn dense. I also felt that there was too much drama. With all that fighting and arguing It kinda felt like I was listening to one of those family reality shows on Cable! And no, because the book didn't spend enough time focusing on the maze itself.

If you’ve listened to books by James Dashner before, how does this one compare?

I cannot recall ever listening to any other books by James Dashner. Can't compare.

What aspect of Mark Deakins’s performance would you have changed?

man, I don't know. Maybe give the characters more life. He probably could've done a better job with Teresa(I think that's her name). She seemed a little boring to me.

Was The Maze Runner worth the listening time?

Well I finished the book so yes, it was worth listening to. Like I said, I liked the concept of this book and some parts were pretty cool so no,I don't think it was a waste of at all.

Any additional comments?

I think this series has potential. I've noticed that book 1 in a series is usually the weakest so I might get book 2 to see if the Author improves on the story arc. One more thing to James Dashner, I know your not saying they are but young adults aren't stupid, you don't have to spell everything out for them.

Buying the second one now

Easy to keep up with, not too many characters. Lots of plot twists. I would recommend

It was great.

I really liked the book and I liked how the person doing the audio changed his voice in a whole different accent when it came to different people. Amazing app, amazing book!

Ok plot, terrible writing.

Any additional comments?

I didn't mind the story, though the final reveal wasn't mind blowing and the end felt a little anti-climactic. It's a light listen, probably with a teen crowd in mind. The writing isn't the greatest, I found myself laughing out loud at some of the awful and/or cheesy metaphors and similes.

Something wonky with recording, but awesome book

Where does The Maze Runner rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I loved the book and the story line. I had a terrible time with the audio file. For some reason, it kept freezing and it would not play. I had to re-download it several times at different levels (standard to high) and it still had issues. But, the book, narration, and story itself were great!

Great book!

What did you love best about The Maze Runner?

Fast paced, got my attention right away.

Any additional comments?

Just didn't like the ending, but guess I'll have to listen to the next one!

Not bad<br />

Overall not a bad story.A lot better than the movie.a lot more questions too.Book 2

LOVE THIS BOOK!

Any additional comments?

This book surpasses the movie (which was great) in every way! This is a great dystopian series and Thomas and the boys are bonded together in a brotherhood not found in most YA books. I suggest this book to teens and adults alike! Great fun!