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

childish

might be good for a young audience but I found the story and characters transparent and childish. young minds might appreciate it.

Good but frustrating

What made the experience of listening to The Maze Runner the most enjoyable?

Good idea for a story line.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked Newt, he used his intelligence.

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

He did a phenomenal job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, too frustrating.

Any additional comments?

The story was good but I really hate when authors dumb down people so they can try to make a story last longer. There is no way people, with the intelligence that these kids have, can't see obvious things. I have read, and listened to, many stories that do this (dumb down a character for one or two things), but then expect us to believe they are really intelligent characters. Either they are really intelligent or they aren't, don't dumb them down for one scene. If you need to make it that the character's aren't aware of something then don't include that something up front and out in the obvious open.

Good post apocalyptic world

I enjoyed the story a lot, the concept was engaging but it felt like a build up for the next book than a book itself. The narration was not very good and made the book sound like a long advertisement. Overall I did enjoy the story and the world that was created, I am excited for the next book.

Could not put it down!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Maze Runner to be better than the print version?

Don't know!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Maze Runner?

When Thomas goes into the Maze for the first time! Loved it :)

Which character – as performed by Mark Deakins – was your favorite?

They were all spectacular. He really did an amazing job of reading this story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I just loved the whole thing. Could not stop listening and when I did I couldn't wait to start again. It is not a funny book per say but has some funny moments. It does have some emotional moments where you feel sad for these young boys and just want to see them win.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend this book to both young adults, teens, pre-teens and adults. My 11 year old read it to and she just loved it. Already reading number 2.

Very Enjoyable

Really good book. Good characters and setting. Already downloaded books two and three; definitely want to see how this turns out.

Fav Book

Newt is by far my favorite character. One question though.. if there is 50+ people in the glad (as mentioned by thomas in the story) and they've been there for roughly 2 years. AND it was such a big deal that 2 newbies came in on the same month how can that be? i mean think about it.. 1 newbie every month for 2 years.. thats 24 newbies?¿ The numbers dont make sense. this is irrelevant to the story just a little detail that made me laugh.

just like the movie gally is a hoe

djfiejvijeuc fie h e h e g r f g e gt e g t r h

Maze Runner

good story. I stayed lost a lot and felt like there was never an ending to the confusion but it was good. Like it more once I finished the series.

Loved it!

Thrilling, well read and good story line! I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

Fun easy read

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes. I listen at work and this was a good easy read. I enjoyed the story and the action. While I don't think it explores any great deeper meaning, it is good fun.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I found the relationships between the young men and their finding their place in the group interesting. I also liked witnessing the development of their friendships to each other.

Less interesting was any attempt at a love story or romance. I never really felt like I wanted Alice and Thomas to end up together. This book is good without a romance.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Mark Deakins?

Yes. It was very easy to tell the difference between the characters and the pacing and attitude of the characters was well defined.

Do you think The Maze Runner needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It could stand alone, but since the author has already written two, I'll say yes.