The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner, Book 1

By: James Dashner

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

When the doors of the lift crank open, the only thing Thomas remembers is his first name. But he's not alone. He's surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade - a walled encampment at the centre of a bizarre and terrible stone maze.

Like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they came to be there - or what's happened to the world outside. All they know is that every morning when the walls slide back, they will risk everything - even the Grievers, half-machine, half-animal horror that patrol its corridors, to try and find out.

©2009 James Dashner (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Riveting!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The narrator made each character unique and interesting. I couldn't stop listening!

Fast-paced Dystopian

When Thomas arrives in the Glade, he remembers nothing but his name. He knows nothing about how he got into this little community or his life preceding his arrival. And yet the little Glade where his fellow Gladers have been living for the past two years seems oddly familiar. Then things start changing and the self-sufficient community is plunged into terror, with Thomas at the centre. Now, more than ever, the Gladers know they must escape the treacherous maze or face death. But can they overcome their suspicions and hold onto hope long enough to find a way out?

It’s been a while since a dystopian novel had me on the edge of my seat the way ‘The Maze Runner’ did. James Dashner has clearly mastered the art of suspense and pace, revealing just enough to keep you wanting more and throwing in wondrous plot-twists and red herrings along the way.

Each character was expertly created with his own flair and quirks. I would have liked to get to know Teresa’s character more, but I sense this will come in later installments int he series. The dynamics between the characters was fascinating, most especially their reactions under extremely stressful conditions. The fantasy world created was detailed and yet mysterious, as befitting the story. The story line was unique, thrilling, scary, exciting and heart-warming.

The premise is probably one of the most gripping I’ve ever considered. It’s one any national geographic or dystopian lover must have thought about at some time and Dashner’s unique take opens many more trains of thought. His perspective on humanity, the lack thereof and reaction under pressure is eye-opening, to say the least. I cannot wait to read the next book!

Fantastic

I thought the movie was good. it left out so much. As usual the book is so much better, so much was left out in the movie.

loved the ending

at times the book dragged a bit, but overall I really enjoyed it. looking forward to book 2

This adult thoroughly enjoyed this YA book.

Performance is great. Story is incredible. Characters are great. Writing style is enjoyable, not flowery.