Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

"When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. 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, open 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 the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them, open. Every night they are closed tight. And that every 30 days a new boy is delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. Only the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. 
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets that are buried within his mind."

Title: The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner

Release Date: October 6, 2009

Publisher: Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers

Pages: 374, Hardcover

Guys. Guys.

I read this book about a year and half ago, before I remotely even knew about the blogging world. I picked it up simply because my friend told me to read it. And I did. And I LOVED IT. Reading it the second time, I love this book just. As. Much. There is still the non-stop action, intensity, and sheer AWESOMENESS of it all. So. FREAKING amazing y'all.

Everything was perfect for me in this book: the world building, the characters, and of course, the cliffhanger endings at the end of each chapter. I absolutely canNOT wait to continue with the series. The Maze Runner is a unique dystopian that will not leave readers disappointed.

First, the world-building. It's incredible. The fact that the main character, Thomas is inserted into the world of the Glade with no memory of his past is a perfect setup for the readers. As Thomas learns more and more about his new world, it's as if the readers are learning right alongside him. And there is so much detail! James Dashner sure did a fantastic job creating this distinctive world. It definitely stands out.

Next up, the characters. James Dashner was easily able to portray each character's thoughts expertly. I was able to understand very well of what each character was going through; whether it be stress, loss, hope, I got it. I really, really loved Newt & Chuck. Even though they may not be the brightest of the lot, they have a special place in my heart for being there for Thomas.

Lastly, the cliffhanger chapters. Mr. James Dashner is a clever, clever man. He does this thing, called CLIFFHANGERS. At the end of literally, EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER. It's not frustrating, nope, not at all. It freaking makes the reader keep on reading, and reading, and reading, until the last page is flipped. Now that's talent.

To sum it all up, The Maze Runner is a fast-paced dystopian that is a MUST for all dystopian lovers. If you love tension, LOTS of action and all that good stuff, The Maze Runner is NOT one you'll want to miss.

Grade: A+

Source: Library