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Maze Runner, by James Dashner


Maze Runner by James Dashner is an absolutely amazing book. It takes us through Thomas's journey in the Glade and the Trials. His memory is blank. He barely knows a thing about where he is. Tom must adjust to living in the Glade with several other boys trapped there, trying to solve a maze to get out. But things start to get weird, weirder than usual that is. The first ever girl arrives, but what she has to say is nothing good. What has she triggered?

I must say, this book is great! I loved all of the details we knew and discovered through simple events. I think James Dashner had a brilliant story and cannot wait for the next! I would recommend this book to teenage boys and girls because they will definitely enjoy it.

Reviewed by Kristine K., Grade 9
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Teen Speak said…
The book starts out with a boy named Thomas going up a lift, with no memory of anything except his first name. When the lift finally opens, he finds himself surrounded by boys that looked around his age in a place known as the Glade. He is told that every 30 days, someone new is sent to the Glade to help solve the maze. Once they are in, there is no way out. Every morning, the walls of the maze that surrounds them opens until nighttime when it closes again. They have spent two years trying, but the maze shifts after every night and metal monsters called Grievers lurk in the inside. The day after Thomas's arrival, surprisingly, a girl is sent up in the lift, carrying a message. This leads them to believe that things will be different from then on and Thomas is the key to leading them back home.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
June 26, 2014 at 1:34 PM
Teen Speak said…
The story begins with the main character Thomas trapped in a box. He has only faint memories. He has knowledge of the world but has none about his origins and his own life. As the box that he is trapped in continues elevating he struggles to remember his name and age. Finally the box comes to a halt and a boy jumps in to help him out. Thomas does not have the faintest clue about where he is. Thomas soon learns about the place and how the boys there spend their days. He finds out that they are all trapped in a maze and Thomas makes it his responsibility to find the way out of there.

This book is a great choice for girls and boys young or old. It combines the elements of comedy, action, mystery with a hint of romance. it is fun to read once you catch on with the interesting lingo of the boys. This book was definitely a page-turner. I just couldn't stop reading it. The constant intensity of the story kept me on edge and wanting more. James Dashner keeps it interesting by creating complex relationships between the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to all teens along with the rest of the maze runner series.

Reviewed by MN, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library

July 1, 2014 at 2:21 PM
Teen Speak said…
It begins with a boy named Thomas waking up in a lift. He arrives in a place called the Glade where he is introduced to the lifestyle of many other teens in the same situation who only remember their names.The people already there were expecting him because every 30 days a new boy would be brought up in the lift. But when a girl comes through a little late, nothing will ever be the same. Every day the walls of a maze open and the runners search to find a way out. No one knows why they were put there but they are determined to understand. Discoveries are made and Grievers are fought as the helpless children inside the Glade begin to wonder if they will ever find the way out. As the story continues, the plot completely changes, and a whole new meaning is given to the book.

Honestly out of all the books I have ever read, this is definitely my favorite. It is so much better than the beloved Hunger Games! With a mix of adventure and suspense, it can easily be named one of the best teen books ever written. The exciting unpredictable plot keeps you on the edge of your seat to find out what curve ball will be thrown next. No part of it was cheesy and it was very inspiring for me. I give this book an 11 out of 10 because it was outstanding so I recommend ANYONE and EVERYONE to read it no matter what genre you prefer. If you enjoy this book, be sure to also continue the next 3 books in the series that have a chilling twist.

Reviewed by Collett, Grade 9
Montrose Library
July 1, 2014 at 2:23 PM
Teen Speak said…
The Maze Runner is about a boy named Thomas who wakes up in a lift, and all he can remember is his first name. His memory is completely empty. When the doors open, he finds himself surrounded by many kids, who welcome him to the Glade. This is a large expanse made up of stone walls. Just like Thomas, nobody knows how they got there. All they know is that every morning, for as long as anyone can remember, the stone doors open to a maze that surrounds them. And every night, for just as long, they close tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift; and no one wants to be stuck after dark. One day a girl arrives, and they become friends. Throughout this book, they have to find a way to get back home.

I really enjoyed this book because i love action. There was a lot of parts in the novel where i was in suspense thinking WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?? I actually like that feeling and never want to stop reading. I would recommend this book to people who need a book that is full of excitement and fun. The main character also sounds very attractive:). Anyway, this was a great book that almost anybody who reads it will love it.

Reviewed by Emily, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
July 1, 2014 at 3:55 PM
Teen Speak said…
The Maze Runner is about a group of boys living together in an area called the Glade. Every month, another boy is brought into the Glade along with supplies for the month. Thomas, the main character, is brought into the Glade by the Box with his memory completely wiped; he has trouble remembering his own name. The boys tell him that the Glade is surrounded by a Maze that changes everyday, and there are a group of boys called the Runners who go out into the Maze and map it out. One day after Thomas arrives, the Box opens, revealing a girl. Chaos ensues, and Thomas and the boys must figure out what to make of the unusual arrival.

The Maze Runner was a pretty good book. It has a Hunger Games, dystopian kind of feel to it, so if you like those kinds of books, The Maze Runner is the perfect book for you. The idea of the book is very unique and grabbed my attention from the beginning. The only thing I did not like about the book was the writing style; it was honestly so repetitive and it feels like every other sentence was about what Thomas felt. "Thomas felt scared, he felt angry, he felt confused, etc". But overall, The Maze Runner is a good book and I would give it an 8 out of 10.

Reviewed by Rebecca S., Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
July 17, 2014 at 2:01 PM
Teen Speak said…
In "The Maze Runner", Thomas wakes up inside of an elevator with no recollection of his previous life except for his name and distorted pieces of his memory. When the elevator opens, Thomas is introduced to the Gladers, a small group of boys who live inside the Glade. Thomas also learns that the Glade is surrounded by a maze where vicious monsters called Grievers thrive. Furthermore, weekly supplies are brought to the boys and every month a new boy arrives. This all changes when Teresa, the first girl, arrives, tells the Gladers that she is the last one, and then collapses. After she awakes, the walls that protected the Gladers stops closing at night, leaving them vulnerable. Thomas, along with Teresa and the Gladers, must now figure out a way to get out of the maze and find the Creators.

"The Maze Runner" was an interesting and fun book to read. The best part about this book was the environment. The world described in this book is both mysterious and exciting. I also enjoyed the plot because I felt it was entertaining and engrossing. However, I thought that the characters were bland and flat. I also thought that the vocabulary used in this book was limited compared to other teen books. Nevertheless, I enjoyed "The Maze Runner" and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great story to plug him/herself into.

Reviewed by William J., Grade 9
Montrose Library
July 17, 2014 at 3:00 PM
Teen Speak said…
"The Maze Runner" Is a mystery novel that details the peculiar adventures of Thomas, a young boy who notices himself in a weird camp with other boys. He discovers that the correct term for the boys there are "Gladers" . The Gladers ecplain to Thomas that they are trapped within a walled camp of which one wall is a door to an elaborate maze with moving walls. Each evening, the door to the maze closes trapping anyone inside. This is no ordinary maze. This maze is filled with creatures. That of mechanical slugs with poisonous spikes and deadly claws. With no memory of anything about himself except his name, he realizes that this is no ordinary camp. In order to escape, Thomas must join together with other fellow "runners" for a chance of getting out. Will they ever succeed in their quest back to home?

This book is such a thriller! I love the mystery between the characters inner and outer conflict. Not only does he not remember who he is, other than his name of course, but hes also faced with the challenge of figuring out how to make alliances and escape. I did not want to put this book down. From the moment that I read it, I was hooked! The suspense of wondering weather or not Thomas and the other "runners" would escape is enough to keep you on your toes through the whole book! I mean C'mon! Not only are they trapped in this weird camp with a maze, but the maze has creatures and if you dont make it out in time, your trapped in there. For how long? Read on to find out!

Reviewed by Anonmyous, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
April 28, 2015 at 3:55 PM
Teen Speak said…
The Maze Runner by James Dashner is the first book in the Maze Runner series. It follows Thomas in his journey to the Glade. After his arrival to the Glade with a completely blank memory, things start getting weirder than usual. Not only does Thomas have to adjust to learning how to cope in the mysterious Glade, but the first ever girl is sent to the Glade. Now they must all work together to find a way out of the Maze, if there is one.

I was absolutely addicted to reading The Maze Runner and I finished it in just a few days. I feel like Dashner really captures the fears these kids have being sent to an un-escapable place for an unknown reason by unknown people. Dashner also has brilliant surprises just when you start getting used to things, making you feel like you’re a part of the group of kids sent to the Maze as you react with them. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes The Hunger Games or the Divergent series.

Reviewed by Nayri T., Grade 12
Casa Verdugo Library
September 26, 2015 at 3:09 PM
Teen Speak said…
A boy, Thomas, Is sent up into the Glade where there are already over 40 other boys. He arrives in the Glade with no memories other than his name which only comes to him after a half day of being in the Glade. One day later, the last person and the only girl, Theresa is sent up into the Glade. Thomas and Teresa nelpThe Mazers who have been mapping The Maze for over 3 yrs, but have not found an end to the seemingly endless maze. The walls shift every single night making it more difficult to escape the maze. Within the Maze are spider-like creatures named Grievers who attack anyone in the Maze at night.

The Maze Runner starts out slow, but picks up the pace once you are about four chapters in. The Maze Runner has a good amount of mystery mixed in with the action. This book has some surprises that you will not be able to detect. Each character in the book has extremely diverse characteristics. You'll have no choice but to continue reading the book non-stop because you will not be able to think about much else. The way this book ends is so suspenseful that you will immediately want to check out the next book in the series. You will be able to read the entire series within thirteen hours if you read them non-stop. I recommend this book to 7-9th graders.

Reviewed by Ridge, Grade 9
Montrose Library
October 4, 2015 at 12:58 PM
Teen Speak said…
The story is about a boy named Thomas that arrives in this strange place called the Maze. The story begins with Thomas a sixteen-year old arriving in the Maze in an object called the Box. As he exits the Box there is a bunch of boys looking at him, he has no memory or recollection of how he got there or who he is. The only thing he remembers is his name. Thomas is greeted by the two leaders of the Glade. Alby one of the leaders is suspicious of Thomas and has a memory of seeing him before the Changing after he is stung by a Griever. Thomas is immediately taken under Newt’s wing who is second in command. Thomas is put under the supervision of Chuck who has been in the Glade for a month. Chuck shows Thomas how to make a living in the Glade and were to sleep. Thomas builds a very strong relationship with chuck and they both talk about their lives but have no memory of it. Thomas is later got the title of Greenbean because he is the newest member. This Greenbean learns there is another section of the Glade. This area is called the Maze which leads to nowhere and is the home of Grievers. Grievers are these monster like creatures with metal like arms with needle that eject a poison that slowly kills you, or sometimes if you are a runner in the maze and are too late to reach the gates to the Glade the Grievers take them and they are never to be seen again . Then something very strange happens, a girl named Teresa arrives in the Box. The relationship between Thomas and Teresa is very strong and they can talk to each other telepathically. Every boy in the Glade are on the edge of what’s going to happen because once Thomas arrived everything started to change. After Teresa wakes up from being in a coma Thomas explains to Teresa where she is and what’s going on. Thomas then becomes a runner (who is someone that goes and maps the maze and try to find a way out) and he and Minho find get attacked by a Griever in daylight, which for them is unusual because they only come out at night. When they return Thomas goes and spends his time with Teresa and they soon build a relationship and try to figure out who they were and how they got there.

Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
October 21, 2015 at 10:58 AM
Teen Speak said…
The Maze Runner takes place in a mysterious area known as the Glade. Several boys appear in the Glade through a lift and the crazy thing is they can't recall any memories or remember anything from their lives, except their name. The Glade is surrounded by towering stone walls and outside of these walls is a limitless, ever-changing maze. The maze is the only way out of the Glade, but anyone who has tried to make it all the way through the maze has never made it alive. One day, a boy named Thomas wakes up in the lift. He is greeted by all the other boys living in the Glade whose memories are also gone. Everyone has their own specific role in the Glade in order to keep things going in a well maintained manner. Soon enough, Thomas becomes one of the runners of the maze who go into the maze and try to find a way out. However, its an extremely dangerous role to be a runner because frightening creatures live inside the maze and each night the maze doors close, leaving whoever is inside confined in the maze, so they have to make sure to get back in time. Thomas eventually becomes one of the best runners at the Glade. Later on, a girl arrives- the first girl ever. Her name is Teresa. She delivers a terrifying message. Thomas now realizes that he has to take action and become the leader of the Glade in order to keep everyone safe and help them escape the maze.

The Maze Runner was an incredible book. It was filled with action, adventure, suspense, and mystery. I particularly enjoyed the parts where they were all confined in the maze and trying to make it out together because it really portrayed how dedicated they were to helping one another. There were so many intense and thrilling moments when I couldn't even lift my eyes off the book because I would not be able to function if I didn't know what happened next. When a chapter would end on a cliff-hanger, I was even more intrigued to keep reading, which, although could be devastating at certain times, was also one of my favorite elements of the book. I also really loved how much the Gladers cared about one another. They had all created unbreakable bonds with one another and would do anything to protect and ensure the safety of each other. The violence and action in the book, although gruesome at times, was also one of my favorite elements of the book. The descriptions given whilst a dangerous battle was taking place were so raw and detailed that it felt as if I was a part of the battle. My overall favorite thing about this book is the way it just lures you in and makes you feel like a part of the story. I would recommend this to anyone who's looking for one of the most adventurous and action-filled reads they'll ever have.

Reviewed by Zhanna G., Grade 9
Montrose Library
June 18, 2016 at 10:47 AM
Teen Speak said…
The novel, "The Maze Runner", tells the suspenseful story of a sixteen-year-old boy named Thomas, who finds himself in a place called The Glade. Thomas has no recollection of his past; the only thing he remembers is waking up inside a dark box, then being rescued by other boys. Thomas adapts to his life in The Glade, but quickly learns that The Glade is inside an enormous maze, and some boys called the Runners spend most of their time trying to find a way out. Thomas feels a deep desire to become a runner, despite knowing the dangers of it. A while passes when Thomas is left outside in The Maze and made it through the night alive, a feat no one has ever achieved. His wish to become a runner comes true, then a girl named Teresa comes to The Glade and they befriend one another.

Having just finished this book, it is safe to say that it was a truly exciting adventure to go on. The author's way of writing is clear, concise, and direct, which is something I personally liked about how the book was written. This novel was packed with action and suspense and the reader gains a personal connection with the characters throughout. Even so, it includes detailed descriptions of gore and violence, the only minor problem that I had with reading this novel. Despite this, the book is a must-read; any lover of action and adventure would especially enjoy it. Most should love the journey I have been on reading "The Maze Runner" as much as I did, but if gory detail and violence disturb you, you should be cautious with reading it.

Reviewed by Anna A., Grade 9
Downtown Central Library
November 15, 2017 at 2:42 PM
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