The Maze Runner
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 surrounded 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 have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. But 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 buried within his mind.
James Dashner
James Dashner is the kind of author who thrives on the edge of uncertainty, crafting stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Best known for The Maze Runner series, Dashner’s work explores high-stakes survival in dystopian worlds, where nothing is as it seems and every twist challenges both his characters and his audience. His ability to weave complex plots with relentless action has made him a key figure in the young adult dystopian genre.
Born and raised in the Rocky Mountains of Georgia, Dashner’s early love of adventure and puzzles began to influence his writing style. With a deep affinity for stories that push boundaries and explore the human spirit in the face of impossible odds, his works ask: What would you do when the world around you turns against you?
The Maze Runner Series
The Maze Runner Series consists of three primary books, and includes four additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Book Reviews
Balanced somewhere between Hunger Games & Lord of the flies Maze Runner leaned more towards Flies, which imo is a very good thing. I've read these dystopian novels, each telling the same story over and over again of rebel teenagers fighting the system. At least Dashner brings something different to the genre; A bit of darkness instead of sugarcoating.