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Review: The Maze Runner

Thursday 10 April 2014
Author: James Dashner
Edition: Chicken House Paperback
Released: July 2010
Series: The Maze Runner #1
Pages: 371 approx.
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website | Buy the book!

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 to find out.
 
I pretty much bought this book a couple days after the movie trailer was released. After watching the trailer for the first time and being blown away by it, I decided then and there that I was going to have to read The Maze Runner before the film's release. And I did. Though I didn't love it, I'm still glad I read it and can go into the movie knowing more of the backstory behind it!
 
First of all, let me stress how hard it is for me to get along with a male lead. I don't know why, maybe it's because I'm female and have no first-hand experience of the male brain but, incredibly, I didn't want to break Thomas in two. I actually got along with him. *gasps* This is a big deal for me - you may see me reviewing more books with male narrators now! Even though Thomas wasn't the best character, he was smart, reliable and possessed a number of qualities you'd look for in an admirable leader. I never didn't understand something he'd do - I could always see the reason behind why he was doing it and could admire him for it. There are very few characters you can point at and say they'd make a great leader, Thomas is one of them.
 
The actual plotline of the story wasn't as complex as I would have liked. It was slightly underwhelming. However, this made the book more of a light read - which I know a lot of people enjoy when all they've been doing is reading heavier novels. I can say though, with almost complete assurance, the ending of this book (I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!) has set up a more complex storyline for the sequel, The Scorch Trials. There were points in this book that, admittedly, I did find slow-going and, at one point, I did sit the book down and leave it there for a few days but the build up to the ending was more fast-paced and thrilling and I found myself flicking to the last page much sooner than I'd expected because I was so hooked.
 
To conclude, The Maze Runner is a novel I enjoyed and am glad to have read. Although it wasn't complex plot-wise and sometimes slow-going, there were redeeming qualities - the main character and the unforeseen plot twists. I'll probably pick up the sequel, The Scorch Trials, at one point or another but I'm not making it a priority. I do recommend you pick The Maze Runner up if you enjoy action/adventure stories and if you're interested in going to see the movie when it comes out!
 
THREE TOADSTOOLS TO THE MAZE RUNNER!


Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

PS: If you were planning on buying The Maze Runner but are now a little discouraged, go check out Sunny's glowing, five-star review HERE! :)


16 comments :

  1. I felt the same about this one, so I'm glad I'm not alone! I just feel like it was so over-hyped and, like you said, the plot line really wasn't as complex as I hoped. :/ I will, however, be watching the movie because, um, Dylan O'Brien… ;D

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    1. Yeah, I think I expected too much really. YES! Dylan O'Brien... *swoon*

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  2. I agree with Ruby and think that this is definitely an over-hyped book. I couldn't get into it and was rather disappointed when I found out what happened after I stopped reading. I've got no intention of seeing the film. At all.

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    1. I think the film looks amazing! Are you really not going to go see it?! :(

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  3. I really want to read it and I've borrowed it from my friend for the hols. It must not be that complex because my friend power read through them in almost a week or two. I'm excited to read it but I'm not really sure what to expect of it. The concept sounds original. The main reason why I want to read it is because of Dylan O'brien!

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    1. I really hope you enjoy it! It's as original as a dystopian can be these days! AND yes, Dylan O'Brien is a GREAT reason to read this book. Since the movie trailer was released, the sales for the book have went up, haha! ;D

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  4. I'm sorry you didn't like it that much. I'm starting it soon and I hope I'll enjoy them. :)

    Ivana @ BookishTeens

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  5. Such a shame it was too slow and un-complex for you, I can definitely see where you are coming from. But having finished the series I can say it gets a lot more complex. Haha. Can't wait to see Dylan in the movie! Thanks for shouting out to my review :) Hope you enjoy the rest more if you decide to continue. Great review :)

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    1. That's encouraging - I definitely thought the ending was setting up a more complex storyline so I'm glad! :P

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  6. I've had this book sitting on my shelf for years, but I never picked it up. I'm going to participate in a readalong later this month, and I'm excited to finally read it because everyone's buzzing about the movie. I haven't watched the trailer yet, though. I want to wait until I've read the book. But it's killing me to wait!
    Excellent review!
    -Rachel

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  7. I've wanted to read this for long - and I'm definitely going to pick it up before seeing the movie now! I always seem to choose books with a female narrator(us girls must stick together, right?) but, the books I have read with a male protagonist I have really enjoyed. The MC sounds so interesting in this series - an Ethan Wate(from Beautiful Creatures) style of character.

    Fab review,

    -Sophie

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    1. I'm the same - always picking up books with a female lead! I really hope you enjoy this book and get along with Thomas when you do find the chance to pick it up! :P

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  8. really disappointing that it was too slow, but nevertheless i would like to read it and give it a go.

    ~amy

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    1. I'm glad you're going to give it a shot - I hope you enjoy it! :D

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