This well-known book and movie series by James Dashner has received a lot of attention. The Maze Runner is a dystopian book that shows an alternate world that is carefully crafted and controlled. On the first page, a boy wakes up, traveling vertically at speed. He has no memory. The only thing he is sure of is his name; Thomas. When the lift stops, he finds himself in a place they call the Glade, the boy’s home. Everyone there is in a similar situation, and none of them leaves to go beyond the walls that surround them. Except for the Runners. The boys fend for themselves, work together, and have a system of life. But Thomas is restless and different.
“Just follow me and run like your life depends on it. Because it does.”
Mihno, The Maze Runner
Dashner has invented his own slang, culture, and political system that is interesting and understandable. Sarcastic and serious, with a well-planned plot and with twists, The Maze Runner has themes of standing up to those who are not necessarily better than you, independence, and determination. The characters are realistic and smart. James Dashner has used high technology and mystery, but at the same time, the boys must fend almost entirely for themselves. Dashner uses descriptive language and a high adrenaline feeling, so this book deserves 4 out of 5 stars.