At first I wasn't so sure about this book. It gained sudden popularity because of the film adaptation and I thought the hype would soon die down. However, now that I have read the book I realise that the hype was well deserved. This is another fantastic novel which will be remembered alongside The Hunger Games as one of the modern classics of the century.
The book starts of with the main character, Thomas, waking up in a strange place with no memory besides his name. He is extremely confused as he is discovered by a group of boys of various ages who are talking in strange slang and as the panic builds up, he eventually lashes out. However, to his surprise no-one seems effected and his behaviour is described as normal for 'greenies'. He soon discovers the truth about the place he woke up in is and feels the urge to help the others escape. The drawback: the only way to escape is through a dangerous maze and the only ones allowed to enter are the experienced 'Runners'.
What I like about this book is that the reader discovers things as Thomas does. At the start of the book, we as the readers can really empathise with Thomas as we are as confused as he is. As the story continues things start to become clear and as the characters in the book try to solve the mystery of the maze, the readers are also encouraged to puzzle the hints together. I think Dashner did a brilliant job of spreading out the progression in the book and the solution to the maze is so clever, it is worth the waiting until the very end.
Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone, be it teens or adults (although I would advise children to wait until older), as it keeps you entertained until the end. The excitement is evenly spaced out so the book never gets boring and surprises are hidden behind every corner. The ending leaves you intrigued and I personally cannot wait to get my hand on the next book.
Rating: 5/5
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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