RATING: 
Genre: Young Adult > Dystopia | Post-Apocalyptic
(Maze Runner #1)
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 enclosed 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, open. Every night they are closed tight. And that every 30 days a new boy is delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. Only 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 that are buried within his mind.
Literary Awards: YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2011), Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award YA Nominee (2011), RT Reviewers’ Choice Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Paranormal/Fantasy Novel (2009), Kentucky Bluegrass Award for grades 9-12 (2011), Abraham Lincoln Award (2012)
*****
Days after reading The Maze Runner, i realized that there are a few things i didn’t like. Stuff that i didn’t notice while i was reading it. well, it was engrossing. and a quick read. i just couldn’t stop reading. So yeah, I really liked The Maze Runnerdespite my nitpicking.
I like Thomas, but i like Minho more. then i found Newt even more likeable than Minho. Eventually, Chuck stole the spotlight from all of them. overall, i had no problems with the characters. even if Thomas gets cranky lots of times. i mean, he does have a right to be cranky, right? living in the Glades without any idea of who you are. without a memory except your name.
It was action packed and a page turner. Every chapter end made me want to continue to the next chapter immediately. It was a fun read!
Now, for the not-so-good parts. The suspense was stretched too long. I felt what Thomas felt: frustrated to the core because no one will tell me something about what the Glades and the Maze were all about! Then, there are predictable moments, too. Also, I was expecting that the book will focus more on how to survive the Maze, but it was just averagely explored. I found Thomas’ and Teresa’s ability to be ludicrous. It gave a paranormal vibe to a dystopian setting that i normally don’t like.
The Maze Runner is a gripping read. As long as you don’t mind the roadblocks i’ve said here, then i’m sure you would enjoy it as much as i did. Don’t think too much, and just let yourself be hooked.
reading is the ultimate aphrodisiac. 