The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Source:  Purchased
Genre:  YA-Dystopian
Publisher:  Delacorte Press
Date Published: January 1, 2009
Number of Pages: 374

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run

I really enjoyed this book.  James Dashner built up this world slowly, but beautifully and I felt like I was actually a part of it at times.  The story is told from the point of view of Thomas, as he navigates through the new world.  The Grievers were very interesting to hear about, and at times the suspense was built to a point where I thought I was reading a Stephen King novel (not scary, just suspenseful).  

I dropped a star because I didn't enjoy the ending as much as everyone else whose read it did.  While it gave the story justice, and I was relieved that it did finally end (great story, but I hit my wall of 'get on with it!' more than once), I was confused, and had to reread some parts because things didn't make sense to me.  It might be the dyslexia, but it kind of came out of right field, which is fine, but to a point I wondered if it was a cop out.  I hope not.  I haven't read the second book, but I will.  I hear many people enjoyed it more than The Maze Runner, so I have somewhat high expectations for it.

                                       4 out of 5 Happy Clouds :)