Length: 374 pages (paperback)
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Source: library
Overall rating: 3 / 5 stars
After reading 'The Hunger Games' last year, I kept hearing about another dystopian that everyone seemed to be loving as well, 'The Maze Runner.' I ended up picking it up at my library after all the hype about it I'd been reading.
I love the originality that many dystopian authors pull into their novels, but for me, this one feel a little bit short. I absolutely loved the concept that Dashner created, leaving the reader wondering what these kids are doing there and what is really happening. The mystery and unanswered questions seem to be what many loved about this book, but unfortunately it didn't work out the same for me since I figured out the general idea of what was going, within the first few chapters. I continued to read hoping something would surprise me and be different than I was thinking, but it didn't.
Unfortunately, figuring out what was really going on, so early, definitely ruined the book a bit for me. The book was beautifully written and I felt like I was there with them at times, but the lack of big surprises to me left it a little lackluster.
I loved that the book was written from Thomas's viewpoint, since it really helped me understand all the ups and downs and confusion that Thomas was going through as he enters the Glade. I also really enjoyed two side characters, Chuck and Newt, so stood out with specific personalities that they started to feel real.
Overall, the originality of the storyline blew me away and I think it is definitely one dysopian readers will appreciate. If you have been planning to read 'The Maze Runner,' I would definitely say it is worth picking up.
