The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, Book One): Book One

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING MAZE RUNNER SERIES - A teenager with no memory must navigate a deadly maze to survive in book one of this post-apocalyptic phenomenon.

"[A] mysterious survival saga that passionate fans describe as a fusion of Lord of the Flies [and] The Hunger Games" (Entertainment Weekly)

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.

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

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying: Remember. Survive. Run.

Look for more books in the blockbuster Maze Runner series:
THE MAZE RUNNER - THE SCORCH TRIALS - THE DEATH CURE - THE KILL ORDER - THE FEVER CODE

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400 pages

Average rating: 8.12

33 RATINGS

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6 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

Mrs. Awake Taco
Nov 13, 2024
6/10 stars
Okay so thoughts as I read.

Lord it’s all so perfect. “I don’t remember anything but I kind of get it so the author doesn’t have to explain that much”. Thomas and everyone remembers everything useful like their names and what snow is, apparently, and basics like how to take care of barnyard animals (???). The “creators” give them everything they need to survive but of course there’s a catch. And it’s as complicated as possible. And Thomas just has these feelings about what he ought to be doing. Convenient. Oh goodness, and where Thomas is like, “I get the sense that I’m smart” LOL WHAT A CROCK

Then this girl shows up and she is WHIIIIIIITE. Like, painfully white to the point that the author refers to her skin as similar to “pearls”. And she’s the only girl and she’s devastatingly beautiful. Let me guess that she won’t understand how pretty she is. She’ll be all like “oh nooo, I’m so plaiiiiin”.

Really? The bad guys’ acronym is “wicked”? How cliched. It’s all just so convenient. And I’m sure that at the end, finally, the baddies will be like “that’s how it had to be! Mwahaha!” There’s also so many moments of “well obviously this is how it is, it’s the ONLY rational explanation”. And they can communicate telepathically? Brother. And there’s letters spelling things and they just HAPPEN to to remember all the maps??

It’s just a lot of cliches. Of course someone has to sacrifice themselves. Of course the little dweeb throws himself in front of danger to save the hero. Of course the heroine just gets prettier and prettier and is wildly competent. Watch, they’re not going to explain anything so that you have to read the next one. Ooh, I was almost right. They explained but were clearly lying. And have still set it up for the next book.

Overall, this book was fine. I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I would and I understand why my kids like it so much. I thought it was cliched and predictable but oh well. I’m not the target! Just glad my kids are reading, really.

OK changes from the book that’ll make it easy to identify kids who didn’t read the book. First off that cute kid from love actually said that they’ve been in there for three years instead of two. This whole thing with him and galley wrestling isn’t a thing in the book. The whole attack with Ben is different in the book he was by the Greaver and everybody knew about it and then this one it was a surprise did that when he attacked Thomas. And it’s raining. It doesn’t rain in the Glade. I will say that I like and understand Alby 100% more in the movie.
Anonymous
Oct 27, 2024
8/10 stars
I had some high expectations of this book. I heard a lot of people talking about it and it is soon to be made into a movie. Although it wasn't as wonderful as I thought, it was still a great book. It was never once boring and had great progression. The characters were real and enjoyable. I just for some reason couldn't get completely invested in the book. It reminded me a lot of Divergent. But other than that, it is pretty fantastic.
Anonymous
Aug 22, 2024
10/10 stars
This dystopian book was very mysterious and held my attention. It was very fastpaced, and I anticipate this book going over very well with less than enthused readers.
Shahna
Jul 18, 2024
10/10 stars
Well that was frustrating.

Why were the other boys so rude to Thomas when he asked questions? I would have been asking a million questions all the time!

Stupid Gally.

I liked Chuck.

They’re all just doing their best.
Anonymous
Jun 26, 2024
4/10 stars
150 pages in and not the least bit intrigued by the plot or the characters. DNF

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