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In a post-apocalyptic society, a young boy named Thomas is delivered in a metal box into an unknown place called the Glade. He has no memory of who he is or how he got there.

Thomas soon discovers that the Glade is run by other boys who have created their own society based on the tools and skills they have acquired from surviving there. They all live a simple life, but Thomas is curious about where they are, and why they are there. Thomas soons comes to realize that every month a new boy is delivered through the same box he was. As time goes on, Thomas discovers the life of the maze runners. Maze runners are those who run the deadly maze that houses the violent monsters called Grievers that surround their camp, in an attempt to find a way out of the Glade. One day, the first and only girl is delivered, which sends a ripple effect throughout the Glade. Life becomes more dangerous as the walls to the maze cease to close, causing the Grievers to leave the maze and attack the boys in the Glade. Soon Thomas realizes that the ever-changing formation of the maze is not random, but a code. Every day when the Gladers run, they begin to document the changes in code as they explore the lush but dangerous area that is the maze. Soon Thomas and the Gladers decipher the code and decide to make an attempt to escape. Although risky, the Gladers barely escape the maze and make a shocking discovery. They discover that all of the Gladers were specifically selected, and were the subjects of an experiment in an attempt to save the world from a global epidemic of an unknown virus.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner is a science fiction thrilling novel. It’s significance is to show that with teamwork, anything can happen. For example, the Gladers finally escape the Glade together after all of their hard work. The overall plot and theme is very mysterious and action packed. Since this is the first book is the series, there is little character development, and ends on a cliff hanger. The ending leaves the reader wanting more, and leads into the beginning of the second novel in the series, The Scorch Trials. The main objective of this book, as well as the rest of the series is for the boys to discover and decipher why each of the Gladers were picked for the specific experiment, and why the weight of the world has been left on their shoulders. Throughout the novel, as well as the rest of James Dashner’s The Maze Runner series, Thomas becomes a stronger, more assertive leader, and is more willing to fight for his life, as well as the rest of the world.

James Dashner’s the Maze Runner is a great book for teens. The thrilling aspects of the novel really keep you on the edge of your seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and would evaluate the quality of the book as a great read for young teens ages 14-17. I would rate the novel a 5/5 stars for excellent writing and plot.

 Check out The Maze Runner at the Newport Beach Public Library.