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The Maze Runner

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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James Dashner

The Maze Runner

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

375

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

The Glade • Post-apocalyptic future

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL770L

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Super Short Summary

The Maze Runner by James Dashner follows Thomas, a boy with no memories who wakes up in a glade surrounded by a labyrinth. Alongside other boys, including their leader Alby, Thomas navigates the Maze filled with mechanical creatures called Grievers to find a way out. The arrival of Teresa, the first girl in the Glade, accelerates their escape plan involving deciphering a code.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Dark

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

1,614,011 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

James Dashner's The Maze Runner captivates with a gripping narrative and imaginative world-building that keep readers on edge. The fast-paced action and mysterious setting draw intrigue, though some critics note thin character development and familiar dystopian tropes. Overall, it's a thrilling, if occasionally predictable, adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Maze Runner?

Readers who enjoy fast-paced, dystopian adventures with a focus on survival and mystery will find The Maze Runner by James Dashner captivating. Fans of Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games and Veronica Roth's Divergent series will likely appreciate the intense, gripping narrative and the strong, resilient characters.

4.2

1,614,011 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Thomas

Thomas is the protagonist of the novel, a teenager who arrives in the Glade with no memories beyond his first name. He quickly shows bravery and a strong connection to the Maze, saving other Gladers and challenging the existing rules. He shares a telepathic link with Teresa, which drives him to unravel their shared past and understand the Maze.

Teresa is the first and only girl to arrive in the Glade, appearing just after Thomas. She is self-confident, bold, and supports Thomas as they both seek the truth about their connection and purpose in the Maze. Known for her telepathic communication with Thomas, she becomes a crucial ally.

Chuck is one of the youngest Gladers and becomes Thomas’s first friend in the Glade. Known for his talkative nature and practical jokes, he is assigned to look after Thomas. Chuck's loyalty and friendship are significant to Thomas throughout the story.

Alby is the leader of the Gladers and the first person Thomas meets upon arrival. As the oldest and most trusted teen in the Glade, Alby upholds strict laws to maintain order. He struggles with the traumatic knowledge obtained during the Changing, which deeply affects him.

Newt is Alby's second-in-command, portrayed as kinder and more level-headed. He maintains order through work rather than punishment and befriends Thomas. Newt steps up as a leader when Alby is unable to continue following a traumatic experience in the Maze.

Minho is the Keeper of the Runners, responsible for those who explore the Maze daily. Known for his sarcasm and confrontational nature, his leadership is intuitive. Minho becomes one of Thomas’s trusted allies in navigating the challenges they face.

Gally is known for his antagonistic behavior toward Thomas, being cruel and hotheaded. He has undergone the Changing and believes Thomas poses a threat. Gally's actions are driven by his suspicions and dislike for Thomas, contributing to the tension in the Glade.

Ben is a former Runner who experiences violent behavior after going through the Changing. He attacks Thomas due to resurfaced memories and is consequently banished from the Glade. His fate serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences within the Maze.

Book Details
Pages

375

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

The Glade • Post-apocalyptic future

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL770L

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