Customer Reviews for

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner Series #1)

Average Rating 4.5
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5 Star

(1487)

4 Star

(547)

3 Star

(203)

2 Star

(73)

1 Star

(68)

Most Helpful Favorable Review

148 out of 151 people found this review helpful.

If you liked The Hunger Games, read this!

I absolutely loved The Maze Runner. I first heard about it through an internet ad. It asked, "Like the Hunger Games? Then you should read The Maze Runner." It drew my attention because The Hunger Games is one of my most favorite books. So I started reading the "preview"...Read More
I absolutely loved The Maze Runner. I first heard about it through an internet ad. It asked, "Like the Hunger Games? Then you should read The Maze Runner." It drew my attention because The Hunger Games is one of my most favorite books. So I started reading the "preview" of The Maze Runner on Barnes and Noble's website. There's something to be said for a book that I couldn't stay away from after the first sentence. I neglected my work and stared at my computer screen, reading. When I reached the end of the preview, I bought the ebook because I had to know what happened. It is a fast paced, action-packed adventure that completely sucks the reader in. From the very first sentence, I was simply dropped into the story; everything is from the main character's point of view. You only see and hear what he sees and hears. It was exciting, and I felt as if I was there.
It is true that the characters could have been more deeply developed; they were certainly lacking in personality depth. Also, The Maze Runner is quite violent in parts: there is death and insanity and truly terrifying monsters. It is part of a new genre of books, all exploring the possible futures of this world. It is not a light read; it will have you up at night. However, if you loved The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, this is a book that you will enjoy just as much. I definitely recommend it.Show Less

posted by Hanna_thereckless on January 20, 2010

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Most Helpful Critical Review

4 out of 14 people found this review helpful.

good

sort of confusing at times

posted by savanahstorm on January 28, 2012

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  • Posted January 20, 2010

    If you liked The Hunger Games, read this!

    I absolutely loved The Maze Runner. I first heard about it through an internet ad. It asked, "Like the Hunger Games? Then you should read The Maze Runner." It drew my attention because The Hunger Games is one of my most favorite books. So I started reading the "preview" of The Maze Runner on Barnes and Noble's website. There's something to be said for a book that I couldn't stay away from after the first sentence. I neglected my work and stared at my computer screen, reading. When I reached the end of the preview, I bought the ebook because I had to know what happened. It is a fast paced, action-packed adventure that completely sucks the reader in. From the very first sentence, I was simply dropped into the story; everything is from the main character's point of view. You only see and hear what he sees and hears. It was exciting, and I felt as if I was there.
    It is true that the characters could have been more deeply developed; they were certainly lacking in personality depth. Also, The Maze Runner is quite violent in parts: there is death and insanity and truly terrifying monsters. It is part of a new genre of books, all exploring the possible futures of this world. It is not a light read; it will have you up at night. However, if you loved The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, this is a book that you will enjoy just as much. I definitely recommend it.

    148 out of 151 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted May 25, 2010

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    An Elaborate Story of Mystery and Intrigue

    The Maze Runner is a sci-fi/dystopian novel at its best. It starts off with Thomas, a boy of about 16, waking up in a metal box with a bunch of teen boys, some older, some younger, staring at him. Thomas comes to learn that he has arrived in the Glade and he is now part of a small, self-contained community of boys. Each boy has his own job and title and for the past two years, the boys have been working to solve the puzzle of the Maze.

    Like most of the boys, Thomas is scared upon his arrival, but unlike everyone else, Thomas has a feeling of familiarity with the Glade. When a girl arrives the day after Thomas, it's clear that everything is changing and it seems like Thomas may play a part in that change.

    It took me some time to really get into The Maze Runner, but once I did, I was completely hooked. James Dashner is so descriptive and has created such an elaborate story that it is hard not to enjoy. The mystery of the Maze had me so intrigued that I needed to know more. The Gladers, the Maze, the Grievers, it's all so mysterious and unknown that I found myself reading more and more, in an attempt to solve the mystery.

    The story is incredibly well-crafted with likable characters and twists and turns galore. There were times when I was nearly screaming because I didn't want the characters to do something and other times I was on the edge of my seat gnawing on my fingernails in anticipation.

    One word that can perfectly describe this book is intense. The novel is intense in all respects. It can scare you death, have you laughing, and it even moved me to tears. The ending was entirely unexpected and the last 150 pages or so completely blew me away. The Maze Runner is pure genius and I'm now anxiously awaiting the second book in the series

    43 out of 50 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 25, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    What a great book!!

    This book reminded me very much of The Hunger Games (FANTASTIC book & trilogy!) This is written for teens, however I am an adult and both my 13 year old son and myself have now read it and thought it was hard to put down. This is definitely one where you need to use your brain matter and think of the options involved. You cannot help but feel compassion for the characters and your sense of emotion goes full speed. As my son says, 'you feel like you are right there with them'. (I must say, all of the same can be said for The Hunger Games as well)

    Sure hope he gets the next book out sooner than later-it will definitely leave you thinking and ready for the next one ASAP.

    24 out of 29 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted August 17, 2011

    I Also Recommend:

    Good

    The Maze runner is definitely a must read. I have enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.

    18 out of 22 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 22, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    What a Read

    I loved this book. It made me smile, it made me laugh, but most importantly, it made me think. I found myself thinking through all of the situations with the main characters. It was the last thing i thought about at night, and the first in the morning. This is definately a book that will make you ask yourself, "what if that happemed to me?" This was a great book and i definately reccomemnd it.

    16 out of 18 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 29, 2010

    Incredible Read

    I lost an entire day and night to this incredible book. James Dashner's The Maze Runner was truly addicting and an unforgettable read.

    Thomas can't remember where he came from, his parents, or his life before the Glade. He finds himself in this bizarre world surrounded by walls and a maze. There are other boys in his situation (think Lord of the Flies) and they have learned to make this place "home." What is even more disturbing is the fact that there are crazy animal-monsters called Grievers that surround the Glade's walls and come out at night with basically one mission: To destroy humans. I'm going to be honest. The Grievers are the stuff of my own personal nightmares. Seriously. I have an irrational fear of needles and I also don't enjoy slugs. at. all. The description of these Grievers included both needles and slugs; needless to say, I vomited in my mouth a little just reading/imagining these volatile creatures.

    Anyway, Thomas is learning the ropes and becomes friends Chuck and Minho, who both happen to be my favorite characters. Chuck is just simply endearing. Thomas really wants to be a runner and work with Minho, but he isn't sure why he is drawn to the job. There are various jobs and the way the Glade functioned I thought was pretty interesting. These boys even have their own slang/vernacular (klunk-love it!) as well as laws, which keeps the "order." Everything seems hunky dory- or as normal as possible if you live in a maze- until one day this all changes. A girl, the first girl ever, arrives to the Glade delivering an ominous message. Without giving too much away, the tension increases and their world turns upside down, even more than it already is! Simply stated......Thomas must find a way to survive.

    I can't remember the last time that I questioned a book so much as I did while reading this novel. I had SO many questions that I wanted answered, but brilliantly, Dashner was holding out on me, which only increased my suspense. I'm going to get a little nerdy and teacher-eque, but bear with me. I also loved the fact that this book required me to use many comprehension strategies. I would LOVE to discuss this book with my literacy classes, because it really required me to infer, question, synthesize, predict, etc. It was truly a smart read and a puzzle that I was dying to put together. My poor husband, Mike, had to deal with my one million questions. Mike, surprisingly, read this book before me, which usually never happens. He saw the cover, read the synopsis and was hooked. So, it was pretty cool to be able to discuss and question him as I was reading, because Maze Runner is truly a book to be disected and discussed.

    This story had me guessing the ENTIRE time, which I think is rare when it comes to young adult novels. Ususally you can figure out the plot at some point, but I was always shocked. Even right up to the end had me guessing. I can't wait for the sequel!

    12 out of 16 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 29, 2009

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    I Also Recommend:

    A book deserving of all 5 stars.

    Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow...
    The Maze Runner was just amazing.

    The book starts out pretty slow, and stays that way for quite awhile. After you get into the book, you can not put it down. It is brilliantly written, and just...fantastic.
    In the end, I almost cried out of anger. I can not wait for the sequel. This book was so amazing, but it is leaving me hanging here!

    I have no idea why this book only has 4 stars. It is completely deserving of every single one of them! Go ahead, buy the book. It will be worth every penny and be a great addition to your bookshelf. :]

    12 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted August 7, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    LORD OF THE FLIES MEETS THE HUNGER GAMES!

    This book will appeal to fans of lord of the flies as well as the hunger games. a group of boys, and eventually one girl, are stranded somewhere with their memories wiped clean. they struggle to survive, find a balance of power, and more importantly find a way out. i couldn't put this book down! cant wait for the scorch trials!

    10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 7, 2012

    BEST BOOK EVER

    Please do not listen to those people that say it is bad this is the best book and your money will be spent wisely

    9 out of 12 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted July 10, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    best book ive ever read

    this was defanetly the best book ive ever read. im 13 and loved. wen i read it ther wasnt a second book and now my mom wont let me buy it till ive finished this other book for school.im so mad at her rite now. this book will always be on my mind. it was well wriiten. i actually hated sify books till i read this one. my fav writter is now jame dashner. this book was so emotional. sometimes i was scared others i was happy others i was crying. the book was so good i read it in 1 day. i stayed up all night 2 finish it. y mom was so mad but all i could think about was when will the next book come out. loved this book and would recomend it for anyone 10 and up no one any younger for it may frighten them. loved the book and hope you will 2.

    8 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 19, 2011

    Highly Recommended-you must check it out!

    This book is an amazing story that keeps you on your toes throughout the novel. If you are a fan of The Hunger Games then this is the book for you!

    7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 9, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    AMAZING!!

    I love reading unique and original stories! And that is exactly how I would describe Maze Runner. I do not know why this book was written for kids. The story was pretty creepy and kind of sent a hopeless message. Plus there was multiple murders and plenty of violence. I will be reading the sequel.

    6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 20, 2010

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    Ready... Set... GO!

    This book keeped me on the edge the whole time. I never put it down and after I as done I didn't want to put it down. When I read the last word I was like "Wow!". I know there will be another book and I can't wait to find out what the cover looks like and when it will be coming out, because when it does I will be the first to buy it! Thomas is an amazing boy and Teresa is awesome, as well. They fought until the end and that's what shocked me so much, with all the chacos and deaths it really did amazes me. Minho, Chuck, and Newt have to be my favorite people in the books. Minho with his funny words and amazing power just really was amazing and Chuck, for a kid so young he probably was the strongest person out of all of them. Newt was more of a leader then anyone really in the books and really funny as well. Ably shocked me and kind of made me sad, I really liked him a lot, too. So if you like the Hunger Games then you should really really get this book like now! This is worth every penny, trust me. Cause I am just like Thomas, I don't lie.

    6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 25, 2009

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    I Also Recommend:

    The Chance into a World you Never Knew Existed...

    This was an amazing book! Packed with excitement and suspense around every corner, "The Maze Runner" was a fast-paced novel that will have you holding your breath until the very end! Dashner did a great job with this one; he is an author who is sure to have you captivated from the first page to the last! This book follows a sixteen year old boy named Thomas. He is faced with something that no one should have to be put up against. Do not miss out on this adventure. It is the chance into a world you never knew existed...

    6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 11, 2012

    Love it!

    If you liked the Hunger Games i would recommend this book! It is close to being as good as the hunger games!

    5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted July 26, 2010

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    Like a rat sniffing cheese......

    Thomas wakes up in a lift with no other memory besides his first name. The lift deposits him in the Glade, a large courtyard surrounded by impossibly high stone walls. The Glade is populated by teenage boys in the same situation as him, they also have no memory. But they have made a life for themselves in this place, their only hope is trying to solve the maze that surrounds the walls. The Maze is a dangerous place, filled with terrifying half-machine/half-slug monsters that exist solely to sting the boys, thereby posioning them with a deadly toxin. The day after Thomas arrives in the Glade, something unexpected happens. A comatose girl is delivered into the maze, and she has a message: She's the last one. Ever.. The boys know everything is going to change, and Thomas just might have some answers.

    I am a little disappointed. With all the raving reviews and awesome premise, I expected it to be much better. It just wasn't that thrilling for me, and the plot wore thin. Most of the book was based of off someone conviently remembering stuff. And the action wasn't tense enough. I always knew Thomas was going to end up all right. I was especially disappointed in Thomas's first night in the maze. It had the opportunity to be absolutely terrifying, but by then all the terror of the Grievers had vanished, and the whole scene seemded to make up two hours at the most, and not an entire night.

    The ending was very good though, and very suspenseful. I was completely absorbed in those last few chapters, and even turned down ice cream in order to finish.

    The writing and characters were simple. The writing was typical actiony fare. Thomas was a bit of a Gary Stu, with no real faults. Chuck was great though.....I'm sad now.

    So anyway, it was good. Not great, but good. I am anxiously waiting for the sequel, and hope the books get better.

    5 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 7, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    BEST BOOK EVER!

    I used to be the biggest fan of Harry Potter and Twilight, but when I read this book, they paled in comparison. It's my new favorite! I read it in three days (short for me), but now I really wish I had savored it. It really catches you from the first line, and endless twists and surprises keep you guessing and YEARNING for the sequel!

    5 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 4, 2012

    Cant wait

    Cant wait to read this book because i just finnished the hunger games and you guys say that it better or as good as the hunger games trilogy. Cant wait!!!!!!!!!

    4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 28, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    good

    sort of confusing at times

    4 out of 14 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 20, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    The Maze Runner

    It was a little hard to get into at first, but when I did I found it enjoyable. There were a few moments when I would wish it would just get to the point, and then moments when I wish it would've slowed down a bit and explained more. But other than that, I think this has promise to be a good series that will make a nice edition to my bookshelves, and I would definitely buy the next book. I almost screamed when I read the epilogue; I really want to know what happens next!! I give it four stars, because there a few things that couldve been done better, but I think it holds a lot of potential to grow :)

    4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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