The Maze Runner by James Dashner

 

Book Summary(via Goodreads):

 

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every thirty days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

 

This insomniac's opinion:

 

Comparisons between this novel and The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies have been greatly, greatly exaggerated, my friends. This novel is extremely creative and original but is lacking truly good writing and well fleshed-out characters. The author's attempt to be hip by having original slang and verbiage for some of the happenings and objects in the new world often felt annoying and over-used. If I ever hear the word "shank" again, it will be too soon. However, I bought into the suspense of the novel and very much wanted to know what the ending would be. It was definitely unique.

 

Worth staying up all night to read?

 

Maybe.

 

Rating:

 

3 - I think this isn't well-written enough for an avid, adult reader. However, I think that pre-teens and teens would likely enjoy it.