The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner
by James Dashner

From the publisher:
"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 Gladea 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 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift. Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent upthe 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 is a dystopian novel that is very comparable to The Hunger Games.  It is very gripping and intense,  you'll be lucky to have any fingernails left by the time you finish it.  It is also disturbing and depressing.  We see everything through the eyes of Thomas, the main character, who has lost is memory.  The reader is left as much in the dark as Thomas, which contributes to the disturbing atmosphere, but also makes for a very exciting read.

Areas of concern:  There is no swearing, however the kids in the maze have made up their own swear words - things like "klunk" and "shuck-face".  This book is very violent.

Suggested ages:
School Library Journal - Grades 6-10
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 12+
*Mrs. Duke would recommend it for 8th grade and up.