The Maze Runner: Definitely Not a Pile of Klunk (Book Review)

It's been a while since I've read another good book, and by good I mean really really good. The kind of book that you could probably read from front to back non-stop if you had the time. Luckily I was able to get some suggestions from my friends and good that! I think I've found yet another one of these "good books".

   

• Title: The Maze Runner
• Author: James Dashner
• Genre: science fiction, Dystopian, young adult
• Pages: 374 pages
• Series: The Maze Runner

"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 30 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."

I've been reading a lot of Dystopian books and I have to say The Maze Runner outranks all of them. First, it's because I can easily relate to Thomas, the main character, since we're of the same age group. Dashner used a straightforward manner in revealing things that makes The Maze Runner easy to understand. Also, I admire the concept of the maze itself. The maze puzzle gives you the I-just-cant-stop-reading-this-until-they-solve-the-freaking-maze kind of feeling. (Now that's a mouthful!)


I'll have to admit though, the first few pages left me clueless, since I was immediately bombarded with out-of-this-world words (e.g. shank, shuck, greenbean, slopper, klunk, Grievers) but Dashner made a point to explain these words as early as possible to let readers actually understand what they are reading. 

The story itself is a thriller and at the same time a mystery. The conflict is added with a lot more conflicts and mysteries that crucially needs some solving. The story literally starts with Thomas not knowing anything about anything. His memory is wiped clean and is sent into that unknown world so I was waiting for the explanation behind it throughout the book. That was probably why I cannot put the book down. And knowing how vulnerable the characters are makes The Maze Runner a suspenseful read as well.

All in all I'd have to say The Maze Runner is truly worth my time. I not only enjoyed it but I also picked up a few morals on the way. This book is perfect for readers who are into suspense and mystery. But mostly mystery. The characters themselves are living in a puzzle which they need to solve in order to get out of it. And I know there are some readers who read only a chapter or two before mercilessly and impatiently giving their verdict. I do that sometimes. Okay, a lot of times, but The Maze Runner taught me to give books a chance and actually finish them before giving your verdict. And speaking of verdict, I give The Maze Runner 5 stars! The story itself was flawless and very engrossing. I'm sure any bookworm would enjoy it. 

Also, The Maze Runner's film adaptation is going to hit theaters this 19 September! The film will star Dylan O'Brien as Thomas. Good that! (Read The Maze Runner and you'll get why I keep saying that xD)

May your life be not that shucked up,

P.S. Klunk is another word for poo. Because apparently poo makes a "klunk" sound when it hits the "glorious white throne")