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Between The Hunger Games and its rather long list of mostly-forgettable copycats (*cough* Divergent *cough*), the 2010s was practically awash with gritty, dystopian sagas. One of the more unique series to hitch a ride on the teen dystopia bandwagon, however, has to be The Maze Runner.

With news of the film franchise being rebooted, one question non-TMR fans might be asking is: should I ACTUALLY read the books?

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Plot summary: what is The Maze Runner really about?

At first glance, the premise is interesting enough.

Our protagonist, Thomas, wakes up in a dark elevator that’s hurtling towards the mysterious Glade — a green oasis that’s populated entirely by teenaged boys with surprisingly plot-convenient amnesia.

Beyond the Glade lies the Maze, an ever-changing cement construction home to monsters called Grievers. It’s evident that this Maze and its rather disgusting inhabitants stand in the way of our heroes’ path to freedom, whetting one’s palate for an action-packed escape.

And, for the most part, the book does deliver the goods.

There’s a palpable feeling of unease and enough burning questions to keep the pages turning, even though it can be really hard to connect with the main character at times. Which brings us to the next section of the review…👇

Great! But… is The Maze Runner really for me?

One thing is undeniable: the novel totally lives up to its name, hurtling forward faster than a cat with a bad case of the zoomies.

However, whilst this book will probably appeal to readers who like short chapters and breakneck pacing, it can also be a LOT to consume in one sitting. Honestly, at the end of my reread of The Maze Runner, I was absolutely knackered. I would’ve appreciated more quiet moments that offered greater character development (especially when it comes to our MC, Thomas).

(Contrast this with The Hunger Games — a YA novel that balances action with introspection and takes the time to flesh out Katniss’ world and supporting characters, adding to its depth.)

And, speaking of development, the novel asks a lot of questions but takes quite a long time answering them (if at all). These questions often follow the same template, too: Unfamiliar term is introduced. Thomas asks what it means. Secondary character refuses to give him a straight answer because… errm, who can tell?

“Ben’s in there, sicker than a dog. They got him.”

“They?” Thomas didn’t like the malicious way the boy had said the word.

“Yeah.”

“Who are They?”

“Better hope you never find out,” the kid answered, looking far too comfortable for the situation.

Chapter 3, The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Honestly, these characters have NO good reason to keep Thomas in the dark, beyond padding the page count.

That being said, I will give credit where credit’s due: The Maze Runner’s overall plot is very engaging and rather unlike the usual YA fare. There’s a canonical reason why Thomas is our super-special Chosen One who can help the Gladers escape the Maze — and it ties pretty well into why one of the primary antagonists within the Glade dislikes him.

Occasionally, the novel even displays a shocking amount of self-awareness and pokes fun at the MC for acting like their knight in shining armour:

“Time to be a bloody hero again?”

Thomas looked at Newt sharply, hurt by the rebuke. “You think I do things to impress you shanks? Please. All I care about is getting out of here.”

Chapter 40, The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Last (but certainly not least!), the book primarily focuses on building platonic relationships, so you’re spared the whole teen romance/love triangle thing.

The story places far more importance on Thomas’ relationships with characters like Newt and Minho than — spoiler alert — a budding romance with the only girl in the Glade. Whilst it’s hinted that she and our MC may have some history, most of their interactions just serve to propel the plot forward.

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Have you read The Maze Runner? If so, what did you think of the series?