The Maze Runner
⭐⭐⭐
DYSTOPIA · SCIENCE FICTION
Is Dashner’s Dystopia Worth the Hype?
As you may know by now, I am a big fan of fantasy and dystopian books (if not, read my reviews about ACOTAR, The Red Queen, or The Hunger Games). Therefore, since The Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner is one of the most famous dystopian stories, I had the obligation to read it.
Before reading Dashner’s novel, I had seen some movie clips, so I had an idea of how the plot would be. Well, I was very wrong. The book is nothing like I imagined. Instead of going all in with action and non-stop drama, Dashner takes a slower approach. The book builds tension gradually, balancing moments of action with consistent pacing so readers never lose track of the story. Overall, this first installment has a stable plot, setting a strong base for the following books.
For my taste, The Maze Runner has too many storylines running at the same time. Instead of choosing one topic and unfolding it, James Dashner leaves several doors open throughout the book. Some people like the tension and mystery this technique creates. In my case, I think it makes the book hard to understand. I had to constantly go to previous chapters to understand the plot twists.
I also want to make a disclaimer about the movies. At first, I thought about watching the movie instead of reading the books. However, the books tend to be better than the movies. And I knew once I watched the movie, I wouldn’t start reading the book. Therefore, I went for the book first. After both reading and watching The Maze Runner, I must declare that reading the book first was the best decision.
I’m surprised by how much the movies differ from the books. The first 30 minutes of the movie went according to plan. Once the beginning passed, the whole storyline changed. It felt like I was watching a completely different movie. James Dashner’s books have nothing to do with their movie adaptations.
Hence, The Maze Runner has an original plot, but there are plenty of better books to read out there. I believe that the books don’t live up to their hype. You can easily find teenage dystopian books with better plot, character development, and readability.
However, I will state that the book in itself allows the readers to look at the world from a different side. James Dashner creates deep reflections about the evolution of science and its lack of control, the justification of the greater good, etc.
Have you read or watched The Maze Runner? Did you prefer the book or the movie? Let me know below!
Summary
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround them is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying: Remember. Survive. Run.
