Hello everyone, today I'm giving you my first book review of this blog. (But in case you are wondering, I do review everything I read, and those are all up on Goodreads.) And the review is not going to be of just one book, but rather of three (hence, "trilogy"). I kinda like doing series reviews because I get to say everything I want to say about that story in one review rather than in three. The bad thing is, series reviews tend to have spoilers for the first books. However, I am going to try my best here not to ruin anything for you if you haven't read this series.
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| from pinterest |
First of all, can I just say how much I love everyone in here? I was pinning stuff on my Maze Runner board and just internally screaming at the epic-ness. Just so you know.
However, my review will be coherent and sensible, I promise.
The Maze Runner
"If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.
"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.
"Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.
"Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.
"Everything is going to change.
"Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
"Remember. Survive. Run."
The Scorch Trials
"Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end.
"Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.
"There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.
"The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch— the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.
"Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.
"There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive."
The Death Cure
"It’s the end of the line.
"WICKED has taken everything from Thomas: his life, his memories, and now his only friends—the Gladers. But it’s finally over. The trials are complete, after one final test.
"Will anyone survive?
"What WICKED doesn’t know is that Thomas remembers far more than they think. And it’s enough to prove that he can’t believe a word of what they say.
"The truth will be terrifying."
"Thomas beat the Maze. He survived the Scorch. He’ll risk anything to save his friends. But the truth might be what ends it all.
"The time for lies is over."
First impressions
I borrowed book one, and it sat on my desk for three weeks before I picked it up and read it in one day. Exactly the same thing happened with the two others. Why? Because I was SCARED AS TO WHAT HORRORS I'D HAVE TO GO THROUGH.
Reading experience
Very gripping. As I said, once I began I finished all in about a day.
Characters
First of all, I love Thomas. Why? Because he is seriously epic xD I was so happy I was finally getting to read a male author and meet a male main character again, because I have been so full of female authors and protagonists the past few months. And neither James Dashner nor Thomas disappointed. Thomas was so incredibly sensible. Not in the slightest like some of the girls whom I have been reading lately. He knew when to listen and when to obey, but he didn't buckle down or let others push him around. He stood up and did what he believed was right. He didn't panic nor pick fights for no reason because he was frustrated. He kept his head all along. He was a hero if I ever saw one. I fully agree with the speech Minho made about him at his first Gathering. Also, what was terrific was this – Thomas was completely honest with his friends. What bugs me incessantly is when the hero has a secret, and when we know it would be best if he/she told his/her friends about it, but he/she doesn't, and later it comes out too late, and either something terrible has already happened, or everyone gets furious. But Thomas told them just about everything. That was awesome!
However, considering, at times it felt he was too perfect compared to the others. How was it that he - even though he was the newest, least experienced person - was so much more heroic? How was it that only he had any attractive qualities to the girls? Obviously it's why WICKED chose him, but still. I don't really care though, because he's amazing.
I also liked all the other characters. I might even be in love with them? To quote someone (I don't remember who) "these guys are like bros". Even though they really annoyed me at first by keeping so. many. secrets. (WICKED was sooo frustrating because they had so many secret and were always lying!) I really felt for all of them. It was, as a matter of fact, fun to be among so many boys for a change and I learned to love them all. I didn't even hate Gally. I mean, I think Gally was really unreasonable and stupid at first, but I kind of felt sorry for him. I haven't seen the movie versions of these books but I know Will Poulter was acting Gally so that might have something to do with my not-hating him? :D Anyway. I really felt about Chuck the way Thomas did. Chuck was just the best in book one, and I liked Minho more and more as we went on. And Newt. The glue. Newt totally broke my heart in book three. The other guys, even if they didn't play as huge a role, were okay and I liked them – Alby, and Jorge, and Aris, and Frypan, and so on and so forth. Sure they were impossible and annoying sometimes and yet I never despised any of them. Quite the opposite, I loved their fighting spirit, and that determination despite everything that was so horrible.
As for the girls... Teresa was something. I have an incredible amount of respect for her, and I understand everything she did – and yet I also fully understand Thomas's feelings and reactions to her. Brenda was really surprising at first – I got a few laughs from her, and even though I frowned at her a few times in the beginning, I really grew fond of her.
As for the "bad guys" - were there any "bad guys"? Let me tell you they were horrible and infuriating and WICKED never ceases to puzzle and annoy me. But in here there was a serious case of doing the wrong thing for the right reason (i.e. saving humanity). It presented a wonderful qualm and food for further thought - how far is far enough? How far can you go for the "greater good"? A unique "antagonist", I think - because it was an organization, and they were trying to do what was best - though I still think maybe at the expense of their conscience. (Also the Rat Man was infuriating and just terrific.)
This was the first time there was a “love triangle” with two girls and one boy, which was interesting to say the least, but I was okay with it. For one thing, Thomas was so sensible most of the time and I totally got all his feelings and for the most part they were busy trying to get themselves not killed so there wasn't all that much time for romancing. Still though – why is everyone falling for the main character? All the time? Doesn't any of the other guys deserve some attention? How was Thomas the only decent enough person? And what about the other girls? Hello? But this can be overlooked, because it happens everywhere all the time.
Setting
The settings. Honestly, they was awesome. Different from the other sci-fi settings I have been in so far. They was fascinating. The maze, the scorching desert, the towns, the WICKED headquarters, the city (Denver). I probably wouldn't have been able to picture it correctly if I hadn't seen the movie images, so that really helped.
The plot. It was great. My favorite part was when ... well, when Thomas was being heroic, of course. It was super exciting. I just couldn't put them down. I had to see how they solved things and got out out of sticky situations. There were surprises along the way. And I liked the work and planning that went into it – things didn't always get solved by chance or luck. Sometimes they were just following their instincts, but they had brains, so awesome. I loved their fighting spirit, and that determination despite everything that was so horrible. The worst parts were how many people died. I really hate the Creators. Those kinds of people in sci-fi really tick me off. And all the secrets! *screams* That was one thing that kept me reading! These books basically leave the characters and reader clueless for most of the time and always suspecting things and people and trying to guess the lies and the truth and the motives.
The death + damage
For the ending, I love the story incredibly much. And death. Just saying. Lots of death and destruction. Obviously I died over and over again, but I like the authors who are not afraid to do damage and who aren't afraid to shatter the readers hearts. Ouch.
However, considering, at times it felt he was too perfect compared to the others. How was it that he - even though he was the newest, least experienced person - was so much more heroic? How was it that only he had any attractive qualities to the girls? Obviously it's why WICKED chose him, but still. I don't really care though, because he's amazing.
I also liked all the other characters. I might even be in love with them? To quote someone (I don't remember who) "these guys are like bros". Even though they really annoyed me at first by keeping so. many. secrets. (WICKED was sooo frustrating because they had so many secret and were always lying!) I really felt for all of them. It was, as a matter of fact, fun to be among so many boys for a change and I learned to love them all. I didn't even hate Gally. I mean, I think Gally was really unreasonable and stupid at first, but I kind of felt sorry for him. I haven't seen the movie versions of these books but I know Will Poulter was acting Gally so that might have something to do with my not-hating him? :D Anyway. I really felt about Chuck the way Thomas did. Chuck was just the best in book one, and I liked Minho more and more as we went on. And Newt. The glue. Newt totally broke my heart in book three. The other guys, even if they didn't play as huge a role, were okay and I liked them – Alby, and Jorge, and Aris, and Frypan, and so on and so forth. Sure they were impossible and annoying sometimes and yet I never despised any of them. Quite the opposite, I loved their fighting spirit, and that determination despite everything that was so horrible.As for the girls... Teresa was something. I have an incredible amount of respect for her, and I understand everything she did – and yet I also fully understand Thomas's feelings and reactions to her. Brenda was really surprising at first – I got a few laughs from her, and even though I frowned at her a few times in the beginning, I really grew fond of her.
As for the "bad guys" - were there any "bad guys"? Let me tell you they were horrible and infuriating and WICKED never ceases to puzzle and annoy me. But in here there was a serious case of doing the wrong thing for the right reason (i.e. saving humanity). It presented a wonderful qualm and food for further thought - how far is far enough? How far can you go for the "greater good"? A unique "antagonist", I think - because it was an organization, and they were trying to do what was best - though I still think maybe at the expense of their conscience. (Also the Rat Man was infuriating and just terrific.)
Romance
This was the first time there was a “love triangle” with two girls and one boy, which was interesting to say the least, but I was okay with it. For one thing, Thomas was so sensible most of the time and I totally got all his feelings and for the most part they were busy trying to get themselves not killed so there wasn't all that much time for romancing. Still though – why is everyone falling for the main character? All the time? Doesn't any of the other guys deserve some attention? How was Thomas the only decent enough person? And what about the other girls? Hello? But this can be overlooked, because it happens everywhere all the time.
Setting
The settings. Honestly, they was awesome. Different from the other sci-fi settings I have been in so far. They was fascinating. The maze, the scorching desert, the towns, the WICKED headquarters, the city (Denver). I probably wouldn't have been able to picture it correctly if I hadn't seen the movie images, so that really helped.
Plot
The plot. It was great. My favorite part was when ... well, when Thomas was being heroic, of course. It was super exciting. I just couldn't put them down. I had to see how they solved things and got out out of sticky situations. There were surprises along the way. And I liked the work and planning that went into it – things didn't always get solved by chance or luck. Sometimes they were just following their instincts, but they had brains, so awesome. I loved their fighting spirit, and that determination despite everything that was so horrible. The worst parts were how many people died. I really hate the Creators. Those kinds of people in sci-fi really tick me off. And all the secrets! *screams* That was one thing that kept me reading! These books basically leave the characters and reader clueless for most of the time and always suspecting things and people and trying to guess the lies and the truth and the motives.
The death + damage
For the ending, I love the story incredibly much. And death. Just saying. Lots of death and destruction. Obviously I died over and over again, but I like the authors who are not afraid to do damage and who aren't afraid to shatter the readers hearts. Ouch.
End feelings
And the last book, ending, was so horrible and shattering, and everything was just a horrible and terrific end-of-the-world story and wow some resolution. I don't know if I should be happy or devastated. But you know, sometimes I plot and write devastating sad endings, so I'm good.
Recommendations
Well, just because I loved it, doesn't mean you will. So I am not going to shove it your face screaming at you to read it. You should have a good idea of what is going on after reading this review, and even a better idea if you have read others. I will just ask you four more things -
Do you like sci-fi, and dystopia, and the end-of-the-world? Because if you don't, or are tired of the genre, you might not enjoy this.
Can you take being in the dark half the time, screaming over the secrets, the mysteries, the lies, and all the things that you can't understand or don't yet know? Because if you can't stand that, you are in for trouble.
Content wise, can you take made up language? I didn't have too much of a problem with this, but others might have.
Also, can you take violence? Because these things are heavy with violence. James Dashner tortured his characters like OH! HOW COULD THEY GO THROUGH ALL THAT?! So violence sensitive people, look out! (People set on fire and having their heads eaten off and beasts that kill you and crazy nut cracks who may be cannibals and so on and so forth.) I was seriously freaked out on occasion (good job, I like being freaked out) and it was so creepy and suspenseful. HELP. Honestly, I didn't have trouble with it at all, but there have been times someone complains about how violent some book I loved was, and I'm like, "Are you sure we read the same book?"
If you are fine with all of that, go ahead. And I hope you have a marvelous adventure!
Rating
In the end guys, four and a half stars for the full series (though I think the first book deserves five) !!!
So, have you read The Maze Runner?
If you haven't, will you? If you have, what do you think? Feel free to share your opinion!
I want to know how you feel :D
My library has all three, I think. Content wise, how clean is it? I mean language wise and romance wise? (I kind of want to read this, but I don't want hidden surprises.)
ReplyDeleteThey looked really interesting. Plus, I'm writing dystopian, so reading it might help.
:D
Hurray! Glad your library has these!
DeleteLike I said, there's made up language? Like made up swearing. (Was that confusing in the review, should I clarify?) Most in the first book, but all throughout. Also violence. As for romance just some kisses in the two later books ... most of the romance was implied through thought and action and speech... not a lot, and certainly nothing explicit, so I think you'll be good. :)
Just GET READY TO HAVE YOUR HEART BROKEN I WARN YOU YOU MAY REGRET THIS LATER JUST TURN BACK BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
xD no seriously check them out :D
Okay, I will. We go back this weekend to the library. We're going early since it has a park and we want to get there before it gets too hot. (I live in Texas and summer is brutal.)
DeleteThank you for replying. I'm excited to read these. :D
Great! It's too bad about the other books your library doesn't have. I know what that's like. But then they have something and you appreciate it even more :)
DeleteI can imagine :) I live quite a ways north comparatively and it's still hot!
You're welcome! Can't wait to see what you think! And I'll try to do more reviews :D
Ooh! I've heard of these books before, but I haven't read a complete content etc review yet! so thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just realized recently that I actually pretty enjoy dystopian, so I think I'm going to enjoy these! *tbr wobbles dangerously*
Good! I know there's always some extra motivation when a friend loved it!
DeleteThat's nice! I like dystopian fine too :D *tries to steady your tbr so it doesn't fall on you*
Enjoy is one thing. More like you'll be devastated by these xD
This series is so amazing!!! Their weird way of talking annoyed me, but other than that, I LOVED IT SO MUCH. Heartbreak, and action, and did I mention heartbreak??? *huggles books*
ReplyDeleteThe first movie is REALLY GOOD, you should totally watch it! The acting is top-notch and Dylan O'Brien and the cast is absolutely perfect. I haven't watched the second movie yet, though, because I need to find some kind of filter to use. Because language. That wasn't even in the book, obviously. Ugh.
Lisa, this review was fantabulous!!! XD
thecheapskatebibliomaniac.blogspot.com
YES it's great to meet another fan *high fives* (I don't think I know anyone else with great love for these books?).
DeleteAh yes I've heard lots about the movie and seen the trailers and read the movie guides - I NEED IT! But we'll see cause my folks wouldn't be big on movies like this - sci-fi and wierdness and violence and language... Someday hopefully :) thanks for telling me though.
Isn't the third one coming out next year or something?
Aww thanks Lila <3 <3 <3 (I love to use "fantabulous" too.)
*goes to follow you cause I don't believe I've been to your blog before*
I know! My brother only really liked the second one - I guess it's not everyone's book. But it was MY book, haha, and yours :D
DeleteYeah, I think the third movie is coming out soon. I can't remember when exactly...
*goes to follow you too because I've been stalking you for a while and not even doing that* You'll notice I'm supposed to be on a hiatus, but I just HAD to comment on this review, so... yeah XD
Oops I just realized you HAD commented before and I have checked your blog out *looks sheepish* sorry.
DeleteAnyway you have a great blog and I commented there but just enjoy your hiatus okay?
Hey hey hey, I found you, Lisa! This was awesome. I love the Maze Runner series, but...like...why? Why did James Dashner have to ruin the end by just having it stop? Like, I no understand. It was too sudden and abrupt for me.
ReplyDeleteHave you read The Fever Code??? IT HAS NEWT AND IT'S LOVELY AND ACTUALLY ANSWERS NONE OF OUR QUESTIONS.
Hi welcome over! Glad you liked it :) I'm sure Dashner had his reasons. I mean I KNOW IT HURTS SO BAD but it's actually more realistic and memorable I think?
DeleteNo I haven't yet read the Fever Code ause I was scared it might break my heart again because NEWT. HELP. But do we learn about his sister? Haha I've heard that the prequels do nothing to clear things up :P Which book did you think was the best?
THANKS FOR COMMENTING <333
Yeah, but an author's job is to satisfy us and Dashner didn't do that for me...
DeleteIt's not my favorite, but it's okay. Yes, we do get some answers and background to Newt and his sister which proves very interesting when you know of his fate.
My favorite book was probably...The Maze Runner or The Scorch Trials because they were fast-paced and they had good characters. Death Cure didn't make me feel good cause I didn't like Brenda much...
YOU'RE SO WELCOME. YOUR BLOG IS LOVELY. <3