To compare this story to a roller coaster ride would be inaccurate, since that implies a hill that must be climbed to reach the fast-paced parts. No, instead I would probably compare The Maze Runner to one of those fancy sports cars. You know the ones. 0 to 60 miles an hour in a matter of seconds? Strap yourself in my friends, this is a wild ride!

Anyone who has been reading my reviews for a decent amount of time knows that I want to love the characters I read about. If I'm to be invested in a story, those characters have to speak to me and make me a part of their struggle. It seems to me that James Dashner knew this when he was writing. Thomas and the other Gladers were written so well, that they literally became a part of my life in a matter of pages. I loved how different they all were! From the opinionated and gruff Alby, all the way down to sweet and innocent Chuck. They made me feel like I was a part of their world, and I had no problem getting into the story.

The Maze actually becomes its own entity in this story, and it is almost as though the walls are breathing. Since the reader is unable to see those who are actually behind the boys being trapped, it is the Maze itself that becomes the enemy. There were portions of this story that had me cringing! What crawls and writhes within the walls is literally terrifying, and I was on the edge of my seat as I read.

To those out there who might know picky readers, The Maze Runner is sure to be a hit. The writing is beautiful and descriptive, the characters are easy to connect to, and the story line is fast-paced. I will admit that there is a bit of violence. I think that is to be expected in a dystopian novel such as this. However I don't think that it is anything most older readers would take issue with. It simply shows the lengths that the boys must go to in order to survive.

If you haven't yet read this, run to your library and pick it up! The Scorch Trials, the second book in the series, is nearing release and you won't want to fall behind.