The Scorch Trials

By James Dashner

[Solving the Maze was supposed

to be the end. No more puzzles.

And no more running. Thomas

was sure that escaping meant

he would get his life back. But

no one knew what sort of life

they were going back to ...

Burned and baked, the earth is

a wasteland, its people driven

mad by an infection known as

the Flare.

Instead of freedom, Thomas must

face another trial. He must cross

the Scorch to once again save

himself and his friends ...]

Woahh, this series is amazing. I seriously cannot wait to find out what happens in the final instalment.

It was just as tense as The Maze Runner, if not more. The main characters are still in it and going strong. Although, there were a few moments when it was unknown if the odd one of these characters were still alive or not under the circumstances.

But I absolutely loved all of the different creature-y things and adverse conditions that were included - they're all so different and fresh, it's part of what makes it such a great read.

I liked the addition of Brenda. I think, amongst all of the abnormal challenges Thomas has to face, it's nice to see him have to face something so normal - his guilt for being attracted to Brenda when he's not entirely sure of his feelings for Teresa.

I think Minho has become my new favourite character; he's funny and brave and his and Thomas's friendship is great. I was a little disappointed with Thomas and Teresa's relationship development, but there's still room for it to happen in the next one.

The ending was brilliant, so action packed and as mysterious as ever. We still don't know what the truth is or what isn't, just like Thomas, so I hope all is revealed in the final one!

And have I said how much I love that Thomas isn't afraid to show his emotions, all of his emotions? It's so refreshing to see a male character, and the hero at that, crying like a proper human being, like any sixteen year old would if they were put through all of those horrific trials!

✌

The Maze Runner

By James Dashner.

[When the lift cranks open, the
only thing Thomas remembers
is his first name. But he's
not alone - an army of boys
welcomes him to the Glade,
an encampment at the centre
of a terrible maze. The Gladers
have no idea why they're there,
or what's happened to the world
outside. And following the arrival
of a girl with a message,
they must find a way out -
or die.]

Wowwwwwww. I enjoyed the film version but this was on another level. Absolutely brilliant beginning to a series. Fast paced, action packed, loveable characters (minus the obvious few) and a whole abundance of mystery.

It was nice to feel like we, as a reader, were in the same boat as Thomas - we find out about the maze and what little they know of the outside world and the people that put them there when he does, learning as we go which was incredibly infuriating but was done to great effect of keeping us in the dark until the right moment.

It was a shame that I couldn't build up my own picture of each character having previously seen the film beforehand, but I couldn't remember the grievers so I had my imagination to thank for that one! They were creepy and unique and disgusting all rolled into one, it was great. I loved the added drama of Teresa's arrival and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing her and Thomas's relationship grow in the next one.

The ending was heartbreaking and dramatic and so many twists were thrown at the reader it was hard to keep up. My head was spinning with the tension. But I loved it. And although the Gladers appear to trust the newcomers, I know I sure as hell don't.

Can't wait to see how the next one unfolds!