The Death Cure

By James Dashner

[The trials are over. WICKED

is planning to restore the

survivors' memories and

complete the final cure for

the Flare.

But Thomas has already

remembered more than

they think. And he knows

WICKED can't be trusted.

The time for lies is over. But

the truth is more dangerous

than Thomas could ever

imagine. Will anyone survive

the Death Cure?]

I'm not really too sure of where to start for this review. I was so eager to find out how this series was going to end but then I kept putting it down being too scared to actually find out what happens. I often find the endings to epic trilogies a bit of a let down and this was somewhat similar - although the epilogue was that last glimpse of a twist!

The plot was obviously different from the last two and I'm not sure I liked it as much because of this. I preferred the Glader's constant battle for escaping the trials and with this one not being a trial per se, it just wasn't as dramatic. Yes, there were bits when they had to escape but it just wasn't the same. It didn't pack as much tension into it.

However, there were two main deaths in it, one that I saw coming and the other that I didn't (even though I really should have). The latter one crushed me. His spiral down and out of control was tragic and I can't believe the way in which he actually died - it was heartbreaking. I kept thinking he would just turn up at the end and he didn't. The other death was sad but because of the way things went with Thomas and this character I didn't feel nearly as sad as I might have done if they'd have died in the first one.

I still loved Minho in this one, you really get to see the bond between himself, Thomas and Newt which is nice. It is quite interesting that my opinion of characters changes with how Thomas feels about them though. I also enjoyed the return of an old nemesis!

It was great to go back to the Maze briefly and see those nasty Grievers once more. I think the world Dashner creates is magnificent. Everything crumbling down with the slow demise of the human race - he nails every detail.

Like I said though, the ending was a slight disappointment. It was a good battle and the imagery was epic but I was just left with a bit of a meh feeling. But then came the epilogue in which Chancellor Paige makes her entry (not physical entry however, we never actually see her) and we are left with the feeling that the Immunes are never really out of the game, they will always be WICKED's candidates - something only one of them will know for the rest of their lives...

I'm definitely interested in seeing this final film. I know the Scorch Trials film wasn't anything like the book so I wonder what they'll do for the last one!

✌

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!