Picture this: You wake up in a metal box in an unknown world and cannot remember anything but your name. In The Maze Runner, by James Dashner, this picture is reality.
In that box, Thomas arrives at the Glade, a large clearing surrounded by tall stone walls. Living there is a society of entirely boys, some of which have been there for years. Around the Glade is the Maze—their only way out—but the boys have yet to discover the exit. With Thomas, there may be new hope. Then the first girl arrives. She brings the message that she is the last person to ever come, and that she has triggered “the Ending.” Will Thomas be able to find the way out, before it is too late?
Last year, a movie version of the book was created. Though both the book and the movie have similar beginnings and endings, the events in between are completely different. This makes it easy to enjoy both, without a preference, because it is more difficult to compare them.
The Maze Runner as a book is extremely well-written. The plot line is enthralling, and it is nearly impossible to put down. Despite being in third person perspective, you are able to feel everything as if you were Thomas. You are also able to understand everything James Dashner wishes to convey, including all of the elements that lead up to the escape and the powerful message behind the book.
However, ambiguity interlaced with clarity keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for more—especially the sequel.
The Maze Runner, as a movie, is more controversial. Some people love it, and some people hate it. Compared to all the other sci-fi book-turned-movies that have come out recently, it is among the best. The movie pictures everything in a very realistic way, and the way the Maze is depicted is just amazing (no pun intended)! It is able to make something that seems so simple in your mind while reading the book become what it actually is, a complex, slightly menacing structure. As with most movies like this one, it could be quite confusing without having read the book first, due to its fast pace and how quickly it dives into the rising action. The movie also downplays some of Thomas’s heroism, almost making it seem like the other people in the Glade could have broken out without his presence. One major thing, though, that makes the movie better than the book is that the characters are by far more likeable.
Overall, I would strongly recommend both the book The Maze Runner, and the movie. Although it seems like there are many books and movies like these already out there, The Maze Runner is not to be missed! Read it before you see it!
By Laila N.
The Maze Runner: Book vs. Movie