The book was phenomenal. Like really, really good! Kudos to Mr. James Dashner for keeping me questioning and on my toes throughout the entirety of the novel. The whole idea of this dystopian society that you don't realize is a dystopian society until the end is so haunting. Throughout the novel, the kids (who all happen to be male until the arrival of Theresa) involved are put through hell living in the "Glade" which basically translates to a low-scale homestead which is surrounded by the "Maze" in which creatures called Grievers live and attack those who enter it. The Maze also changes everyday and within the Maze lies the answer to the boys freedom. On top of all of this, none of the boys have any memories of their life prior to entering the Glade. This left Dashner with a unique storytelling viewpoint in that the reader literally knew as much about well, everything, as the main character Thomas, and his cohorts. As the story progresses, Thomas bonds with the leader Alby, his second-in-command Newt, the Keeper (leader) of the Runners (boys who run throughout the Maze looking for the exit) Minho, cute adorkable sidekick Chuck, antagonist Gally, among others. The day after Thomas's arrival to the Glade, a girl named Theresa is delivered to the Glade by the "Creators." This is strange for two reasons: 1. Theresa is a girl and 2. "Gladers" have always been sent up a month apart from each other. This is when things go from bad to worse, Theresa comes with a message from the Creators, and the events of the book starts rolling towards the climax which is the escape from the Maze. All of stuff happens in between, which I will not spoil here, and the book ends with a cliffhanger leading to the second book The Scorch Trials, which I have yet to read.
Dashner writes in a way that doesn't allow you to put the book down once the action starts, AND DOESN'T END. Literally the plot moves at a break-neck pace until the last page and he handles it fabulously. You want to keep reading for answers, some of which you receive as the story goes on, many are still burning. The character dynamics are incredible and the characters feel like real people. You feel for them. The Thomas-Theresa relationship is so deep and described so well by their "gift." The Thomas-Chuck relationship is so lovely and I saw how that would turn out a mile away. Thomas and Newt, Thomas and Minho, and the list goes on. (As the story is told from Thomas's perspective, most of the relationships in the book are his.) Cannot wait to pick up Book 2. Easily 4 1/2 stars out of 5, simply because of how frustrating the first few chapters were although they made sense later on. Complete sense.
The Maze Runner
The movie deviated from the source material A LOT and quite frequently. It more-or-less fleshed out some minor characters more, and showed more character to character interaction. In changing some plot points, a lot was lost (Especially in the dynamics between Thomas with Theresa, Chuck, and Newt) but the changes that were made, made sense for the story the movie was telling. It did a lot more showing, than telling and dramatized the novel. Dylan O'Brien of Teen Wolf plays Thomas eloquently, and is supported by a cast including Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Kaya Scolderio among other new and seasoned young actors. All of the actors portray their characters believably and I have said in conversation many times how amazing an actor O'Brien is. The soundtrack makes your blood pump and the visuals are stunning. The Grievers were especially scary.
I think what I love about the movie the most is that it's just as must everybody else's story as it is Thomas's. Wes Ball (the director) has a certain dark take on the story that brings a sense of realism to it. the changes were overly justified and although risky, I would say the risk worked out in his favor as the film is critically acclaimed by readers, and movie goers alike. I would give the movie four out of five stars.
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