One Sentence Summary
The Maze Runner (Book 1) by James Dashner is an action-packed dystopian novel about a teenage boy who is sent to live in an ever-changing maze, and his attempt to escape along with his newfound friends.
Book Genre
The Maze Runner (Book 1) by James Dashner is a science fiction, action-thriller, and dystopian young adult novel.
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of The Maze Runner (Book 1) by James Dashner is a struggle for survival in an ever-changing environment as a teenage boy and his new friends work together to find a way out of the ever-changing maze they find themselves trapped in.
Key Ideas
- The Maze Runner (Book 1) by James Dashner is about survival in an ever-changing maze.
- The teenage protagonist, Thomas, must find allies in order to find a way out.
- They are faced with various dangers, from the daily changing maze to creatures that inhabit it.
- The novel is a journey of self-discovery for Thomas, as he learns more about himself, his past, and ultimately the world he lives in.
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary
The Maze Runner (Book 1) by James Dashner is split into three sections: the ‘Gladers’, the ‘Maze’, and the ‘Griever’. In the first section, The Gladers, sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up in the Glade, a square room surrounded by a high wall and an ever-changing maze beyond it, with no memory of who he is. Inside the Glade are other teenage boys who have come before him, known as the Gladers. The Gladers are tasked with finding a way out of the Maze, but they are regularly attacked by creatures called Grievers. In the next section, The Maze, Thomas and his newfound friends search for clues to the Mystery of the Maze. As they explore the Maze, they learn more about who they are and what their true purpose is. In the third section, The Griever, Thomas and the Gladers finally begin to piece together the truth about the Maze. As they uncover the secret of the Maze, they must find a way to escape before it is too late.
Key Takeaways
- The Maze Runner (Book 1) by James Dashner is an action-packed adventure story about a boy trapped in a constantly changing maze.
- The novel explores themes of friendship, survival, and self-discovery.
- The protagonist must fight for survival as he and his allies search for a way out of the Maze.
- The novel has a fast-paced plot and plenty of suspenseful moments.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
James Dashner is an American author, best known for writing the Maze Runner trilogy. He has written several other books including the 13th Reality series and the Infinity Ring series. Dashner received his BA in accounting from Georgia State University and began writing in 2004.
Target Audience
The target audience for The Maze Runner (Book 1) by James Dashner is teenage readers, but can also be enjoyed by adults who enjoy science fiction, action-thriller, and dystopian novels.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The Maze Runner (Book 1) by James Dashner was published by Delacorte Press in October 2009.