The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

Jillian’s Review:

My husband told me I should read this book but warned me there was basically zero romance. I gave it a try and I have to say it was extremely interesting. I liked Thomas, who was brave, heroic, and smart—always good qualities in a main character. But there were so many underdeveloped side characters that they blurred together.

There was always something happening. This was obviously written by a man (which isn’t a bad thing, just different from what I usually read) and was like watching an action movie—visual and intense, but my brain was fried by the time I finished it because there was no down time whatsoever. I was frustrated through ¾ of the book because I couldn’t figure out the mystery of the place or the people and there were basically no clues to go on. I would have liked it better had Dashner given the reader a few more clues so we’re not continually in the dark.

What seemed to be the main problem was resolved, but in the end it turns out there’s a much bigger issue to deal with which wasn’t resolved, hence this being the first book in a series. I’m not sure my nerves could handle reading another action-packed, boy’s book… but we’ll see.