NextBookBuddy

Books in the series The Maze Runner

5 books in this series

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner

by James Dashner1 of 5

The Maze Runner is a pulse-pounding dystopian adventure that begins with Thomas waking up in a metal lift with no memory of his past, other than his name. He finds himself in the Glade, a large open space surrounded by massive stone walls that lead into an ever-changing, deadly maze. Alongside a group of other boys who have also lost their memories, Thomas must navigate the dangers of the maze and the terrifying creatures known as Grievers to find a way out. This high-stakes survival story is perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced action and mysterious world-building.

Ideal for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent, this book explores deep themes of identity, leadership, and the ethics of survival. Dashner creates a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere that keeps readers guessing until the very end. It is a great choice for teenagers who love science fiction thrillers and stories about overcoming impossible odds through teamwork and bravery.

Highlights:

  • A gripping mystery centered around memory loss and a lethal, shifting maze.
  • High-intensity action sequences and suspenseful survival elements.
  • Strong themes of camaraderie, resilience, and questioning authority.
  • The first installment in a bestselling series that has been adapted into a major film franchise.
Ages 12-14Young Adult
Young AdultScience Fiction+2 more
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials

by James Dashner2 of 5

The Scorch Trials is the heart-pounding second installment in James Dashner’s bestselling Maze Runner series. After escaping the deadly Maze, Thomas and his fellow Gladers believe they have finally found safety. However, they soon discover that the world outside is a sun-scorched wasteland ravaged by the Flare—a terrifying disease that turns humans into mindless, murderous "Cranks." To survive, the group must cross the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with impossible obstacles and hidden threats, all while under the watchful, manipulative eye of the mysterious organization WICKED.

This high-stakes dystopian thriller is perfect for children and teens who love fast-paced action and survival stories. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in complex mysteries where the line between friend and foe is constantly shifting. Fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent will be captivated by the relentless pacing and the deep bonds of loyalty tested by extreme circumstances. With its cinematic descriptions and pulse-pounding suspense, it’s a great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy immersive, high-octane adventures.

Highlights:

  • Intense survival action set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
  • Deep exploration of trust, betrayal, and the cost of freedom.
  • Terrifying encounters with the "Cranks" that add a horror-lite element.
  • A complex, unfolding mystery regarding the true motives of WICKED.
Ages 12-14Young Adult
Young AdultScience Fiction+2 more
The Death Cure by James Dashner

The Death Cure

by James Dashner3 of 5

The Death Cure is the heart-pounding conclusion to James Dashner’s #1 New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series. After surviving the Maze and the Scorch, Thomas faces his final and most dangerous test yet. WICKED has taken his memories and his friends, but Thomas knows more than they realize. This high-stakes finale is perfect for children and teens who love dystopian worlds, fast-paced survival stories, and mysteries that keep them guessing until the very last page.

As the truth behind the trials is finally revealed, readers will be swept away by the cinematic action and emotional depth. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in complex characters who must navigate a world of lies to find hope. It is a great choice for fans of high-intensity science fiction who enjoy seeing a group of friends fight against all odds to save one another and their future.

Highlights:

  • The explosive finale to the worldwide blockbuster Maze Runner trilogy.
  • Intense, fast-paced action sequences that are perfect for reluctant readers.
  • Explores powerful themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the search for truth.
  • A gripping survival saga ideal for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Ages 15+Young Adult
Young AdultScience Fiction+2 more
The Kill Order by James Dashner

The Kill Order

by James Dashner4 of 5

The Kill Order is the heart-pounding prequel to the world-famous Maze Runner series. Set before the Glade was built and before Thomas entered the Maze, this story takes readers back to the devastating moment sun flares scorched the earth. Mark and Trina are among the few survivors, but their struggle is only beginning. A mysterious virus that induces murderous rage is spreading rapidly, and they must navigate a landscape of chaos and desperation to find safety. This book is perfect for children who love high-stakes survival stories and intense, fast-paced action.

Ideal for readers interested in dystopian futures and post-apocalyptic settings, James Dashner delivers a cinematic experience that explores the origins of WICKED and the Flare. It is a great choice for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent who are looking for a darker, more gritty exploration of human resilience. Parents will find this a compelling pick for teens who enjoy complex moral dilemmas and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Highlights:

  • The gripping origin story of the Flare virus and the world of the Maze Runner.
  • Intense action sequences and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers hooked.
  • Explores deep themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the will to survive against all odds.
  • A must-read for fans of the original trilogy looking for answers to the series' biggest mysteries.
Ages 12-14Young Adult
Young AdultScience Fiction+2 more
The Fever Code by James Dashner

The Fever Code

by James Dashner5 of 5

The Fever Code is the gripping prequel to the world-renowned Maze Runner series, finally revealing the secrets behind the creation of the Maze. In a world ravaged by solar flares and a deadly plague known as the Flare, a mysterious organization called WICKED searches for a cure. They find Thomas, a young boy with unique abilities, and task him with building a trial that will test the limits of human endurance. This high-stakes science fiction novel is perfect for children who love dystopian adventures and complex mysteries where nothing is as it seems.

Ideal for readers interested in survival stories and moral dilemmas, James Dashner delivers a fast-paced narrative filled with twists and turns. As Thomas navigates a web of lies and shifting loyalties, readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering who can be trusted. It is a great choice for fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent who are looking for a deeper look into the origins of their favorite characters and the dark history of the Glade.

Highlights:

  • The long-awaited origin story of Thomas and the creation of the Maze.
  • Intense action sequences and psychological suspense that keep readers engaged.
  • Explores deep themes of ethics, memory, and the cost of saving humanity.
  • A must-read for fans of the blockbuster movie franchise and the original trilogy.
Ages 12-14Young Adult
Young AdultScience Fiction+2 more