The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner is the first in a series of the same name by James Dashner.

Plot Teaser
"When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. 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 expanse enclosed 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, for as long as anyone can remember, teh stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, for just as long, they've closed tight."

From the book jacket of The Maze Runner by James Dashner, published 2009.

Synopsis
Thomas wakes up in an elevator bringing him to a place called The Glade. The Glade lies at the heart of a vast maze, inhabited by creatures known as Grievers. The doors leading to the giant maze close at night, keeping the Gladers safe.

Thomas soon learns that the Glade is run by two boys named Alby and Newt. He slowly learns the ways of the Glade, and desires to become a Runner- a Glader who specifically explores the Maze and returns before the doors shut.

The next day, another lift enters the Glade- to the surprise of everyone. When it opens, it contains a girl who recognizes Thomas, but he has no idea why.

Characters

 * Thomas: The main protagonist.
 * Alby: The oldest and the leader of the Gladers.
 * Minho: The Keeper of the Runners.
 * Chuck: The youngest and newest Glader before Thomas.
 * Gally: A Glader who does not trust Thomas.
 * Newt: A former Runner.
 * Frypan: The Gladers' cook and Keeper of the Cooks.
 * Teresa:The first girl to enter the Glade- she mysteriously recognizes Thomas.

Adaptations
The Maze Runner was made into a movie in 2014.

Other Books In Series

 * The Kill Order (prequel), released 2012
 * The Fever Code (prequel), to be released 2016
 * The Scorch Trials (book 2), released 2010
 * The Death Cure (book 3), released 2011