Saturday, January 15, 2011

REVIEW: The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Source: Bought
I absolutely loved The Maze Runner, the first book in the series, since it was an action-packed story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Thomas and the Gladers are now out of the Maze, but it turns out that WICKED isn't finished with them yet. Only one night's relief, and they are thrust into an even more threatening environment. I don't want to give too much away-one of the reasons I like the series so much is that you aren't quite sure, especially at the beginning, what dangers there are-but let's just say that the Grievers were only the beginning.

The main appeal of this series is all the action, and The Scorch Trials delivered admirably. From giant lightning storms to fleeing in city sewers from Cranks, Thomas and the Gladers don't have time to breathe. The only section that dragged a little was towards the end, when Teresa went through some rapid changes quickly (I know that sounds lame, but I'm trying hard to keep out spoilers); it was very confusing, and I'm assuming that it is something that will be explained in a later book. Which is the main thing that stinks-another cliffhanger! Just as we're about to get some answers! But that's OK, I guess, as long as the next one comes out soon.

Against the backdrop of all the changes going on around him, Thomas himself stays pretty much the same. The main difference is that his dreams about his past are increasing, but the truth remains elusive. Also, a love triangle develops as another girl enters the story (which is so refreshing in the midst of the boy-girl-boy triangle). The only character who really goes through some major changes is Teresa, but it is unclear why these changes happened, and if they are real-mainly, Thomas sees her differently…again, trying not to spoil everything! Part of the reason that it seems that all the changes are superficial is because, well, they don't really have the time for lots of self-reflection. They're trying to cross the Scorch and not get eaten by Cranks, so the story is driven by action more than anything. Plus, Thomas is still clueless about many things (how he was involved in WICKED and why, what they are doing, etc.), so I have a feeling much of that character development will happen in the next book, when Thomas hopefully gets answers.

If you want a book with non-stop action, then this is definitely the book for you! I couldn't put it down. Although many aspects of Thomas's world are still confusing, there is still enough revealed that you don't feel lost.
Grade: 4.5/5

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