The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Reviewed by Winnie

So Lucy bought me this book at complete random about a year ago, saying that it had good reviews and I should try it. Well I finished the entire series, and lo and behold I liked it a lot. Enough to write a review, that is.

Dashner's story starts off with our protagonist, named Thomas, in a dark metal box with memory only of his name and age, which of course is sixteen. So the box is being pulled upward and suddenly opens, revealing The Glade, which is a safe haven surrounded by an enormous maze. Other boys, older and younger than him, greet him as he tries to settle into his new life trying to figure out the maze and how to get out.

I personally liked Thomas as a main character. He wasn't overly prideful and had a clear head on his shoulders. He was resourceful and... well, you know, smart. What else do you want me to say? Although he wasn't my favorite, but I tend to favor side characters over main characters most of the time.

The Gladers -the boys who live in the glade- have their own slang. I liked this since it made them seem all the more alone out there. That there were no other humans in the Maze besides the Gladers. I think it adds to the charm.

I don't really have much else to say without spoiling everything, I'd give this four stars out of five. Links to purchase the first book in the series below!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Maze-Runner-Book-1/dp/0385737955

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maze-runner-james-dashner/1030996581?ean=9780385737951

Hunger Game by Suzanne Collins

Reviewed by Lucy
Recommended 14+

Although this book has been available for some time, it was such a good story that it deserved a review regardless. If you have been living under a rock, you may not have heard of the novel or the feature film. Though the book is written for primarily a YA audience, it still appealed to the middle aged me. Not only was it well written, but the premise of the novel was interesting and relevant to today. Though we have no programs relating to death games, we do enjoy our reality tv. (I'm not pointing the finger, trust me. I've been known to watch Hoarder's merely for shock value and as a pick me up. Let's face it, we all feel like Miss Clean afterwards.) Not only is the story socially relevant, but the hero is a heroine in the best sense of the word. Katniss Everdeen is intelligent, clever, brave, selfless, resilient, stubborn, and resourceful. So Ms. Collins get and A+ from me as a mother of daughters.

Let's get to it shall we. As with all dystopian books, the world as we have known it is no longer. Old governments have collapsed giving birth to corrupt politicians. Sectors have been establish where nearly all the population has been enslaved in a structure similar to concentrations camps, minus those who live in the Capital. Obsessed with their fashion, food, and lavish lifestyles, they are self obsessed, growing bored and desensitized. The Capital holds games once a year, where the young enslaved in the district must enter themselves in a lottery, entering their names to gain access to food, where they can be chosen to participate in the televised games. Games where there is only one winner, and the only way you win is by killing every other contestants.

Okay, so I won't say anymore and ruin it those few who are out of the loop. What I will say, is if you are a sensitive reader, warning, you will find violence in this book, but it also contains a strong moral message. I found characters were well developed and written. I though I should mention the book is in first person narration for those who dislike this style of literature. Overall I would give this a 5 star review. (Fellow frugal book junkies, great local library and second-hand book shop find.)

This is the first novel in a series of three. Direct links are listed below.

http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Book-1/dp/0439023521

Barnes and Noble Link

About Us!

Vivian: Before we get started, I just want you to know I'm not the old one! I like crime/mystery books, and some of my favorite novels were written by Mary Higgins Clark and Tom Clancy. I used to be an avid reader, but my children *cough*Lucy*cough*  said I read too much so I stopped for a while. Since they've flown the coop I've picked up my love for reading again.

Lucy: I will totally confess to being the middle aged broad even if the older broad is in denial. I consider myself an avid reader, typically consuming one novel per week. (Shh! sometimes more. I might have a problem). Okay, so I will read nearly any genre in the fiction category...seriously. I am a complete fiction floozy. My favorite authors range from the highly prized, such as Tolkien and JK Rowling, to Indie authors Kristen Ashley, RL Mathewsen, and Colleen Hoover to name a few. And these are just a few.

Winnie: Yes, I'm the younger broad. I'm not in denial, just kind of...eh. I read Lucy's leftover books, and expensive ebooks that are like 12 dollars a pop. The leftovers include Divergent, Harry Potter, The Stephanie Plum Series, and The Hunger games. The expensive books include The Maze Runner, Josie Griffin is not a Vampire, Mrs. Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children, and The Dresden Files. I usually only read at night, just because my computer is off and I figure "Hey why not read a book? You like those.".