Maze Runner

[Sarah]

Its alright, I like the way the location has been described so far, I think the language the guys use is a bit irritating at the moment. Hopefully the slang words will make sense soon though.

[Sovanratana]

It's irritating at first but when you go on further, it gets really familiar and you start to like it a lot. At least that is the case with me :)

[Stephanie]

I'm slacking and haven't started yet. Have to run our dog out to check his weight, I have to give him his flea and tick prevention tomorrow and I want to make sure it is the right dose :) I'm going to read when I get back :)

[Stephanie]

Scratch that...I'm going to start reading, lol! I can get him out tomorrow to get weighed :)

[Sarah]

Well I've just got up to Chapter 12 and so far it's got me hooked. (view spoiler)[We've just found out about Thomas' first job with the animals and then he saw the runner emerging from the maze earlier than usual, then him collapsing.

It's really interesting so far, I wonder whether he has been there before at an earlier time and then had his memory wiped and been placed back into the maze. It was weird that Ben kept saying Thomas is bad and then he'll want to help them get out of the maze. I would have thought that would be a great thing for them to go home. I have a feeling that either they've done something wrong and been sent there for punishment or that the world has gone nuts and decided to play games with the boys and keep them in the Glade and if they get out they get freedom, but it seems impossible so far if Alby has been thre the longest for 2 years. Reminds me of the Hunger Games theory, that i's just all a big game, and they are being watched. Good stuff so far (hide spoiler)]

[Stephanie]

I've read chapters 1 and 2. (view spoiler)[the language the boys are using is interesting:) it is like they have other words for swear words. I feel bad for Thomas that he doesn't even know his own age (hide spoiler)]

[Stephanie]

How is everyone liking the book? I'm only through chapter 3 but hopefully I can get some reading in today :)

[Melissa]

I started reading and am at Chapter 9. I watched the movie awhile back and so far it seems pretty similar. I prefer reading the book before seeing the movie, so I'll see how this goes. Nothing really to report about it. I am surprised that I remembered more of the movie than I thought.

[Sovanratana]

What do you guys think of Thomas so far?

[Stephanie]

I've read through chapter 7 so far.

(view spoiler)[I like Thomas. I feel bad for his character and I wonder why he feels like he had been there before. The book is getting interesting :) (hide spoiler)]

[Sovanratana]

Stephanie wrote: "I've read through chapter 7 so far.

[spoilers removed]"

Glad you think so :D

[Sarah]

I'm over half way through but I forgot to come on here and comment oops.

Ben - Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[That guy turned freaky, I can't believe he survived that arrow to his cheek =/ His punishment was horrible. As I was reading it I thought at first he was going to get crushed by the walls. But urgh to go out into the maze at night when it's the number 1 rule. You know that something horrible out there must be waiting. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17: (view spoiler)[I can't believe Minho just ran off. Yeh he thought he couldn't save Alby, but to leave Thomas there. A newbie, who knows nothing about the maze (how did he expect him to find his way back..?) Then again generally speaking I suppose they'd be dead by morning anyway, with no one having ever survived a night in the maze.. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 18: (view spoiler)[I thought it was really clever of Thomas to climb the wall and hide amongst the vines, and he even managed to lift Alby up there too =O (hide spoiler)] I really like Thomas, he's seems pretty smart to me and very brave.

Has anyone seen Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters movie? (view spoiler)[That mechanical bull at the beginning.. every time I read about the Grievers that's what I see. Pretty terrifying in the maze at night with that thing.. and it can climb walls.. creepy! The whole time reading about the night in the maze was so tense. (hide spoiler)]

The Gathering - Chapter 24 - 26: (view spoiler)[Seriously what is the problem with Gally. I know he's been through the Changing and remembers some things, but how can the maze and why they are there be 1 person's fault..? I loved it when Minho clocked him one that was awesome. And I can't believe Minho nominated Thomas to be Keeper of the Runners. I think that may be a little overboard personally. I mean the kid is new and he has smarts, but he can't navigate the maze just yet. I think it's awesome that a lot of people agree to make him a runner though! YAY!

What does everyone else think of Thomas' punishment..? One day in the slammer? I'm glad he's not being sent out into the maze like Ben had. But of coure they can't banish Thomas, he's the main character =P I wondered whether he should have had ore days in the slammer? Or made to do some dull duty perhaps? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 27: (view spoiler)[ When Alby went to strangle himself that was pretty insane, the serum they use to go through the Changing must be triggered when they start to remember too much and try to share it? As others who have gone through the changing don't talk about what they remember either =/ Strange but effectve, as the Creators of course don't want to make it too easy. It seriously reminds me more and more of 'The Hunger Games' but of course they knew why they were in an areana. These guys know barely anything, next to nothing. It would be terribly frustrating to have memories wiped and not to remember life outside of the Glade, and be watched and expected to survive and find their way out of the maze. I feel ever so sorry for them. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 33: (view spoiler)[World in Catastrophe.. okay so I don't think they've been put in their as punishment anymore.. well maybe some of them. But maybe these are all guys who've shown potential to survive, and it's an experiment of some kind, I really want to know what's going on! This book is very good and giving out bits an pieces of info, it's got me hooked, constantly wanting to find out more. And the Beetle Blades with WICKED written across then. The company perhaps, I wonder if it stands for anything.. (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

Chapter 21 (view spoiler)[ Thomas goes in after Minho and Alby! I like this character and even seeing the movie already I feel anxious for him being in the maze at night with the grievers. (hide spoiler)]
It's been a good read and better since I'd say...Chapter 10 or so? (view spoiler)[ what's with letting Ben be banished?? I think Thomas should have said something... (hide spoiler)]

[Mimi]

Well I haven't been able to read as much as I wanted to. But so far I like it a lot better than the order to kill.

I've tried reading the OTK 2 years ago (after the first movie came out) and I thought it was really slow going.

Anyway, I'm only at chapter 3 so nothing really happened yet. I like Thomas but my favorite in the movie was minho so I can't wait until he as a bigger part to play :-D.

[Stephanie]

I didn't get any reading in yesterday :( I've reached chapter 12.

[Sovanratana]

Melissa wrote: "Chapter 21 [spoilers removed]
It's been a good read and better since I'd say...Chapter 10 or so? [spoilers removed]"

I think the reason was (view spoiler)[he was still pretty scarred from the attack in the forest and didn't know what to do and didn't know if Ben would try to attack him again so he did nothing. Plus even if he tried to stop them, he would fail and bring more attention to himself (hide spoiler)]

[Sovanratana]

Sarah wrote: "I'm over half way through but I forgot to come on here and comment oops.

Ben - Chapter 15: [spoilers removed]

Chapter 17: [spoilers removed]

Chapter 18: [spoilers removed] I really like Thomas, ..."

You're missing something but I'm not saying what because I don't want to spoil. Hint: something to do with your last thought (chapter 33).
Anway, I loved the Gathering! Minho is so badass and I want to be like him someday. Beat people up if they make me unhappy haha. I do think Gally is goin a teeny bit overboard though.

[Sovanratana]

I was so scared for them when (view spoiler)[they went into the Maze. I watched the movie so I knew they'd face Grievers and they'd still survive anyway but I still fear for them. I was so afraid Minho would die. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Sovanratana wrote: "You're missing something but I'm not saying what because I don't want to spoil. Hint: something to do with your last thought (chapter 33).
Anway, I loved the Gathering! Minho is so badass and I want to be like him someday. Beat people up if they make me unhappy haha. I do think Gally is goin a teeny bit overboard though. "

Hmm, interesting. I feel like it may be the idea that (view spoiler)[it is some kind of test to prove their worth or something. Like the world outside the maze is a mess. And Alby remembers things of the worl outside and they could be bad, and these guys within the maze can make a difference perhaps.. (hide spoiler)] But yes, shush =P no giving it away hehe.

Chapter 35: (view spoiler)[I wonder if the exit is over the cliff, through the Griever Hole. But if all the Grievers live there during the day time, it would mean they'd have to venture out at night. Not sure that's such a wise idea.

The maze is a code.. They make maps everyday, so I wonder if the code is within them somehow, if they studied them more. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 36: (view spoiler)[Finally, the girl woke up. I've been waiting to see if she remembers anything. It's weird about the WICKED being mentioned again.. and especially that it's good =/ bit weird. so the company could be called WICKED and the compay is good..? I have no idea lol. They believe they are doing good perhaps, but to the Gladers it looks the complete opposite. And the walls aren't closing =O Teresa said she'd triggered the end, no idea how but just maybe her presence means the creators are wanting the maze to end, see who's the best? Sent her up to help them get out. Very intriguing. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Chapter 38 - 40: (view spoiler)[I'm surpirsed all those guys fit in the homestead lol.
Ah, finally Gally shows up again. I wondered where he slinked off to. I have a feeling maybe he knew where the exit was. And he's another one to suggest the world is in ruins.
Oh no the map room has been burned, I wonder if it was Gally before he got taken by the Griever's he didn't want anyone to get out of the maze. How will they be abe to figure out the code now =/ (hide spoiler)]

Chpater 42: (view spoiler)[Oh thank goodness, the maps were saved. Really great idea to use the wax paper. I really don't think they're going to find an exit in the maze itself. If they've been running all over it for 2 years I don't think it's there. So must be over the cliff..? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 49 - 51: (view spoiler)[Oh man, I knew it. A bloody test! So the best, the ones who survive will maybe be able to save humanity. I feel so bad for them, they were taken away from their families and don't even know their real names, it's so cruel. They all did so amazingly in the maze, why can't all of them be let out and help save the world or whatever.

Ah hah. They need to go through the Griever hole. I wouldn't have thought a computer was down there.

I can understand Alpy's apprenhension, he saw the world as a ruined place. and what's this Flare. Oh man, just when you think you have it sort of figured out, the throw in something else to wonder about haha. (hide spoiler)]

[Stephanie]

Sarah wrote: "I'm over half way through but I forgot to come on here and comment oops.

Ben - Chapter 15: [spoilers removed]

Chapter 17: [spoilers removed]

Chapter 18: [spoilers removed] I really like Thomas, ..."

I have seen Sea of monsters but it was quite some time ago.

Has anyone watched the show The 100? It is also a book. The 100 :) (view spoiler)[the Grievers kind of remind me of the Grounders in the 100. Not in regards to looks, but the actions in a way. (hide spoiler)]

[Stephanie]

Melissa wrote: "Chapter 21 [spoilers removed]
It's been a good read and better since I'd say...Chapter 10 or so? [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I was holding my breath the whole time during the Griever scene! (hide spoiler)]

[Sovanratana]

You all are some buggin' smart people! I didn't come up with the same theory as you guys but oh well. (view spoiler)[ I actually believed the maze could be solved because I'm all about having hope haha. But I was wrong :( they still got out anyway so that's great :D (hide spoiler)]
If you read The Kill Order you'll know a lot about the Flare. But if you don't deal with crazy infected people very well, I suggest you don't. I got nightmares from it :( The Flare will still be explained in The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure but The Kill Orders shows how it started and a couple facts about it and a bunch of other stuff. Pretty fun. But scared the crap out of me even though it's not even a horror book.

[Sarah]

Stephanie wrote: "Has anyone watched the show The 100? It is also a book. The 100 :)"

I have seen about 3 episodes when it first came out. I enjoyed it and would realy like to restart watchin it again. Have you read the book? It's on my TBR list =P

[Stephanie]

I haven't read the book yet:) I believe it is on my TBR as well :)

[Sarah]

Sovanratana, I did think that to begin with (view spoiler)[I thought well generally a maze is solveable. But after reading about that they'd been looing for 2 years and found nothing. I thought either Thomas was super clever and would find a secret door or something, or there just wasn't a proper way out. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 54: (view spoiler)[I think it may have been a bit niave to think that the Grievers would ony still take 1 a night. If it turned out to be an all out fight and they need to have the best guys then I think naturally, some people will be dying. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 55: (view spoiler)[I can't believe Alby did that. I can't help but think life is truly horrendous outside the maze =/ He really didn't want to go to the world, I wonder what the heck has happened out there! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 59: (view spoiler)[WHAT!! Gally is still alive.. And the last variable..? I can't help but think the last variable was to see if they were all tough and survivers and I think maybe because Chuck was quite young and hadn't exactly proved his bravery yet they needed to kill someone off o make sure the whole lot of guys were the best. I know they didn't aim for Chuck, but he proved his bravery in the end, by finding the button to 'push' and saving Tom =[ I'm sad he died. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 60 - 61: (view spoiler)[ I'm a little warey about these so called 'rescuers' what if they have their own agenda of their own, another experiment. I wouldn't want to stay with the scientists, but I'm anxious about these new people. Mention of the Flare again. So the world has been ravaged because the land has been burnt by solar flares and can't grow crops etc. But how are some kids supposed to solve that? (hide spoiler)]

Epilogue: (view spoiler)[So WICKED is a company of some kind and they believe they are doing good. So many people believe that their cause is good, but to take them away from their families and such doesn't seem like such a good thing at all. Also I'm a bit worried. Is this a memorandum from a scientist who was left alive in the building they escaped from.. or is it the people on the bus? =/ If Stage 2 starts the next day, then surely these guys are the sceintists? (hide spoiler)]

I've just finished and I'm giving it 4 stars. It was really good and shall defo be continuing with the series. When others finish, shall we schedule in another buddy read for the next one?

[Sarah]

Stephanie wrote: "I haven't read the book yet:) I believe it is on my TBR as well :)"

Hehe, maybe at some point we can read it together if you wish.

[Stephanie]

Definitely, Sarah!!

[Sovanratana]

WICKED is an organization. Do you believe it is good or bad?

[Mimi]

Sovanratana wrote: "WICKED is an organization. Do you believe it is good or bad?"

I think their neither good nor bad ^^. They have their reason to do what their doing but it might not be the proper way.

But from what I've read of the Kill Order (view spoiler)[ they're the one who created the flare (that's the sickness right? I'm afraid I'm confusing it with the sun destroying the world event ^^). So I think they're bad for that reason. But I feel like it might I've evolved into a better organization and the new headmistress really wants to help people. So it'll make them a good one ^^. (hide spoiler)]

But I might be wrong since I haven't finished the Kill Order and I'm only at chapter 5 ^^.

Anyway, from my reading we still have so many unanswered question (but I've spoiled myself by watching the movie before so I think I know some of them xD).

So (view spoiler)[ Thomas I've finally met the runners, well he saw them coming back from a day in the maze ^^. And it's he's first night in the Glade.
I like Thomas but I'm afraid he's not as much of a badass as in the movie. (hide spoiler)]

I have a question for those of you who are farther in the book than me (which mean most of you ^^). Is (view spoiler)[ Gally really a bad guy or will he be a better person in the end? If I remember correctly from the movie, he'll refuse to go with everyone in the maze to get out when they're being attack by the Grievers and probably died in the Glade in the end... Am I right or not? (hide spoiler)]

[Caitlin]

Mimi wrote: "Sovanratana wrote: "WICKED is an organization. Do you believe it is good or bad?"

I think their neither good nor bad ^^. They have their reason to do what their doing but it might not be the prope..."

As far as WICKED in concerned I don't believe their bad but they are operating with blind ambition and the boys are just a means to an end.

And to answer your Gally question the only word I can think of without giving too much away is manipulation.

Plus as we already probably know the adage, the movie is really very different from the book. I saw the movie first and the whole last third of the book has very different twists. I have started reading The Scorch Trials and I am intrigued by the differences because even though I have seen that movie too, I am on chapter 9 and have no clue where it's headed.

What did you all think about Teresa and Thomas' communication abilities? I personally found it weird and almost not necessary.

[Stephanie]

Currently at chapter 29 (view spoiler)[oh my gosh this book!! I was scared for Thomas in the maze the first time and now he has run into it again?!? (hide spoiler)]

[Stephanie]

Chapter 29 (view spoiler)[ok...phew...Thomas didn't stay in the maze...I kind of wanted to throw the book when he took off again. (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

Chapter 40 something...and I did watch the movie first, but when
(view spoiler)[Minho and Thomas go into the maze when he becomes a Runner, it felt like I had never seen this movie before! I was reading on the edge of my seat, the book had me hooked. I do remember some of the doom n gloom towards the end, but I am trying not to focus on that too much and enjoy the "now" haha (hide spoiler)]
I do like Minho too, he's my favorite character!

[Sarah]

Sovanratana wrote: "WICKED is an organization. Do you believe it is good or bad?"

Well, like I said earlier, people believe their cause is just and (view spoiler)[it looks to me that they are trying to save humanity, but they haven't gone about it in a very humane way.. Personally, I see them as bad. But I am black and white (maybe not such a good thing) but they've taken these kids away from their families and tested them and to me why couldn't they have asked for people to volunteer up there children not taken them away..? Why couldn' they sacrrifice themselves and their own for the good of the world..? I know the world is in chaos but it doesn't mean they should send young boys into a maze, hoping that they'll be survivers and then they can use them to save the world. I'm not sure sure they'd be willing to save the world after what they've been through. So I'm guessing in the next book, they'll be used again, forced into another experiment =/ (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Gally - (view spoiler)[I didn't much like Gally at all, I think from him going through the changing, he could see that Thomas could be seen as bad because of what he'd done in the outside world. But really i's not his fault. When we see Gally get taken by the Grievers I had a funny suspicion that he'd just go down into the Griever hole, not be harmed by the Grievers and instead he's been used by the scientists, reprogrammed or coerced by the serum. I'm not too sure, at one point I even considered he was made like a robot near the end. But then reconsidered lol. A tool to get the other Gladers worked up and unsure about Thomas. I'd honestly say he's a guy who's confused and scared and like Caitlin said.. manipulated. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Caitlin wrote: "What did you all think about Teresa and Thomas' communication abilities? I personally found it weird and almost not necessary. ."

I agree here, I don't think it was needed, and found it strange and annoying myself.

To everyone: Are you going to continue the series, if so let me know and we can decided on another Buddy Read?

[Sarah]

Stephanie wrote: "Chapter 29 [spoilers removed]"

lol, throw the book! haha.


I see a lot of people are liking Minho's character, who else do we like?

I quite like Newt! Can't remember what you call him now, I suppose second in line for leadership..? Well he seems to me very level headed, I think he's warey of taking charge but he will if it's called for, an numerous times in this book he's had to take charge when Alby couldn't. I do like Minho too of course. He kicks butt!

[Stephanie]

I like them all so far minus Gally :) he's a shank ;)

[Stephanie]

I've read through chapter 35 (view spoiler)[I think the Griever exit is a place where the Grievers go back to the Creators. Very Hunger Games ish :) maybe with a bit of Divergent thrown in to the mix :) anyways, I really think Thomas is a spy. I love his character so I hope I'm wrong. He says he doesn't remember anything but we shall see ;) (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

Finished!
(view spoiler)[ Ugh. Getting to the Griever Hole was a bit intense. When the grievers surrounded the group at the T intersection I would have sh*t my pants! It was a bit unbelievable that the gladers were able to make a path for the 3 to go into the Hole first, but when they made into that dark space and Thomas was able to kill a griever...of course he was, because he can, like, do anything...but anyway, for Chuck to find the button that said Kill Maze, I don't understand what the code words were for then?
I didn't like the way the part was written when they made it to the Creators. I thought it was definitely unfinished after Chuck was killed by a Creator-controlled Gally and the only person who talked to the group was killed by the "savers?" who ended up taking them to a bus. What about all the other scientists? What about the people still in the maze? But I read on.
And learn about the sun flares and what's happened to the Earth. They make it to their destination where they have pizza and go to sleep in dorms. Life is just going to be marvelous now, right?
Nope...because I read the epilogue...
Epilogue time. Man, so first I have a question about the date on the Epilogue. I don't have it in front of me, but it was like 232.1.27 What the heck date is that?
And then it makes a little more sense where that part in the Creator room was unfinished because it was just part of the plan. The people who "saved" them didn't save them at all, right? It sounded like it was staged and they aren't done with their testing.
Damn, what the hell are they going to use these kids for?? (hide spoiler)]
After all is said and done, I liked it and I would continue reading the series.
Are they making anymore of the books into movies? NM...my husband said the 2nd one is actually out in theaters now...where have I been?!? I'm so uncool these days :(

[Sovanratana]

Mimi wrote: "Sovanratana wrote: "WICKED is an organization. Do you believe it is good or bad?"

I think their neither good nor bad ^^. They have their reason to do what their doing but it might not be the prope..."

No they're not the one who released The Flare. It was (view spoiler)[ an organization called Post Flare Coalition (hide spoiler)] and WICKED was created to find a cure for the Flare. I believe Gally is good. He didn't trust Thomas because he thought Thomas was a spy from the memories he got during the Changing. That doesn't really make
him bad, he probably just wanted to protect the Gladers from a spy. And he only killed Chuck because he was controlled.

[Sovanratana]

Caitlin wrote: "Mimi wrote: "Sovanratana wrote: "WICKED is an organization. Do you believe it is good or bad?"

I think their neither good nor bad ^^. They have their reason to do what their doing but it might not..."

At first it was exciting and fun for me until later on, I feel like it is unnecessary as well :/

[Sovanratana]

Sarah wrote: "Sovanratana wrote: "WICKED is an organization. Do you believe it is good or bad?"

Well, like I said earlier, people believe their cause is just and [spoilers removed]"

If they hadn't taken the kids from their family, we don't know if the children'll survive. After all, most Immunes are under 20 years old. Their parents would either be infected or soon to be infected. Their children is obviously not safe living with crazy parents. Also, not many people would give their kids up for WICKED due to distrust, love, protectiveness, misunderstanding, or minds that aren't able to think clearly. WICKED's people can't do it themselves as most of them probably are not Immune, and they need to study Immune brains to know why it is different and why the Flare does not affect it. Plus, if WICKED people are in there, who would do all the analyzing and things? I also don't think that taking people and putting them into the Maze, experimenting them and endangering their lives in the process is right but there's probaby nothing else to do. Maybe WICKED had no choice I guess.

[Sovanratana]

Sarah wrote: "Caitlin wrote: "What did you all think about Teresa and Thomas' communication abilities? I personally found it weird and almost not necessary. ."

I agree here, I don't think it was needed, and fou..."

I'm up for more TMR buddy reads! Even though I've finished the book but I'll discuss :D

[Stephanie]

I've read through chapter 50. To be honest I have been having a hard time picking up this book the last few chapters or so..(view spoiler)[Finally! I wonder how they will get through the hole...if at all. I'm glad I was wrong about Thomas being a spy...or was I?? (hide spoiler)]

[Stephanie]

I'm done!! Finally!!

(view spoiler)[when Gally threw the knife at Thomas, I knew Chuck would sacrifice himself. I'm sad Chuck died. I think it is going to come out in later books that Chuck, Teresa and Thomas are related which is why they have/had a close bond. I think the outside world is post-apocalyptic, so maybe the scientists are seeing how the kids will survive before bringing them into civilization? Maybe they are going to be their army? (hide spoiler)]

I only gave this book 3 stars. It was good at parts but most of it, for me, was just ok and it was very easy to set aside.

[Melissa]

Stephanie wrote: "I'm done!! Finally!!

[spoilers removed]

I only gave this book 3 stars. It was good at parts but most of it, for me, was just ok and it was very easy to set aside."

Sorry it was hard for you to get through. Now you need to see the movie, huh? I guess #2 is in the theaters. Would you read #2?

[Stephanie]

I do want to see the movie :) I will probably continue the series at some point. Maybe I should see the 2nd movie before I read the next book :)

[Caitlin]

Stephanie wrote: "I do want to see the movie :) I will probably continue the series at some point. Maybe I should see the 2nd movie before I read the next book :)"

I am reading the next book right now and have already seen that movie and the plots are so different I cannot fathom how the movie people can feel good saying it's part of the same series.