The Maze Runner Movie Review

Movie Title: The Maze Runner
Book the Movie is Based on: The Maze Runner - by James Dashner
Director: Wes Ball
Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Ki Hong Lee

Summary: Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape. (Both the summary and photo are from the movie's imdb page.)

My Thoughts: Let it be known that I'm a huge fan of James Dashner's The Maze Runner series. Ever since I read the first installment I've been hooked, so when I heard that there was going to be a Maze Runner movie I could have swooned from shear fangirling excitement.

And what a brilliant movie they made. James Dashner's world simply came to life in  What was cut was understandable and nothing was lost in terms of plot (thank goodness) which is all a fan can ask for when it comes to book to movie adaptations and it was executed so well.

This movie was like taking an adrenaline shot to the heart from beginning to end, just like the book.  I mean this movie was fast paced from the moment the lights dimmed taking the audience on a joyride of a storyline.  I loved it. I was completely sucked in during the entirety of this movie. And the aesthetic was pretty much exactly how I imagined it in the books, too.

Speaking of which, let's talk about those grievers! Gooey, gross, and absolutely terrifying. They were so well done and better than I was expecting, if I'm honest. Heck, the entirety of this movie was better than what I was expecting. After a long string of terrible YA book to movie adaptations (I'm lookin' at you City of Bones and Vampire Academy), my expectations had dipped quite low for this particular adaptation. To successfully translate a complicated and adventure-dense book such as this one is a huge undertaking these days, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only that, but the ending was a great set up for there to be a sequel. And judging by the reaction in my theater, it will be a hotly anticipated sequel, too.

The acting was spot on, the casting was phenomenal, and the movie as a whole was an amazing adrenaline rush, to say the least. I'm so shucking happy with the way it turned out (see what I did there?) and I officially cannot wait until they make The Scorch Trials movie.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Shadow and Bone

Title: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Grisha Series (#1)
Pages: 358
Publication: June 2012

Summary: The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

My Thoughts: Okay so this book is officially going on my list of favorite books I've read this year, it was amazing. There were so many things that made me love this book, too. A likeable villain, good pacing, twists, and an overall satisfying storyline. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

Nothing felt formulaic. I love trying to solve puzzles and figuring out mysteries, so this twisty read helped in fueling that obsession of mine. Not only did I love that aspect of this novel, but I absolutely adored the world building.  I want to be in this world that Leigh Bardugo has created so badly. It was so cool and unique and the richness in detail wasn't overdone, either. A lot of fantasy books can overdo it with the details by, for example, devoting an entire page to the minute details of a washrag, which can get quite dull.

And with an Imperial Russian flare throughout this novel, it is easily the most original and fantastical book I've read in a long time. You rarely see anything inspired by Imperial Russia in literature, especially in YA, and let me tell you, I'm so glad to see that change by reading this series, especially if it means I get to discover a colorful and richly detailed world through it's pages.

Another aspect that I loved about this book was that yes there was a love story but it was definitely not the main focus. If you took that part of the story out, you would still have a well-paced, understandable, and adventure-filled plot line.
 
I felt like Bardugo was writing for an intelligent audience. This was not exactly a highbrow book, but it was like she felt secure enough in her own suggestions and her audience's comprehension skills as well as their own ability to read between the lines. I love it when an author doesn't speak down to you as a reader just because it's a book in the young adult genre.

This book was a breath of fresh air and such a fun, satisfying read. I absolutely flew through this book and didn't want to put it down. I found myself getting antsy at work when I couldn't read just because I wanted so badly to know what happened next. I was hooked to say the least. I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel to this novel, Siege and Storm.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars