James Dashner, author of The Maze Runner, participated in a recent panel on Post Apocalyptic young adult fiction in an uptown New York city Barnes & Noble. The Maze Runner is the story of a teen who awakens in a strange place, knowing only his name. He can’t remember much else. What he discovers is that he is in “the glade,” a large maze from which he and the other boys trapped there must attempt to escape. But, the danger isn’t only in getting lost in the maze. Oh no, there are creatures out there that they must guard against and every night the walls around the boys close to keep them safe from the hunting creatures. Then, when the first female maze runner appears, things get even more interesting.
The book, according to James, was inspired by The Lord of the Flies and Ender’s Game. Those are lofty inspirations, but having read this book (as well as the books mentioned above) I can assure you that The Maze Runner doesn’t disappoint.
During his panel, Mr. Dashner answered questions about writing his book. Below, you can hear his answers. Be sure to continue reading for a free audiobook sample as well as information on where you can find a free (and legal) free sample of the book.
Enjoy!
James Dashner Introduces The Maze Runner
What inspired you to write a Post Apocalyptic novel?
What compromises do you consider when writing YA?
At the end of the panel, James displayed the book trailer for The Maze Runner. This trailer is currently one of the finalists for the 2009 Kirkus Reviews Book Video Awards. You can vote for it (as well as view the competition) here: Kirkus Reviews Book Video Awards.
I can't post that video yet, but I encourage you to head over to the voting area and check it out. I think you'll like what you see there. In the meantime, here's the author discussing his inspirations for the book as well as dropping some behind-the-scenes information:
Want to know more about the book? The official synopsis reads thusly:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. 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, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.And we close with a few ways for you to try the book out for free (at least, a little of it anyway):Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they've closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up--the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.
- If you'd like to read a free chapter sample of the book, you can do so HERE (courtesy of Random House).
- Like audiobooks? To your right, you'll see a widget, press the play button to listen to an audiobook sample of The Maze Runner.
- If you want to play a game based on the book, you can head over The Maze Runner Game.
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