The Scorch Trials, by James Dashner, is the second instalment in the Maze Runner trilogy (there are also two prequel novels as part of the series) for YA readers. It picks up immediately where The Maze Runner left off after the Gladers escape from the Maze and plunges teenage readers back into a world of danger, deception and dystopian intrigue. While The Maze Runner captivated young adult audiences with its excitingly gripping tale of survival, teamwork and their escape from the deadly labyrinth and imprisonment, it left readers with many unanswered questions. The Scorch Trials wastes no time in escalating the stakes, proving itself to be just as thrilling, if not more so, than its predecessor.
The story continues with Thomas, Teresa, Newt, Minho and the remaining Gladers after escaping the Maze and the terrifying Grievers into what they thought was safety. Their brief moment of respite is shattered when a deranged and dribbling, disease-ridden man appears at their dormitory window, demanding to be killed. This disturbing encounter makes the Gladers quickly realise that their ordeal is a long way from over, this is the beginning of Phase Two: The Scorch Trials. WICKED, the shadowy organisation orchestrating these experiments, has more tests in store and the next phase is going to be even more brutal.
The world outside the Maze is no blissful sanctuary. Sun flares have ravaged the Earth, leaving behind a scorched disease-ridden barren wasteland. Governments have collapsed and society has crumbled. The Gladers must now traverse the Scorch – the most damaged and blistering hot, desolate stretch of land plagued by unpredictable weather and inhabited by murderous Cranks; humans infected with the Flare virus. These Cranks are not just suffering with an illness; they are violently insane, with madness and hunger their main motivators. With just two weeks to cross this treacherous terrain, survival is anything but guaranteed.
As these new trials begin, new characters are introduced which add a fresh new depth to the story. Say hello to Group B, a female cohort who survived their own version of the Maze. As they enter the fray, they bring with them a fresh tension along with unexpected alliances. As secrets start to emerge, loyalties start to shift and the line between friend and foe blurs and relationships are tested. WICKED continue to manipulate any events the occur, intervening when things don’t follow their intended path, ensuring that everything remains as lethal and unpredictable as ever.
Overall, while I though The Maze Runner was excellent, I think that The Scorch Trials is every bit as good. Continuing from where The Maze Runner ended, with its relentless pacing and high-stakes action Dashner has crafted a world that is both horrifying and fascinating, filled with inventive threats and moral quandaries. The mystery surrounding the unknown WICKED deepens, with tantalising glimpses into its motives and the role Thomas plays in their grand design. Yet, there is still so much more of the story that remains hidden, eagerly waiting to be revealed, which compels readers to press on in search of answers.
While the story is packed with action and adventure married with violence and chaos, the novel also has a rich emotional complexity. With themes of trust issues, identity and sacrifice running throughout the pages like a maze runner, these varying degrees of issues ensure that any struggles the characters are dealing with resonate with readers far beyond that of the immediate threat and danger. Thomas continues to evolve, grappling with his past and the weight of his decisions. The addition of the Cranks, a new layer of horror that is both visceral and tragic, is introduced to show the human cost behind WICKED’s experiments.
For me, The Scorch Trials is a well-written scorching sequel that delivers on every front, including the innovative ways to kill people. It expands the universe of The Maze Runner further and introduces compelling new characters, maintaining the pulse-pounding momentum that keeps readers hooked. If you are a fan of dystopian thrillers, this book is a must-read (although you do need to read The Maze Runner first). It’s brutal, mysterious and utterly addictive – which sets the stage perfectly for the final chapter in the trilogy, The Death Cure. Young Page Turners, prepare yourselves: the trials have only just begun.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £9.99 (Paperback) / £4.49 (Kindle)
For more information, visit jamesdashner.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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