The Death Cure: Maze Runner, Book 3

By: James Dashner
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: October 2011
ISBN: 978-0-385-73877-4
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor 
Review Date: September 29, 2011

When James Dashner brought readers into the eerie, frightening world of The Maze Runner,they were captivated by a group of young people called the Gladers, who were doing their best to survive in a world that couldn’t possibly exist. Then, along came The Scorch Trials,where once again readers’ watched their friends caught up in a hideous world with no explanations - only lies to feed upon as they wondered what, exactly WICKED (World in Catastrophe, Killzone Experiment Department) was really up to. Now, with this amazing finale, Mr. Dashner has made sure to answer everyone’s questions.

Thomas has been alone with his thoughts, locked in a White Room, worried beyond belief that he’s the only Glader left alive. But when the ‘Rat Man’ arrives, he reveals the fact that all of Thomas’ friends are okay. The Flare - the disease - has taken over the outside world, but Thomas and a few of his friends are ‘Munies’ - immune to the wretched disease that is slowing eating away at the sanity of the human race. They have the power to survive because the Flare can’t touch them. And all the Trials, all the experiments, were so that WICKED could ultimately find out WHY they were immune to the Flare, and create a blueprint that would offer up a cure to save the entire human race.

Thomas, Newt and Minho soon find themselves back together, yet they are still a group that stands alone. The three boys, with their new friend Brenda by their side, break off from the other ‘Munies’ and break out of WICKED headquarters.

From there the story goes into overdrive, taking readers into a world that has become a huge mess. More and more ‘Immunes’ are being taken off the streets - disappearing; and the gossip is that WICKED is rebuilding their forces by stealing new subjects for brand new Trials, just in case this set did not ultimately find the cure. Trying desperately to solve a puzzle and stay away from the ‘Rat Man,’ this group of friends is once again ready for a fight.

Vivid, richly-detailed characters, exciting, intriguing - there are really not enough adjectives for Mr. Dashner’s amazing series that hits home on so many levels, that readers will be thinking about this for a very long time to come. This book will make everyone wonder if the end does justify the means; and if a small group of David’s can topple a true Goliath based on passion, fear, and loyalty to one another.

There is no higher recommendation for this book than to simply say - The Maze Runner trilogy is one of a kind. Whether anyone agrees or not, THIS is the series of books that SHOULD be turned into movies. Not only would the adventure be a thrill ride, but the ultimate outcome will leave readers and movie-goers breathless. A huge Bravo!

Quill Says: Mr. Dashner has never disappointed; and with this amazing finale he has proven himself to be a complete genius!