Yeah, I don't think there should be any debate as to what is the best Maze Runner book because it's clearly this one. James Dashner's writing style has improved with each entry in the series, and it is now at a point where his books are actually bearable to read. The characters don't feel like hollow shells anymore, and the dialogue doesn't make you want to rip your hair out. The best way I can describe this book is that it feels... warm. Watching Thomas and his friends grow up in the WICKED complex for 10 years is so pleasant. Those early days of Thomas, Teresa, Minho, Newt, and Alby sneaking around the WICKED complex have such a cozy feel to them. I really don't know how else to describe it. Thinking about this book always gives me a sense of nostalgia and pleasure. Thomas's character is no longer poorly written. He has character development, for once. He starts off fiercely believing in WICKED and their goals despite some bad things that occur to him there. However, as the years pass by and WICKED becomes more and more messed up, Thomas slowly changes his mind and gains a rebellious nature. It doesn't happen overnight; it's a slow, arduous process where Thomas analyzes his ambivalence towards this place over a very long period of time, slowly giving in to the fact that he wants no part of it anymore. It is extremely well-written, and it is a great example of how to do character development properly. The book is always exciting. James Dashner constantly manages to find a way to spice the story up. He doesn't let it go on for too long without anything interesting happening. He spaces the action scenes pretty well, and the end result is a well-paced, smoothly flowing story that rarely leaves the reader bored. My biggest problem with this book is a very odd choice that happens towards the end. I don't know how Dashner could have possibly forgotten about it as it's such an integral part of the story, but he somehow did. The first death in the Glade is portrayed as this massive, game-changing event that will forever alter the way Thomas views WICKED and Ava Paige. Thomas and Teresa storm the Psychs' observation room and demand some answers. Ava responds by saying that this was never meant to happen and that things will be smoother from now on. Cool. But, then, Dashner completely forgets about this element of the story, and, for the remainder of the book, Thomas is practically never concerned about the numerous deaths that happen in the Glade. Bro, I thought George's death was extremely important to you! Do you not give a sh*t about the deaths of any of these other Gladers? How could Dashner forget to resolve that aspect of the story? Did he just forget about it or was he just not bothered? I don't get it! Also, this book just further increases my hatred for "The Death Cure". By the end, 4 of the 5 books of this entire f*ck*ng franchise are devoted to finding a cure for the Flare. One book's entire aim is to get Teresa to WICKED so that she can help develop the cure, one book involves setting up Phase 1 and Phase 2 of WICKED's trials, and 2 more books are devoted entirely to said trials. All of that, and we end with a last-second Plan B where all the Munies go to paradise, leaving the rest of the world to rot without any cure for the Flare. So stupid. In conclusion, this book is extremely entertaining to read, and it is the only one in the franchise (besides maybe "The Kill Order") that I want to revisit yet again at some point in the future. (read less)

Yeah, I don't think there should be any debate as to what is the best Maze Runner book because it's clearly this one. James Dashner's writing style has improved with each entry in the series, and it is now at a point where his books are actually bearable to read. The characters don't feel like hollow shells anymore, and the dialogue doesn't make you want to rip your hair out. The best (read more)

This was a definitely improvement from book four, giving Thomas and Teresa's backstories and revealing all they knew about how and why the Maze was built. It was certainly engaging. But I'm still disturbed by how violent this world is. From the cranks to the scientists to the government, everyone seems willing to sacrifice others without a thought. It's the Hunger Games, but even darker. It's also a reminder of why everyone loves Thomas so much. In the midst of all the horrifying, terrible things surrounding him, he never loses hope, hoping against all hope that just maybe he can make a difference. That doesn't make the stuff happening to him any easier to watch, but it makes me, as a reader, also hope on his behalf. (read less)

This was a definitely improvement from book four, giving Thomas and Teresa's backstories and revealing all they knew about how and why the Maze was built. It was certainly engaging. But I'm still disturbed by how violent this world is. From the cranks to the scientists to the government, everyone seems willing to sacrifice others without a thought. It's the Hunger Games, but even darker. (read more)