The Death Cure

I don't know why people have been so upset with this book. For me, the final installment was just fine. Granted, I wouldn't list it as a masterpiece but it was enjoyable. What's more, the finale was appropriate.

NO SPOILERS: Dashner's conclusion was mature and defensible. The final narration is done with strong character voice and character insight. Everything is summarized from beginning to end in a brief State of the Union address. The monologue clarified some details, validated others, but did not strip away the reader's right of imagination.

This series is meant for a Young Adult audience. While not denigrating the capabilities of the target audience, we must evaluate this story through the lens of transformative adolesence. The entire series forces readers to grapple with moral and ethical dillemas. Its characters and plot points encourage us to consider situations we may have never faced, thereby affording us a degree of education without consequence. Coupled with entertainment what more could you want?