The Scorch Trials

A lot of people hated this book. I have read reviews labeling it tedious, laborious, and gratuitously painful for the protagonist. In my opinion, things are just as they ought to be in the lives of Thomas and his band of “candidates.”

First, the blueprints W.I.C.K.E.D. is attempting to map out/discover must be the neurological pathways triggered by various life circumstances, responses, emotions, etc. Furthermore, I believe they are attempting to discover how those pathways react with/possibly defeat the neurological disease wreaking havoc in the world.

Second, given the theory I have illustrated above, that is what book two is all about. Book one was fantastic. A completely new idea, filled with intrigue, and it left all of us wanting to discover more; wanting to discover why. The Scorch Trials is here to set the stage for Book three.

Third, do not tell me you expected anything to change, or for things to get better at the end of this installment. The casual nonchalance of the guy at the end, the one Thomas was pointing a gun at, was way too practiced to be anything but planned for.

Lastly, and most brilliant of all, is the (don't worry I won't spoil it for you) relationship between Thomas and Teresa... Brilliant. Fine work Dashner. Damn fine.