This is the second book in the Maze Runner trilogy. An apocalyptic sci-fi novel. The thrill and the adventure continue from its prequel( the maze runner).
Thomas and his group’s seemingly safe exit and escape from the maze lasted just for a night. Their aching bones and empty stomach have got a wave of relief. They ate and slept like never before. Excitement and happiness filled all of them. But a doubt, something is not right, had already crept in Thomas’s mind. Little did they know that joy and peace they felt were transient and the WICKED( the creator) has laid another trial for them, The Scorch Trial, that is even more dreadful and agonizing. This time they were not only ones, there was another group of girls, equally equipped and prepared, competing with them to make it to the safe haven. No rules, no questions, only actions matter. Actions that keep them going, keep them alive. No time to think, no time to relax.
They were in a sun flare infested land where once stood tall and high rise beautiful buildings now turned into deserted and abandoned ruins occupied by Cranks. Cranks were people infected by the flare, having scars and sores covered their sunburnt faces. The whole place was in the grip of the disease.
Scared and shocked, they all have to cross through the Scorch and make it to a safe haven. And that’s the only way out to save themselves from getting that disease and stay alive. Not knowing what to expect they embark on this new journey. The journey of unknown mysteries and enigmas, the journey in which friendship will be tested and betrayal will be experienced.
The fleeting memories crossed Thomas’s mind many times in his dreams and he was now almost sure that they were just the part of this trial that WICKED called variables. Just to find out how they react in certain situations. Weed out the weak and leave the strong.
Actions were taken, fears had been fought and finally, Thomas and the other gladers make it to the safe haven. But was this the end of the trial, end of their mental agony or just beginning of yet another trial?
I was stunned by the author’s unflagging gusto of storytelling which never fails to mesmerize its readers. Indeed a nail-biting read for me.