10 Books Like The Maze Runner You Must Read
When The Maze Runner by James Dashner first hit shelves, it captivated readers with its fast-paced action, gripping mysteries, and a young protagonist struggling to survive in an unfamiliar, dangerous world. Fans of The Maze Runner series are often left craving more thrilling adventures filled with dystopian landscapes, complex characters, and puzzles that need solving.
If you’re one of those readers eagerly searching for books that will give you the same sense of urgency, mystery, and excitement as The Maze Runner, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 books like The Maze Runner that you absolutely must read.
1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
Divergent is a fast-paced, action-packed dystopian novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat just like The Maze Runner. The story follows Tris, a young girl who discovers she doesn’t fit into any one faction of society, making her a target for the government. Much like The Maze Runner, the book explores themes of survival, rebellion, and the struggle against oppressive systems.
What makes it stand out:
The world-building in Divergent is exceptional, as Roth creates a society divided into factions based on virtues like bravery, intelligence, and kindness. Tris’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle to fit in add a personal, emotional layer to the book that makes it relatable to readers who enjoyed the character-driven aspects of The Maze Runner.
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
Like The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games places its young protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, in a life-or-death situation where survival depends on cunning and physical prowess. Set in a dystopian world where a totalitarian government controls every aspect of life, The Hunger Games explores similar themes of resistance, survival, and the power of unity against corrupt systems.
What makes it stand out:
The raw emotion and high stakes of The Hunger Games set it apart from many other dystopian novels. Collins doesn’t shy away from the realities of war, sacrifice, and loss, which gives the book a depth that The Maze Runner fans will find gripping and poignant.
3. Legend by Marie Lu
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
Legend is another fast-paced, action-packed dystopian novel that’s perfect for fans of The Maze Runner. It follows two protagonists: June, a military prodigy, and Day, a fugitive who is considered the country’s most wanted criminal. Together, they uncover a government conspiracy that could change everything.
What makes it stand out:
Legend delivers a unique perspective with alternating viewpoints between June and Day, offering readers two sides of the story. This dual narrative creates tension and intrigue, making it a perfect match for readers who love the shifting perspectives and complex mysteries of The Maze Runner.
4. The Giver by Lois Lowry
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
While The Giver has a slightly slower pace than The Maze Runner, it shares many of the same elements: a young protagonist navigating a dystopian world with hidden secrets. Jonas, the protagonist, is chosen to receive memories from a previous generation, which uncovers the true nature of his society.
What makes it stand out:
The philosophical undertones in The Giver make it a thought-provoking read. Its exploration of memory, control, and freedom resonates with The Maze Runner’s themes of identity and resistance. The world-building is subtle but powerful, offering a unique, haunting view of a seemingly perfect society that hides dark secrets.
5. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
In The 5th Wave, the world is decimated by alien attacks, leaving a handful of survivors fighting to stay alive in a landscape similar to the apocalyptic world of The Maze Runner. Cassie Sullivan, the protagonist, must navigate dangerous territory, form alliances, and confront an enemy she cannot trust.
What makes it stand out:
The combination of alien invasion and survival thriller in The 5th Wave adds a fresh twist to the dystopian genre. Yancey’s ability to create suspense and tension in a post-apocalyptic world makes this a must-read for fans of The Maze Runner, offering an emotionally gripping experience along with high-stakes action.
6. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
Red Queen is set in a world where society is divided by blood—those with red blood live in poverty, while those with silver blood possess supernatural powers. The protagonist, Mare, discovers her own hidden powers and becomes caught in a rebellion against the oppressive Silver elite.
What makes it stand out:
The rebellion-driven plot and the protagonist’s journey from an ordinary girl to a revolutionary leader will appeal to readers who enjoyed the themes of resistance in The Maze Runner. The book combines a strong female lead with fast-paced action and plenty of plot twists.
7. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
Though Station Eleven has a slower pace and a more introspective tone, it shares the post-apocalyptic setting of The Maze Runner. Following a devastating flu pandemic that wipes out most of humanity, the book explores the lives of survivors and their attempts to rebuild society.
What makes it stand out:
The literary depth of Station Eleven makes it a unique choice for readers who enjoy a more reflective look at the end of civilization. The story’s exploration of art, memory, and survival gives it a richer, more philosophical feel compared to the pure action-packed adventure of The Maze Runner.
8. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
In The Darkest Minds, a virus has killed most of the children in America, and the survivors develop dangerous abilities that the government wants to control. Ruby, the protagonist, escapes from a government facility and must learn to navigate a world where she’s feared and hunted.
What makes it stand out:
The dark, psychological nature of The Darkest Minds and its focus on children with extraordinary powers makes it a thrilling read for fans of The Maze Runner. Bracken’s characters are multi-dimensional, and the plot is filled with twists, making it a compelling story of survival and rebellion.
9. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
Scythe is set in a utopian future where death has been eradicated, but a select group, called Scythes, are responsible for “gleaning” or killing people to maintain population control. The book follows two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, who are chosen to be apprentices to a Scythe, thrusting them into a deadly game of power and morality.
What makes it stand out:
The concept of a society where death no longer exists is both unique and thought-provoking. The high stakes, moral dilemmas, and constant tension between the protagonists and their enemies will appeal to readers who enjoyed the action, suspense, and philosophical undertones in The Maze Runner.
10. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Why it’s like The Maze Runner:
In this dystopian world, everyone can hear each other’s thoughts, creating an atmosphere of tension and paranoia. Todd, the protagonist, discovers that there’s something dark hidden in his world and sets out on a journey of survival and discovery.
What makes it stand out:
The narrative style in The Knife of Never Letting Go, with its raw, unfiltered voice, gives it an intense and immediate feeling of danger, similar to The Maze Runner. The book’s themes of trust, secrecy, and the search for truth will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Conclusion: Start Your Next Dystopian Adventure
If you loved The Maze Runner, these 10 books are perfect for your next reading adventure. Each novel offers its own unique take on survival, rebellion, and dystopian societies, making them must-reads for fans of thrilling, action-packed stories. Whether you’re looking for more mystery, action, or moral dilemmas, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat.
