“Just follow me and run like your life depends on it. Because it does.”
If you’re ready to dive into The Maze Runner series by James Dashner, you might be wondering where to begin. With five thrilling books full of suspense, action and unforgettable characters, this dystopian series has captured the imaginations of millions around the world. However, with prequels and sequels expanding the story, you may be wondering: what is the best order to read The Maze Runner books? In this guide at What We Reading, we’ll break down The Maze Runner books in order, covering both publication and chronological sequences. Whether you’re a new reader unsure where to start or a seasoned fan eager to explore the prequels, this is the article to help you navigate the series. Along the way, we’ll provide you with a summary of each book, highlight the differences between reading orders and offer tips on getting the most out of the series.
Why Understanding The Order Matters
The Maze Runner series isn’t just a straightforward trilogy; it includes two prequels that dive into the origins of the Maze and the world’s collapse. For new readers, this mix of prequels and sequels can make it tricky to decide where to begin. Should you start with the main series, or go back to the events leading up to it?
The order you happen upon can drastically shape your reading experience. Following publication order allows you to uncover the mysteries of the Maze as the author intended, with suspense building naturally throughout the trilogy before exploring the backstory. On the other hand, chronological order starts with the prequels, providing deeper context to the world and its characters right from the start.
No matter which path you take, each order offers a unique perspective on this gripping dystopian adventure.
The Maze Runner Books In Publication Order
Reading The Maze Runner series in publication order is how most fans first experienced the story. This approach builds suspense and mystery, unveiling the world’s secrets alongside the characters. It opens with the main trilogy before diving into the prequels, which expand on the backstory and world-building. Here’s the recommended publication order:
1. The Maze Runner (2009)
When Thomas wakes up in the Glade with no memory, he’s hauled into a perilous world surrounded by a shifting maze and terrifying creatures. Alongside the other Gladers, he must find a way to escape whilst uncovering the truth behind their captivity.
2. The Scorch Trials (2010)
After escaping the Maze, Thomas and his friends face the Scorch, a deadly, post-apocalyptic landscape full of searing heat and violent Cranks. This second instalment raises the stakes, testing their survival skills and uncovering more about WICKED’s sinister experiments.
3. The Death Cure (2011)
In the final book of the trilogy, Thomas must confront the truth about WICKED and decide whether their cure for the Flare is worth the cost. With high-stakes action and emotional twists, this book concludes the series with explosive revelations.
4. The Kill Order (2012)
This prequel delves into the origins of the Flare virus, following Mark and Trina as they fight for survival in the early days of the apocalypse. It sheds light on the devastating events that led to the Maze Trials.
5. The Fever Code (2016)
The second prequel takes readers further into the creation of the Maze and WICKED’s experiments, revealing the childhoods of key characters such as Thomas, Teresa and Newt.
Why Choose Publication Order?
Reading in publication order maintains the suspense and mystery of the original trilogy. It mirrors the experience of discovering the world as the narrative unfolds, making the twists and revelations even more impactful. The prequels serve as bonus content, enriching the backstory after you’ve experienced the main plot.
The Maze Runner Books In Chronological Order
For readers who prefer a linear approach, chronological order starts with the prequels and provides a deeper understanding of the world right away:
1. The Kill Order
2. The Fever Code
3. The Maze Runner
4. The Scorch Trials
5. The Death Cure
This way of reading The Maze Runner books in order immerses you in the origins of WICKED, the Flare virus and the creation of the Maze. While it gives up some of the suspense, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of the dystopian world from the outset, making it a great option for returning fans.
Which Order Should You Choose?
Deciding whether to read The Maze Runner series in publication or chronological order depends on your preferences and how you want to experience the story. Both approaches have their strengths and the decision you opt for can profoundly affect the world and its characters.
Publication Order
- Pros: Following publication order delivers the story as James Dashner intended, with the suspense and mystery developing naturally. Starting with The Maze Runner introduces you to the characters and their challenges without prior knowledge of the world, making the plot twists and revelations more impactful.
- Cons: You may have lingering questions about the world’s origins until you reach the prequels, which can feel like backtracking if you prefer more linear storytelling.
Chronological Order
- Pros: This order clearly explains the lore behind the series, starting with the prequels (The Kill Order and The Fever Code). It builds on a solid foundation for the events of the main The Maze Runner trilogy and gives deeper context to WICKED’s actions and the character’s motivations.
- Cons: Reading chronologically removes elements of the mystery and suspense that make the main trilogy so engaging, as you’ll already know key details about the world and its history.
Recommendations
- New Readers: Begin with publication order to fully experience the suspense and plot twists as originally intended. This approach builds excitement and keeps you guessing until the very end.
- Returning Fans: If you’ve already experienced the trilogy, try reading The Maze Runner books in chronological order to see things in a new light and gain a deeper appreciation for Dashner’s intricate world-building and backstories.
Ultimately, both orders offer unique perspectives, so go for the one that best matches your reading style!
What About Companion Content?
Beyond the main Maze Runner books, fans can explore The Maze Cutter series, a trilogy and novella set seventy-three years after The Death Cure. It introduces a new generation navigating the aftermath of the Maze Trials, making it a great choice for readers who want to see how the story evolves further. While not essential to the original series, it does expand on the universe and adds fresh perspectives.
The movies based on The Maze Runner trilogy are another way to experience the story. While they capture the core plot and action, they do deviate from the source material in some ways, especially when it comes to specific events and character development. Watching the films after reading the books can be a fun way to compare interpretations and revisit key moments visually. Whether through additional books or films, the companion content enriches the Maze Runner experience for veterans and newcomers alike.
FAQs
Do You Need To Read The Prequels?
While the prequels (The Kill Order and The Fever Code) are by no means essential to understanding the main trilogy, they do provide a valuable backstory about WICKED, the Flare virus, and the creation of the Maze. If you’re a first-time reader, you may want to start with the main series, and then read the prequels for additional context and further world-building.
Can You Skip Any Books?
To fully understand the story, it’s best not to skip any books in the main trilogy (The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, and The Death Cure). The prequels are optional but add depth to the series. However, skipping them won’t hinder your understanding of the primary plot.
Are The Books Similar To The Movies?
The movies capture the overall essence of The Maze Runner series, including its action and suspense, but there are notable differences in plot, character arcs and certain key events. If you’ve only ever seen the films, reading the books will give you a deeper understanding of the characters and story.
What Is The Best Order To Read The Series?
It depends on your preference! New readers should start with the publication order to maintain the suspense, while returning fans may enjoy exploring the chronological order to delve deeper into the backstory. Both options offer a unique reading experience!
Wrap Up
The Maze Runner books remain some of the most beloved YA sci-fi series going, offering a thrilling journey jam-packed with mystery, action and unforgettable characters. Whether you choose to follow the publication order for maximum tension or the chronological order for deeper context, each approach offers a distinctive lens into this gripping dystopian world.
If you’re new to the series, now is the perfect time to dive into the Maze and uncover its secrets Returning fans can revisit the story with a fresh perspective by tackling the prequels first. Feel free to know let us know your favourite ways of reading The Maze Runner books in the comments below!
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
