If you were thrilled by the adventures in the “Maze Runner” series by James Dashner, you’re not alone. Many readers, captivated by the intense action and mysteries in this popular series, crave more books that offer similar excitement. Good news – there are plenty of books out there that bring the same kind of adventurous spirit and gripping plots.
In this article, we’ve collected a list of books like The Maze Runner. These books are filled with amazing stories, unexpected twists, and characters that you’ll love. They take you on fantastic journeys where every page brings something new and exciting. If you’re ready to find your next favorite book that’s packed with adventure like the “Maze Runner,” then this list is just for you!
See also: Best Post Apocalyptic Romance Books.
Books Like The Maze Runner
Veronica Roth
Divergent
In the book "Divergent" by Veronica Roth, Beatrice Prior lives in a dystopian Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on virtues. At sixteen, everyone must choose a faction for life. Beatrice faces a difficult decision between staying with her family and being true to herself. She surprises everyone, including herself, with her choice. As she goes through the initiation process, Beatrice, now called Tris, faces physical and psychological challenges. She must figure out who her true friends are and navigate a complicated romance. Tris also has a dangerous secret that could save or destroy her. As she uncovers unrest in her society, she realizes her secret may be the key to saving her loved ones.
Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games
In this book from "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins, the story takes place in a nation called Panem, which is surrounded by twelve districts. The Capitol, a harsh and cruel place, keeps the districts under control by forcing them to send one boy and one girl to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death that is broadcasted on TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives with her mother and younger sister, volunteers to take her sister's place in the Games. As she competes, Katniss must make difficult choices that test her survival skills and challenge her sense of humanity and love.
Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief
"The Lightning Thief" is the first book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series by Rick Riordan. The story follows Percy Jackson, a regular kid who struggles with school and controlling his temper. When Percy's mom discovers that he is a demigod, she sends him to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods. There, Percy learns that his father is Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Alongside his friends, a satyr and a demigod, Percy embarks on a quest across the United States to stop a war between the gods, with the gates of the Underworld located in a recording studio in Hollywood.
Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire
"Catching Fire" is the second book in the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The story follows Katniss Everdeen, who has won the Hunger Games against all odds. However, things are not as she hoped. Her friend Gale is distant, and Peeta has turned his back on her. There are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol, which Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. As they prepare for a Victory Tour, they must prove their love for each other or face horrifying consequences.
J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" is the first book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The story follows Harry Potter, a young boy who has never heard of Hogwarts, a magical school, until he starts receiving mysterious letters. These letters are quickly taken away by his mean aunt and uncle. However, on his eleventh birthday, a giant man named Rubeus Hagrid arrives and reveals that Harry is a wizard and has been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This marks the beginning of an incredible adventure for Harry.
Lois Lowry
The Giver
"The Giver" is a book by Lois Lowry that is part of "The Giver Series." It tells the story of Jonas, a twelve-year-old boy living in a futuristic world that appears perfect. However, Jonas is chosen to receive special training from The Giver, the only person who remembers both the good and bad experiences of life.
John Green
The Fault in Our Stars
"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green is a touching and heartfelt story about Hazel, a young girl with a terminal illness. Despite her bleak prognosis, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Augustus Waters at a support group for kids with cancer. This novel beautifully captures the ups and downs of life, love, and the struggles of living with a serious illness.
Stephenie Meyer
Twilight
"Twilight" is the first book in The Twilight Saga series by Stephenie Meyer. It tells the story of Isabella Swan, who moves to the rainy town of Forks and expects it to be boring. However, everything changes when she meets the mysterious and captivating Edward Cullen. As their love grows, they face the danger of Edward's vampire identity being exposed.
John Green
Paper Towns
In the book "Paper Towns" by John Green, Quentin Jacobsen has always been in love with the adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman. When Margo suddenly appears in his life, dressed as a ninja and seeking revenge, Quentin follows her on a wild adventure. However, the next day, Margo disappears and becomes a mystery. Quentin embarks on a journey to find her, but the more he discovers, the less he realizes he truly knew Margo.
Ransom Riggs
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" is an exciting novel by Ransom Riggs that combines fiction and photography. The story follows sixteen-year-old Jacob, who travels to a remote island after a tragic family event. There, he discovers the abandoned Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and uncovers the mysteries surrounding the peculiar children who once lived there. As Jacob explores the crumbling ruins, he realizes that the children were not just peculiar, but possibly dangerous.
Scott Westerfeld
Uglies
In the book "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld, Tally is eagerly awaiting her sixteenth birthday when she will undergo a transformation to become a beautiful "pretty." In this futuristic society, being pretty means living a carefree life in a technologically advanced paradise. However, Tally's new friend Shay has doubts about becoming a pretty and decides to run away. Through Shay's disappearance, Tally discovers a darker side to the pretty world. The authorities give Tally a difficult ultimatum: find Shay and betray her or never become a pretty herself. Tally's decision will have a profound impact on her life and the world she knows.
Michael Grant
Gone
The book "Gone" by Michael Grant is part of a series that tells the story of a sudden and mysterious event where all adults vanish, leaving only teenagers behind. With no way to communicate or seek help, the young survivors must navigate a world filled with hunger, bullies, and strange mutations in animals. As they adapt to their new reality, the teens discover they are developing dangerous and powerful abilities. The book explores the terrifying challenges they face and the divisions that arise among them, leading to an impending conflict. With time running out, the teenagers must find a way to survive before they too disappear on their birthdays.
James Dashner
Crank Palace
In the book "Crank Palace" by James Dashner, Newt, along with his friends, has faced many challenges and dangers. However, he now carries a burden that he can't share with them - the Flare virus. Afraid of his friends witnessing his descent into madness, Newt leaves a note and departs from the group. He finds himself on the streets, constantly running from the infected and those who hunt them. Eventually, he ends up in the Crank Palace, a place where people without hope gather. Along his journey, he meets a young mother named Keisha and her son, Dante, who unexpectedly save him. Set during the events of "The Death Cure," "Crank Palace" delves into Newt's thoughts and emotions as he tries to find meaning in his troubled life. He embarks on a quest to fulfill a newfound destiny before his path leads to a final meeting with his best friend.
Marie Lu
Legend
Legend is a thrilling book by Marie Lu that takes place in a future where the western United States is now known as the Republic, a nation constantly at war. The story follows two teenagers, June and Day, who come from very different backgrounds. June is a prodigy from a wealthy family, being trained for success in the military, while Day is a wanted criminal from the slums. Their paths unexpectedly cross when June's brother is murdered and Day becomes the main suspect. As they are caught in a dangerous game, Day fights to protect his family while June seeks revenge for her brother's death. Along the way, they uncover shocking secrets about their country.
Rick Yancey
The 5th Wave
"The 5th Wave" is a thrilling book by Rick Yancey that is part of a series. The story takes place after a series of devastating waves have hit Earth, leaving only darkness, luck, and survival. In the 5th wave, Cassie finds herself running from dangerous beings who appear human but are actually killers. She believes that staying alone is the key to staying alive, until she meets Evan Walker. Evan is mysterious and captivating, and he may be Cassie's only chance at saving her brother and herself. However, Cassie must make difficult choices between trust and despair, defiance and surrender, and ultimately, life and death. Will she give up or find the strength to keep fighting?
James Dashner
The Eye of Minds
"The Eye of Minds" is the first book in "The Mortality Doctrine" series by James Dashner. Set in a world where the VirtNet offers a fully immersive experience, the story follows Michael, a skilled hacker who enjoys breaking the rules. However, when a dangerous hacker starts causing harm, the government recruits Michael to catch them. To do so, Michael must venture into unexplored corners of the system, where the line between the virtual world and reality becomes blurred.
Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game
"Ender's Game" is the first book in the Ender Book Series by Orson Scott Card. The story takes place in a future where the government breeds child geniuses to defend against an alien race. Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a brilliant young boy, is chosen to undergo rigorous military training at the orbiting Battle School. Ender excels in his training and becomes a respected leader. However, he also faces challenges such as isolation, rivalry, and fear of the alien invaders. Alongside Ender, his siblings Peter and Valentine possess unique abilities that could potentially reshape the world. As the war with the alien race continues, the question arises: is Ender the general Earth needs?
Pittacus Lore
I Am Number Four
John Smith is just an ordinary teenager living in Paradise, Ohio with his guardian Henri. However, John is not like other teenagers. He is actually an alien from the planet Lorien and he is on the run. Evil aliens from the planet Mogadore destroyed his world and are now hunting down anyone who escaped. John is one of nine Loric children sent to Earth to hide and develop their special powers, known as Legacies, to fight back and save humanity. But three of the children have already been killed, and John knows he is next.
Ernest Cline
Ready Player One
In the year 2045, the world is not a pleasant place to live. Wade Watts finds solace in the OASIS, a virtual world where people spend most of their time. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a series of challenging puzzles. The first person to solve them will inherit his fortune and gain control of the OASIS. Wade becomes the first to crack a clue and is now faced with dangerous competitors who will stop at nothing to win. The race is on, and Wade must win to survive.
Neal Shusterman
Scythe
In the book "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman, Citra and Rowan find themselves in a world where hunger, disease, war, and misery no longer exist. Death has also been conquered, but now only Scythes have the power to end lives. Reluctantly, Citra and Rowan are chosen to become apprentices to a Scythe, a role they both resist. They must learn the difficult task of taking lives, knowing that failure could result in their own deaths. This thrilling novel explores the consequences of living in a seemingly perfect world, revealing that perfection comes at a high cost.
