10 Books Like The Maze Runner You Must Read
If you’re a fan of The Maze Runner series by James Dashner, you’re probably looking for more dystopian, thrilling reads that keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether it’s the high-stakes adventure, the complex characters, or the unique world-building, The Maze Runner captivated readers and inspired a massive following. But what do you do once you’ve finished the series? Luckily, there are plenty of books that offer similar themes—survival, mystery, and the fight for freedom.
In this blog, we’ll explore ten books like The Maze Runner that you’ll want to add to your reading list. These books share the same pulse-pounding action, intricate world-building, and complex characters. From post-apocalyptic landscapes to futuristic societies, you’re bound to find a new favorite among these recommendations.
1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Divergent is set in a dystopian future where society is divided into five factions based on virtues such as bravery, intelligence, and kindness. The story follows Tris Prior, a teenager who doesn’t fit into any one faction, making her a “Divergent.” Much like The Maze Runner, Divergent explores themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and a society on the brink of collapse. The book is packed with action, twists, and emotional stakes that keep readers hooked.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: Both series follow young protagonists who are trying to navigate and escape oppressive systems. Divergent also has a thrilling, fast-paced plot and a strong lead character.
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games trilogy is perhaps the most well-known dystopian series. Set in the nation of Panem, where children are forced to participate in a deadly televised competition, the series follows Katniss Everdeen as she becomes the symbol of rebellion against an oppressive regime. Like The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games features a strong-willed protagonist who faces impossible odds while navigating a world full of danger and intrigue.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: Both series involve characters struggling to survive in harsh, authoritarian worlds. They share themes of resistance, survival, and sacrifice.
3. The Giver by Lois Lowry
In a society where emotions are suppressed and memories of the past are erased, Jonas, the protagonist, is chosen to be the next “Receiver of Memory.” As he uncovers the truth about the world around him, he must make life-changing decisions. While The Giver is slower-paced compared to The Maze Runner, both books explore the limits of control and the importance of memory in shaping identity.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: The books both feature a young character uncovering hidden truths about their world and the cost of control in society.
4. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
The 5th Wave series follows Cassie Sullivan, a teenager who is fighting to survive after Earth is invaded by alien forces. The world has been decimated in waves of destruction, and Cassie must navigate a dangerous landscape, trying to save her brother while grappling with trust and betrayal. The action-packed, survival-driven plot is reminiscent of The Maze Runner, with the added twist of an alien invasion.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: Both series are centered around survival in a world that has been torn apart by forces beyond the protagonist’s control. Both feature fast-paced action, mystery, and a fight against overwhelming odds.
5. Legend by Marie Lu
Set in a dystopian future where the United States has split into two warring nations, Legend follows two protagonists: June, a military prodigy, and Day, the most wanted criminal in the Republic. As the two characters’ paths cross, they discover shocking truths about their world. Legend shares many themes with The Maze Runner, including survival, rebellion, and uncovering the truth.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: Both books feature young characters navigating complex, oppressive systems. They involve intense action and strategic thinking to survive.
6. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
The Darkest Minds follows Ruby, a young girl with telekinetic abilities, as she escapes from a government-run camp where children with powers are kept. With a group of other teens, Ruby must fight for survival in a world where the government sees them as dangerous. Like The Maze Runner, The Darkest Minds deals with themes of trust, friendship, and survival in a society that treats the protagonist like an outsider.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: Both stories feature groups of young characters escaping an oppressive system and working together to survive. They also explore themes of powers, rebellion, and trust.
7. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In a world where the population is divided by blood—those with red blood and those with silver blood—Mare Barrow, a Red, discovers that she has powers that are usually only seen in Silvers. As she becomes embroiled in a battle for power, she must navigate the dangerous politics of the Silver elite. While Red Queen has a fantasy element, it shares themes of rebellion and survival against a corrupt system.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: Both books feature young protagonists who uncover hidden truths about their society and fight against oppressive regimes.
8. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
While Station Eleven is more of a post-apocalyptic novel than a dystopian one, it shares themes of survival and rebuilding society in the wake of a catastrophic event. The novel follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world where civilization has collapsed after a flu pandemic wipes out most of the population. The interconnected stories of different characters show the importance of art, memory, and humanity in times of crisis.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: Both books focus on survival in a broken world and explore the ways in which society rebuilds itself after disaster.
9. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
If you loved The Maze Runner, you’ll want to continue with the next installment in the series. The Scorch Trials picks up right where The Maze Runner leaves off, with Thomas and the Gladers continuing their fight for survival in a world filled with danger. In this sequel, the stakes are even higher as the group faces new challenges, including a deadly desert wasteland and the mysterious forces controlling their fate.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: This is the direct continuation of The Maze Runner, so it features all the same action, suspense, and character dynamics. If you’re craving more of the same, this is the next logical step.
10. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
In a world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts in a constant stream of noise, Todd Hewitt’s life is turned upside down when he discovers a secret about his town. As he flees from danger, Todd embarks on a journey filled with both external and internal struggles. This book is darker and more philosophical than The Maze Runner, but it shares themes of survival, morality, and rebellion.
- Why it’s like The Maze Runner: Both novels feature protagonists who are escaping from oppressive systems and navigating dangerous, unknown worlds. The Knife of Never Letting Go offers a deep exploration of morality and human nature in a dystopian setting.
Conclusion
If you loved The Maze Runner, these ten books are sure to provide you with the same heart-pounding excitement, thrilling action, and emotional depth. Whether you’re interested in survival, dystopian societies, or discovering hidden truths, these novels will keep you captivated until the very last page.
Remember, these books offer not only the fast-paced adventure that makes The Maze Runner so engaging, but they also introduce fresh worlds and unique characters to keep your reading experience exciting and diverse. So grab one of these books, dive into a new adventure, and get ready for a thrilling ride!
