The Death Cure (James Dashner)

Title: The Death Cure

Series: The Maze Runner Series

Author: James Dashner

Released: 2011

Rating: 4.5/6

Basic Plot: It’s the end of the line.

WICKED has taken everything from Thomas: his life, his memories, and now his only friends—the Gladers. But it’s finally over. The trials are complete, after one final test.

Will anyone survive?

What WICKED doesn’t know is that Thomas remembers far more than they think. And it’s enough to prove that he can’t believe a word of what they say.

The truth will be terrifying.

Thomas beat the Maze. He survived the Scorch. He’ll risk anything to save his friends. But the truth might be what ends it all.

The time for lies is over.
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Thomas Refuses to Have his Memories Back
When Thomas and gang go to Denver to get the thing in their heads removed, because WICKED is able to control them by that, he refuses to also get his full memories back. While earlier in the novel his refusal makes sense, in this case it just seems like a very unsubtle plot device to keep readers in the dark. He does have his reasons, but it's really the worst part of this book.

The Cure
I won't reveal anything about it, but I will say the reveal in the book did remind me of the game Last of Us. It was the same basics as well as the knowledge of how much WICKED had risked and if it was all worth it. At the very end of the book you also get to learn a little more about The Flare.

The Newt Dilemma
This series is very adult in the graphic violence department. There isn't much sex and I could go on about how people seem to think sex is worse, but this isn't the place for that discussion. What I will say is that the fate of Newt is beyond horrifying and sad. You also learn about how he got injured and that...well, he never really had any hope to begin with.

Final Thoughts
This was a good end to Thomas' journey. I like that Teressa's true allegiance was shown, even if that was at a great cost. I would love to see what happens next, but at the same time I'm glad that there won't be a continuation of that plot. Why? Dashner is relentless in his pursuit of showing how messed up the world can be. I would highly recommend this book to those seeking good YA literature.