The Scorch Trials is a darker-than-dark futuristic science fiction novel written by James Dashner and is the second novel in the maze runner trilogy. That consists of three books including a prequel publishes by Delacorte Press.

Thomas and his fellow surviving Gladers have successfully escaped the perplexing puzzle that was maze and are seemingly no longer under the thumb of wicked … or so it seems. Friendships will be tested and ultimately loyalties will be broken – is this necessary not just to live but to survive?

Thomas is released into the world but is left feeling painful,y disappointed by the reality of freedom, it isn’t at all like what he had imagined and expected. The life that he expected to be waiting for him out of the cocoon of the Glade has been cruelly been snatched away by the cold harsh reality. Then again who knew what sort of life they would be returning to.

The earth is a absolute dissolute, deadly wasteland as a result of the fatal solar flares that descended from the unforgiving skies. The governments across the globe have disintegrated to the point of know return and WICKED [World In Catastrophe Killzone Experiment Department] are currently trying to contain a worldwide catastrophe. The earth is currently occupies by cranks who are a warped opposite of a sane human being have been driven to murderous insanity by an infectious disease commonly known as the flare. Roaming the crumbling city skylines hunting for their next victim – I mean tasty meal.

Thomas and the Gladers another group of young people who have been through the exact hell-ish trial they had. They have been brought together by Mr Janson “Rat man” in a protected facility and have been informed that they have all be infected by the flare he describes the symptoms. The apparent reason for them being exposed to this deadly virus that in almost all cases leads to death, is so that a cure can be created to save the human race. This is followed by the brutal ultimate that if both parties don’t cross the scorch in two weeks they will die form the flare.

Will Thomas be able to unlock his memories and understand WICKED’s motivation for this impossible task?

The central theme of this novel is betrayal. It’s the disregard of ones feelings leading to being tested beyond what you can bear. This is orchestrated by WICKED to tear down Thomas’ resolve that will completely shatter his ability to trust anyone again.

If I had to sum up this book in a simple sentence it would be his: a jam pasted pulse racing novel with increasing levels of anxiety for the characters lives a safety of through out. You will be able to find a copy of The Scorch Trials at all good book stores also you can purchase the film adaption if you would prefer.