Title: The Kill Order
Author: James Dashner
First published August 14, 2012
327 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385742887 (ISBN10: 0385742886)
Rating: 3.71
Overview
In James Dashner’s gripping novel, The Kill Order, we see the world before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, and before Thomas entered the Maze. The story follows Mark and Trina, who survived the sun flares that brought mankind to its knees.
However, they soon find themselves facing a new threat – a contagious disease of rage and lunacy spreading across the eastern United States. As the disease mutates and grows stronger, Mark and Trina desperately search for a way to save humanity from certain destruction.
But in this new world, where life is cheap and every person has a price, they’ll have to fight to stay alive and protect those they love. Dashner’s thrilling narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
James has authored two book series – THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy and THE 13TH REALITY series. Additionally, he has published another series that starts with A DOOR IN THE WOODS, with a small publisher a few years back.
Currently, he resides in the Rocky Mountains where he continues to write.
Editoral Review
James Dashner’s The Kill Order is a gripping addition to the post-apocalyptic dystopian genre, tackling themes of survival, power, and human nature. Dashner is a renowned American author, best known for his Maze Runner series, and in this book, he takes readers back in time to the origins of the Flare virus that has ravaged Earth’s population.
Set thirteen years before the events of the Maze Runner, The Kill Order follows a small group of survivors as they navigate a world destroyed by sun flares and the ensuing virus outbreak. The main protagonist, Mark, and his fellow survivors must fight to stay alive while battling the corrupt forces that seek to control them.
Dashner’s writing is highly imaginative and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the desolate landscape and eerie encounters with the infected. The pace of the book is frenetic, with heart-pumping action sequences and jaw-dropping plot twists throughout.
The characters in The Kill Order are well-rounded and complex, with motivations that range from self-preservation to a desire to protect others. The relationships between the characters are also nuanced, with themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and betrayal woven throughout.
One of the strengths of The Kill Order is its relevance to current events and issues in society. The themes of power, control, and the consequences of humanity’s actions are particularly resonant in today’s world.
This book effectively highlights the dangers of putting greed and self-interest above the greater good, and the importance of compassion and collaboration in times of crisis. However, the book also has some limitations, such as a lack of character development for some secondary characters, and certain plot points that feel rushed or underdeveloped.
Despite these flaws, The Kill Order is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, The Kill Order is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, especially those who enjoyed the Maze Runner series.
It is an expertly crafted addition to the genre, with a compelling storyline, dynamic characters, and relevant themes that will stay with readers long after they finish the book. The Washington Post gives The Kill Order a solid four out of five stars.
