The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Dashner, James The Scorch Trials, 384 p. Delacorte (Random), 2010.  $17.99.  Violence: PG-13.  Thomas, Teresa and the boys are free from the maze and safe from the trials and terrors there.  Or are they?  Straight from the frying pan and into the fire – Teresa is gone and the boys are on the run into Phase Two of WICKED’s plan to save the world from the Flare.  Danger and betrayal seem to be all that await the group as they forge through a desolate, Flare-victim ridden land.  WICKED is playing a very deep game, and even though Thomas has a few of his memories – or visions – he is still very in the dark as to the final purpose for his and his friends’ toil.  Kids will love the constant, persistent danger that unrelentingly follows Thomas and all.  New characters, more mysteries – how in the world will Dashner brings this all together?  I am on pins and needles.  MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher.