It is time to finish up the Maze Runner trilogy as we finish The Death Cure. This episode wraps up a LONG unit on dystopian fiction, and we have mixed feelings. Of course, there is some horror because these books have been super scary, but no surprise there. This episode we do discuss the ethical question between Newt and Thomas. Would Asia and Charles do the same for each other? The story is still quite the page turner, though we do take exception to the ending. On a scale of Divergent to Hunger Games, where does The Maze Runner fall?
Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
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We dive into the third and final book of the Maze Runner trilogy, The Death Cure. Thomas and the gang make their dramatic escape from Wicked only to be plunged into the realities of a flare infested world. The feuding between Thomas and Teresa continues, and unsurprisingly, we do not approve of this. Expect more horror, more violence, and more confusion as usual. Some of the characters take a turn towards idiocy, which we also unsurprisingly judge rather harshly. If given the chance to get your memories back, would you have taken it?
Next week we will be reading chapters 38-73 of book 3 in the series, The Death Cure. 
Plots thicken and so does the suspicion as we finish the second half of The Scorch Trials. In this episode, we discuss the larger ramifications of the trials and the real life impact they will have on these kids. They have to fight their way through the city, through the betrayal trial, and then through some more monsters because these are still horror books, and we couldn't have you forgetting that. Teresa’s actions are polarizing, but both hosts agree that the book is a page turner. We simply must keep reading to find out what happens next.
Next week we will be reading chapters 1-37 of book 3 in the series, The Death Cure. 
Another week of the Maze Runner trilogy, and another episode filled with vile disgusting content. The boys of the Glade think they are safe only to be thrown into possibly worse conditions than the maze. We discuss trauma, fear, and the vast potential outcomes that the book provides. This series is full of twists and turns, and at this point we are willing to question anything and believe any outcome. Thomas continues to be a superhero, but what else is new at this point.
Next week we will be reading chapters 32-65 of book 2 in the series, The Scorch Trials. 
The Gladers get kicked into high gear as the end of their maze trial looms. The maze enters its ending phase and the violence, horror, and gore are elevated to a new level. We also get to see the beginning of Thomas and Teresa’s friendship as she wakes up from her coma. The ending leaves us on the edge of our seats and begging to dive into the next book of the series. Which of the hosts was right in their prediction as to how to escape the maze, because one of us got pretty close!
Next week we will be reading chapters 1-31 of book 2 in the series, The Scorch Trials. 
We jump right back into a dystopian/post-apocalyptic/hellscape as we start The Maze Runner trilogy. This book feels like the perfect encapsulation of our dystopian unit and brings some new levels of gore and horror to the podcast. If you thought His Dark Materials was rough, this will be even darker. Where our last series was a page turner for its charm, this series is a page turner for the shock and terror. Neither of us could put it down. Have you figured out the maze yet? Have we?
Next week we will be reading chapters 32-62 of book 1 in the series, The Maze Runner. 
This week we finish the Ember trilogy as we wrap up the Diamond of Darkhold. We have thoroughly enjoyed the series, we definitely feel ready to wrap it up and move on to the next one! We start with Doon’s daring escape and end up with the happily ever after that was to be expected. How do Lina and Doon reconnect? What is the diamond anyway? What does each of the hosts take away from the series? Do you want more City of Ember content on the podcast? Listen to this episode to wrap it up and get some payoff on some long teased material.
Next week we will be reading chapters 1-31 of The Maze Runner, book 1 in our new series, Maze Runner. 
It’s time for us to dive into the end of the Ember trilogy as we start the Diamond of Darkhold. While we are still thoroughly enjoying the series, the realism hits a bit of a snag, as Lina and Doon return to Ember. The book is still a page turner as we try to decode the hidden message from the Builders and the usefulness of the tool they left for the Emberites. Asia takes exception to Lina and Doon’s superhuman pathfinding and walking abilities, but Charles is more bothered by their assumption of the ability of flight. Which one is being less realistic?
Next week we will be reading chapters 15-27 of book 3 in the series, The Diamond of Darkhold. 
The tension has been building and finally comes to a boiling point. Lina has been bonding with Maddie, and Doon has been spying on Tick. The racism parallels are on full display, but we both think that the book is a total page turner. Finally, the tension boils over, and we have an almost full out brawl. Once again we marvel at how much we are enjoying this series, and the development of our two protagonists. Listen to hear if the Emberites are successful at assimilation or if the Sparks’ xenophobic tendencies win out.
Next week we will be reading chapters 1-14 of book 3 in the series, The Diamond of Darkhold. 
It’s time for the second book of the trilogy, The People of Sparks. The denizens of Ember have emerged into a post apocalyptic society that only begrudgingly takes them in. As is to be expected, we have a good time ribbing both our great characters like Lina and our insufferable ones too like Torren. There is a brewing conflict between the Emberites and the people of Sparks. Charles and Asia have suggestions as to how conflict should be avoided, but will that advice be heeded? Lina goes off on an adventure and Doon becomes an on-again off-again member of the Tick fan club. But are either decisions good ones?
Next week we will be reading chapters 16-29 of book 2 in the series, The People of Sparks. |
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