Book Review: The Kill Order by James Dashner

The Kill Order by James Dashner

The Kill Order is the prequel to the New York Times Bestselling book The Maze Runner. By now we are probably all familiar with The Maze Runner series or have at least heard of it since the first book’s film adaption came out on September, 19 2014. This book in particular is set thirteen years before the time of the maze (obviously that’s why I said prequel…anyway) and focuses on Mark, Trina and war vet Alec. The world had been scorched by sun flares causing most of the remaining population to be homeless.

It begins with Mark and Trina who live in a tent village. One day a Berg flies over their part of the village and strange people in green suits start shooting darts from inside of the Berg at the people below killing some and sending others into mental fits. What happens to the ones who were hit by darts and do not immediately die is that they increasingly go insane and die slow and extremely painful deaths.

Mark and his friends who aren’t showing signs of being infected (yet) set out to find out why whole villages are being targeted and killed by what is supposed to be the government only to find that it was a poorly executed plan to control the population because resources are scarce for the number of people still left after the sun flares. The virus, known as the Flare, that was created to kill has failed to do its job and is mutating causing its victims to become completely insane. They eat one, another beat one another and kill whatever moves. They're called Cranks and are totally living, breathing, heart beating versions of zombies!

This book started off slow for me but once I got into the story I became really interested in the plot and I really enjoyed it! So! For anyone who likes fun, slightly creep, post-apocalyptic books this is a good book. Also most people read prequels after finishing the others in a series but I chose to read this one first and am really glad I chose to do so!

Recommended age:

14+

On to the ratings!

Stars..

0 = None 10 = Tons

THE FEELS:

There aren’t too many emotional moments in this book that would make you cry.

3/10

Violence:

There is violence throughout the book and the whole series but it could be worse I suppose.

8/10

Sexual content:

There isn't much sexual content in the book at all. Mark and Trina kiss once that I recall.

1/10

Crude language:

There are minor cuss words used throughout the book such as “hell” or “damn” but nothing you wouldn’t normally hear on television.

4/10

Other elements:

The story deals with crazy insane people who want to eat other people’s brains and flesh. It’s pretty gross at times so this book isn't for the squeamish. It cound come off as comical though.

Overall:

Overall the book is pretty good. Especially if you have already read The Maze Runner!

7/10

Xoxo

- Sarah