We have all been drooling-bloggers over James Dashner's recent release of The Maze Runner - I. Love. that. book. Love it! I loved it so much I had to try out his previous series, The 13th Reality (once my son, who insisted on reading them first, finally let me have them - thank God he's a speedy reader!)My first thoughts as I read book one, The Journal of Curious Letters, was there is no way this was written by James Dashner! Then, I just became so fascinated and impressed by the difference in voice and pacing and humor and character - oh, I could go on and on - that I was attacked by the green monster, big-time! I don't even want to ponder the writing talent behind such extreme stylistic differences - he's an uber-brilliant writing genius!
That said, you need to know that the differences are NOT a bad thing, but actually a very good thing. The 13th Reality books are not on the same maturity level as Maze, but they are thoroughly enjoyable. Book 2 left me longing for book 3, which is due to be released at about the same time as The Scorch Trials. I recommend these books, especially for those MG readers hungering for more Reading Delights (ya know, like Turkish Delights, but with books).
Check out this cool 13th Reality Website - you'll love it!
Have you ever read new/different books by a favorite author and been surprised by the differences in writing style?
14 comments:
Oh I will definitely check those books out! Specifically to read the stylistic differences.
I'm currently planning (kind of) my second novel and one of my biggest concerns is to make sure that it is different from my first. Because it's not the second in the series - it's a complete stand alone piece and I would hate to come across as formulaic or predictable!
I'm sorry to say I've never heard of James Dashner, but you definitely make me want to go order a couple of his books!!
Sara - You won't believe, at first, that the person who wrote Maze is the same person who wrote 13th Reality. They really do feel that different. I think it's pretty awesome!
Bethany - Run. Don't walk. Run to the bookstore TODAY and buy The Maze Runner. Block out some time, though, because once you start you won't want to stop!
Thank you for these nice words! Did you get my email?
While I've read different series by the same author, you could still tell it was their voice. You've made me curious to pick up these books as well, as I really enjoyed The Maze Runner! Thanks for the heads up! :)
James - I'm thrilled you saw my post! It's true - you are an uber-brilliant writing genius and I am beyond envious of your talent! But you already know that. I did not get your email. Which address did you send it to? Will you try again at this email please? We need to try to get you scheduled for October...woo-hoo! ;-) mrso_d(at)yahoo(dot)com
Alexia - read them. read them all. I promise you won't be disappointed. He also has another MG series called The Jimmy Fincher Saga (4 books total).
I'd never heard of James Dashner either, but then MG books are not my thing, I'm afraid. (That's cool that he found your blog, though!)
Nevertheless, I can definitely answer your question. I really liked Grisham's A PAINTED HOUSE - definitely a departure from his legal thrillers, that's for sure.
Oh, I'm familiar with thei big green monster of which you speak. I remember him paying me a visit while I was reading The Hunger Games and then again when I read The Help.
Going to check out his stuff over the break! Thanks for the heads up...even though you are about the fourteenth person to recommend Maze Runner.
Must be darn good!
Shelley
Thanks for the recommendation. I'm still looking for a series for my nephews--I'll definitely check Mr. Dashner's books out.
Ooo, haven't heard of this. But thank you for the book recommendation; I'll be checking it out.
L & L - I felt it with The Hunger Games, too, but what is The Help?
storyqueen - Maze is excellent, but be sure to check out his 13th Reality series and Jimmy Fincher saga as well. They are awesome, too!
Steph - These books make great gifts! I think I'm going to end up getting the Jimmy Fincher books for my son, since he's already read all of the others.
Catherine - You'll love them! :) And thanks for dropping by!
Oh! Now I'm so curious. Loved The Maze Runner. :)
I've read the back of The Maze Runner and I am thoroughly intrigued. Maybe it'll be the cure to my son's stubborn streak against reading?
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