James Dashner

"“If you ain’t scared… you ain’t human.”"

James Dashner is the New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner trilogy, The 13th Reality series and more. He was born and raised in Georgia but now lives in the Rocky Mountains with his family.

What genres does James Dashner write in?

He writes primarily young adult speculative fiction, including dystopian adventure and science fiction with thriller and fantasy elements.

Which book should I start with if I am new to his work?

For his best-known YA dystopian work start with The Maze Runner. For tech-driven science fiction start with The Eye of Minds. For a younger/portal-fantasy tone try 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters.

What is the recommended reading order for The Maze Runner books?

The core trilogy is The Maze Runner, Scorch Trials, and Death Cure. There are also prequels including The Kill Order and Fever Code, plus later additions such as The Maze Cutter. Many readers start with the original trilogy, then read the prequels.

Are Dashner's books standalone or part of series?

Most of his well-known work is in series: The Maze Runner series (trilogy plus prequels and follow-ups), The 13th Reality series, and the Mortality Doctrine series. He also has individual novels tied to those series.