The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 55
Overview
The Gladers race to the Cliff but are ambushed and surrounded by multiple groups of Grievers. Alby sacrifices himself, hoping to satisfy the nightly taking and open a path, but the Grievers still advance. Minho resolves to shield Thomas and Teresa so they can reach the Griever Hole and enter the code.
Summary
Thomas runs with the forty-one armed Gladers toward the Cliff, beetle blades watching as they hurry to execute the plan. He and Teresa communicate telepathically while Minho takes the lead and navigates. Anxiety mounts as no Grievers appear during the long run, giving Thomas a fleeting hope they might reach the Hole unchallenged.
Near the final turn, Minho spots a waiting cluster of Grievers by the Cliff. Moments later, additional groups appear behind and at the far end of the alley, surrounding the Gladers at a T intersection. The creatures hold position, watching, creating a tense standoff as Thomas, Teresa, Newt, and the others huddle and consider options.
Alby, shaken and unwilling to return to his past, breaks from the group and charges the Grievers. Several Grievers swarm him, and despite Newt’s attempt to help, Alby is overwhelmed and killed. Minho argues they must honor Alby’s sacrifice by pushing the plan—protect Thomas and Teresa so they can reach the Griever Hole and enter the code.
Before the Gladers can move, the Grievers reanimate in unison and tighten their formation, advancing from all sides. Alby’s sacrifice has not halted the attack. With no retreat possible, Minho prepares the Gladers to fight a path to the Cliff while Thomas and Teresa aim to reach the Hole and trigger the code.
Who Appears
- ThomasProtagonist; resolves to reach the Griever Hole and enter the code; steadies others amid fear.
- MinhoLeads the run, assesses the ambush, and organizes defense to protect Thomas and Teresa.
- NewtSecond-in-command; shaken by Alby’s death, struggles between grief and necessity.
- TeresaTelepathically linked with Thomas; stays close to execute the code plan at the Hole.
- AlbyLeader; sacrifices himself by charging the Grievers to spare the others, but it fails.
- GrieversMechanical-creature antagonists; surround the Gladers and then advance despite Alby’s sacrifice.