And today boys and girls we have another three-for-one! 
 The trend twards "dystopian" fiction in YA literature in interesting in that most examples ive seen of it seem to be YA only by grace of having younger protagonists. Dipping here and there into YA im discovering that this is where all the "fun" writing has gone, leaving the contemporary literature scene to more highbrow writers. Which means of course, im picking up more and more YA materials. 
 "The Maze Runner" and it's two followups, "The Scorch Trials" and "The Death Cure" are a prime example of this trend. Good solid writing that's fully the equal of anything on the market. The style reminds me of the old 40's and 50's pulp fiction style writing, which makes a nice break from the ornate language most contemporary novelists seem to revel in. The plot has some interesting twists, and Dashner avoids telegraphing too much, while asking the question that has always stumped leaders of men- when do the ends justify the means? 
 Overall, if you liked "The Hunger Games" series, or if you have a young adult who was put off by the female lead* in that series, try these.