After escaping from the maze, the test continues for the boys chosen by WICKED in the hopes of finding the "cure." Thomas along with the rest of the Gladers who survived the escape has no choice but to survive yet another test. Transported in a desert-like hell, the boys had to endure the scorching heat of their new environment and meet another group - this time, they are group of girls who escaped from their own similar maze and were apparently also put to the test and were promised a cure upon completion. Lies, betrayal and some truth were also revealed to Thomas here as his search for Theresa became a catalyst for slowly discovering himself. 
 I find the whole premise of the book almost too predictable this time. From the accomplices and the betrayals and all, it all feels like playing RPG where the reader becomes the tactician and the outcome is almost resolute because you already have an idea about it. 
 I also thought that the narrative went too long when the goal was as simple as crossing the desert-like Nowhere Land. The controlled environment reminded me of the "arena" in The Hunger Games. Like seriously, If I were part of WICKED, I will never agree for those kids to undergo such trials because it kinda seem stupid to kill some of them just to see who actually has the survival skills and all regardless if they have the Flare or not. 
 The book is still a great teaser though for the trilogy's final book and it actually got me a bit pumped up to know who actually have the cure in the end or if they'll ever find one to begin with. 
 Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars