This barely earned it's for stars. Just over a 3.5 is more accurate. 
 For the most part I really enjoyed the story. Yet I feel that the last third of the book was rushed and just threw us a bunch of random bits that don't seem to go together. My mind is still working through the mess of the last few chapters. 
 While it starts off really good and the premise is most interesting the ending reveals many gaps in the plot that just do not add up. The worst part here is I cannot say much without giving things away! 
 I liked Thomas' character. Independent, thoughtful, and proactive! Unlike many other characters we meet, he does not accept things at face value. And about time too! Some of the other boys in the Glade have been there for 2 years with no results. He questions solutions, speaks up for himself and is determined to figure a way out. 
 My favorite character is Chuck. While he is mostly picked on an not a favorite otherwise, I found him to be a great, loyal friend. He is one of the younger boys in the "community" and isn't one of the most skilled but he really tries to help Thomas out and befriend him. Another favorite is Newt. an ideal leader and all around, fair, caring guy. 
 The fact that a bunch of adolescent boys run the glade alone, from building, to medical, cooking, butchering, farming, etc impressed me. I kept wondering where those skills came from. There must have been a prerequisite skill set to be sent there or something. 
 One other thing I struggled with was the visualization of the Grievers. I felt more attention should have gone there. Each time my mind tried, it saw something different. 
 Overall good, but needed more checking that things matched up throughout the plot and the ending could have been less muddled. I am curious enough to continue the series but also a bit skeptical.