Book Review: Crank Palace (The Maze Runner, #3.5) by James Dashner
There’s something extraordinary about revisiting a beloved universe, especially when a character like Newt is at the center of it all. When I picked up Crank Palace, written by James Dashner, I was flooded with nostalgia and expectation, knowing that within these pages lay the intricate workings of Newt’s mind after everything he had endured. Spoiler alert: my heart was in pieces before I reached the first chapter.
In Crank Palace, we find Newt grappling with feelings of loss and identity amidst the chaos that surrounds him. Dashner’s ability to weave themes of despair, hope, and the quest for belonging shone through with haunting clarity. As I read, I felt Newt’s pain and desperation—his struggle to find purpose and grapple with the Flare was palpable. Each word felt deliberate, drawing a vivid picture of a young man who, despite everything, still longs for connection and understanding.
The novella unfolds primarily in Newt’s perspective, revealing layers of his character that fans like me have always known were there, just waiting to be explored. “Newt had felt a lot of pain in his life, both inside and out, but he believed that very moment, watching Tommy leave him for the last time, was his new rock bottom.” This quote struck a chord; I found myself sobbing at such raw emotion, questioning how someone so resilient could feel so utterly alone. It underlines one of the best aspects of this novella: it vividness captures the emotional turmoil that often remains unspoken.
What stands out in Dashner’s writing style here is his ability to balance poignant introspection with action. The pacing felt just right—it allowed me to marinate in Newt’s emotions while also keeping me engaged with the unfolding narrative. His voice is authentic and relatable, making it easy to feel invested. Highlights like, “I need something to live for. I need a purpose…” not only resonate with Newt’s character arc but elicit empathy, reminding us of our own struggles to find meaning in difficult circumstances.
As I journeyed through the novella, I came across moments that made me laugh, weep, and gasp. Newt’s playful sarcasm (“Where had she gotten a buggin’ banana?”) juxtaposed with devastating realizations about his worth encapsulated the beautiful, if chaotic, essence of life in the Glade. The emotional highs and lows kept me on a rollercoaster that I hadn’t anticipated; it was as if Dashner took pleasure in reminding me just how much I cared for these characters.
Ultimately, Crank Palace is a love letter to the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. It brings Newt’s story full circle, reminding us that every character’s journey matters, no matter how small they may feel.
For fans of The Maze Runner series or anyone who enjoys deeply emotional journeys, I wholeheartedly recommend picking this one up. It’s sure to evoke a bittersweet kind of nostalgia—one that will likely leave you contemplating what it means to be truly understood. Reading Crank Palace was, for me, a reaffirmation of why I fell in love with this universe in the first place, and though my heart may still be aching, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. So, grab a tissue and prepare for a whirlwind of emotions; you’re in for a ride!
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