In the first book, Thomas wakes up in the center of a maze with much of his memory missing. He discovers that a group of boys has been surviving on their own in this walled area, called the Glade, and trying to get out of the maze for two years (the latter task is assigned to the “Runners,” who map the maze each day). This group is led by Alfie, with Newt as second in command. The maze beyond the Glade is home to horrific creatures dubbed “Grievers” who threaten any boys who stay in the maze after dark. The book ends with most of them finally escaping the maze and being rescued from the facility they find themselves in.
