The massive labyrinth was built to protect Zadie Kalver’s isolated desert town. Unfortunately, living in the maze’s shadow makes her feel anything but safe. Even without its enchanted deathtraps and illusions, a mysterious killer named Dex lurks in its corridors, terrorizing anyone in his path.
But when Zadie’s best friend vanishes into the labyrinth-and everyone mysteriously forgets he exists- completing the maze becomes her only hope of saving him. In desperation, Zadie bribes the only person who knows the safe path through-Dex-into forming a tenuous alliance.
Navigating a deadly garden, a lethal blood-filled hourglass, and other traps-with an untrustworthy murderer for her guide-Zadie’s one wrong step from certain death. But with time running out before her friend (and secret crush) is lost forever, Zadie must reach the exit and find him. If Dex and the labyrinth don’t kill her first.
This book description reminded me of The Maze Runner, a novel I fell head over heels for and kept me guessing, and the cover really grabbed me.
The world-building is creative, detailed, and pulled me in almost immediately. The Skilled, the Blanks, and the labyrinth housing the monster, Dex, and separating the town folk from the Creator held me spellbound. The author does a magnificent job explaining Zadie’s world without an info dump. Zadie is also very likable, and has survived tragic circumstances in her past. I cringed more than once when reading about her interactions with the Warden. Landon is the stereotypical hero, and plays the role of rescuer and town hero very well. But by far, Dex is the most compelling, and multi-layered character. Honestly, if the author wrote a spin-off focusing on Dex’s backstory, I’d snatch it up immediately. The story is well-paced, and the obstacles Zadie and Dex face in the labyrinth are dangerous, challenging, and, at times, heart-breaking.
Everything was going smoothly – awesome world-building, life and death circumstances, intense action – until it became very obvious that one character isn’t what the reader is led to believe. That’s nothing new – it goes along with good storytelling. But the revelation is meant to be a twist towards the end, and some things just didn’t ring true for me with this character early in the story. In scanning other reviewer comments, it didn’t seem to come as a shock to them, either.
If you’re looking for an original YA dystopian/fantasy, The Red Labyrinth fits the bill nicely. Although the ending includes a cliffhanger, it wraps rather suddenly, and I’ll definitely be adding the next book to my TBR.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
I do like good world-building. And the comparison to The Maze Runner is intriguing. Speaking of, I haven’t read it, but I saw the first two movies and have the third on my DVR (it’s been there for months). Did you watch them? How do they compare to the books?
Back to the original topic, Dex sounds like a great character. And I really like that cover.
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I’ve watched the first two movies, but it’s been so long, I can’t remember how they compared to the books. Seems like I can remember complaining about something being different, lol. Haven’t watched the third movie yet, because the book has been sitting on my Kindle for a loooong time. And Dex was a wonderful character – easily my favorite.
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Wow. Thanks for the review, Teri. Dex does sound like a cool character.
Wordpress won’t let me “like” or comment on most blogs, including my own. Hopefully I can do so through the reader. Yet another pain in the rear…
Have a great week. Hugs!
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It’s been kind of wonky for me the past few weeks – have to like a comment a couple of times before it takes. Seems like it’s always something.
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To say the least… You’d almost think WP wants everyone to leave. It sort of makes me want to see their financials. I’ve known more than one company to drive itself to bankruptcy for the financial gain of one or two people at the top.
Long ago I worked for a small tech company. It was sold to a bigger company who had the open intention of spending it out of business, because all they really wanted to buy was the technology. I’m not saying WP is doing anything of the sort — just that it does happen.
Hugs.
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I can’t imagine starting a blog from the ground up again – that’s the stuff of nightmares.
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I like the idea of the alliance with Dex, and that is one fantastic cover. You always provide thoughtful reviews, Teri!
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Thanks, Mae! Covers really do a lot with catching a reader’s attention. The first impression is so important.
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Oh. Oh. A book I think I’d like to read!! Great review!
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Hope you enjoy it just as much, Jessica!
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Oooh, I do like the idea of the maze, Teri. A super review.
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The maze adds such intensity, Robbie. You never knew what was waiting for you around the corner.
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Ugh. Another on my TBR pile. I have to stop coming here. 😜 NEVER!
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Despite your protests, I suspect I’ll see you here again, lol.
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The description sounds like Maze Runner to me too. Sounds like a great read, Teri. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
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Not as many characters as Maze Runner, but the labyrinth was similar in some aspects. I’ll definitely continue with the series. Thanks for stopping by, Diana!
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