In the sequel to The Maze Runner, Thomas and the Gladers believed that escaping the Maze would enable them to get their lives back, only to discover that the world outside the Maze is bleak, decimated by sun flares and a brutal climate, and that they will have to struggle to find a safe haven while outmaneuvering the murderously voracious Cranks, who have been driven to insanity by an infectious disease. 150,000 first printing.