When sun flares hit the Earth, intense heat, toxic radiation and flooding followed, wiping out much of the human race. Those who survived live in basic communities in the mountains, hunting for food. For Mark and his friends, surviving is difficult, and then an enemy arrives, infecting people with a highly contagious virus. Thousands die, and the virus is spreading. Worse, it's mutating, and people are going crazy. It's up to Mark and his friends to find the enemy – and a cure – before the Flare infects them all …
Praise for the Maze Runner series: “[A] mysterious survival saga that passionate fans describe as a fusion of "Lord of the Flies,” “The Hunger Games,” and “Lost.""–EW.com "Wonderful action writing–fast-paced…but smart and well observed.”–“Newsday” “[A] nail-biting must-read.”–Seventeen.com “Breathless, cinematic action.” –“Publishers Weekly” “Heart-pounding to the very last moment.” –“Kirkus Reviews” “Exclamation-worthy.” –“Romantic Times”[STAR] “James Dashner's illuminating prequel ["The Kill Order”] will thrill fans of this Maze Runner [series] and prove just as exciting for readers new to the series.“–"Shelf Awareness,” Starred "