Readers asking how many Maze Runner books are there usually want a simple number, but the answer depends on what they choose to count. James Dashner’s original Maze Runner sequence contains five novels, while the broader story world now includes later sequel books that continue the setting beyond the original cast’s journey.
The clearest answer is that there are eight published novels in the full Maze Runner saga as of 2026. That total includes the original trilogy, two prequels, and the three books in the related Maze Cutter trilogy. Short companion fiction may appear in some editions, so bookstore listings can occasionally look different.
Knowing the categories helps you buy the right set, avoid spoilers, and choose a reading order that suits you. This guide separates the core series from the larger connected universe, explains each book’s role, and offers practical advice for new and returning readers.
The original Maze Runner series is often described as five books because it centers on the first major storyline created by James Dashner. Those five novels include the main trilogy and two prequels that reveal important events before Thomas arrives in the Glade.
The three core novels are The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, and The Death Cure. They follow Thomas and the other Gladers as they try to survive WICKED’s trials and uncover the truth about the world around them.
The Kill Order is a prequel set before the main trilogy. It introduces the devastation caused by solar flares and the Flare virus, giving readers a wider view of the collapse that created the harsh world seen later.
The Fever Code is also a prequel, but it connects much more directly to Thomas, Teresa, Newt, Minho, and the construction of the Maze. Many readers treat it as the emotional bridge between the prequel material and the original opening novel.
A separate short work, The Crank Palace, focuses on Newt during the events surrounding The Death Cure. It is a companion novella rather than a full novel, so it is not normally included in the five-book or eight-book totals.
What Counts As A Maze Runner Book?
Original Trilogy
The original trilogy is the starting point for most readers and contains three full novels: The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, and The Death Cure. These books tell the central Thomas storyline from the mystery of the Glade through the final confrontation with WICKED. When someone says they have read the Maze Runner trilogy, this is usually what they mean.
Early World Prequel
The Kill Order is counted as a Maze Runner book because it takes place in the same post-disaster world and explains the early effects of the solar flares and the Flare. Its characters and immediate plot differ from the original trilogy, which makes it useful background rather than a direct continuation of Thomas’s adventure.
Maze Origins Prequel
The Fever Code is the fifth original-series novel and is closely tied to the main characters. It explores Thomas’s life before his memory is erased, his relationship with Teresa, and the preparations behind the Maze trials. Readers who want answers about the Glade’s creation usually consider this book essential.
Companion Novella
The Crank Palace is a shorter companion story centered on Newt. It expands a painful period connected to The Death Cure and provides perspective that the main novels do not fully show. Because it is a novella instead of a standard novel, lists that count only novels commonly leave it out.
Next Generation Sequel
The Maze Cutter begins a later trilogy set in the same universe, years after the original series. It follows younger characters living with the consequences of the earlier books while familiar figures and historical events still matter. Including it changes the answer from five original-series novels to a wider connected saga.
Continuing Maze Cutter Story
The Godhead Complex is the second Maze Cutter novel. It develops the new cast and the evolving conflict in the post-Maze Runner world. Readers should not mistake it for a reissue or bonus edition; it is a separate full-length sequel novel that belongs in the expanded count.
Saga Finale
The Infinite Glade is the third Maze Cutter novel and completes that later trilogy. With its publication, the connected Maze Runner saga reached eight full novels. A seller may market the older five-book collection separately, but that package does not include the three newer Maze Cutter books.
Maze Runner Books In Publication Order
1. The Maze Runner came first and remains the best entry point for readers who want the intended mystery and character discoveries.
2. The Scorch Trials follows directly from the first novel and continues Thomas’s search for reliable answers in a dangerous outside world.
3. The Death Cure completes the original trilogy and resolves the central conflict involving WICKED, the Flare, and the surviving characters.
4. The Kill Order was published after the original trilogy but takes place earlier in the timeline, making it a prequel rather than the next chapter.
5. The Fever Code was published after The Kill Order and shows the final period before The Maze Runner begins, with close connections to familiar characters.
6. The Maze Cutter launches the later sequel trilogy and moves the story world forward to a new generation of survivors.
7. The Godhead Complex continues the Maze Cutter storyline and should be read after The Maze Cutter for the clearest understanding.
8. The Infinite Glade concludes the Maze Cutter trilogy and is best saved until after its two preceding books.
Why The Maze Runner Book Count Matters
- Buying The Right Collection: Boxed sets often contain only the first three or first five novels. Checking the individual titles prevents you from assuming that a collection includes the newer Maze Cutter books.
- Avoiding Spoilers: A prequel may reveal details that the original trilogy presents as mysteries. Knowing where each book sits lets you choose between publication order and chronological order with confidence.
- Matching A Reader’s Interest: Readers who only want Thomas’s main story can stop after the original trilogy, while readers who want the full background can add both prequels and the companion novella.
- Planning A Gift: The count helps when choosing a gift for a young adult reader. A three-book set is a focused introduction, while the larger saga offers a longer commitment.
- Finding The Correct Format: Audiobook, ebook, paperback, and hardcover listings may group the books differently. A clear title list is more reliable than a vague series label.
- Joining Discussions: Fan conversations often use original series, prequel, companion, and sequel trilogy differently. Recognizing those labels makes it easier to follow discussions without misunderstanding the total.
Which Maze Runner Reading Order Works Best?
Publication Order For New Readers
Publication order starts with The Maze Runner, then The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, The Kill Order, and The Fever Code. This approach preserves the surprises that early readers experienced and makes the first book’s questions feel immediate. It is the most commonly recommended route for someone entering the series for the first time.
Timeline Order For World Building
Chronological order begins with The Kill Order and then moves to The Fever Code before The Maze Runner. This can make the history of the Flare and WICKED easier to follow, but it reduces some of the deliberate mystery around Thomas and the Maze. It generally suits rereaders better than first-time readers.
Core Trilogy Only
Reading only the three core novels is a practical choice for people who want a complete, fast-moving dystopian story. The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, and The Death Cure provide a full beginning, middle, and ending. You will miss additional context, but you will not be left without a conclusion.
Original Five Novel Route
The five-novel route adds The Kill Order and The Fever Code to the core trilogy. Read them after The Death Cure if you prefer publication order and want extra history without disrupting the main story. This option is ideal for readers who finish the trilogy and still want more about the world and its origins.
Newt Companion Placement
The Crank Palace works best after The Death Cure because it relies on emotional context from that novel. Although it is short, it covers serious events and should not be treated as a casual introduction to the series. Readers who care especially about Newt may find it a meaningful addition after completing the trilogy.
Full Expanded Saga
For the fullest experience, read the original five novels, add The Crank Palace after The Death Cure, and then continue with The Maze Cutter trilogy. This route covers the original crisis, the people who shaped it, and the later society affected by its consequences. It is the best choice for committed fans.
Choosing Based On Age And Mood
The books contain danger, illness, loss, and tense survival situations, so reading pace matters as much as order. A younger reader or someone new to dystopian fiction may prefer the core trilogy first. Readers who enjoy lore, backstory, and a larger shared universe will likely appreciate the expanded path.
The direct answer is that the original Maze Runner series has five novels, while the complete connected saga has eight full novels. The difference comes from whether you include the later Maze Cutter trilogy.
The original trilogy remains the essential starting point for most people. The two prequels provide background, The Crank Palace offers a companion perspective, and the later trilogy extends the world for readers who want to continue beyond Thomas’s story.
Before buying a set or beginning a reread, check the actual titles included. That small step makes it easy to choose a three-book, five-book, or full-saga reading experience that matches what you want from the series.
FAQs About The Maze Runner Books
How Many Maze Runner Books Are There In Total?
There are eight full novels in the broader Maze Runner saga as of 2026. The original series is commonly counted as five novels, and the later Maze Cutter trilogy adds three more. The Newt-focused work The Crank Palace is a companion novella, so it is usually excluded from the full-novel total.
What Are The Five Original Maze Runner Books?
The five original-series novels are The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, The Kill Order, and The Fever Code. The first three form the core trilogy, while the last two are prequels. This is the count used by many boxed sets and bookstore descriptions.
Should I Read The Prequels Before The Maze Runner?
Most first-time readers should start with The Maze Runner because its mystery is designed to unfold with Thomas. The Kill Order and The Fever Code can be read later for added background. Starting with the prequels is still possible, but it reveals information that the original trilogy intentionally withholds at first.
Is The Crank Palace A Full Maze Runner Book?
The Crank Palace is an official companion novella, not a full-length Maze Runner novel. It focuses on Newt and expands events related to The Death Cure. It is worthwhile for readers who want more emotional context, but it is not generally included when people say the series has five or eight books.
Are The Maze Cutter Books Part Of Maze Runner?
Yes, The Maze Cutter trilogy is set in the same story universe and continues the broader saga after the original series. Its three novels are The Maze Cutter, The Godhead Complex, and The Infinite Glade. They feature a later generation, so they are connected sequels rather than replacements for the original trilogy.
What Is The Best Maze Runner Book To Start With?
Start with The Maze Runner. It introduces the setting, characters, and central questions without requiring prior knowledge. From there, continue with The Scorch Trials and The Death Cure. After finishing the trilogy, decide whether you want prequel history, Newt’s companion story, or the later Maze Cutter trilogy.