Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back... but no one knew what was waiting outside. The earth is a wasteland. Government and order have disintegrated and now Cranks, people driven to insanity by the disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim... and meal. Does Thomas hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?