The Fever Code
The Story of How the Maze Was Built
Delacorte Press 2016
Book 5 of The Maze Runner
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Book 5 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- identity
- loyalty and betrayal
- ethics of science
- memory and control
- trust
- friendship
- sacrifice
About this book
This fast-paced prequel to The Maze Runner reveals how Thomas, Teresa, and WICKED set the stage for the trials to come. Set after environmental collapse and a devastating plague, the story follows the origins of the Maze and the difficult choices made in the name of survival. Readers get answers to long-standing questions while meeting familiar faces at earlier moments in their lives. Perfect for fans of high-stakes sci‑fi thrillers who want deeper backstory without spoilers for the main series.
Setting: a near-future, post-apocalyptic world and WICKED’s high-security research facilities, leading up to the creation of the Maze
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Fever Code right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Fever Code. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include survival, identity, loyalty and betrayal. Note: this is book 5 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Fever Code?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Fever Code takes around 10h to finish. The book has 100,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Fever Code have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Fever Code has an AR quiz available, worth 13 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Fever Code?
The Fever Code has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.