James Dashner is an American author best known for his young adult science fiction series, including The Maze Runner. Born on November 26, 1972, in Georgia, he grew up in a family that encouraged reading and storytelling. Dashner's writing often explores themes of survival, friendship, and the challenges of adolescence. In addition to The Maze Runner, Dashner has written other popular series, such as The 13th Reality and The Mortality Doctrine. His works have gained a large following and have been adapted into successful films, further increasing his popularity in the literary world.