"The Scorch Trials" is the second book in the Maze Runner series by James Dashner. It follows the story of Thomas and his friends as they escape the Glade and face new challenges in a desolate, sun-scorched world. They discover that they are part of a larger experiment conducted by the WCKD organization, which is testing their survival skills against the harsh environment and dangerous creatures known as Cranks. As they journey through the Scorch, Thomas and his group encounter other survivors and must navigate treacherous landscapes while uncovering the truth about WCKD's intentions. The story explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the struggle for survival in a dystopian setting.