Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins - Paul's Review

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Title: Gregor the Overlander (Underland Chronicles #1)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year Published: 2005

Synopsis: When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats, but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.

Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.

Rich in suspense and brimming with adventure, Suzanne Collin's debut marked a thrilling new talent, and introduced a character no young reader will ever forget.

Review: I am a big fan of The Hunger Games so when I saw that this first book in Suzanne Collins's first series was only a few dollars for kindle I immediately downloaded it. This book is for more of a Middle Grade reader, but there still are some mature topics. Main characters die, but the deaths are addressed in an age appropriate manner. 

Collins based this series on the idea of an Alice in Wonderland that modern children growing up in the city could relate to. There aren't many rabbit holes in New York City. The Underland is such an interesting world of giant creatures that is directly under New York City. There are giant bats, rats, roaches, spiders, and more. And there are also humans that haven't interacted with those of us that live above land in quite some time. 

Gregor and his enthusiastic toddler sister, Boots, go on an adventure in which they find themselves in the Underland with an unusual prophecy unfolding. All the divisions of creatures must work together before a War completely destroys the Underland.

I really enjoyed this book. It is written for a young reader, but I still enjoyed the storytelling. It is written from Gregor's perspective so all the events are seen from the eyes of an 11-year old boy. 

I recommend all Suzanne Collins fans to read this book. I am going to read the sequels for sure. I give this book a 4/5. You will enjoy this book if you're 10 or 100. 

-PAUL