Gregor the Overlander
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4.6 • 431 Ratings
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
This irresistible novel by Suzanne Collins tells the story of a boy who embarks on a dangerous quest in order to fulfill his destiny -- and find his father -- in a strange world beneath New York City.
When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it -- until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance. Reluctantly, Gregor embarks on a dangerous adventure that will change both him and the Underland forever.
This unforgettable novel by Suzanne Collins, the international bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, is rich in suspense and brimming with adventure.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In a cavernous world beneath New York City, humans who long ago emigrated from the "Overland" live side-by-side with super-intelligent bats and loyal giant cockroaches. In a charming tip of the literary hat, debut novelist Collins introduces her young heroes Gregor and his little sister Boots into a wonderland through a trip down a long hole in this case, an opening in a wall of their apartment building's laundry room. While passionately trying to find a way back home, 11-year-old Gregor learns about the Underlanders, their history and their unusual customs. Before long, Vikus, the noble patriarch of the Underlanders, reveals to Gregor an ancient prophecy and why he believes that the boy is the foretold "overland warrior," come to liberate them from the giant rats. The relationship between Gregor and two-year-old Boots embodies much of the book's charm, and Gregor himself grows up before readers' eyes. His love for his lost father factors heavily into his personality; in a stunning turn of events, he discovers the reason for the disappearance of his father who also plays a role in the prophecy. Collins does a grand job of world-building, with a fine economy of words no unnecessary details bog down either the setting or the invigorating story. In her world, a child singing "Patty-Cake" can change the course of history and a stoic rat can mourn the fact that although he is able to read, he cannot write because he has no thumb. Unlike Gregor who cannot wait to leave, readers will likely find it to be a fantastically engaging place. Ages 8-12.
Customer Reviews
Book will become a classic
I read this book a few years ago after reading the hunger games because I thought the title was interesting. I immediately fell in love with Gregors world. The plot is unpredictable and the character development is unbelievable. Upon beginning Gregors tale you are immediately taken to his world. Perfect book for all, young and old alike, will be absorbed into the world of 11-year-old Gregor.
Excellent read!
Even at 55 years old these "young adult" stories still fascinate and take me to another world. This book was no exception. It has a well thought out storyline, extremely detailed and very descriptive. I will definitely be getting the next book in the series. This author writes very like L. Frank Baum, THE best at otherworld adventures.
As good (if not better) than the Hunger Games!!!
This book is a wonderfully written masterpiece!!! I found myself completely absorbed in the book and could not stop! I am amazed at myself actually enjoying the huge, talking creepy crawlies! It starts off a little bit on the dull side and then blossoms into an action packed, suspenseful, witty and enticing novel! If I could, I would give it a hundred stars!!!