Before Suzanne Collins became a household name with The Hunger Games, she introduced readers to another unforgettable world in Gregor the Overlander, the first book in The Underland Chronicles. A gripping fantasy adventure, this novel takes readers on a thrilling journey into a hidden underground realm teeming with giant creatures, ancient prophecies, and high-stakes battles. With compelling characters, immersive world-building, and an emotionally rich narrative, Gregor the Overlander is a fantastic read for fantasy lovers of all ages.
The story follows Gregor, an 11-year-old boy from New York City who unexpectedly falls through a vent in his laundry room, landing in the Underlandāa vast, hidden world beneath the city. Populated by pale-skinned humans and intelligent, oversized creatures like bats, rats, cockroaches, and spiders, this strange and dangerous world is unlike anything Gregor has ever known. Though all he wants is to return home, Gregor learns that he may be the key to fulfilling an ancient prophecy, setting him on a path of adventure, danger, and self-discovery.
Collins crafts a rich, atmospheric world that is both wondrous and eerie. The Underland is dark and foreboding, yet full of beauty and mystery. The different creatures have their own cultures, alliances, and conflicts, making the world feel deep and well-developed. Much like The Hunger Games, Collins creates a setting that is immersive and emotionally charged, where every choice matters and danger lurks around every corner.
Though Gregor the Overlander is a middle-grade book, it doesnāt shy away from weighty themes. The novel explores war, destiny, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of conflict, making it a thought-provoking read. Gregorās journey is not just about adventureāitās about responsibility, making difficult choices, and protecting the people he loves. These themes are woven seamlessly into the action, giving the story both heart and depth.
One of the bookās greatest strengths is its characters. Gregor is a relatable protagonistābrave yet vulnerable, selfless yet unsure of himself. His devotion to his baby sister, Boots, adds an emotional anchor to the story, making his struggles feel even more personal. The Underlandās inhabitants, including Luxa, the fierce and headstrong princess, and Ripred, the battle-hardened yet witty rat, add layers of complexity and intrigue. Every character, even the antagonists, is given depth, making their motivations and conflicts feel real.
Collins is a master of pacing, and Gregor the Overlander moves quickly, balancing tense action scenes with moments of humor and emotional weight. The storytelling is gripping, ensuring that readers stay hooked from the moment Gregor falls into the Underland to the bookās climactic finale. Thereās a perfect mix of adventure, mystery, and heart, making it a page-turner for readers of all ages.
Gregor the Overlander is an outstanding fantasy adventure that blends action, emotion, and deep storytelling into an unforgettable journey. With a richly developed world, compelling characters, and meaningful themes, itās a must-read for fans of Percy Jackson, The Hobbit, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Whether youāre drawn to epic quests, heroic destinies, or thought-provoking tales, Gregor the Overlander is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
If you love Percy Jackson & the Olympians, then Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins is a perfect next read! While the two series have their own unique settingsāPercyās adventures are rooted in Greek mythology, while Gregorās take place in a hidden underground worldāthey share many elements that make them equally exciting and engaging. Hereās why Gregor the Overlander is a great choice for Percy Jackson fans:
Just like Percy Jackson, Gregor isnāt looking to be a heroāheās just trying to get through life. But when heās thrown into a hidden world filled with war, prophecy, and danger, he rises to the challenge. Both Percy and Gregor are driven by their strong sense of loyalty to family, making them relatable and admirable protagonists.
Percy discovers that Greek gods and monsters exist in modern-day America, while Gregor stumbles upon the Underland, a vast and mysterious world beneath New York City. Both series take an ordinary kid and thrust them into an extraordinary, secret world filled with danger, alliances, and adventure.
If you enjoyed the way Percyās adventures were shaped by prophecies and destiny, youāll love Gregor the Overlander. Gregor is at the center of an ancient prophecy, and like Percy, he struggles with what it means for his fate. Both stories explore the idea of reluctant heroes who must figure out their own path, even when fate seems to have plans for them.
Like Percy Jackson, Gregor the Overlander is packed with action, suspense, and intense battles. Whether itās fighting mythological creatures or giant Underland rats, both books keep readers on the edge of their seats with thrilling, high-stakes encounters.
Percy has his close-knit group of alliesāAnnabeth, Grover, and later, others like Tyson and Nico. Similarly, Gregorās journey is shaped by a group of unforgettable characters, including Luxa, the fierce princess, Ripred, the battle-hardened and sarcastic rat, and his adorable baby sister, Boots. These characters add depth, humor, and emotional stakes to the story.
One of the reasons Percy Jackson is so beloved is because of its humor, even in the darkest moments. Gregor the Overlander also balances its darker themes with moments of levity, especially through Gregorās interactions with his little sister, Boots, and the witty dialogue from characters like Ripred.
Much like Percy Jackson, Gregor the Overlander starts as a fun adventure but evolves into a deeper, more intense series. As Gregor continues his journey in later books, the themes of war, morality, and responsibility become even more complex, making it an excellent series to grow with, just like Percy Jackson.
If youāre looking for a book with an action-packed plot, a relatable protagonist, a richly developed secret world, and a thrilling mix of humor and danger, Gregor the Overlander is a fantastic choice. Fans of Percy Jackson will find the same sense of adventure, heart, and heroism that makes both series unforgettable.