Suzanne Collins became famous and well-known around the world with her trilogy, The Hunger Games. However, her first series of books were actually published in 2003-2007 and became New York Times bestsellers although they are hardly known of today. I read them after reading The Hunger Games because I loved Suzanne Collins as an author, and I was really surprised that more people haven't read this series. It's actually really rare that my sister and I will come across someone who has read these books before.
Since these books aren't well known, here's the blurb of the first one: When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment building, 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. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a prophesy foretells a role for him in the Underland's 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.
There are 5 books in this series and they are all a manageable length, not too long, but not super short. These books are considered "children's" genre compared to "young adult", so it's quite a change from The Hunger Games, since these books are definitely intended for younger audiences.
I read these books when I was around 14 years old, after I read (and reread and reread), the Hunger Games trilogy. My sister and brother also read them, and enjoyed them just as much as I did. When my brother heard that I was reviewing this book, he said "Yeah well....they are awesome!" It takes a lot for him to think a book is awesome! He was reluctant to read for a long time but Gregor the Overlander was enticing after my sister and I read them and loved them. He read them last year and couldn't put the books down.
These are GREAT fantasy books, with a hint of mystery and lots of humor, and they will be enjoyable to both boys and girls in most age groups. I plan on reading them to my dad because I think he will really enjoy them, even if the main character is a little kid. If you loved the writing from Collins' The Hunger Games, you'll love these books too.
There is no sexual content in the first 4 books, and only a mild kiss in the fifth one, but that's it. There is violence though. Similar to The Hunger Games, the reason for war, fighting, and killing is questioned. In the third book, a plague attacks the warmbloods in the Underland and this is not a pretty sight - upon seeing what the plague has done to his friend, Gregor throws up. Gregor is just a young boy who wants to have a normal life and doesn't want to hurt anyone - but he soon realizes that the Underland is a place he can't easily avoid, due to prophesies he somehow plays a part in. Gregor is a very loveable character and easy to relate to.
Sadly, many key, loveable characters die - but many of these deaths are redemptive and symbolic. Humor keeps the books from getting too grim and dark, but it doesn't water down the realities of wars and plagues and prejudice.
Gregor is a caring big brother to his sisters, and his family and friends are of the utmost importance to him. Character development is really interesting and well thought out. Readers will enjoy watching the characters develop and adapt, and change in realistic ways.
I loved these books. It might not be the best series for children sensitive to violence and loss, but they are entertaining and touching books. These books are about overcoming differences and learning to work together despite these differences, as well as the importance of family and friendship.
