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Books in the series The Underland Chronicles

5 books in this series

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Gregor the Overlander

by Suzanne Collins1 of 5

Gregor the Overlander is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy adventure that takes readers deep beneath the streets of New York City. When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his toddler sister, Boots, through an air vent in their laundry room, they tumble into the Underland—a mysterious subterranean world on the brink of war. This hidden land is populated by translucent-skinned humans and giant, sentient creatures like bats, cockroaches, and spiders. Gregor soon discovers he is part of an ancient prophecy and must lead a dangerous quest to find his missing father and save the Underland from an army of invading rats.

This exceptional debut novel by Suzanne Collins is perfect for children who love high-stakes quests and immersive world-building. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about unlikely heroes, sibling bonds, and epic battles between good and evil. Parents will appreciate the strong character development, as Gregor evolves from a reluctant protector into a courageous leader. With its cinematic pacing and emotional depth, this book is a great choice for fans of Percy Jackson or Wings of Fire who are looking for their next favorite series.

Highlights:

  • A unique and vivid subterranean setting filled with giant talking creatures.
  • Strong themes of family loyalty and the bond between a big brother and his little sister.
  • Action-packed plot that keeps readers engaged from the very first chapter.
  • A relatable protagonist who faces moral dilemmas and grows through adversity.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+1 more
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins

Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane

by Suzanne Collins2 of 5

In the thrilling second installment of The Underland Chronicles, eleven-year-old Gregor is pulled back into the mysterious world beneath New York City. When his toddler sister, Boots, is kidnapped by the giant rats of the Underland, Gregor must embark on a dangerous quest to save her. This high-stakes adventure leads him deep into the Labyrinth to face the "Bane," a mysterious white rat prophesied to bring destruction. Along the way, Gregor must navigate complex alliances between bats, spiders, and cockroaches while grappling with his own role in the unfolding war.

Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games, crafts a masterfully paced story that balances dark themes with heart and humor. This book is perfect for children who love immersive world-building and epic quests. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in animal fantasy, prophecy-driven plots, and stories about the bonds of family. Fans of Percy Jackson or Wings of Fire will find themselves captivated by the unique subterranean setting and the relatable, courageous protagonist.

Highlights:

  • An epic subterranean adventure featuring giant talking creatures and ancient prophecies.
  • Strong focus on sibling bonds and the lengths one will go to protect family.
  • Explores complex themes of war, prejudice, and destiny in an accessible way.
  • Fast-paced action that keeps middle grade readers engaged from start to finish.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+1 more
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods

by Suzanne Collins3 of 5

In the gripping third installment of Suzanne Collins' The Underland Chronicles, Gregor is called back to the subterranean world beneath New York City for his most urgent mission yet. A deadly plague is spreading through the Underland, affecting both humans and creatures alike. When Gregor’s own mother falls ill, the stakes become deeply personal. Alongside his toddler sister Boots and a brave company of bats, rats, and spiders, Gregor must venture into the Vineyard of Eyes to find the cure before it is too late.

This high-stakes adventure is ideal for readers interested in epic quests, complex world-building, and stories that explore the bonds of family and friendship. Suzanne Collins, the acclaimed author of The Hunger Games, masterfully balances intense action with emotional depth, making this a perfect choice for children who love immersive fantasy series like Percy Jackson or Wings of Fire. It is a compelling read that tackles difficult themes of war and sacrifice while remaining accessible to middle-grade audiences.

Highlights:

  • A race-against-time quest to stop a devastating plague.
  • Deeply developed relationships between humans and giant subterranean creatures.
  • Explores themes of responsibility, leadership, and the cost of conflict.
  • Fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+1 more
Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins

Gregor and the Marks of Secret

by Suzanne Collins4 of 5

In the fourth installment of Suzanne Collins' gripping Underland Chronicles, Gregor is pulled back into the subterranean world beneath New York City. This time, the stakes are higher than ever as a sinister mystery unfolds: the mice of the Underland are disappearing. When Queen Luxa discovers that the rats have been driving the mice from their lands, she leads Gregor and his toddler sister, Boots, on a dangerous fact-finding mission to uncover the truth. What they find is a dark secret that threatens the very survival of the Underland and brings Gregor one step closer to fulfilling a final, daunting prophecy.

This action-packed adventure is perfect for children who love epic world-building and high-stakes mysteries. Suzanne Collins, the acclaimed author of The Hunger Games, weaves a tale of suspense and moral complexity that is ideal for readers interested in stories about bravery, leadership, and the consequences of war. Fans of Percy Jackson or Wings of Fire will find themselves captivated by the unique creatures and the deep emotional bonds between the characters. It is a great choice for middle grade readers looking for a series that grows in depth and intensity with every volume.

Highlights:

  • A suspenseful mystery involving the disappearance of the Underland mice.
  • Strong character development for Gregor as he faces his destiny.
  • The introduction of darker, more complex themes regarding conflict and survival.
  • Fast-paced action and high-stakes adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
  • Richly imagined world-building that explores new corners of the Underland.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+2 more
Gregor and the Code of Claw by Suzanne Collins

Gregor and the Code of Claw

by Suzanne Collins5 of 5

In the gripping conclusion to Suzanne Collins's acclaimed Underland Chronicles, Gregor must face his most daunting challenge yet. The Prophecy of Time, which everyone has been hiding from him, finally comes to light, and its message is devastating: it foretells the warrior's death. As a massive army of rats closes in on Regalia, Gregor must find the strength to lead the Underlanders in a final stand. This isn't just a battle for survival; it's a desperate race to save his mother and sister and find a way back to the world above.

This book is perfect for children who love high-stakes fantasy and epic world-building. Ideal for readers interested in complex heroes, secret codes, and stories that explore the true cost of war, it is a great choice for fans of the Percy Jackson series or Wings of Fire who are looking for a story with deep emotional resonance and thrilling action. As Gregor grapples with his burgeoning dark side and the weight of leadership, readers will be on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

Highlights:

  • The epic and emotional conclusion to a beloved five-book series.
  • Intense action sequences and a high-stakes war for the fate of the Underland.
  • Deep exploration of themes like sacrifice, prophecy, and the bonds of family.
  • A complex protagonist who must overcome his own internal struggles to become a hero.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
FantasyAdventure+1 more