Underland Chronicles 1 - Gregor the Overlander product reviews

The story was a bit unexpected, I wasn't sure what to expect but found the book easy to read and some parts had me laughing out loud, which got my kids asking what was so funny. The characters are well written and you could almost imagine being there but I'm glad I'm not as I don't do well with rodents and things, if they crawl then I'm not a big fan.

I did like how the book told the whole story, not stopped part way through the journey and made you read the next book to find out more of the story but it does hint at quests so if you want to know more then you can keep reading but if you only wanted to know if Gregor and Boots ever made it home then that question is answered.

There were a few surprises and twists which keeps the story interesting. There was no romance but since they are only 12 years old, romance was not on Gregor's mind. He is like most people, has his fears and things that he does well and he has to learn to trust others even if they are creepy and strange.

I thought that I wouldn't want to read the next book but by the end of the book I was hoping that there is more books to follow. I'm definitely going to be reading the next book.

Gregor is an eleven year old boy who has had to grow up a little sooner than normal as just over two years ago his father disappeared. One day, while left looking after his two year old sister, they end up falling through a vent and find themselves in the Underland. Soon he finds out he is there to fulfil a prophecy.

I liked Gregor, he was easy to like and very human at the same time, not too dramatic or strong, just the right amount of vulnerability. Boots, his younger sister, is well written and acts just like you would expect a 2 year old to act (too many times they are written as if they are older(), so Collins did a great job there.

The world of the Underland is easy to imagine, she doesn't go into a huge amount of detail which is great for being able to picture it how you think it would look. I loved how some of the creatures in the Underland are the same as what we have in the 'Overland', they're just far bigger and more intelligent.

One thing I really liked that whilst there is a main female character (other than his sister), there is NO romance between them (and I'm kinda hoping it will stay that way), they start off disliking each other and by the end of the first book have an appreciation of each other. What I didn't like, I can't go into without spoilers, but needless to say I felt it could have been done better in one aspect.

I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read the next one in the series.