52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Series!, July 9, 2010
This review is from: The Underland Chronicles: Books 1-5 Paperback Box Set (Paperback)
After reading the first two books in the Hunger Game series (and waiting impatiently for Mockinjay), I decided to try Suzanne Collins' Gregor books. I LOVED this series! I had to make myself stop reading so I could get some sleep for work the next day. The characters were well-developed and the story was a wonderful fantasy. Both of my daughters in their twenties devoured these books too. I have come to the conclusion that books with young protagonists are classified as young adult, even though they are enjoyed by all ages. Don't hesitate to buy this series!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
65 of 68 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thoughtful, action-packed, and seriously funny, March 1, 2010
This review is from: The Underland Chronicles: Books 1-5 Paperback Box Set (Paperback)
I read the whole series to my seven year old son and I'd be hard-pressed to think of a book with more memorable characters or hilarious dialogue. It also gives an incredibly visceral and emotional depiction of the horrors of war.
The books follow an 11 year old boy, Gregor after he has fallen miles underground with his exuberant 2 year old sister Boots. He is drawn into complicated interspecies conflict between multiple groups of huge talking animals and humans. The humans were brought underground centuries ago by a leader "Earl of Sandwich" who had visions of the future which he carved into the stones as prophesies. Gregor and his sister seem to be named in the prophesies.
Of the books themes which seemed to impact my son were:
1. The responsibility of taking care of the vulnerable (This is also some of the funniest scenes in the books as he tries to look after Boots)
2. How much can be solved if you can communicate with others. (A gifted child is able to speak the languages of several of the creatures and avoid disaster)
3. Nothing is inevitable, especially war.
The writing is beautiful.. this is the author that went on to write the Hunger Games/Catching Fire. (In that way I wouldn't compare it to the pedestrian Lightning Thief). A closer analogy would be Garth Nix.
A word of caution. Some of the battle scenes are truly horrifying and I did end up skipping some sentences for my son's benefit. Also, major characters do die. While some would complain about the lack of a truly happy ending (it's happy enough, considering all that happens) I found it more satisfying and realistic than most YA books.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun engaging series, hard to put down, January 18, 2010
This review is from: The Underland Chronicles: Books 1-5 Paperback Box Set (Paperback)
This 5 book series reminds me very much of Rick Riordan's Percy and the Olympians series. Both are 5 book series created around an 11 year old boy. In both series each boy must face a series of "prophecies" or "quests" with his friends that appear in each book. The Underland Chronicles may be a bit more scary/exciting than the Olympians, but suitable for middle school kids 0just find. The Underland Chronicles is really fun for all ages, it's being passed around my family and co-workers now. It seems to me that it is for a slightly younger crowd than Suzanne Collins excellent trilogy "The Hunger Games". (I have book 3 on pre-order now) The Underland Chronicles is truly an excellent Adventure for all readers.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
