The readers themselves participate in the exploration and discovery of some of these issues, as they have to overcome their own aversion to the creatures of the Underland and learn to see the bravery and the goodness in some of the most repulsive characters.
It addresses war, prejudice, broken families, and the nature of trust and friendship. Though marketed toward children, Gregor the Overland deals with heavy themes. She integrates them seamlessly into the story, making them feel new even as she uses them both to meet and defy the expectations of the readers. Collins, however, does not incorporate these stock pieces merely to appeal to fans of the genre. The characters include the required wise old mentor, the rebellious and feisty princess, and the battle-scarred warrior. It contains a quest, a prophecy (rhyming, of course), and a motley assortment of characters to help the hero on his way. ReviewĪt first glance, Gregor the Overlander might seem indistinguishable from many other middle grade fantasies. Gregor initially wants nothing more than to return his sister safely home, but soon realizes that playing alone with the prophecy may be the only way to discover the truth about his father. The humans believe Gregor to be the warrior named in an ancient prophecy, one who can either destroy their world or save it, and they look to him for answers as their society heads ever closer to war. The two find adventure, however, when they fall through a grate in the laundry room into the Underland, where humans live uneasily alongside giant roaches, rats, bats, and spiders. Instead, he has to stay home to care for his grandmother and his baby sister Boots. His father disappeared years ago and his mother, though she works hard, cannot afford to send him to summer camp. Eleven-year-old Gregor expects to have little fun over summer break.
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