In this accessible,
almost-cinematic fantasy, Gregor and his two-year-old sister fall into an
amazing underground world. Taken in by people who have lived beneath the earth
for centuries, the 11-year-old learns about the giant-sized talking creatures
that also reside there, including bats, cockroaches, and vicious rats. Gregor
just wants to get home, but a prophecy hints that he may be the
"overlander" destined to save the humans from the warlike rodents. He
is reluctant until he learns that his father, who disappeared from their New
York City home a few years before, is a prisoner of the rats. Gregor is not an
eager hero, but with common sense, quick thinking, and determination he grows
into the role. His sister, who provides some comic relief, also plays a key
part because of her ability to befriend creatures, especially the giant
cockroaches. Plot threads unwind smoothly, and the pace of the book is just
right. Exciting scenes and cliff-hanger chapters are balanced by decisions and
interactions that drive the action. Gregor is not the most compelling figure at
first, but as the story progresses he becomes more interesting, maturing
through the challenges he faces. Supporting characters are generally engaging,
particularly the enigmatic warrior rat that claims to support the protagonist's
mission. This is an engrossing adventure for fantasy fans and for those new to
the genre.
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