From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8Π²ΠβWith more than capable narration by actor Paul Boehmer, Suzanne Collinss second novel in the Underland Chronicles series (Scholastic, 2004) practically vibrates with excitement and adventure. It takes a bit of time to catch up on characters and events from the first book, but enough hints are dropped along the way to make this accessible to new listeners. Gregor is an Overlander, an 11-year-old who lives in New York City. Boots, his toddler sister, disappears into the Underland, a vast world beneath the city thats populated by enormous bats, cockroaches, and rats, while sledding in Central Park. Gregor knows he must return to the strange underground kingdom of Regalia to rescue her. Boehmer gives each character a distinctive voice, and he has the tone and timing of toddler Boots down perfectly. His voice reflects the change in Gregor as he matures under the weight of his responsibilities. A good choice for fantasy fans in school and public libraries.Π²Πβ_Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI_
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From
Gr. 4-8. In this exciting, fast-paced sequel to Gregor the Overlander [BKL O 15 03], 11-year-old Gregor and his little sister, Boots, return to the Underland to battle the evil giant rats, which have conspired to kill Boots in order to destroy Gregor, their primary obstacle to conquering all the Underland. To save his sister, Gregor sails across a subterranean sea with his bat and cockroach allies to find and kill the prophesied rat leader of the Underland war. Most of the action takes place on the water, including a memorable battle with a sea serpent, and there are plenty of suspenseful moments and exciting developments. Gregor, of course, is courageous, selfless, and ultimately triumphant. Readers unfamiliar with the first novel will be at a disadvantage; Collins assumes knowledge of the characters and developments from the first book. But fans will not be disappointed with this exciting, action-packed sequel, whose ending suggests more adventures to come. Ed Sullivan
Copyright ΠΒ© American Library Association. All rights reserved