Gregor the Overlander

Underland Chronicles, Book 1

By: Suzanne Collins

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Rich in suspense and brimming with adventure, the New York Times-bestselling Underland Chronicles unfold the fate of the Underland and the great warrior, Gregor. Suzanne Collins is also the author of the bestselling Hunger Games trilogy.

When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, and cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it, until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance. Reluctantly, Gregor embarks on a dangerous adventure that will change both him and the Underland forever.

©2003 Suzanne Collins (P)2005 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Collins introduces her young heroes Gregor and his little sister Boots into a wonderland....A fantastically engaging place." (Publishers Weekly)
"Collins creates a fascinating, vivid, highly original world and a superb story." (Booklist)

It's A Kid's Book, And I Liked It!

Any additional comments?

Happily surprised by this one. What does that say about me? Not sure because according to Amazon, the age level for this series is 8-12. That actually makes me pretty happy because that means there’s some decent fiction out there for young readers. No better way to get them hooked on reading than by giving them decent books! My son liked it, and since it was in my Audible library from him, I thought I’d give it a listen.

Of course, some parts of my adult brain noted when the writing was a bit simple, but quite honestly, it was an imaginative journey down the vent shaft in the laundry room to the underworld. Gregor gets the surprise of his life, and protects his baby sister quite gallantly. Good boy… and well, sometimes you just have to save the world, underworld or not! This would be a good one for the whole family to listen to together! Road trip!

Great story! Not crazy about narration.

As much as I can't stand roaches, I didn't think I would be able to get past it and enjoy the book, but I did! They are quite lovable in this book :) A great story, with awesome characters, and wonderful twists and turns. Flows very well and is very easy to follow. The only thing I'm not crazy about is Paul Boehmer as a narrator. He is ok, I guess, but his voice for two year old Boots REALLY irks me unfortunately. He makes her sound like a creepy breathy old woman. Not even close to a two year old. And her "ge-go" is supposed to be the way she says 'Gregor' but he makes it sound like more of a strange sentence add on and doesn't pronounce it like a two year old would. But he does pretty good with the roaches, I guess. And as far as the other characters go, he pretty much just uses his own voice, not much difference in character. But I got used to it and still was able to enjoy the story :)

Recommended for under 20

Would you consider the audio edition of Gregor the Overlander to be better than the print version?

Better than the printed version, but the Narrator does a really bad impersonation for boots, it got quite annoying....

Would you recommend Gregor the Overlander to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend it to young friends...

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Not impersonate Boots!!!

Disappointed

I listened to it because Ms Collins did such an amazing job writing the Hunger Games. This book is very inferior. Hunger Games comparisons aside, this story is about a boy in the underworld with giant roaches and rats and spiders. Way, way over (or should I say under) the top. Also, the reading seemed very inferior to the audible standards I am used to. This did not qualify as a narration or performance, but simply a reading of the text.

Super fun story for all ages

Loved this story & cant wait to start the next book. Reader was excellent!! Sharing w my 8 year old, too!

Great read

I was finally able to finish this series, loved the story. Great for teens and adults!

Entertaining

I think this book is meant for young teens. But it was entertaining enough. Good story.

Wonderful fantasy and extremely well written.

I teach, therefore I am:)
I love this book and am so excited to start the next book!

This book was probably one of the best read audio book ever

It’s my first time listening to a person that can bring the book to life

Cute story for a kid

Any additional comments?

I got this book because I was curious what Suzanne Collins' other books were like. This is a cute story, full of adventure from start to finish. Something a kid from age 8 to 13 would probably enjoy.