This first book in the Underland series begins firmly rooted in reality then moves into fantasy. Although the transition is fairly quick, Collins does a seamless job of transporting the main character and his baby sister from a basement laundry room in New York City to the darkly dangerous Underland and the sparkling city of Regalia.
Vardell writes that a good fantasy book has a strong plot that grows out of a character’s behavior. Collins expertly does this with Gregor, who is responsible in helping mother raise two sisters and look after a grandmother who suffers from dementia. When his sister toddles into an open air grate he doesn't hesitate to go after her. This selfless behavior leads him to the underground world that is filled with over-sized rats, humongous bats, towering rats and translucent skinned people who believe he is their prophesied hero. His behavior also leads him on an adventure that will reunite all of his family.
Vardell writes that a good fantasy book has a strong plot that grows out of a character’s behavior. Collins expertly does this with Gregor, who is responsible in helping mother raise two sisters and look after a grandmother who suffers from dementia. When his sister toddles into an open air grate he doesn't hesitate to go after her. This selfless behavior leads him to the underground world that is filled with over-sized rats, humongous bats, towering rats and translucent skinned people who believe he is their prophesied hero. His behavior also leads him on an adventure that will reunite all of his family.
Collins, S. (2003). Gregor the Overlander. New York: Scholastic.
No comments:
Post a Comment