Gregor the Overlander

Short Review: This is a perfectly fine middle grade fiction. This is a series worth reading if you have middle grade kids, especially those that have previously enjoyed Percy Jackson, at least if this first book is any indication.

As an adult, middle grade fiction (especially fantasy) seems to be too similar in structure. There is usually a prophecy, an average boy (and it is usually a boy) is actually a hero. There is a quest where older and wiser adults and/or other creatures give leadership and direction but for one reason or another the young teen has to end up leading and saving the society or group or world through their courage or determination.

I understand why I was drawn to this type of literature as a child. And even as an adult there is some attraction. But it is so similar. There is very little that breaks the mold and comes at the story in a different way. Percy Jackson was ADHD and the modern take on mythology was a little different. Artemis Fowl was well written and a type of semi-evil Richie Rich, but still fulfilled most of the stereotypes. The early Harry Potter books were more of the same. I will keep reading these book to off-set some of the heavier things I read, but I crave some actual creativity and newness in the genre.

My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/gregor-the-overlander/