The hero of the Underland returns in the third volume of what is proving to be an exceptionally reliable fantasy series. Eleven-year-old Gregor and his little sister Boots head down to the realm beneath New York City again, this time in hope of finding a cure for a plague that threatens the animals and people who live there. The danger hits close to home when Gregor’s mother—who refuses to let her children return to this perilous subterranean world without her—falls ill from the disease. As he did in Gregor the Overlander (Scholastic Press, 2003) and Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (Scholastic Press, 2004), the young warrior must puzzle out the meaning of a cryptic prophecy to divert a crisis in the Underland. In the midst of all the action, Gregor must wrestle with his emerging Berserker characteristics, and work through the complexities of Underland politics. Humor, intrigue, and a growing cast of engaging characters all contribute important elements to this satisfying story about a timely topic—biological warfare. Suzanne Collins continues to demonstrate her skill at fantasy writing for children, and her growing fan club eagerly awaits another excursion to the Underland in Book Four. (Ages 9–14)