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)

In the third installment of Suzanne Collins's New York Times bestselling The Underland Chronicles, Gregor must stop a plague from spreading through the Underland.

With two prophecies fulfilled, Gregor is now focused on the Prophecy of Blood, which calls for Gregor and "the princess," Boots, to return to the Underland to help ward off a plague. His mom agrees to let them go--on the condition that she travels with them.When they arrive in the subterranean city, the plague is spreading--and one of Gregor's family is stricken. Only then does he understand his role in the prophecy. He must summon all his power to end the biological warfare, or the warmblood creatures of the Underland will die.The adventure continues in the third book in Suzanne Collins's New York Times bestselling middle grade series.