Book Review: “Gregor and the Code of the Claw”

“Gregor and the Code of the Claw (Underland Chronicles #5)” by Suzanne Collins

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction, Children’s Fiction, Fantasy

Source: Bought

Summary from Goodreads:

Everyone in the Underland has been taking great pains to keep The Prophecy of Time from Gregor. Gregor knows it must say something awful but he never imagined just how awful: It calls for the warrior’s death. Now, with an army of rats approaching, and his mom and sister still in Regalia, Gregor the warrior must gather up his courage to help defend Regalia and get his family home safely. The entire existence of the Underland is in Gregor’s hands, and time is running out. There is a code to be cracked, a mysterious new princess, Gregor’s burgeoning dark side, and a war to end all wars.

Nice wrap up of the series. Collins truly kept her audience in mind. This is a war so deaths do occur but they’re done well. There are a few but they aren’t overwhelming. It also doesn’t feel like she’s avoiding death and other big issues to make it easier on the kids.
The characters have become really well rounded and will be missed. I really have grown to love them over the 5 books.
I loved that Lizzie really got to join the story. Not only did she join the story, she played a big role in saving Underland.
It’s nice to see a children’s book that explores the idea that maybe you’re not on the “right” side. Everyone wants to be the good guy but that’s not always possible. Gregor learns that the Underlanders haven’t always treated the other creatures well. The other creatures probably don’t have clean hands in this situation either. It’s an eye opening realization for younger readers and a good reminder for older readers.
Collins wrote these books years before THG books but I definitely see some similarities between the books: close sibling relationship, protagonist is ‘chosen’ to be a hero/savior, protagonist fights for the underdog, a touch of politics, and probably more that I’m forgetting.
The series has earned its place on my book shelf next to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

The bottom line? It’s a solid ending for an awesome series.