Book Two left off with Gregor reading the Prophecy of Blood: a prophecy that calls for Gregor and Boots to return to the Underland to help ward off a deadly plague. But this time, Gregor's mother refuses to let him return to the Underland . . . until the rat Ripred assures the family that Gregor and Boots are just needed for a short meeting, which the crawlers will attend only if their 'princess' Boots is present. Gregor's mom finally relents, on the condition that she go with them. The Underland plague is spreading, and when one of Gregor's family is stricken, he begins to understand his role in the Prophecy of Blood, and must summon all his power to end the biological warfare that threatens the warmblooded creatures of the Underland. Fans of Suzanne Collins's acclaimed fantasy series will find more suspense and action than ever in this thrilling third saga.