Gregor the Overlander (Underland Chronicles, #1)

by Suzanne Collins

His dad was crazy about science, and it seemed as if he wanted to pour everything in his brain right into Gregor’s head. It was a little dangerous, because even a simple question could bring on a half-hour explanation. His grandma had always said, “Ask your daddy the time, and he tells you how to make a clock.”

“Luxa and I do not serve food, we are royalty,” said Henry haughtily. “Yeah, well, I’m the warrior and Boots is a princess. And you two are going to get pretty hungry if you’re waiting for me to serve you,” said Gregor. He was way over this royalty thing. Ripred laughed. “Tell him, boy. Tell him your country fought a war so you wouldn’t have to answer to kings and queens.”

“Do rats love?” said Gregor dryly. “Oh, yes,” said Ripred with a smirk. “We love ourselves very much.”