Tunnels

From Starred Review Positing not just one secret civilization beneath Londons streets but many, this compelling doorstopper debut in a new series (apparently to be called Tunnels) pits two teens digging into the disappearance of ones father against a subterranean colony kept in Victorian squalor by the advanced science and ominous preaching of a mysterious semireligious body called The Styx. Though a tad slow off the mark, the plot quickly picks up speed as Will and Chester discover chains of inhabited or once-inhabited caverns down below, while enduring both physical and psychological torture in the course of multiple chases, captures, separations, and escapes. After learning the shocking truth about Wills supposed sister, Rebecca (who may play a larger role in future episodes), the pair, plus a local ally, are last seen hiding aboard a train chugging its way into even deeper unknown realms. The authors add distinctive, vivid touches to the somewhat trendy towns down below premise (frequent references to digging, disturbing odors, and dirty clothing), and the murderous, refreshingly competent Styx makes an uncommonly challenging adversary. The illustrations were seen only in placeholder samples, but by all other accounts, this appears to be a very promising series kickoff. Grades 6-9. --John Peters Review Praise for the Tunnels series "Compelling."-Booklist, starred review "Exciting."-Kirkus Reviews "Thrilling."-The Columbus Dispatch "Nonstop action for readers who aren't afraid of the dark."-School Library Journal "An amazing worldwith astonishing twists and surprises hiding around every corner." -www.teenreads.com "Fantastic funhas a claustrophobia and griminess all its own.Well paced, exciting, and-in places-frightening. (You have been warned.) The danger in the darkness is very real and is well worth the wait." -Philip Ardagh