Starred Review Positing not just one secret civilization beneath London's streets but many, this compelling doorstopper debut in a new series (apparently to be called Tunnels) pits two teens digging into the disappearance of one's 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 Will's 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.

While pursuing his hobby of underground exploration, fourteen-year-old Will and his best friend are taken prisoner in the oppressive Colony, policed by sinister, merciless Styx. The innovative underworld setting will stimulate readers' imaginations, but while adventure-lovers will appreciate the twisting plot, they may lose patience with the slow beginning and endless similes. Occasional shadowy, sketchlike illustrations accompany the text.

Will finds his way into a frightening underground world in this fantasy adventure. Will's family may be dysfunctional, but he and his father are drawn together by their shared love of tunnels. Father and son dig not-quite-legal tunnels around London, unearthing Victorian jars, Codswallop bottles, 18th-century nails and other detritus of the city's history. When Will's father vanishes, Will and new friend Chester follow his trail into an underground city, the Colony. Will's fascination quickly gives way to dread, as the boys discover the Colony is peopled by xenophobic zealots and policed by the Styx, cruel magical despots. Will is determined to rescue Chester, and his quest leads him up against gruesome cruelties and startling betrayals. Dense but exciting. (Fantasy. 10-12)

Gr 5-9-Pale, stocky Will Burrows, 14, never felt that he belonged at school or at home. In his predominantly self-absorbed family, Will's younger sister, meticulous Rebecca, maintains the house while Mrs. Burrows languishes in front of the TV and stereotypically scattered Dr. Burrows is preoccupied with archaeological paraphernalia. Will is happiest in tunnels he excavates beneath town with the help of friend, and fellow outcast, Chester. Though he and his father share a mutual obsession with archaeology, they separately engage in secret digs and both unearth "The Colony," a dangerous society hidden since the 1700s in an impressive network of tunnels and caverns. Its people have their own theology, social hierarchy, and a disdainful superiority complex. The Colonists and Styx (the more powerful, arrogant, malicious class) fear and revile "Topsoilers," lying in wait for their destruction. Revolutionary, "Topsoil"-friendly thinkers exist but most of the people fall in line in this grimy, Dickensian society. Although the story is slow to start, once Dr. Burrows disappears and Will (with Chester) stumbles into the Colony's perilous outpost, the pace of the adventure picks up. Readers will root for loyal, impetuous, overwhelmed Will as he discovers his roots, faces betrayal, and struggles to save those he cares for. Purchase this for the intriguing plot (including a surprising twist) and subterranean settings. Several still-buried mysteries, fates unknown, and the final gripping chapters promise an anticipated sequel.-Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Meet fourteen-year-old Will Burrows, who certainly lives up to his name. He loves to burrow underground, digging tunnels on archaeological expeditions beneath London with his museum curator father. When his father mysteriously disappears, Will sets out to find him, accompanied by Chester, his only friend from school. Their expedition underground leads to the discovery of a subterranean society, capture by the merciless Styx who control this underground world, painful interrogations, and the threat of banishment to the Deeps. But then, much to his surprise, Will is released to the "family" from which his real mother escaped, taking a very young Will topside with her. This father hates Will, but his younger brother worships him and wants to escape to the surface with him-one of Will's priorities. His other goals are finding his missing father, rescuing Chester, and surviving, especially after he discovers the identity of his real enemy. The nonstop action involves archaeological digs, tunnel exploration, sibling rivalry, missing parents, finding out who one really is, and so much more. Major characters are murdered, and evil appears to be in the ascendant, at least at the end of this book, which, in true cliffhanger style, is really just the beginning. This incredible debut fantasy is written by two authors who first met at college in London, have remained friends, and are now collaborating on a fantasy series that will have quest fans eagerly waiting for the next installment, Deeps, due out in 2009.-Bonnie Kunzel.