Just Finished Reading...

Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams.

I gave this book 3 stars on Goodreads. I wanted to like it but it was such a drudge to read for a good part of the story. Many complaints take away from those few adventurous, heart-pounding scenes. The book starts out slow and follows mainly Dr. Burrows, who has been investigating a mysterious orb, air shafts, and curious-looking men in sunglasses who seem to be following him. In the next moment (okay, so this part drags on for some time), dad goes missing and son Will soon begins his own investigation with the help of his friend Chester, to find his missing father. Will and Chester eventually find themselves miles underground, in a dark subterranean colony, and become the recipients of harsh and terrifying treatment by the Styx, an odd, menacing group of underdwellers with some serious animosity for topsoilers. While things are bad for Will, Chester's luck is even worse. This poor boy only meant to help his friend and now he might die at the hands of the Styx, all thanks to Will. Does Will ever find his father? Uh no, you're supposed to read the next installment called Deeper and perhaps the third installment Freefall, to find that out.

My complaints for this book are far ranging. First off, the pacing is terrible. We are with Will for most of the story with one chapter devoted to Dr. Burrows after he's gone missing. The only purpose in the chapter, I'm assuming, is to let us know he's not dead, and not the least bit worried about the crumbled family he's left behind. Why is Will trying to find him again?

SPOILER ALERT***

Additionally, there is no real explanation as to what these powder white residents are doing underground. A trip by Will to their church is a thin attempt. And what really bugged me about the plot, a member of Will's family appears out of nowhere to reveal she has been living topsoil as a spy for the Styx and now wants no more pleasure than to kill Will. Why? Beats me. How does she remember her brethren from down under when she's been topsoil since a toddler? Another good question not explained. Especially since Will has no recollection of ever living underground. The authors also leave the whereabouts of Will's real mother in the dark.

Spoiler Alert Averted - All Clear

This book was made obviously for the intention of mass marketing, a movie in production, and to have a taste of what other successful authors, such as JK Rowling and Rick Riordan, are experiencing. I don't believe the actual story was their priority.

Final word: Some of my more patient boys will enjoy this book and I will recommend it to them when they've run out of adventure/fantasy series to read. Otherwise, it's not going on my list of suggested reading.