Short description
Will Burrows has little in common with his family except for a passion for digging which he shares with his father. When his father disappears down an unknown tunnel, Will decides to investigate with his friend. Soon they find themselves deep underground, where they unearth a terrifying secret - a secret which may cost them their lives.
Long description
Fourteen-year-old Will Burrows lives with his family in London. He has little in common with them except for a passion for digging which he shares with his father. When his father suddenly disappears down an unknown tunnel, Will decides to investigate with his friend Chester. Soon they find themselves deep underground, where they unearth a dark and terrifying secret - a secret which may cost them their lives.
Review
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) (Kirkus Reviews)