Dive into the shadowy depths of the Tunnels series, where a hidden world beneath our feet pulses with danger and discovery! This gripping young adult saga by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams follows fourteen-year-old Will Burrows, an aspiring archaeologist, as he unearths a sinister subterranean society. With its blend of adventure, mystery, and sci-fi, Tunnels captivates readers eager for a thrilling escape.
From its self-published roots to global bestseller status, this six-book series offers a claustrophobic yet exhilarating journey. Perfect for fans of dark fantasy and underground adventures, Tunnels invites you to explore a realm where secrets lurk in every tunnel.
How Tunnels Began
In 2005, Roderick Gordon, a former corporate financier, teamed up with his university friend Brian Williams to self-publish The Highfield Mole. Inspired by Gordon’s fascination with what lies beneath—sparked by rumors of a secret passage under his 16th-century home—the duo crafted a tale of subterranean intrigue. Their limited run of 2,500 copies sold out swiftly, catching the eye of Barry Cunningham, the publisher who launched Harry Potter. Retitled Tunnels and polished for a 2007 release, the book soared, launching a series translated into nearly forty languages.
The Heart of Tunnels
The series kicks off with Tunnels (2007), where Will Burrows and his friend Chester stumble upon The Colony, a hidden underground society ruled by the tyrannical Styx. As Will searches for his missing father, he uncovers dark secrets and a plot threatening the surface world. Deeper (2008) plunges Will further into the earth’s bowels, revealing the Styx’s genocidal scheme, Dominion. Freefall (2009) sends Will and Chester tumbling through a subterranean void, while Terminal (2013), the epic finale, ties together mysteries about the Styx’s origins and humanity’s fate.
Tunnels weaves themes of loyalty, identity, and survival against a gritty, claustrophobic backdrop. The series’ vivid subterranean settings—think dank tunnels and zero-gravity realms—pair with a dark, sometimes violent tone that pushes young adult boundaries. Will’s journey from loner to reluctant hero, alongside complex characters like the fierce Elliott, keeps readers hooked through twists and betrayals.
Why Tunnels Resonates
Tunnels carved a niche in young adult fiction with its bold take on subterranean fiction, echoing classics like Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Its intense pacing and shocking plot twists earned it a spot on The New York Times Bestseller List and a devoted fanbase. Despite a stalled film adaptation, the series’ imaginative world and unflinching stakes continue to inspire readers who crave adventure with a darker edge.
- Publication Years: 2007–2013
- Books: Six (Tunnels, Deeper, Freefall, Closer, Spiral, Terminal)
- Sales: Over one million copies worldwide
- Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Ready to unearth a thrilling adventure? Grab Tunnels and descend into a world where danger and wonder collide!