Tunnels by Roderick Gordon 472 pages 9780439871778

Will and his father share an interest in tunnels. When his father disappears, he and his friend, Chester follow his trail and discover an underground city, the Colony.Its people have their own theology, social hierarchy, and a cruel attitude of superiority. The Colonists and Styx (the more powerful, arrogant, malicious class) fear and revile "Topsoilers," This fantasy combines archaeology, political theory and gore. Gordon has created a complex society. This is the first of a four star adventurous trilogy.