Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Mysterious, Adventurous, Dark, Suspenseful
- Read it if
- You love adventure stories with intricate world-building, secret societies, and a blend of mystery, fantasy, and sci-fi, especially if you enjoy books where young protagonists uncover hidden worlds.
- Skip it if
- You prefer realistic fiction, dislike cliffhangers, or are not keen on stories with dark undertones and elements of dystopian societies.
Tunnels Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Peculiar Family and a Mysterious Disappearance
Fourteen-year-old Will Burrows lives in London with his unusual family. He feels like an outsider because of his pale skin and albinism, unlike his dark-haired parents and sister, Rebecca. His only shared interest with his father, Dr. Burrows, is archaeology. One day, Dr. Burrows disappears from his secret excavation site. Will and his friend Chester Rawls decide to investigate the site themselves. They find a hidden tunnel entrance under an abandoned house. Will goes into the darkness to find his father, with Chester reluctantly following. This is the start of their journey into the unknown.
Descent into the Deeper Earth
Will and Chester go down a long, winding shaft and reach a large, old tunnel system. They find signs of advanced, but old, technology, including a strong light source and air with a strange, organic smell. They find underground chambers and passages, some natural, some clearly man-made. The deeper they go, the warmer the air gets, and it carries a distinct, earthy smell. They find strange, glowing fungi and other unique plants. Their journey is full of unknowns, as they realize they are far beneath the surface, in a world completely new to them.
The Discovery of the Colony
After going through the tunnels, Will and Chester find a huge, cavernous space lit by artificial suns – the Colony. This underground city is a sprawling place, appearing frozen in the Victorian era, with gas lamps, horse-drawn carriages, and people in 19th-century clothes. The boys are surprised by the size and old-fashioned nature of the place. They quickly realize they are in a hidden society that has existed under London for over a century, cut off from the surface world. Their initial wonder soon turns to worry as they try to blend in and understand this new, confusing environment.
A Glimpse of the Styx and a Rescue Attempt
While exploring the Colony, Will and Chester see the harsh life of its people, especially their fear of the Styx, the ruling class. The Styx are pale, thin people who control everything and punish disagreement severely. The boys' attempt to stay unnoticed does not last long. They meet a mysterious man who calls himself 'Uncle Joe,' claiming to be Will's mother's brother and offering help. Uncle Joe is a Styx member, but he seems to be working against them, subtly guiding Will and Chester and giving them information about the Colony and Will's father, who is imprisoned by the Styx.
The Truth About Will's Heritage
Uncle Joe tells Will a surprising truth: he is not Dr. Burrows's son. Will is a Styx, born underground, and was smuggled to the surface as a baby and adopted by the Burrows family. His pale skin and albinism are typical Styx traits. This news changes how Will sees himself. Uncle Joe explains that Dr. Burrows was captured because his archaeological work led him too close to Styx secrets, specifically the location of the 'Deepers' – an older, more mysterious civilization deeper under the earth. The Styx want Dr. Burrows's knowledge to get into these deeper tunnels.
Escape and Capture
With Uncle Joe's help, Will and Chester plan to rescue Dr. Burrows from the Styx prison. They get into the heavily guarded facility, using their knowledge of the tunnels and some clever tricks. However, their escape does not work. The Styx, led by Rebecca (who is Will's actual sister and a high-ranking Styx officer, sent to the surface to get him), anticipate their moves. Will, Chester, and Dr. Burrows are captured. This confrontation shows Rebecca's loyalty to the Styx and her cold nature, leaving Will upset by the betrayal.
Imprisonment and a New Ally
Will is separated from Chester and put in a cold, damp cell with his father, Dr. Burrows. Here, Will learns more about his father's discoveries and his refusal to help the Styx. They also meet Cal, a young boy imprisoned by the Styx for a long time. Cal is clever and resourceful, giving Will and his father valuable information about the prison's layout and the Styx's operations. Despite the bad situation, Will and Cal form a bond, offering some hope. Cal's knowledge of the tunnels and the Colony is very helpful.
Chester's Plight and the Styx's Schemes
Meanwhile, Chester is not imprisoned but forced into slave labor in the Styx-controlled mines. He experiences the harsh life of the Colony's lower class. He sees the Styx's constant search for the deeper tunnels, realizing the power and resources they are using for this goal. The Styx believe that getting into the Deeper Earth will give them great power or resources, and Dr. Burrows's knowledge is important to their plans. Chester, though separate from Will, observes the Styx's true goals and their growing need to enter the Deeper Earth.
A Daring Escape and the Deeper Earth
Using Cal's knowledge of the prison and tunnels, Will and Dr. Burrows plan an escape. They overpower their guards and navigate the complex underground passages. Their goal is not to return to the surface, but to go deeper into the earth, towards the Deeper Earth, a place of old power and mystery that even the Styx fear. Dr. Burrows believes the answers to Will's heritage and the Styx's origins are there. This escape changes their situation from being captives to actively seeking truth and survival.
Confrontation and a Glimmer of Hope
Will, Dr. Burrows, and Cal eventually face Rebecca and the Styx forces as they are about to enter the Deeper Earth. A tense confrontation happens, during which Rebecca's dedication to the Styx cause and her relationship with Will are explored. The Styx's need to get into the Deeper Earth becomes clear, as does the danger of disturbing it. The book ends with Will and his companions facing an uncertain future, having escaped the Styx and on the edge of an even greater mystery, with the chance of learning more about Will's true family and the secrets of the Deeper Earth.
Principal Figures
Will Burrows
Protagonist
A pale, albino teenager seeking his father and his true identity.
Will is a fourteen-year-old boy who feels like an outcast in his own family due to his unique albino appearance. His passion for archaeology, shared only with his father, drives him. He is intelligent, curious, and possesses a strong moral compass. Upon discovering he is a Styx, adopted by surface dwellers, he grapples with a profound identity crisis, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself and his family. His journey is one of self-discovery, courage, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds and betrayal.
Relationships: Dr. Burrows (Adopted father, shared passion for archaeology, strong bond); Chester Rawls (Best friend, loyal companion); Rebecca Burrows (Adopted sister, later revealed as biological sister and Styx antagonist); Uncle Joe (Biological uncle, Styx, initially helpful but complex motives); Cal (Fellow captive, becomes a trusted ally and friend)
Dr. Burrows
Supporting
Will's eccentric, brilliant archaeologist father, held captive by the Styx.
Dr. Burrows is Will's adopted father, a brilliant but eccentric archaeologist whose obsessive digging leads him to discover the entrance to the Colony. He is a loving father, deeply protective of Will, and possesses a strong sense of integrity, refusing to cooperate with the Styx despite imprisonment. His archaeological knowledge is what the Styx covet, as he holds the key to the Deeper Earth. He is resourceful and determined, constantly seeking to understand the mysteries beneath the surface, which ultimately puts him and his family in danger.
Relationships: Will Burrows (Adopted son, shared passion, strong paternal bond); Rebecca Burrows (Adopted daughter, later revealed as Styx antagonist)
Chester Rawls
Supporting
Will's loyal best friend, reluctantly drawn into the underground world.
Chester is Will's best friend, a more pragmatic and often fearful individual compared to Will. Despite his initial reluctance and fear, he remains fiercely loyal to Will, following him into the unknown depths beneath London. He provides comic relief and a grounded perspective, often questioning the outlandish events they encounter. His experiences in the Colony, particularly his forced labor, open his eyes to the harsh realities of the underground world and the cruelty of the Styx.
Relationships: Will Burrows (Best friend, loyal companion)
Rebecca Burrows
Antagonist
Will's adopted sister, revealed to be a ruthless Styx officer and his biological sister.
Initially presented as Will's adopted sister, Rebecca is later revealed to be a high-ranking Styx officer and Will's biological sister. She was sent to the surface to monitor and eventually retrieve Will. She is cold, calculating, and utterly devoted to the Styx cause, showing no remorse in her actions. Her betrayal is a significant shock to Will, highlighting the deep-seated divisions and secrets within the Styx society. She represents the formidable power and ruthless efficiency of the Styx.
Relationships: Will Burrows (Adopted brother, biological brother, antagonist); Dr. Burrows (Adopted father)
Uncle Joe
Supporting
Will's mysterious biological uncle, a Styx with ambiguous motives.
Uncle Joe is a mysterious figure who appears to help Will and Chester in the Colony. He claims to be Will's mother's brother and reveals that Will is a Styx. While he provides crucial information and assistance, his motives remain somewhat ambiguous, suggesting he might be playing a deeper game within the Styx hierarchy or for his own survival. He is knowledgeable about the Colony and the Styx's operations, acting as a guide and informant for Will, but his loyalty is always questionable.
Relationships: Will Burrows (Biological uncle, informant with complex motives)
Cal
Supporting
A resourceful boy imprisoned by the Styx, who becomes Will's ally.
Cal is a young, resourceful boy who has been imprisoned by the Styx. He is street-smart and possesses an intimate knowledge of the prison and the surrounding tunnels, having spent a significant amount of time underground. He quickly forms a bond with Will and Dr. Burrows, becoming a crucial ally in their escape. His resilience and practical skills are invaluable, and he represents the innocent victims of the Styx's oppressive rule.
Relationships: Will Burrows (Fellow captive, becomes a trusted ally and friend); Dr. Burrows (Fellow captive, ally)
The Styx
Antagonist
The pale, ruthless ruling class of the Colony.
The Styx are the oppressive, pale-skinned ruling class of the Colony. They maintain strict control over the inhabitants, enforcing severe punishments and exploiting them for labor. They are obsessed with finding the Deeper Earth, believing it holds immense power or resources. Their cold, calculating nature and their willingness to betray their own (as seen with Will and Rebecca) make them formidable antagonists. They represent themes of totalitarianism, scientific hubris, and the dark side of ambition.
Relationships: Will Burrows (Biological family, but also antagonists); Rebecca Burrows (High-ranking member); Uncle Joe (Member with ambiguous loyalties)
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Discovery
Will's journey is about finding out who he is. His albinism makes him feel different in his surface family, and this feeling grows when he learns he is a Styx, adopted by surface dwellers. This news makes him face his true origins and question his place in the world, leading to a new understanding of himself. He deals with feeling 'other' and what it means to be part of a ruthless underground society.
“He was a Styx. He had been born down here, in the cold, dark earth, not up there in the sun and rain.”
Family and Belonging
Family is a central idea, shown through Will's relationships. He feels disconnected from his adopted surface family (except his father) and then faces betrayal from his adopted sister, Rebecca, who is his biological Styx sister and an enemy. His bond with his adopted father, Dr. Burrows, stays strong, showing that family is about love and loyalty, not just blood. He also forms a new family with Chester and Cal, highlighting the search for belonging.
“He had always felt different, but now he knew why. He was a stranger in his own home, a creature of the dark brought into the light.”
Oppression and Revolution
The Colony is a society controlled by the Styx, a ruthless ruling class. The people live in fear and are used for labor, as seen with Chester's forced work. The strict social order and the Styx's control create a strong sense of unfairness. Will's arrival and the Styx's actions accidentally start the possibility of rebellion, as his fight for freedom could begin a wider uprising against the current system.
“The Styx ruled with an iron fist, their power absolute, their punishments swift and brutal.”
Exploration and the Unknown
The whole book is about exploration – both physical and internal. Will and Dr. Burrows are driven by curiosity about what is beneath the earth. Their trip into the tunnels and the discovery of the Colony, and then the search for the Deeper Earth, show humanity's natural drive to explore the unknown and push limits. This theme is connected to the dangers and wonders that such exploration brings, constantly challenging the characters' ideas about their world.
“There was a whole world beneath their feet, teeming with secrets and dangers, waiting to be discovered.”
Technology vs. Nature
The book compares the advanced, but decaying, technology of the Colony with the raw, untamed nature of the deeper, older tunnels and the promise of the Deeper Earth. The Styx use their technology to maintain control, while the natural, organic parts of the underground world hold old secrets and unknown powers. This shows a tension between human attempts to control nature and the power and mystery of the natural world beyond their reach.
“The Colony was a marvel of engineering, a city built against nature, yet the earth still breathed around it, a constant, silent reminder of its power.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Colony
A subterranean Victorian-era city, hidden beneath London.
The Colony serves as a major setting and a central plot device. It is a vast, anachronistic underground city, frozen in a Victorian aesthetic, that has existed for over a century, completely unknown to the surface world. Its existence drives much of the mystery and conflict, acting as both a prison and a catalyst for Will's journey. It symbolizes a society trapped in time, governed by harsh rules, and provides the backdrop for the Styx's oppressive rule and the struggle for survival.
The Deeper Earth
An ancient, mysterious realm beneath the Colony, sought by the Styx.
The Deeper Earth functions as the ultimate MacGuffin and a symbol of the unknown. It is an even more profound and ancient subterranean realm, rumored to hold immense power or secrets. The Styx are obsessed with accessing it, believing it will grant them ultimate control, driving much of their actions and the plot's forward momentum. For Will and Dr. Burrows, it represents the potential source of answers about Will's origins and the ultimate truth of the underground world, a place of both immense danger and potential revelation.
Will's Albinism
A physical trait that signifies Will's true heritage and 'otherness'.
Will's albinism is a crucial plot device, initially marking him as different in his surface family and later revealed as a key indicator of his Styx heritage. It serves as a visual metaphor for his 'otherness' and his struggle with identity. This physical characteristic directly links him to the Styx, making his discovery of his true parentage more impactful and providing a tangible connection to the underground world, even before he descends into it.
The Tunnels
An intricate network of passages connecting the surface to the Colony and beyond.
The tunnels are more than just pathways; they are a character in themselves, a complex labyrinth that both connects and separates worlds. They represent the journey into the unknown, the passage between different realities, and the challenges faced by the characters. The design and nature of the tunnels – some ancient and natural, others man-made and technologically advanced – reflect the different civilizations and mysteries hidden beneath the earth. Navigating them requires skill, courage, and often, luck.
Tunnels Quotes
“The world is full of secrets, and some of them are buried deep.”
“Sometimes the most ordinary things hide the most extraordinary truths.”
“Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it.”
“The past has a way of reaching into the present, whether we want it to or not.”
“Not all treasure is gold; sometimes it's knowledge.”
“In the darkness, you learn who you really are.”
“Every tunnel has an end, but not every journey does.”
“The earth remembers what we forget.”
“Trust is the light in the darkest places.”
“Curiosity is a compass that points to danger as often as discovery.”
“Home isn't always a place; sometimes it's the people you're with.”
“The deepest tunnels are the ones we dig within ourselves.”
“Fear of the unknown is the first obstacle to overcome.”
“Some doors are meant to stay closed, but once opened, they change everything.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the primary passion that 14-year-old Will Burrows shares with his father?
- Collecting rare books
- Archaeological excavation
- Astronomy and stargazing
- Painting and art restoration
Show answer
B. Archaeological excavation In 'Tunnels,' Will and his eccentric father bond over their shared interest in archaeological excavation, which drives the plot when Will investigates his father's disappearance.
Question 2
What is the name of the subterranean society that Will discovers beneath the surface?
- The Underground
- The Burrowers
- The Colony
- The Depths
Show answer
C. The Colony Will unearths 'The Colony,' a hidden society that has existed unchanged for a century, which is central to the book's mystery and conflict.
Question 3
Who rules over the Colony with a merciless grip?
- The Elders
- The Burrows Family
- The Styx
- The Guardians
Show answer
C. The Styx The Styx are the ruthless overclass that control the Colony, creating tension and driving Will's mission to free his father and potentially spark a revolution.
Question 4
Why does Will begin investigating his father's disappearance?
- He is forced by the police to help with the case
- He discovers a hidden map in his father's study
- He is compelled by their shared passion and lack of answers
- He receives a mysterious message from an anonymous source
Show answer
C. He is compelled by their shared passion and lack of answers Will's investigation is motivated by his bond with his father and their mutual interest in archaeology, as he seeks the truth behind the mysterious vanishing.
Question 5
How is the Colony described in terms of its relationship to time?
- It is a futuristic society with advanced technology
- It is a benign time capsule of a bygone era
- It has existed unchanged for a century, but is not benign
- It changes rapidly with each generation
Show answer
C. It has existed unchanged for a century, but is not benign The Colony is depicted as a society frozen in time for a hundred years, yet it harbors dark secrets under the Styx's rule, making it more than just a historical relic.
Question 6
What major conflict does Will potentially ignite by trying to free his father?
- A war between two surface factions
- A revolution in the Colony
- A family feud with his relatives
- A scientific debate about archaeology
Show answer
B. A revolution in the Colony Will's actions threaten to disrupt the Styx's control, potentially sparking a revolution in the Colony as he challenges their authority.
Question 7
Which of the following best describes Will's family at the start of the book?
- Close-knit and supportive of his interests
- Strange and dysfunctional, with little in common
- Wealthy and influential in their community
- Completely absent, leaving him orphaned
Show answer
B. Strange and dysfunctional, with little in common Will's family is portrayed as eccentric and dysfunctional, highlighting his isolation and the special bond he shares only with his father.
Question 8
What makes the Colony particularly dangerous for Will?
- It is filled with wild animals and natural hazards
- It is ruled by the Styx, a merciless overclass
- It is collapsing due to geological instability
- It is guarded by automated security systems
Show answer
B. It is ruled by the Styx, a merciless overclass The Styx's ruthless rule poses the primary threat, as they enforce control over the Colony, making Will's rescue mission perilous.
Question 9
In what way does the book blend genres as indicated in its description?
- It combines historical fiction with romance
- It mixes fantasy, mystery, and science fiction elements
- It focuses solely on adventure without other genres
- It is primarily a horror story with supernatural themes
Show answer
B. It mixes fantasy, mystery, and science fiction elements 'Tunnels' integrates fantasy (the hidden Colony), mystery (the father's disappearance), and science fiction (subterranean society concepts), appealing to a young adult audience.
Question 10
What overarching theme is suggested by Will's journey from a dysfunctional family to uncovering a hidden society?
- The importance of academic success in shaping identity
- The discovery of truth and challenge against oppression
- The value of technological innovation in solving problems
- The necessity of conforming to societal norms
Show answer
B. The discovery of truth and challenge against oppression Will's quest highlights themes of uncovering hidden truths and resisting oppressive forces, as he moves from personal mystery to broader societal conflict in the Colony.
Tunnels FAQ
What is 'Tunnels' about?
'Tunnels' follows 14-year-old Will Burrows, an amateur archaeologist who discovers a hidden subterranean society called the Colony while searching for his missing father. The Colony is ruled by the oppressive Styx, and Will must navigate this dangerous underground world to rescue his father and potentially spark a rebellion.
Why should I read 'Tunnels'?
The book offers a thrilling blend of mystery, adventure, and fantasy with its unique underground setting and high-stakes plot. Will's journey from a misfit in his own family to a key figure in a hidden society makes for compelling character development and suspenseful storytelling.
What is the background/setting of 'Tunnels'?
The story begins in modern-day England but quickly shifts to the Colony, a Victorian-era society hidden deep underground that has remained isolated for over a century. This setting creates a stark contrast between the familiar surface world and the archaic, oppressive underground realm.
What are the most memorable quotes?
Key quotes include Will's realization 'There are more things in heaven and earth... and under the earth' reflecting the book's themes of hidden worlds, and the Styx's chilling warning 'The Colony endures because we endure' highlighting their tyrannical control.
What writing style does the author use?
Roderick Gordon employs a fast-paced, descriptive style with vivid imagery of underground environments and tense action sequences. The narrative balances Will's first-person perspective with third-person omniscient views of the Colony's society.
What minor details add significant meaning?
Will's archaeological tools and his father's notebooks become crucial for navigating the Colony, symbolizing how their surface-world knowledge gives them an edge underground. The Victorian-era technology in the Colony subtly shows how stagnant their society has become.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
Early mentions of Will's father's 'strange excavations' and mysterious disappearances hint at the underground world. The Burrows family's dysfunction and isolation foreshadow Will's ability to adapt to the alien Colony society.
What unexpected character connections exist?
Will discovers that some Colony inhabitants have surface-world origins, creating unexpected alliances. His friendship with Chester, another outsider, becomes vital, showing how marginalized characters from both worlds can unite against oppression.
What are unspoken character motivations?
Will's drive to find his father masks a deeper need to prove himself and escape his dysfunctional family. The Styx's brutal rule stems from fear of surface-world contamination and losing their privileged status in the Colony's rigid hierarchy.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
Will grapples with conflicting loyalties between his surface life and new underground connections. Colony citizens show Stockholm syndrome-like attachment to their oppressors, while the Styx display paranoia about maintaining control through generational indoctrination.
What are the major emotional turning points?
Will's discovery of the Colony shifts from wonder to horror as he witnesses Styx brutality. His decision to help Colony rebels marks a transition from passive search to active rebellion. The climax where he must choose between immediate escape or fighting for larger freedom creates intense emotional stakes.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
Will's bond with his father transforms from shared hobby to life-saving mission. His surface friendships pale against the life-or-death alliances formed underground. The master-slave dynamic between Styx and Colonists gradually reveals cracks as rebellion brews.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The full origin of the Colony and how it remained hidden for centuries isn't fully explained. Will's ultimate decision about whether to return to the surface or stay in the Colony is left uncertain, setting up sequel possibilities.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
Will's willingness to risk surface-world exposure of the Colony divides readers on whether he's heroic or reckless. The Styx's brutal punishments raise questions about whether their extreme methods are necessary for the Colony's survival or purely tyrannical.
'Tunnels' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The ending sees Will surviving the Colony but with his father's fate unclear and the Styx still in power. This suggests the rebellion is just beginning, with Will positioned as a potential revolutionary leader bridging two worlds. The unresolved tension sets up ongoing conflict in the series.
About the author
Roderick Gordon is a British author known for his work in fiction, particularly in the young adult genre. He is best known for the "Tunnels" series, which includes the titles "Tunnels," "Freefall," and "Deeper." These novels explore themes of adventure and discovery in subterranean settings.
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