The Tunnels Below was a quite imaginative and eccentric story that gave a Neil Gaiman/ Alice in Wonderland vibe. The plot was eventful, fast paced but nothing too unique. It was the classic 'saving the fantasy world and finding a way to return to the normal world' kind of story. I've read quite a few books similar to this so it wasn't anything new for me. The world building, however, was fantastic. I loved the way it was strange yet had a mystical feel. The main character was a feisty science lover so that was a big yes from me! The only thing that fell flat was the plot. I was stuck at 65%, wondering why I was reading on as it was quite predictable but I made it through. It got a bit boring at places but maybe that was just me.
Overall I enjoyed the world and character and I give it a 3.5* rounded up to 4*.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the E-arc!

rating: 4.4

a really fast explanation: it's very cute, it was fast and it had some really interesting moments that I loved to read

and I want to thank Netgalley for givin me an e-ARC of this book.

3.5/5 stars

🐻 Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-arc!


✨Cute but fast middle grade

The Tunnels Below by Nadine Wild-Palmer is an imaginative and unique adventure story with a fast-paced plot, a creative range of characters and a big problem to solve. This book is a great read for primary school-aged children, as well as younger teens.

Set in a complex and slightly bizarre world placed just below the London Underground, The Tunnels Below shines in both its interesting world-building and its cast of intriguing and distinctive characters. While I initially struggled to get into the story, I was soon completely sucked into the story as I wondered exactly what kind of world Cecilia had ended up in and how she was going to get home. Even as an adult reader I was kept guessing by the numerous plot twists, and found the issues Cecilia and her new friends faced both complex and inventive.

Despite being a plot-focused story, Wild-Palmer manages to develop her characters in equally compelling ways. Cecilia is a great main character: brave, determined, and resourceful. I enjoyed the nuances and depth she was given, and the variety in the way she related to different characters, particularly the development of her friendship with Luke and the very realistic relationship she had with her younger sister.

The world of the tunnels has many incredibly unique elements, and I loved the vivid descriptions of the dwellers and their unusual ways. Wild-Palmer’s descriptive skills allow her to create a strong picture of even the strangest of scenes. One of my favourites was the remarkable descriptions at Mrs Hoots Haberdashery, especially Cecilia’s dress made up of scraps of lace and tin foil.

Overall, this book has all the elements needed in a fast-paced adventure story, as well as some heart-warming moments of friendship. There is an Alice in Wonderland flavour, without quite so much nonsense. The writing was clear and simple, but with exciting and interesting content - perfect for kids regardless of reading level.

Wow, this was definitely different from what I was expecting, but in a good way! Reminded me of Alice In Wonderland (my favourite childhood story) but with its own unique twist. Would definitely recommend!

Thank you Netgalley and Pushkin Children's Books for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I expected a different kind of story just by interpreting its cover, but I didn't know the story itself could be more amazing than what I thought of initially. It's a fast-paced, exuberant storyline and a whole of adventures to take in accompanied with strings of wisdom words that can teach us how to adapt ourselves in changing environments. What I can say is, when I was reading this book, I was reminded of Alice in Wonderland because of how eccentric, bizarre its journey is but at the same time wonderfully crafted for life-learning lessons.

It's all started when Cecilia Hudson, a 12 years-old-girl, who's supposed to spend her birthday trip with her family but then a commotion befalls her that she's suddenly transferred to another world, the tunnels under the train station, in which its world-building is significantly different to the world she's living in. The transmigration is stemmed from her recent gift given by her lovely 8 years-old sister, Hester - the mysterious marble. The marble has an inkling of how and why Cecelia being in the magical realm.

The inhabitants inside this magical realm are called dwellers, they come out in many forms of animal-faced but exuding human attributes. To be precise, they're human-sized animals. They can speak, sing, eat, play some jokes, in short, they can do everything that humans can do, you name it. In Cecilia's journey, she has met a number of human-sized animals ranging from the one who has met her first, called Kuffi, a six-foot-two fox-faced man, Luke; a stag-faced boy who seems in her age and always gets on her nerves but finally intertwining a long-lasting friendship with her all the way, and many more; feline, birds, chimpanzee, etc. There are also a few dwellers who can make flavours by singing. In this world, the term 'hear' is deemed as 'taste'. That's mean any form of musical instruments is imbued with food references such as the fruitolin player (violin player), flutsical (trombone), and marsh-cello (you guys guess!). Kuffi doesn't know what piano is XD.

The conflict is unveiled when Kuffi is in the hands of the evil community lead by a magpie-faced named Jacques d'Or. Jacques d'Or has something up his sleeve, planning to exploit the goodness of the dwellers for his own benefit. Plotwise! I would say the execution of the story is clean. The story doesn't feel like dragging and It does keep me on my toes because I'm looking forward to seeing how Cecilia would be able to return to her home. And thank goodness, the ending is satisfying, a star for that.

What falls short to me that since this is written from the omniscient view, I couldn't relate with the characters. Suffice to say, it's a plot-driven story. However, the author successfully delivers her story through classical yet easy to digest writing and her imagination that can bring us beyond the mundane existence. I also have a soft spot for a heartwarming story about family and this book nails it. To wind up, The Tunnels Below has taught me that in order to cope with changing environments is to accept the circumstances you're in for in order to move forward. I think this message can be applied in our daily lives especially for those who haven't found a sense of belonging they truly desire. Do I recommend this book? A big yes.

This was a wild ride. I want to say Alice in Wonderland or The Wizard of Oz with a Tim Burton twist. Cecilia and her family go out to celebrate her 12th birthday. A special marble her sister gave her falls. As she runs to catch it, she ends up down a mysterious and pretty magical tunnel. She meets all sorts of interesting characters, but she does need to get home. I think older elementary grade children would love this adventure! You just want to know what is going to happen next. It was very easy to read in one sitting for me. Great for those who like adventure and imagination!
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a nice adventure story for children. I really liked the main character, the story, the side characters and the messages given in the book.
I'd say it'd be cheering and encouraging for a child to read.
Thanks a lot, NG and the publisher for this copy.

Fantasy: girl follows dropped marble onto subway that takes her deep underground, where she discovers a fantastical world: animal- like creatures dressed as humans who have no knowledge of what is above ground, and a plot that threatens her community back on the surface.
Debut author, British, so some vocabulary unfamiliar to US readers. Extremely detailed, with rich language, but a bit helter skelter, rushing from one odd thing to the next. The world building is rapid, with not enough time to assimilate, to settle in and become a part of it, so you stay as an observer instead of a participant.

This is a cute little story - I'd say it's like a more light-hearted - child friendly - version of Neil Gaiman's Neverworld. We follow twelve year old Olivia who accidentally gets on a train that takes her to another world filled with weird and fantastic creatures. She sets out to find her way home with the help of some of the people she meets on the way.

I did like the fantastical elements – this is just the sort of thing you hoped would happen to you when you were twelve (and later on too…). Just to experience adventures and trusting yourself as Cecilia has to do in this world where some things are the same but some things are not, and where you can be the hero of your own story and be important. That’s a good message to children.