The Tunnels Below
by Nadine Wild-Palmer
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Pub Date 23 Feb 2021 | Archive Date 3 Jan 2021
Pushkin Press | Pushkin Children's Books
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Description
On her twelfth birthday Cecilia goes out with her parents and sister to celebrate with a visit to a museum. On their way Cecilia drops the marble that her sister gave her as a present, and running to pick it up she is taken away on an empty underground train into a dark and deep tunnel. The fun family outing becomes a much more serious mission when Cecilia finds that she and her marble have a very important role to play in freeing the inhabitants of the tunnels from the tyrannical rule of the Corvus.
A truly inventive, clever and magical story about the power of friendship and the importance of self-belief by debut novelist Nadine Wild-Palmer.
Advance Praise
"This is an impressive debut by Nadine Wild-Palmer... She has a tremendous imagination - I loved meeting the weird and wonderful creatures in this fantasy land" - Alex O'Connell, The Times, Children's Book of the Week
"This hugely imaginative debut, with a brilliantly resourceful heroine, is one to look out for" - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
"A zippy and captivating read, full of cliffhanger chapter endings and inventive fantasy elements. Reminiscent of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Cecilia is pulled into a dreamlike world, with quirky twists and turns round every corner."
"A crazy adventure that skirts scary but is full of beautiful moments" - Khadija Osma, Scoop Magazine
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781782692232 |
| PRICE | US$12.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 256 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Pam S, Reviewer
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.
Mia.pia.reads M, Reviewer
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.
Beckee S, Reviewer
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!
Gillian H, Reviewer
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.
Sebas R, Reviewer
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.
Rohini P, Reviewer
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!
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