Deeper

I started Tunnels while on a long road trip with my kids. I found the story tediously slow to get anywhere, and when it did finally get somewhere, the wait wasn't worth it. I was intrigued enough by the concept of the underground world to give Deeper a try, but I am giving up without completing the book. This is something I rarely do, but I am finding it unbearable. The dialogue between the characters Will, Chester, and Cal is like listening to a bunch of whiny siblings arguing. Their conversation lacks substance and is just annoying. The character Sarah, Will's biological mother, is unbelievable. The speed with which she is willing to believe the worst of Will, and then decide she hates him, just doesn't seem true to a mother's heart. The fantasy world the authors have created is unremittingly dark and despondent. When I read a book I like to merge with the fantasy world while reading, and this is just not a place I want to be. I can enjoy a spell of wandering in the dark with characters I like, but I am finding the characters in this book all so unlikeable that I just don't want to continue.

The only reason I don't give this book 5 stars is that the writing sometimes lacks a coherent/intelligent edge. There's also PLENTY of editing and spelling errors in the Kindle edition. Neither is a dealbreaker, but they do "take me out of the story" if only for a brief period of time when it happens.

That said, I LOVE this series. The underground world is so perfectly visualized I find myself thinking about it quite often, even when I am not reading the books. I liked this one better than the first one (which had quite an epic *long* buildup before diving underground)..this one really gets moving. Since this is a 6 book series, I don't mind the extended periods spent in different locales. The authors spend lots of time going into great detail about everything, making it feel that much more immersive (or SUBmersive?)

I agree with most reviewers that these are not what I would consider typical "kids" books. There are some VERY tense moments, deaths, and themes of a dark nature that really tore at MY soul (and I am 44 years old). However, any mature kid can easily handle it - and the rewards are great. Think of it as a PG-13 movie...some kids can handle such movies better than others.

I am 100% committed to the series (halfway through book 3 and loving every minute of it). I am somewhat sad, as I will finish the current releases (up to book 5) in the next couple months and will have to wait a year for the final book. Gah!

I am so thankful that a friend mentioned this series to me in passing. It has it all - adventure, quirkiness, drama, mystery, death, brutality, suspense, plots within plots, and even tenderness. It really makes me feel inspired in ways I have not been in years (and I read all kinds of books, constantly). Reading it is a joy, and I find myself looking forward to each day's reading time with a bit of giddiness.

I like to think I have a spirit of adventure and discovery just like Will and his dad, and that this book is a secret world I have unearthed and cannot get enough of.

Great series for my son!

love this book

Great story- keep going

bought the series since he loved the first book

This book is a twist between reality and a fake world like Percy Jackson. Deeper is a long book but I wish it would be longer at times because it is a fun read. The biggest thing that makes it a good book is it hardly ever leaves you bored they seem to be in one type of trouble or another. this book is for all ages.

Can't wait for the next move and it is hard to put the book down. Well written for adults as well

It was too hard to follow and also keep track of characters. Not quite enough action and slow moving. Yep.

I don't know anything about this book other than my grandson loved it and wants me to order more if and when I can.