Liam is proud of the amazing work his engineer dad does. His latest project is a new railway tunnel being dug through a local mountain. The equipment and process is all fascinating to Liam, and many on the site like sharing their work with their bosses’ son.

The TBM or Tunnel Boring Machine is his favourite, working round the clock, controlled by a team of experts, boring a circular hole through rock millions of years old. His dad is well aware of the effect of the TBM and huge projects like this on the environment too. There is work being done behind the TBM as it continues to bore through the mountain, with replanting the native bush and not using explosives that will upset animals and their habitat.

But will Imogen Parkinson listen? Oh no. Imogen is Liam’s nemesis at school, undermining everything he said about his dad’s work with some environmental catastrophe at every turn. They argue their point in class at school, both becoming louder and angry at the other.

When Liam sees an opportunity to prove his point to Imogen, he grabs it, inviting her to come and look in the tunnel at the TBM and rockface, deep inside. He did have to ‘borrow’ his father’s keys to the perimeter fencing and his parents think he is hanging out with his best friend Noah, but he and Imogen are finally standing in the tunnel.

Little does Liam know, Imogen has her own ideas for being there, and he’s shocked when he learns the truth. But soon, none of that matters, as the ground begins to rumble and the tunnel begins to shudder.

In seconds they are deep within the mountain with no way out, and no-one knowing they are there. Can they put their differences aside and work together? Liam knows about cave ins from hearing of cases all over the world. But some of those people were there for weeks, and some never came out at all…

A gripping story of survival, trapped in the dark, kilometres underground. David Hill knows his characters well, with Liam the key voice in this tale. Although set in New Zealand, the setting could be anywhere in the world. The disaster happens very early in the novel and I did wonder how the author was going to keep the tension up throughout the story.

I shouldn’t have worried. In fact, as the novel progresses the tension rachets up further and faster until I could almost feel the swiftly rising water up my own body as I read.

I enjoyed the storyline of the rivalry between the classmates and appreciated the fact that they aren’t bosom pals after experiencing such a traumatic event together, but have come to understand the other side of their argument instead. Thus allowing a possible friendship afterwards.  

A master storyteller of over 40 novels for children and teens, David Hill never disappoints. Although I’ve indicated 10+ readership, young teens will also enjoy this riveting read.

Author – David Hill

Age – 10+

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(2023, Penguin Books NZ, New Zealand, Tunneling, Engineer, Rivalry, Survival, Mountain, Cave-in, Courage, Cooperation, Fear, Thrilling, Tension)