The Tunnels Beneath

The Aldoran Chronicles #4

by Michael Wisehart

The award-winning epic fantasy series continues with this fourth volume of The Aldoran Chronicles saga.

AYRION
Everything Ayrion has ever believed about his people is brought into question as an inconceivable heritage dating back millennia is revealed. Sent by the wizard Nyalis, Ayrion is tasked with not only returning to the Lost City—the one place that had forsaken him—but convincing his people to abandon who they are and leaving the only home they've ever known.

ADARRA
With the possibility of an impending Tallosian invasion, Adarra finds herself whisked away in the middle of the night to join the ambassadorial team as they attempt to establish a dialogue between her people and the savage Northmen. Aboard a ship full of Sidaran Lancers, she sets sail for the Isle of Tallos, a place so hostile that only the bravest, or most foolish, dare venture.

TY
After the return of the ancient wizard school of Aero'set, Ty and his companions begin to explore. Unfortunately, they find the city just as deadly as it is beautiful, and without anyone there to keep them in check, they once again find themselves in a battle for their lives.

FERRIN
With the threat of Sylas's pursuit behind them, Ferrin and his companions leave Rhowynn and head east toward Sidara. An old promise to a cellmate has him traveling to Easthaven to find Azriel's son. However, they barely make it out of Keldor when fate intervenes, and Ferrin and his companions find themselves heading in the opposite direction. For someone whose first instinct is to run and hide, Ferrin finds himself abandoning all reason as he risks all of their lives to defeat an enemy no one even believes to be real.

Street Rats of Aramoor
Book 1: Banished
Book 2: Hurricane
Book 3: Rockslide
Book 4: Sandstorm
Book 5: Wildfire
Book 6: Avalanche

The Aldoran Chronicles
Book 1: The White Tower
Book 2: Plague of Shadows
Book 3: The Four-Part Key
Book 4: The Tunnels Beneath

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic

824 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2022

About the author

LATEST RELEASES:

1. The Tunnels Beneath (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 4) Releasing December 6th, 2022 on ebook and paperback.

2. Wildfire (Street Rats of Aramoor: Book 5) on Pre-Order. It releases April 5th on ebook.

3. The Four-Part Key (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 3) Released October 5th, 2021 on ebook.

For more information on my work, visit: https://michaelwisehart.com/

If you're interested in signed copies of my books or collecting in-world merchandise, feel free to stop by Aramoor Market: https://store.michaelwisehart.com/

I don't spend a lot of time writing blog posts, but I do spend a good deal of time keeping up with my readers on Facebook. Feel free to pop in and say hello: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWiseh...

Or if you prefer video: I've just opened a new YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCw...

ABOUT ME:
I graduated with honors in Business Accounting, but instead of pursuing this field, I returned to school to study film. I spent the next several years honing my visual craft, which I put to good use as I took what I’d learned behind the camera and applied it to the written word.

On April 14, 2014, I opened my laptop and began typing what would become two multiple award-winning series: The Aldoran Chronicles, and Street Rats of Aramoor (both set within the same world, but twenty years apart). By the time my second book released, I had quit my day job, walking away from production altogether, to pursue my writing career.

You can get The White Tower's FREE prequel: (Shackled) by copying and pasting this link in your browser: www.michaelwisehart.com/shackled-wt

Reviews

[Michael Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had high expectations of Mr. Wisehart since I started reading his books, and so far, every new edition to this series has met that expectation. This latest book has blown my mind. He has brought so many characters together, and the plot is super engaging. I get amused at myself when I startle at a frightening scene, or I find myself laughing aloud at the banter caused by the personalities of these people. The way the words are crafted in this story, this is more than a book with a story, this is a master storyteller recounting something they have lived through, and has experienced. Entertained is not the best phrase for what this book does, it is more of a wakening to another world, that is exiting, spectacular, dangerous, and heartwarming, all at the same time.

What every fiber of my being wants to do, is recount this story in short clips, but that wouldn’t be fair to anyone. Get this book, (hopefully you have read the others first), and sit down in your comfy chair with a hot cup of Tea (or coffee) and read until your eyes hurt. You won’t regret it.

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From one side of Aldor to the other this book sweeps readers along in an epic telling of several magic weilders trying to make things right against odds that would make anyone question their chances. Fortunately, they make new friends and learn new abilities along the way that keeps them living for another day. This series, and particularly this book, is an epic that I can totally recommend.

[J35T3R · Rating 1 out of 5]

Begging the author to get a better editor.

Spoilers below.

Finishing the last book, one of the main characters was in position to be trained in a particular skill. That training….just did not happen. No reason, author simply decided to take several hundred pages to meander his way to the point where the character just decided to go home. The teacher was too busy dealing with the school janitors to focus on training the pupil he’d been waiting 1000 years for, so the kid decided to leave. I wish I was making this up. This could’ve been covered in 20 pages. Good lord please develop something resembling a plot.

[Viking Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.2/5

Review: This was really good. Most of the time spent battling in the tunnels was trans fixative. Ferrin joining up with Aryion was what you might expect from two leaders.

Adarra wuvs her hunky, smelly prisoner man-Viking who happens to be a PRINCE! of human hair wearing savages. Yeah, just stupid. Now Adarra can wield all forms of magic so blah, blah, blah....

Aeroset is kewl.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! Michael Wisehart has started to tie his two series together and the plot is captivating. Looking forward to the next installments!

[Barbara Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Loved this series by Michael Wisehart, the Also ran Chronicles! Hopefully there will be more books to this series! Now I have to go and read Streetrats!

[Kenneth Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

not the end

Thought this was the last book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Can’t wait

[Will Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very good and more than made up for the frustrations in the last book.
The protagonists are brought together at times and the action is unending and well spread amongst the four of them.

[Jennifer G Coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop page turner!

This entire series is fantastic. I was constantly looking for even the briefest of moments to open my app to get even one more paragraph along in the story. Action, suspense, empathy; this series has it all!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

I am a huge fan of Michael Wisehart and the two series that he is currently writing - the Aldoran Chronicles and The Street Rats of Aramoor. Both of these series are set in the same world with the Street Rats series occurring about 20 years in the past.

I have finally realized that it is better for me to add a little bit of story detail in my review (I generally try to not give out spoilers) but the problem is that there has always been a pretty significant time lapse between books. Unfortunately, when you read as many books as I do it is sometimes hard to remember the details of the storyline of the prior book.

I thought that this was going to be the final book in the series, but as I got closer and closer to the end, I began to realize that there was no way that everything was going to be wrapped up in time.
One thing that surprised me was HOW the book ended. Yes, it is a kind of cliffhanger but more than that, it felt like it was just cut off. I felt like it was a weird place for an ending. Kind of like some editor said, "okay, that's enough for this book, let's end it here and use the rest for the next book."

We are again following the 4 main characters as they are on their individual journeys (Ferrin, Ty, Adarra, and Aryion). Ferrin and Aryion have teamed up after Aryion left Ty and his gang in Aero'set. Then, there is Adarra's storyline. She is traveling to an island on an ambassadorial mission to try to hold off an invasion.

Aryion has been given a quest and he runs into Ferrin and his group on their way to their new destination. The past several books have spent the time introducing and developing all of the secondary characters so at this time the reader (that would be me) already feels like we know them. Aryion convinces Ferrin's group to go with him to try to help convince the Upakan's to leave their home and relocate to the recently discovered wizard school Aero'set. Not a small task. Together, this group has 8 wielders to try to accomplish this goal.

Ty and his gang leave Aero'set and return home to find quite a few changes in Easthaven. They have learned to act like a team through all of their various skirmishes and obstacles and this time is no different. These poor kids never seem to be able to catch a break. I really enjoyed getting to see/hear the meeting between the two women in Ty's life. It is going to be fun watching the two of them figure things out.

I don't remember if the prior books had an Adarra POV. Regardless, she is Ty and Breen's sister and she ends up on an island of monsters and crazy violent people. This POV specifically is one that just kind of ends in the middle of a very dangerous circumstance.

I think that this might be my favorite book of the series. There is nonstop action from the very beginning (and I do mean NONSTOP) along with battles, monsters, and lots of drama. Above everything else though, the overarching theme of this book is friendship and loyalty. This crazy cast of characters have truly become teams and they are constantly showing attributes of sacrifice for their companions and a willingness to risk life and death for their friends.

It goes without saying that Tim Gerard Reynolds knocks it out of the park with his narration. This is one of those books that make it much more exciting to listen to versus reading. He really is amazing.

So, now the wait begins for book 5......

[Joshua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where is this series going? It started out so good, The white tower was a really good book. A plague of shadows was also really good even if it didn't move the plot forward much with Ty. The four part key felt like we were finally moving and things actually started to happen and get accomplished. But all of that is gone from this book. Nothing happens in this book. Ty restored the wizard school, and in this book all he manages to learn is how to make a shield. He is in this book so little that for long stretches it feels like the author forgot he existed and barely made an effort to write him in to the book. Adara went from being an interesting character to being a frustrating main character that by the end of the book accomplishes nothing. Aryion is clearly who Mr. Mishart find interesting and wants to be the main character. But his story is just a bad version of what happens in the plague of shadows. And then there is Ferrin, poor Ferrin. He is the best written character and has the most engaging story. But it seems like Wisehart for some reason hates this man. He is wisehart's wiping boy for 3 books. And then in this book is relegated to little more than a side character. He finally gets to do something at the very end of the book, but it's too little way to late.

This series seems to have gone off the rails. What is going on with aryion's girlfriend and the intrigue in the palace? It's never mentioned one in this book. Barthol and what he is doing? Never mentioned. The criminal gang in the capital? Never mentioned. The king and his advisor? Never mentioned. I don't even know what they're names are. The white tower? What are they up to? They aren't in this book at all. Ty is with the last wizard, and brought back his school. And in a 30+ hour book the only thing ty is taught is how to make a shield?? Adara learns more about magic than ty in this book. This series is at its best when it's focused and things are happening. But this book is just terrible

[Orng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get on with it!

I thought (hoped) that this would be the last book of the series. The previous book ended with the main protagonist completing the quest the other books have revolved around and all of the different characters finally meeting up. All that is left is to wrap things up. But nope, let's beat around the bush as much as we can. It's almost as if at the end of the Lord of the Rings Frodo would have found out that he needed to go to Hogwarts for 7 books so he could fight Sauron or something and then half the book would be following Sam and Pippin on side quests and the rest would follow Frodo going home to the Shire on vacation.

That being said this book is probably the best of he series.
Ayrion, which is the most enjoyable character, is finally no longer cripple by the annoying memory loss trope.

Ty is still whiny and annoyingly stupid.

Ferrin is alright, but not very prominent.

And then there is the whole side plot with Adarra, which is just painfully boring and so far lack all relevance to the main plot. I pretty much hated her chapters.

Perhaps I'm being too harsh in this review because I actually enjoy the series despite its flaws and this is probably the best book so far (not including Street Rats of Aramoor). But at this point it has overstayed its welcome. I sincerely hope that this doesn't turn out to be a whole Wheel of time type endless thing but can be wrapped up in the next one.

[Don Lorey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book series is so bad. There are only a few of the characters that are interesting. The character groups are so fractured that several of the story lines seem abandoned. In the 4th book, what is happening with Valtor? What is happening in the capital? What happened to Mangora? Also, so many ideas in the book were taken from other works. The sentient tree from Lord of the Rings. The collars that disable magical abilities from Deadpool 2. The mirrors used as doors from Alice in Wonderland. The large desert worms from Dune. The tentacled swam monster from Lord of the Rings, as well as, digging in a mine "to greedily and too deep" and unleashing monsters. Khuls are Worgen from World of Warcraft. And the list goes on. The first book in the series, The White Tower, was somewhat interesting so I picked up the second book, which was really bad. I got the 3rd expecting it to be better but alas, I was wrong. Then, I was hoping for closure with the 4th book but it looks like the author intends to make this a 10 book series. As the series progressed they became predictable and extremelllllyyyy slllloooowwww. Argh. I've lost so much of my life that I'll never get back reading this tripe. Don't even start on these books. I can't believe that they are rated with the likes of J.R.R. Tolkin, David Eddings, George R.R. Martin, J. K. Rawling, et al.

[Sheryl Emra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read

An amazing read transcends ordinary literature, offering readers a transformative journey through its meticulously crafted narrative. The book's intricate plot weaves together complex characters with profound depth, allowing readers to form deep emotional connections. Each page becomes a portal into a vividly imagined world, where storytelling techniques elevate the reading experience beyond mere entertainment. The author's skillful prose captures nuanced human experiences, exploring themes that resonate long after the final chapter. Exceptional character arcs, intricate dialogue, and masterful pacing create an immersive landscape that challenges perspectives and stimulates intellectual curiosity. Readers find themselves completely absorbed, experiencing a range of emotions as the story unfolds with remarkable authenticity and compelling momentum. The book's ability to transport, inspire, and provoke thought marks it as a truly extraordinary literary work that lingers in the reader's imagination, eagerly anticipating the author's next literary creation.

[John Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that was well written that really challenged not only Aryion and his friends but his people as well. I love how Wisehart Worked things out which I know couldn't have been easy to come up with let alone make it all work out in the end. But I will have to admit he took on the challenge and handle it masterfully. Also Adda, Ty and Breen's sister has went to a new land for challenges of her own. Currently she's not sure if she was betrayed or not. Mr. Wisehart continues to show in his books that he can handle multiple characters doing different quest and do it in a way that keeps the reader engaged and wanting more. I'm looking forward to book 5.

[Belinda Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thrilled to have found this series. Thank you Michael for this amazing adventure. Having started with the Street Rats trilogy through to the The Tunnels Beneath, I have been absolutely spellbound (pardon the pun). Multiple fascinating characters, so many riveting and creative sub-plots, danger, destruction, twists and turns all wrapped up in the eternal battle of good over evil I do believe this could be a television series to rival that of Game of Thrones and the Lord of the Rings. Seriously.

[Tanya Low · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh!!! There is at least another book!!! And I’ll have to wait and wait again. Loved the story (stories) although like all epic fantasies is going to apparently last forever. 😂. It’s ok…I’ll continue on! This is a great book for advanced middle grade readers. There is violence in the book ( I have boys so for them that’s not a big deal) but the romance is very very low, no swearing really, and lots and lots of adventure. My now 15 year old has been reading this series with me as it’s been released and we have loved it.

[Joseph Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've not been disappointed by this series. If I had kids, I'd encourage them to read these.

I recently discovered these books. This series has become one of my favorites next to the Wheel of Time. Which I've been a fan of for 20 years.

Im been listening to this book on Audible. The stories are fast-moving, fun and creative. The characters are well developed, likable, and relatable.

The books are clean, there are no curse words, sex, etc. But a great writer does not need cheap tricks to draw an audience.

[Sara L. Bennett, DVM]

OMG. This book, this series, and this author are amazing!
I've recently been obsessed with the fantasy and magic genre (Sara J Mass, Rebecca Yarros, Deborah Harkness, etc.) but Michael Wisehart is right there with them! There might not be as much graphic romance steam, but I definitely was sad to finish this series because I didn't want to leave my new friends (the characters) behind! I will be waiting anxiously for the next book in this series. Meanwhile, I'm going to read more about Ayrion's early years.

[Luis Camacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Michael Wisehart amazes with Book 4

Once again Michael Wisehart crafts a tale that flies by so quickly it’s hard to believe it’s almost 1000 pages. He deftly handles four different tales running parallel in time with nary a stumble. What moves this tale along is the theme of found family and blood relations working together with conviction and love to overcome gruesome evil. I eagerly await Book 5 long it takes. Bravo!

[Steve Huntsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down

In my opinion this is the best book in the series so far! I loved that the characters are finally coming together with their individual journeys meeting up with the others and going together in the common goal of the story. I am on the edge of my seat holding my breath until the story continues on in the next book! Please don't keep me waiting too long.

[Phil X. Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Sagas are Magnificent

If you love magic, the battle between good and evil, action suspense, drama, and yes, a bit of gore, then the Aldoran Chronicles are for you!

But if you REALLY want to watch these wonderful characters grow and develop, be sure to read the prequel series.

I couldn't put these books down from page 1. The characters are well developed and genuine, the plot is amazing and everything is so real!

You must read these books if you enjoy this genre!

[Anne Caprani-Langkilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from Michael Wisehart. It's action packed and fast paced. The characters are well developed and because each of the MC's has their own chapter you get to know them really well. The story is written so brilliantly that you feel as if you are really there with Ty, Ayrion, Ferrin and and their brothers-and sisters - in-arms. It's a must read for fantasy lovers. I just couldn't put it down.

[Jared Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, like I said in my last review, these books are classics. That warm, fuzzy blanket you can curl up with. Took me a second to see that the Ter’Raks were light sabers for wizards but Aero’set being hogwarts was pretty straight forward. Not a ton of originality but, the character development is spot on! Each is distinctly different than the other in many ways. The way the stories are tying all the elements together is very well done too. Really good book series and I still recommend.

[Josh Pace · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt as though the story advanced very little, especially compared to the last three books. It felt much like filler and could have been a lot shorter IMO. I don’t even recall much from some of the main characters I was intrigued in.

*SPOILER:
So much time was spent in the last book discovering Aeroset all to hardly spend any time there. Hopefully the next one pays off and isn’t just more setting up of the story to continue to kick the van down the road.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Wisehart has really matured as a writer through this series. When the series began there were plotlines that didn't go anywhere or didn't connect. There were misspelled words.

Totally different now. Worldbuilding is excellent, characters are both realistic and growing. The plotlines now connect, sometimes in ways that a reader wouldn't expect. This is some of the best fantasy I've read.

[David Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a fitting conclusion to some of the long running storylines without being a "true end" to everything.
There is still more to come (soon I hope).
The character development of many is deep and thoughtful.
However, personally -- I still do not enjoy Ty and his storyline. To me he is a willful self-centered immature young man who doesn't really think about others than himself and maybe his brother.
Maybe he will mature in the next book. I certainly hope so!

[David M Drewry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fantastic Book

I have now read all books in this series and I can tell anyone who wants action, adventure, magic, monster and good characters and story to read this book. If you haven't read the other books in series you will want to and for me I will be hungrily waiting on the next book....hopefully soon.

[Rose Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, all I can say is I loved it! The characters are spread out in different directions but funny that they are all experiencing similar struggles whether it is with people, creatures or their own. I felt I was right along with them. You will just have to read it. This is one series when it is done I will go back and reread from beginning to end.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement from start to finish!

I loved every book in the series, but this one was exceptional. A page turner from page one. So difficult to put down and the end left me yearning for more. I hope it is made into a Netflix series. If you crave an exciting series with twists and turns from start to finish, I highly recommend The "Aldoran Chronicles."