What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I believe I read this in 2014. It should be YA but could have had more adult themes than I remember.
I do not know where the story starts, but at some point the protagonist ends up underground and stumbles upon a colony of people that have never left the underground. They are albino. You are initially led to believe they are dangerous, but they let the protagonist free in the end. I believe this has to to with him having fire. The tunnel leads to the main conflict in a space deep underground. There is magic involved, double crossing and trickery. I believe there is also a treasure to be protected and an old wizard who should no longer be alive, who used to be the protagonist's hero. (view spoiler)[In the end I believe the tunnel collapses? (hide spoiler)]
It was not a very long book if I remember correctly, I carried it around for a while. Likely no more than 400 pages.

I am pretty sure the name of the book is Gregor the overlander

Gregor the Overlander for Austin's link.

Could well be Gregor The Overlander but, just to add a second option, it also sounds a lot like Whispers Under Ground. Only possible catch is that this is part of a series (and not the first part).

Thank you! Another suggestion has been The Time Machine by HG Wells. I will look at all of these and mark as solved as soon as I know.

Kyla wrote: "Thank you! Another suggestion has been The Time Machine by HG Wells. I will look at all of these and mark as solved as soon as I know."

That had actually been my initial thought, but I don't remember there specifically being an old wizard... though it's been a long time. Looking forward to seeing the answer to this one if someone can figure it out.

I'm going to suggest Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins. It was her first series, before she became famous with The Hunger Games.

It could also be Tunnels by Gordon and Williams.

Gregor the Overlander is vastly superior to Tunnels.

Elias' suggestions:
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Tunnels by Roderick Gordon

Kyla, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

Still out there, Kyla?

Might want to check the Underground Cities list.

Lobstergirl wrote: "Kyla, are you still looking for this or did you find it?"

No response; moving to Abandoned.

Yes, solved! It was indeed Gregor the Overlander.

Very good.