12 year old friends Lina and Doon have never been outside the city of Ember. Everything around it is blackness, from which no one has ever returned. And Ember is completely self-sufficient, because the city's long-passed founders provided it with electric lamp posts to light the city and food for everyone. At least, it's always been that way. Now the lights are flickering more and more often, and rumor has it that the food might run out. When it seems that city officials are doing nothing to prevent the coming disaster, Lina and Doon take matters into their own hands. They attempt to solve a puzzle left behing by the city founders, a puzzle they believe holds the key to the city's salvation.The City of Ember is the first book in a series of four by author Jeanne Duprau. And it's a pretty good start. The post-apocalyptic scenario dreamed up by Duprau is believable and interesting, giving our heroes a great backdrop for their adventures. Lina and Doon are an enjoyable if unlikely pairing. She's an energetic city message runner, and he's more of a quiet, thoughtful type. The characters really made this book for me, though the story is a good one.
This book is geared to younger teens and tweens, and I don't think it has quite the broad appeal of some YA books. I think it's great for those who already enjoy lots of YA, and for parents of kids in the 10-14 age range.
My final word: 3.5 out of 5. A dynamic debut to this series, but I'd like to see a little more depth.
Website for Jeanne Duprau.
City of Ember movie website.
Click the book cover image to purchase from Amazon.
Second opinions:
Nely at All About {n}
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4 comments:
I'm starting the Prophet of Yonwood tonight. woot
Hi, I have finally posted the friend award, thanks NotNessie and I have tagged you for a seven secrets post. Loving your reviews!
I've listened to this and the City of Sparks. Just starting the Diamond of Darkhold, with The Prophet of Yonwood downloaded. I have the Ember movie on hold at the libary so will have to see what they do with it.
I read this last fall and had much the same reaction...the characters were great, the plot was imaginative and fun, but I was left hoping for a little more depth. Still, it was a great read and I devoured it quickly. I wasn't as keen on the movie (as is often the case), but I was still excited for the series so I picked up People of Sparks and read it last month. I felt like it was still light enough for young readers but it was gaining more depth and letting the characters and the plot grow as the story went on.
Thanks for a great review.
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