City of Ember (Book of Ember, #1)

by Jeanne DuPrau

Ember is the only light in a dark world. But when its lamps begin to flicker, two friends must race to escape the dark. This highly acclaimed adventure series is a modern-day classic—with over 4 MILLION copies sold! 
 
The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to dim. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. Now, she and her friend Doon must race to figure out the clues to keep the lights on. If they succeed, they will have to convince everyone to follow them into danger. But if they fail? The lights will burn out and the darkness will close in forever.
 
Nominated to 28 State Award Lists!
An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book
A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Selection
A Kirkus Reviews Editors’ Choice
A Child Magazine Best Children’s Book
A Mark Twain Award Winner
A William Allen White Children’s Book Award Winner
 
“A realistic post-apocalyptic world. DuPrau’s book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of undiscovered country and readers wanting more.” —USA Today
 
“An electric debut.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred 
 
“While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description.” —VOYA, Starred
 
“A harrowing journey into the unknown, and cryptic messages for readers to decipher.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred

• ISBN10: 1299096964
• ISBN13: 9781299096967
• Publish Date: 1 January 2003
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 27 May 2015
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Format: eBook
• Language: English

Reviews

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

This managed to be a lovely little story while also being a massively interesting dystopia. Great concept! I can't really talk about it, because TWISTS! TURNS! REVELATIONS! but I really loved it and thought it was great.

You know what else is cool? This is a solid middle grade dystopia. The kids were pretty believable for their ages, except maybe Poppy who seems vaguely between ages one and three, and despite its simplicity I found it entertaining. Unraveling the puzzle is fun, and I like not always being right about things. And I liked that nobody tried to throw a romantic relationship in here, because srsly they have enough troubles. If people are shipping Lina/Doon, just stop. Pre-teen angst not needed.

Which brings me to... the end. I wasn't ready for it. I actually shouted at my car radio because clearly, the narrator had forgotten to finish reading the chapter and there was more.

All in all, a great start to a series, a great (simple) dystopian idea, and enjoyable for all ages. Huzzah!

[inlibrisveritas]

When I first read this I was on vacation and fairly bored so it came as welcome distraction, however when I really took the time to pay attention to the book it was fairly simple and I didn't like the writing style at all. It's really juvenile and that's okay but only for those who enjoy such writing types. I tried to read the second but I found it worse then the first and couldn't get past the third chapter.