The City of Ember: (The Graphic Novel) (Book of Ember, #1)

by Jeanne DuPrau

Dallas Middaugh and Niklas Asker (Illustrator)

Modern-day classic The City of Ember is a stunning graphic novel! An underground city is doomed to darkness. Then, two kids discover a secret note that may have the answer to bring back the light . . . but is it too late save their home?

As the lights begin to flicker, Lina finds a message from the past that she's sure holds the secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must race against time to decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever!

When the The City of Ember first came out, it took young readers by storm! It was an instant hit and continues to be read by thousands of kids each month. Still releveant and timely, this graphic novel captures the beauty of Jeanne DuPrau's original vision with artist Niklas Asker who faithfully brings to life the glare of the lamps, the dinginess of the streets, and the brilliance of the first sunrise.

• ISBN10: 0375867937
• ISBN13: 9780375867934
• Publish Date: 25 September 2012 (first published 1 January 2003)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Imprint: Random House Inc
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 144
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780375867934

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.