“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 flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever! This stunning debut novel offers refreshingly clear writing and fascinating, original characters.” 

I first became aware of this story when it was made into a movie, I didn’t run across the book until a few months ago when I was shopping for books for my nephew’s birthday. He was turning 10 and is an absolutely voracious reader, a fact which pleases me to no end. (Seriously, you have no idea how happy it makes me!)

He read this book and loved it so much he tracked down the second book “The People of Sparks” at the library. It was then passed onto my mother, who also enjoyed it, and then to me.

It was fabulous.

Not just as a kids book, of which the goods ones seem to be getting harder and harder to find, but as a story in general. The writing is simple and straightforward, though not overly dumbed down to the point that it is actually irritating to the better readers. The descriptions are vivid and yet not over done and the characters are superb.

The description on the paperback reads as follows;

“Citizens of Ember shall be assigned work at twelve years old… 

Lina Mayfleet desperately wants to be a messenger. Instead, she draws the dreaded job of Pipeworks laborer, which means that she’ll be working in damp tunnels deep underground

Doon Harrow draws messenger — and asks Lina to trade! Doon wants to be underground. That’s where the generator is, and Doon has ideas about how to fix it. For as long as anyone can remember, the great lights of Ember have kept the endless darkness at bay. But now the lights are beginning to flicker…”

This is straight up adventure; no overly disgusting bad guys, no unnecessary violence — just a fabulous story. Perfect for any age.

/5

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