The City of Ember's light is nearly out

books:


	• The City of Ember (Book of Ember) Jeanne Duprau Listening Library (Audio), 2006 average customer review:based on 399 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

The City of Ember's light is nearly out

I purchased this book as part of a reading list for my daughter who is entering 6th grade. So actually this review is her feedback to me -- DISAPPOINTING!!! She felt that the book's idea was interesting but that the writing lacked the richness of detail that makes a book interesting and that the plot took A LONG TIME to get going. Further, she is now reading THE GIVER and thinks that they simply copied a lot of that book. (BTW: She really LIKES The Giver). So for your sci-fiction buffs, try the GIVER and they might be more satisified.

new take on old theme

Fascinating read. Basically the same theme as This Time of Darkness (by H.M. Hoover) published 1980, which also features two kids escaping an underground city in a post-apocalyptic dystopia.

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Enchanting

I don't quite fall into the targeted age range for this book, but I must admit to enjoying it. Enough so, that I ordered the 2nd and 3rd titles. This one I feel got off to a rough start and didn't find its footing and rhythm until well into the book. (The 2nd book, "The People of Sparks", hits the ground running! I haven't finished the 3rd yet.)

There were many themes in this book. The author seemed to effortlessly intertwine them in away that I think would really stick with a young person. The story would provide a great opportunity for parents to read along and start discussions with their child on such issues as anger, true friendship, sacrifice and some others.

Another interesting aspect to the story was how male and female characters played equal roles. With fantasy stories I have ready it usually goes one way or another, but this one impressed me with it's "equality." The author didn't take an extreme woman's lib stance, but instead showed the 2 main characters working in equal unity. Thus, I think this story will appeal to both girls and boys.

As a Christian I found many parallels to the Christian faith, although I don't know the author's personal religious convictions. In some ways the story encouraged my faith, though it may not for everyone. The theme of believing in a creator beyond your own little world and the image of leaving the darkness for the light are strong.

In the end I recommend this book, as well as the 2nd, for pre-teens on up!

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almost...

Ok, so first i should say that I thought that the plot device of people living in total darkness and then discovering they were underground was brilliant, and that I thought the post apocalyptic setting and the use of technology was good, that said, Jeane DuPrau is a really bad writer who had a really good idea, sorry Jeane. I won't go into examples of inconsistent writing and childish plot devices, ugh.

I wish a good writer would take the plot and make an adult novel.

Cool Idea

I enjoyed the book. It was a cool idea, a city shrouded in darkness, looking for a way out. It was well written, and it really leaves you hanging for the next installment.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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.

From the Hardcover edition.

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