The City of Ember

The First Book of Ember

De: Jeanne DuPrau

Narrado por: Wendy Dillon

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

USA Today
"DuPrau’s first foray into fiction creates a realistic post-apocalyptic world. Reminiscent of Robert O'Brien's Z for Zachariah, DuPrau’s book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of the undiscovered country and readers wanting more."

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
"Thanks to full-blooded characters every bit as compelling as the plot, Lina and Doon’s search parallels the universal adolescent quest for answers. An electric debut!"

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
"Well-paced, this contains a satisfying mystery, a breathtaking escape over rooftops in darkness, a harrowing journey into the unknown, and cryptic messages for readers to decipher. The likeable protagonists are not only courageous but also believably flawed by human pride. The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment."

Starred Review, Voice of Youth Advocates
"While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description. DuPrau uses the puzzle, suspenseful action, and lots of evil characters to entice readers into the story. They will find the teen characters believable and gutsy. Part mystery, part adventure story."

The Horn Book Magazine
"The device of a hidden letter, complete with missing words, is used with such disarming forthrightness that readers will be eagerly deciphering it right alongside Doon and Lina."

An ALA Notable Children’s Book

A Kirkus Reviews Editors’ Choice

A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Selection

excellent book for 4th to 9th graders

This is book 1 of 4 in the "Ember" series which describes a post-apocalyptic earth in hopeful terms. I like that part of the series' approach, though the overall style can be a little pedantic (in my adult opinion) for moral lessons. However, the target audience is juvenile readers so I think the clarity and overt description of moral connections is likely appropriate. All middle and elementary schoolers I have spoken to about this book have really enjoyed it.

This book has both a female and male protagonist, making the book likely equally appealing to boys and girls. How the two relate to each other and their dying city of Ember, and how the two work to to solve problems is a nice exploration into egoism, altruism and ultimately, humility.

We loved this story!

My 12 year old son and I read together. We settle down to read and, often, to listen, as well as to read a good book together nearly every night. We love the time we spend together and the storys we discover together. This story was well written, exciting and very thought provoking. We had fun imagining such a world and way of life.

City of Ember = Delightful!

City of Ember was a delightful tale "starring" two 12-year-olds, but not a kid's book, though I think they'd enjoy it, too. In the genre of "nuclear holocaust" aftermath, it wasn't a dark story (pun intended) and I really enjoyed it. I was left to ponder all the delights of our world. A few unanswered questions is the reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars. I do see that a sequel and prequel are available and look forward to reading those next!

This story will hold your attention

Living in blackness, depending on the ingenuity of the "builders" electricity to keep the impending darkness at bay is Lina Mayfleet, just graduating from school and looking forward to her new job as "runner". Lina's world is an interesting one and you'll find yourself picturing her landscape and images in your mind. But, what happens when the lights run out? Go with Lina and her friend Dune as they unravel of the puzzle of their world, and the world beyond.

Perfect book for kids and Adults will love it too!

It takes you into a whole new world that you've never experienced before. My son is 7 and was entranced by it from start to finish.