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The City of Ember (Book of Ember, #1)

February 5, 2018
city of ember cover
Published: null/null/2003
Page Count: 270
Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the Builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked…but now the storerooms are almost out of food, crops are blighted, corruption is spreading through the city and worst of all—the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness… But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment, they begin to wonder if there could be…

City of Ember is a delight. Though much of the narrative is filled with tension about Lina and Doon’s efforts to save their city, there was a homey quality to the way it was described that made the story seem curiously gentle in the telling. While dystopian science fiction stories abound this was one that was strangely optimistic and wholesome. Though not all of its citizen’s were noble or honest, Ember came across as a place genuinely worth saving. The author does a marvelous job with her inventive language and descriptions of giving the reader the sense that Embers is a real place. And if the simplicity of the inhabitants is a bit hard to believe at times her words and characters are so captivating that it seems a minor quibble by the end.

Speaking of those characters, Lina comes across as a wonderfully idealistic yet at times flighty heroine. Doon is a wonderful complement to her. He is in his own way just as idealistic and yet must learn to deal with his anger and pride over wanting to be the savior of the city. The supporting cast are all enjoyable as well. In short, a fabulous read. If you choose to venture into the world of Ember, I trust you will find it as delightful and enchanting as I did.

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