Reading level: 9-12

Ember is a city of no stars and no sun. It is a city of darkness illuminated only by an ancient technology. It is a city shrouded by a black void of the unknown. It is a city in decay.

This city is the home of Doon Harrow, an impetuous young man twelve years of age. Upon graduation he is assigned a job which serves the city. A city that he sees in imminent collapse. For when the technology fails, the city will die and all its people with it. His classmate and companion, Lina Mayfleet, unknowingly holds the answer to the salvation of the people of Ember. Between them, they must uncover and summon the courage to follow the instructions left by the ancient builders of this city or their world will soon come to an end.

Doon must overcome his quick temper, which often lead to counterproductive ends, if he is to rise above the challenges on the path to survival. Lina must learn to trust her dream of a city of light and her ability to recognize and solve the riddle of the Builder's instructions. Together, they must learn some hard lessons of life and grow beyond their idealistic beliefs before they can save their people.

In her first novel, Jeanne DuPrau, has written an engaging tale of science fiction. The reader is quickly drawn into the plight of the main characters, their dreams and hopes, as well as their fears and frustrations. Her characters are original, warm and real as they come to life on the page. Her world, the city of Ember, is well crafted and carefully thought out in the best tradition of science fiction. For her initial offering, she has entered the world of science fiction and taken her readers on an enjoyable journey. I look forward to her next venture into this world.

— Hugh Starkey , Member SCBWI