This middle-grade dystopian series begins in a vast underground city built by an ancient civilization to shelter humanity, where the lights are beginning to fail and the supplies are running out — and two young people discover a message that may hold the key to escape. The series follows the survivors as they emerge into a forgotten world above ground and must piece together what happened to civilization and how to rebuild it.
In the underground city of Ember, where electricity is failing and food supplies are running out, twelve-year-old Lina and her classmate Doon discover a set of instructions that may contain the city's exit—if they can decode them in time. A compelling and original dystopian adventure for middle-grade readers, set in a world of gathering darkness and bureaucratic helplessness. The first Book of Ember.
After escaping Ember, Lina, Doon, and their community emerge onto the surface of the earth and are taken in by the village of Sparks, but tensions between the two groups build toward conflict as resources grow scarce. A thoughtful second volume that shifts focus from adventure to social conflict, exploring how communities become hostile when they feel threatened. Deeper and more politically thoughtful than its predecessor.
Set fifty years before the founding of Ember, this prequel follows Nickie, who hopes to convince her family to move to the small town of Yonwood—but discovers the town is in the grip of a local prophet's frightening visions as war threatens the outside world. A standalone prequel that explores religious extremism and the cost of uncritical belief. Weaker than the main duet but adds historical context to the series.
Lina and Doon return to Ember on a dangerous journey to retrieve a lost book that may hold technology capable of improving life in Sparks, while facing roamers and the danger of the city's failing electrical system. The concluding volume of the main Ember narrative ties up the story of Lina and Doon with warmth and adventure.