Helpful Score: 5
"The People of Sparks" ~ Jeanne DuPrau
This book was the sequel to "The City of Ember," a book that I reviewed exceptionally favorably. This book...well, I was disappointed. Not to say that it wasn't good, it was just...different than the first I suppose.
I will not be putting in a synopsis of the book as I did the last one because of the extreme possibility of spoilers. That being said, I just felt that this book moved slower than the first. I was not on the edge of my seat the way I was with the first, and therefore, the book lost a lot of its spark (no pun intended).
The overall message of the book was phenomenal: "Make love not war," and considering the audience it was written for (pre-teens) it is exceptionally deep and thought-provoking with many incidents leading up to the final conflict that make the reader stop and think.
The bottom line is...it was ok. I expected more after the first book however.
Three stars.
This book was the sequel to "The City of Ember," a book that I reviewed exceptionally favorably. This book...well, I was disappointed. Not to say that it wasn't good, it was just...different than the first I suppose.
I will not be putting in a synopsis of the book as I did the last one because of the extreme possibility of spoilers. That being said, I just felt that this book moved slower than the first. I was not on the edge of my seat the way I was with the first, and therefore, the book lost a lot of its spark (no pun intended).
The overall message of the book was phenomenal: "Make love not war," and considering the audience it was written for (pre-teens) it is exceptionally deep and thought-provoking with many incidents leading up to the final conflict that make the reader stop and think.
The bottom line is...it was ok. I expected more after the first book however.
Three stars.
Helpful Score: 4
I enjoyed this book but I must say, it was quite different from the City of Ember, the first book. Now that they have left behind their underground city, what awaits them seems almost worse than what they left behind. A lot of little events escalate tensions between the two groups (the people of Ember and the people of Sparks) and the outside world is a tough place for them.
If you are wondering why people even lived in the city of Ember, the story does refer a little bit to the history that made it necessary. I also found it very thought-provoking to think of our society regressing (technologically) as it does in the book.
If you are wondering why people even lived in the city of Ember, the story does refer a little bit to the history that made it necessary. I also found it very thought-provoking to think of our society regressing (technologically) as it does in the book.
Helpful Score: 3
A great sequel to City of Ember - perhaps a bit preachy at times, but certainly great lessons in it. If you loved the characters in the first book, you'll love this tale, which inspires hope for the future.
Helpful Score: 2
I found this to be a very well done and thought-provoking sequel to The City of Ember. The author does a really good job of bringing to light both sides of a conflict in a way that makes you understand the actions and sympathize with both parties - a tale that's very appropriate at this moment in time. Totally recommended.
Helpful Score: 2
Once again Duprau has captivated me with her continued story of Lina and Doon. In this part of the tale, the citizens of Ember meet the citizens of Sparks. In this part of the tale, both the people of Ember and Sparks get into a feud, and they have to come to terms with the fact that they now have to live together. This was a great continuation that is about new and old friendships.
Helpful Score: 1
This follow up to 'The City of Ember' is a great continuation. I wasn't sure what to expect after the last book which I thoroughly enjoyed, but the plot moved along at a good pace. I just wish there was more character development for a few of the smaller characters.
Helpful Score: 1
Good story, continues the story in "The city of Ember" with more focus on what kind of "us versus them" behavior and choices leads to conflict. See my review of "The City of Ember." I enjoyed it as an adult, but great book for young readers too.
It's been a while since I read the first book in this series. I remember really liking it and can't understand why I didn't continue on with the series. Anyway, I decided to pick it back up. I was a bit disappointed with the beginning of the book. I think what bothered me the most was the writing seemed to be too simplistic and the dialogue was not very believable. I know the book was written for a younger audience but I don't remember the first book being that way. All in all, the story that this one tells makes up for all of that.
This book starts off right where the first book ends. We find the people of Ember in a place they've never known and not sure where to go or what to do. So they walk for a long time until they come to the town of Sparks. They seek help from the town and with some trepidation, the town decides to give them aid. All of this comes with a price though. One that both sides will have to suffer through.
I really like the way the scenery is described in this book. I can see it vividly. I also love the moral the story puts out there. Enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one.
This book starts off right where the first book ends. We find the people of Ember in a place they've never known and not sure where to go or what to do. So they walk for a long time until they come to the town of Sparks. They seek help from the town and with some trepidation, the town decides to give them aid. All of this comes with a price though. One that both sides will have to suffer through.
I really like the way the scenery is described in this book. I can see it vividly. I also love the moral the story puts out there. Enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one.
when Linda and Dawn lead thier people to a strange, unknown city, everyone is confused! they learn to respect the culture of the people of sparks but will a war break out? will everthing go down in ruins?
This 2nd book in the series is even better than the first one. I enjoyed the depth and symbolism. It is a book that can be read by middle-schoolers at one level and then by older teens and adults at a different level. There is much to ponder and reflect upon.
Not as good as the City of Ember.
This books gets you thinking about what really happens after a disaster. What happens to the survivors? Greed...selfishness...understanding... The courage of the two young kids/main characters is the best part of this book. The people of Ember also discover why they were sent to live underground.
A great ending to "The City of Ember"
The sequel to The City of Ember and a great continuation of the story of Lina & Doon.
Excellent sequel!
This is my 9 year old daughters favorite series!
The first book was much better. However, this is a good book for younger readers who have questions about war and are trying to understand our culture of violence.
My son read this and loved it. I know it is fantasy fiction and it was required reading for his class. (4th grade)
Although this is a childrens book the story was very good and well written. The book had adventure and the story had a moral to it. I would suggest reading "The City of Ember" before reading this book.
good "growing up" book
The sequel to the City of Ember. Very interesting...
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