Helpful Score: 2
Best book in this series. Highly recommended for adults and children.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved the City of Ember, I really liked the People of Sparks, but I could only tolerate The Prophet of Yonwood. This book, unfortunately, was such a distraction from the storyline in the first two books that I quickly read through it so I could start the Diamond of Darkhold. It's a prequel to the City of Ember, but it does almost nothing to further the storyline until the very last chapter (the epilogue). Still, you need to read it if you want to finish the series.
In the epilogue, you learn a little more about why people had to live underground in the city of Ember. The rest of the novel, though, is about the consequences of blind obedience and intolerance. There are definite parallels to our own world, where saying "9/11" or "war on terror" sometimes enables the government to take away the rights and freedoms we have as citizens (in addition to cutting short any discussion we might have). Does giving up our rights as individuals make our society safer? Who is best able to determine these things? These are topics touched upon by the author.
In the epilogue, you learn a little more about why people had to live underground in the city of Ember. The rest of the novel, though, is about the consequences of blind obedience and intolerance. There are definite parallels to our own world, where saying "9/11" or "war on terror" sometimes enables the government to take away the rights and freedoms we have as citizens (in addition to cutting short any discussion we might have). Does giving up our rights as individuals make our society safer? Who is best able to determine these things? These are topics touched upon by the author.
Helpful Score: 1
So far this has been my favorite book of the series. As a prequel the entire time you wonder how this all ties in with the series, but by the end you completely understand. I think this is a novel that is appropriate for both adults and children. The tale adds in some morals that everyone can appreciate. It's about hope, friendship, and proof that even small acts of kindness can change the course of history. It's a great read! Looking forward to the final book.
