The City of Ember cover art

The City of Ember

The First Book of Ember

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The City of Ember

Written by: Jeanne DuPrau
Narrated by: Wendy Dillon
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About this listen

ALA Notable Children's Book

Ember is the only light in a dark world. But when its lamps begin to flicker, two friends must race to escape the dark. This highly acclaimed adventure series is a modern-day classic—with over 4 MILLION copies sold!

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to dim. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. Now, she and her friend Doon must race to figure out the clues to keep the lights on. If they succeed, they will have to convince everyone to follow them into danger. But if they fail? The lights will burn out and the darkness will close in forever.

Nominated to 28 State Award Lists!

An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book

A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Selection

A Kirkus Reviews Editors’ Choice

A Child Magazine Best Children’s Book

A Mark Twain Award Winner

A William Allen White Children’s Book Award Winner

“A realistic post-apocalyptic world. DuPrau’s book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of undiscovered country and readers wanting more.”—USA Today

“An electric debut.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred

“While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description.”—VOYA, Starred

“A harrowing journey into the unknown, and cryptic messages for readers to decipher.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred

©2003 Jeanne DuPrau (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group
Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Science Fiction Young Adult City
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What the critics say

A Kirkus Reviews Editors’ Choice

A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Selection

USA Today "DuPrau’s first foray into fiction creates a realistic post-apocalyptic world. Reminiscent of Robert O'Brien's Z for Zachariah, DuPrau’s book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of the undiscovered country and readers wanting more."

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly"Thanks to full-blooded characters every bit as compelling as the plot, Lina and Doon’s search parallels the universal adolescent quest for answers. An electric debut!"

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews "Well-paced, this contains a satisfying mystery, a breathtaking escape over rooftops in darkness, a harrowing journey into the unknown, and cryptic messages for readers to decipher. The likeable protagonists are not only courageous but also believably flawed by human pride. The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment."

What listeners say about The City of Ember

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Excellent book!

Excellent book for all ages. My 12 year old son absolutely loved it and he read it twice already!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great story

just a bit annoying how some of the characters are voiced. overall entertaining.7 / 10

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Great Read

This book is very descriptive and has a unique plot to it. I recommend it to anyone who loves action and mystery.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great story for preteen + age

My 9 year old and I loved listening to this book on all of our road trips this summer. Great for kids and adults. #Audible1

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I Love It !!!!!!!!

It was great. It Makes you want to read More and more It's a great book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Love this!

I always loved the movie but joe I love the book too. It is just a fun book to listen too.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a great story for young adults

I enjoyed the story, however the performance made the characters sound very young. A good book for kids up to about age 12.

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awesome story

very fun to listen to! its a story any age can listen. im very happy i listen it

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Good book

I enjoyed the story line. Unfortunately the narrator used voices for the children that sounded far younger than they actually were. It made it hard to listen to.

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Wow! This is the version to buy!

This recording will have you hooked from the first line! The variation in reading, the sound effects, and especially the various character voices all help the listener to picture the details in their mind's eye. I loved the mayor's voice in particular!

I was not able to "put this book down", both because the story and the reading were so captivating. I was truly distraught when it ended so since purchased the rest of the series to listen to.

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