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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
This book was so charming. I absolutely loved the world-building. The characters were kind of simple, but I still felt attached to them. There were a few things about the writing style I wasn’t a fan of, but that doesn’t make my review less than 5 stars because I just got so into this story and the world.
Full review on my blog I’m my bio
Full review on my blog I’m my bio
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t realize this book was part of a series, but I’m glad it is, I’m interested in reading the other books, but it’s also able to just be a standalone thing. I don’t read much post-apocalyptic books, so this was interesting, and it reminded me of my favorite book of all time, The Giver. Definitely a recommend though, it goes very quick and very insightful.
What a lovely, simple story.
I'm not sure if this is technically YA or if it's actually the fiction for the age range below YA, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and very well written. The characters were believable and strongly written, the situations were exciting and interesting, and the pathos hit you right where it hurt.
There aren't many twists and turns that we don't see coming, and there were two minor setting issues that I thought a little hard to believe, but overall I felt the whole thing was very uplifting, relaxing, and sweet. Can't wait to read the rest!
I'm not sure if this is technically YA or if it's actually the fiction for the age range below YA, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and very well written. The characters were believable and strongly written, the situations were exciting and interesting, and the pathos hit you right where it hurt.
There aren't many twists and turns that we don't see coming, and there were two minor setting issues that I thought a little hard to believe, but overall I felt the whole thing was very uplifting, relaxing, and sweet. Can't wait to read the rest!
De wereld die ze gecreëerd heeft vind ik heel vet, maar ik vond het boek niet echt leuk.
The book was short and sweet, and a little lacking. A good book. The movie expanded fleshed things out a bit more.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
A dystopic read seemingly aimed at the younger side of Middle-Grade, The City Of Ember is told from an alternating dual point of view—through the eyes of 12-year-old Lina and Doon.
The premise is unique and easy to appreciate. It will be obvious to most readers early on that the city our hero and heroine live in is essentially a glorified bomb shelter. But strangely, none of its residents are aware of this. They have been taught from birth that Ember is all there is—a small, self-contained refuge surrounded by endless darkness.
Ember, in many respects, is a city frozen in time. In other respects, it is a city decaying so slowly its residents have gradually adapted to shortages and systemic breakdown. There have been no apparent innovations or advancements in the 200+ years of its existence, and none are encouraged. Its residents receive nothing beyond a 6th-grade education—after which they are apprenticed out to jobs (chosen by random lottery rather than to anything they have an interest in or knack for.)
The sociological commentary seems to be:
Insular Degradation / Death by Isolation
The prose is simplistic and the pacing is fairly languid. The content is clean, without any materials that could be considered particularly distressing. For a dystopian, it is certainly less traumatically memorable and weighty than works like The Giver or Children of the Dust. I could see this being a particularly good pick for younger and more sensitive readers.
Doon’s recurring battle with his temper is a well-threaded aspect—offering realistic cause-and-effect to not restraining one’s anger without falling into preachy territory. His visions of glory and honor from his father and the city’s people is also a conflict-propellant that serves as a relatable flaw. Lina is a bit more dull as a character; more easily accepting of her fate and surroundings, yet endearingly attached to both her toddler sister and her forgetful Grandmother.
The biggest drawback for this reader was the general lack of emotional depth. Lina’s parents have died within the last few years, but she hardly seems to think of them. When further grief strikes her life, her grieving process is barely touched on. Doon lives with a sensible and somewhat fleshed-out father, but his mother is a blank space that doesn’t seem to affect him. And the City itself is filled with too-simple caricatures.
There are some points when actions, dialogue and/or descriptions come off as redundant. And for this reader, the ultimate reasoning for all of Ember’s long-enforced ignorance felt flimsy and unsatisfying. (But while adult readers may have more trouble suspending disbelief, it doesn’t appear to be an enjoyment-impairing problem for the book’s target audience.)
The premise is unique and easy to appreciate. It will be obvious to most readers early on that the city our hero and heroine live in is essentially a glorified bomb shelter. But strangely, none of its residents are aware of this. They have been taught from birth that Ember is all there is—a small, self-contained refuge surrounded by endless darkness.
Ember, in many respects, is a city frozen in time. In other respects, it is a city decaying so slowly its residents have gradually adapted to shortages and systemic breakdown. There have been no apparent innovations or advancements in the 200+ years of its existence, and none are encouraged. Its residents receive nothing beyond a 6th-grade education—after which they are apprenticed out to jobs (chosen by random lottery rather than to anything they have an interest in or knack for.)
The sociological commentary seems to be:
Insular Degradation / Death by Isolation
The prose is simplistic and the pacing is fairly languid. The content is clean, without any materials that could be considered particularly distressing. For a dystopian, it is certainly less traumatically memorable and weighty than works like The Giver or Children of the Dust. I could see this being a particularly good pick for younger and more sensitive readers.
Doon’s recurring battle with his temper is a well-threaded aspect—offering realistic cause-and-effect to not restraining one’s anger without falling into preachy territory. His visions of glory and honor from his father and the city’s people is also a conflict-propellant that serves as a relatable flaw. Lina is a bit more dull as a character; more easily accepting of her fate and surroundings, yet endearingly attached to both her toddler sister and her forgetful Grandmother.
The biggest drawback for this reader was the general lack of emotional depth. Lina’s parents have died within the last few years, but she hardly seems to think of them. When further grief strikes her life, her grieving process is barely touched on. Doon lives with a sensible and somewhat fleshed-out father, but his mother is a blank space that doesn’t seem to affect him. And the City itself is filled with too-simple caricatures.
There are some points when actions, dialogue and/or descriptions come off as redundant. And for this reader, the ultimate reasoning for all of Ember’s long-enforced ignorance felt flimsy and unsatisfying. (But while adult readers may have more trouble suspending disbelief, it doesn’t appear to be an enjoyment-impairing problem for the book’s target audience.)
At least one plot hole was answered at the end.... But it's still a bit frustrating so I can't give this book 4 stars. It's still a fun concept even with the holes.