The Diamond of Darkhold

Despite what others have written I quite enjoyed The Diamond of Darkhold. I must admit I haven't read Book 3 yet but according my local librarian I could read the 4th before the 3rd and come out just fine. Perhaps by reading the 4th right after The People of Sparks I got a different slant on things. I thought the books flowed together well. It made perfect sense to me that the Creators that made the City of Ember in the first place wouldn't leave these people so totally vulnerable and helpless when they exited- at least on purpose. It does seem a shame that the door to the City of Ember now seems closed and finished. I like that Doon gets the last laugh on the family that "did him wrong" but that DuPrau allows them to repent and no grudges are held. Doon and Lina are so good together. This series gives us much to think about as our world is not perhaps as indestructible as we hope.

I was intrigued with this series after I saw the movie City of Ember with my child, so I decided to check out the second book at the library. Unfortunately, "The People of Sparks" book was already out, so I got the only one available. I LOVED it! Set in post-apocalyptic earth the book has a fast-paced and adventurous story line, without the use of any foul language or gratuitous scenarious. It also allowed me to open up a dialogue about the possibility of someday living in a world that will rely upon its natural resources as opposed to complete dependency of foreign oil. My four-year-old loved it, and it's one I am definitely going to include as part of her collection of books to read. As far as the Alien part at the end, perhaps the author is foreshadowing a possible fifth book? Sure hope so, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. JAX, Author of Heart of The Jaguar A Shadow to Call Her Own Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul: Celebrating La Comunidad Latina

I enjoyed the stories but I can't help but think that these are the authors first attempts at writing. I found the stories got a little preachy about environmental issues. Good for a quick, simple read, but don't expect too much from them.

Book Four: The Book Of Ember Several months after Lina Mayfleet and her friend Doon Harrow led the underground town of Ember to the outside world, and are established in the town of Sparks, they find themselves in an awkward position. They are guests, and as lucky as they are, they think that life above ground is much harder. Now, in the middle of their first winter they find themselves homesick for their old city. Meanwhile, Doon finds an unusual book. Torn up and missing pages, it alludes to a mysterious device, a piece of technology from before the disaster. Doon becomes convinced that the Builders of Ember meant for them to find this device after leaving the city, to help them with their new lives. Together, Lina and Doon embark in a new adventure to their old home, Ember, to retrieve what was lost and bring light to their new world. This, the fourth Book of Ember--although a children book--is another action-packed adventure which explores the powerful themes of hope, learning, and the search for truth. A great read for children of all ages!