* From the Back Cover

Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked...but now the storerooms are almost out of food, corruption is spreading through the cityand worst of all - the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness.

But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment they begin to wonder if there could be a way out of Ember. Can they decipher the words from long ago and find a new future for everyone?

'DuPrau is a most engaging writer: direct, succinct, delivering lively characters and genuine suspense, sustaining the mystery but generous with her clues.' Jan Mark, TES --This text refers to the Paperback edition.