Το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς τελικά μου άρεσε λίγο περισσότερο απο το πρώτο, καθώς το βρήκα κάπως ωριμότερο, γεγονός που δεν περίμενα, διότι η πλοκή του δεν είναι τόσο πρωτότυπη όσο του πρώτου βιβλίου. Για άλλη μια φορά λοιπόν και σε αυτό, η Ντυπρό πραγματεύεται σημαντικά ζητήματα που αφορούν κάθε κοινωνιά -κι ας τα βασίζει σε φανταστικούς κόσμους- είναι γεμάτα ηθικοδιδακτικά μηνύματα, όπως το που οδηγεί η φοβία για το κάθε ξένο στοιχείο, και για την ομορφιά της υπομονής και της θέλησης. Ωραίο βιβλίο. Τέλειο για τις μικρότερες ηλικίες. 3,5 αστεράκια

Seeing how I have known the story of the first Ember book for so long, I was a little nervous about whether or not I'd like the rest of the series now that I'm finally getting around to them. Thankfully, I did enjoy this second book. It was interesting to see these people who have lived underground for generations (and didn't even know they were underground) come to the surface and discover what it's like to have a blue sky, moving air, and changes in seasons. I especially enjoyed Lina and Doon's sense of wonder at things we in real life see as mundane. It had to be hard for the author to find ways to describe everyday objects from the perspective of people who have never seen them before without just taking the easy road and telling the reader what it was. She pulled it off well. I also appreciate that, for once, the Goodreads synopsis did not spoil the story, especially the fact that the people of Ember discover other humans above ground who actually survived the Disaster. This was a fun twist because it was not what I thought would happen.

I loved some of the new characters (like Maddy) and loathed some others (which was intended by the author), and of course still loved Lina and Doon. I thought the author did a good job developing our two main characters as they interacted with the new world. They were still themselves as well as retaining realistic teenage characteristics, but grew and changed into better people. There were actually fairly few characters who didn't grow and change in some way, even if some individuals grew less than others.

Along with the twist I mentioned above, there were one or two other twists that I didn't expect but enjoyed. I can be pretty good at guessing story twists ahead of time so when I don't guess one that's fun for me.

The few things I didn't like about this story were pretty minor. They were mostly related to one obnoxious child I wanted to shove over a cliff

Please tell me that if there really was a war that killed most of humanity, stupid people would not be left in charge...like they apparently were in The People of Sparks. Truly, the leaders in both Sparks and in the preceding City of Ember are exceedingly elementary in their thinking. Why wouldn't the people of Sparks just look on the Emberites as newly added, contributing members of their society? Instead of isolating the Emberites, why not allow them to work and better the city of Sparks? But, the people of Sparks, and conversely, the people of Ember, are close-minded and quite stereotypical of one another.

Another puzzling issue is the "library" in Sparks. In the Sparks warehouse is a room with hundreds of books, which no one apparently uses or reads. But, the people of Sparks are aware that before the Disaster, people had electricity, were capable of flight, had moving vehicles powered by "gasleen," etc. One would think that if there were hundreds of pre-Disaster books lying around one would peruse them to gain the missing knowledge of electricity, indoor plumbing, medicine, etc. Doon is in the warehouse, blindly picks up a volume and opens it to a chapter entitled, "The Thermodynamics of Aluminum." Why is no one in Sparks seriously studying these books? Is this what it was like during the Dark Ages, after Rome's technology fell by the wayside? I can't believe that it took a couple of Emberites to embrace the idea of organizing the volumes and that it never occured to the people of Sparks to utilize this massive resource.

I enjoyed the people's mispronunciations of things, like "gasleen," and, my favorite, the area known as "Sanazy."

Overall Rating : B+

"Being good is hard. Much harder than being bad."

Few series have good sequels to them, but this book managed to pull through. This book takes place pretty quickly after The City of Ember, and just like it's predecessor, manages to convey meaningful messages that all ages are able to comprehend and learn.

Still targeted for a very young age group, and really sells the mindset of each age group. Ended on a hopeful note and a way forward, which is something hard to come by.

People of Sparks, Citizens of Ember, we can all learn along with them what it means to be human. The good and the bad.

This book is part two of the series I’ve recently picked back up from my younger days of a fledgling reader.

Though I recalled the the plot of the first part of this series, “The City of Ember,” I was not so sure if I remembered the plot for this book. However, since this book is middle-grade level, it was not hard to see the outcomes and “twists” of the story fro near the very beginning, as they mimic other common tropes in novels intended for all ages. I do not mean to indicate that this made it any less enjoyable of a read. Quite the opposite, in fact.

The People of Sparks is a simple, but effectively written part two to this series. The writing isn’t perfect, and there were some times I found myself bored of overexplanitive dialogue that “shows” instead of “tells,” but I still enjoyed reading this title. It’s effective for its audience, middle-graders, and does an excellent job in discussing some serious issues in a way younger children can easily understand, such as the dangers of war, violence, rushing into action, and revenge.

I am giving giving this four starts rather than the three it could land closer to because of the fact it’s written to target younger children, and I am not going to fault the author for meeting her intentions to the letter. Would definitely recommend this light and enjoyable read.

3.75

It was not my favorite book, but it still is a good one. I was faintly surprised at certain points in the book and I expected some turns in the plot and character development. If you liked the first book then this is just as good if not better and it provides more information about the backstory of the world that the characters live in.

The first book was an okay read. I did like the world building, though.

Because I intended to know what happens next, I picked the second book right away. And going through the first part of the book I made a conclusion that I would like this better than the first. And I did!

The story follows right away from where the first book left. The second book showed the struggle of the Emberites to learn, adapt, and live in the new world they are now in.

The pacing in this book was better, in my opinion. And I like how the story flowed. There were a lot to look forward to. You get interested as you read along. What I liked the most is how this book reflects the societal problems that we actually can relate to. Apart from that, the characters in this book are more dynamic. And lastly, there is a lesson or two (or more) that can be picked from this book.

Initially, I was planning of giving this 3.5 stars (even though goodreads doesn't have half stars :P) but because of the ending I am giving it 4. It may not be action-packed or with an epic battle (which I like in books..hehehe), but that did not say that the book was bland. It was a very good read.

Although not as strong as the first book in the series, People of Sparks is an interesting continuation of The City of Ember. Lina and Doon still figure prominently in the above-ground, post-apocalyptic community that is struggling to regain its foothold in the world. Overwhelmed by the Emberians, the outnumbered and unprepared citizens of Sparks begin by taking in the new families and giving them food and shelter, but the situation quickly deteriorates as scarcity and resentment build within both groups of people.

Despite the circumstances, which could have yielded a suspenseful and richly complex turn of events, People of Sparks relies on overly convenient plot tricks, flat characters, and disappointing subplots. The multi-dimensional characters from the first book don't move into this second installment.

I like how this book in the series is a more complete story, as opposed to the first one. Also, I like that this is a completely new adventure with the same characters from the first book, so that this book could stand alone on its own. And, I like the messages of this book, although they seem a bit heavy handed at times. The best image of all was the ending, which I won't give away in case people haven't read it yet, but it's a nice tie-in to the first book, as well as a simple symbol of hope for the future of the characters of this book, both the well-known ones from The City of Ember and the newly introduced characters.

A good sequel, although not quite as captivating as the first book. In the end a very good lesson of doing the right thing and how that pays off in the end. I enjoyed the story and will read the 3rd and prequel as well.

The second installment in the Book of Ember series continues the story of a world where the fear of an apocalypse inspired the construction of an underground city to preserve the human race. Led by Lina and Doon, the people from the underground city of Ember journey to the surface and find a village called Sparks.

In Sparks, they learn of the recent war that reduced humanity to its current state. Conflicts arise as the people of Ember try to adapt to the Sparks' residents' lifestyle. The two groups blame each other for the lack of supplies and the increase in complaints. Sparks in on the brink of violence and it is up to Lina and Doon to prevent the same kind of fighting that destroyed humanity only a few years ago.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy dystopian and post apocalyptic genres. It portrays a possible future for our own world if people resort to violence. DuPrau keeps the reader engaged by slowly building tension. Will those from Ember and those from Sparks resort to fighting to solve their problems? Will the leaders of Sparks choose to use their “secret weapon,” or will they find peace?

A major lesson to be learned from the book is to not make the same mistakes. Even after the devastating war, the survivors still risk fighting with each other. Don’t miss out on this intense story that will help push you to choose harmony rather than harm!

- Thomas, Grade 9