This is the first book in a YA series by Jeanne DuPrau. It was also adapted into a 2008 movie. Ember is a city underground that was built a long time ago by the Builders who had feared a global catastrophe and wanted to ensure human survival. The Builders left behind a set of instructions on how to get out of the city as soon as it was safe again. However, over time, these instructions became lost. So, everybody became trapped in the city. A city that is now aging and impacted by blackouts, and dwindling resources and food.

The first book follows two kids, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow. Lina’s role in the city is that of a messenger. She runs around the city delivering verbal messages to one other. Doon’s role is a pipeworker, he works even further underground, repairing pipes around the city. One day, Lina discovers a small piece of parchment, that she is convinced is part of the missing set of instructions. She teams up with Doon to try to figure out what these instructions are. There’s all these side stuff that’s going on that they are dealing with too, but what I said above is pretty much the gist of the story.

I read the book for the first time recently, but I saw the movie years ago- probably when it first came out. I can’t remember any of the movie, so I couldn’t tell you if it was any good or not. But the book was decent- compelling character and a good plot. I do want to read the rest of the books in the series at some point- I think there’s like 4 books in the series.