“Torren was out at the edge of the cabbage field that day, the day the people came.”

From Jeanne DuPrau’s City of Ember: The People of Sparks.

The people of Ember have escaped the crumbling underground city (thanks to the leadership of young Lina and Doon that went against everyone to find a way out), but now what do they do?  Shortly after coming above ground, they find Sparks and strike up a bargain where Sparks will let the People of Ember stay for several months until the underground people could learn to live above ground on their own.  Things between the two cities are rocky, but workable; everyone from Ember is given a place to sleep and food to eat, while everyone from Sparks worries about the many extra mouths that need to fed.  Vandalism and accusations soon begin between the two groups, which is only accelerated by the high stress of the entire situation.  Lina and Doon are helpless to control the others from Ember as the violence, anger, and rebellion grows; the two are also unable to influence the leaders of Sparks to have mercy on the ill-prepared people of Ember.  When the conflict explodes, it is up to Lina and Doon to risk everything in an attempt to save the people of both Ember and Sparks.

This sequel stands strong as a follow-up to the original series; there are elements of mystery and suspense that carry the plot without copying the first book.  DuPrau does an amazing job of showing the complete ignorance and confusion of the Ember people.  The pace of the book is very even; action and dialog are evenly spaced so that readers that enjoy either type of story will not be turned away.  It sets up very well for future books, but also goes beyond simple acting as a bridge or filler in the series.  The People of Sparks is a fairly quick read that will make a lasting impact on the reader.