The Books of Ember Books in Order

Jeanne DuPrau's post-apocalyptic young-adult quartet follows the residents of Ember, an aging underground city whose lights are failing, as two teenagers uncover the secret of escaping to the surface and the survivors rebuild a world above. The four novels weave together the origins, fall, and aftermath of the city across an interlocking timeline.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember)

    The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember)

    2003 · Jeanne DuPrau

    Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow are twelve-year-olds living in Ember, an underground city whose flickering lights and dwindling food supplies are signs…

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  2. Cover of The People of Sparks (Book of Ember #2)

    The People of Sparks (Book of Ember #2)

    2004 · Jeanne DuPrau

    Having escaped the dying underground city, the people of Ember emerge into the unfamiliar daylight of a ruined world and arrive at the small farming…

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  3. Cover of The Prophet of Yonwood (Book of Ember #3)

    The Prophet of Yonwood (Book of Ember #3)

    2006 · Jeanne DuPrau

    Generations before Ember was built, a girl named Nickie travels to the town of Yonwood, where a woman's terrifying visions of fiery destruction have…

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  4. Cover of The Diamond of Darkhold (Book of Ember #4)

    The Diamond of Darkhold (Book of Ember #4)

    2008 · Jeanne DuPrau

    Months after leaving Ember behind, Doon and Lina struggle to survive a brutal winter in Sparks when they discover a torn page from a book hinting…

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Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the The Books of Ember books in?

Publication order — Author Jeanne DuPrau and publisher Random House; widely echoed by readers and booksellers Start with “The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember).”

How many books are in the The Books of Ember series?

We list 4 books by Jeanne DuPrau , published between 2003–2008.

Where can I buy the The Books of Ember books?

Each title above links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.