Book Review: The Diamond of Darkhold (Monday, September 15, 2008)

The Diamond of Darkhold is the fourth novel in Jeanne DuPrau's Books of Ember series. Despite starring two clever and mature teenagers, and a heavy post-apocalyptic setting, and potentially disturbing plot elements, the writing sadly only rises to the level of perhaps a bright nine year old. DuPrau has the unfortunate task of writing novels for children in a post-Rowling world, where we've come to expect each book to become more complex and more mature than the one before — one where we expect the reader to grow as the characters grow. One would particularly expect it from these novels, considering the totally un-subtle morals of the story — be curious, be kind, and read as much as you can, because books and learning will save the world!