The City of Ember

A 2003 post-apocalyptic science fiction novel from the United States, written by Jeanne DuPrau, tells the story of the underground city of Ember, built as a refuge for humanity after a global catastrophe. The city was designed to last for 200 years, after which its inhabitants were to return to the surface. However, due to the loss of the evacuation instructions passed from mayor to mayor, the citizens of Ember find themselves trapped. The main characters—teenagers Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow—discover fragments of an ancient message and attempt to decipher it to save the city from impending darkness. They face corruption, dangers, and their own fears as they strive to find an exit and restore hope to their people.