The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau

This is the Third Book of Ember and this story takes place about 50 years before The City of Ember is actually built. The main character is Nickie - who travels with her aunt to the town of Yonwood, NC in order to clear out her great-grandfather’s home after his death. The world is in great turmoil and on the brink of war. Upon her arrival, she is told that one of the town’s citizens has had a terrible vision of fire and destruction in the world. They now call this woman the Prophet of Yonwood - but the prophet is in some type of shock and has not told anyone of her prophecy. Instead she repeats several words over and over - but they are too garbled to be properly understood. One of her neighbors, Ms. Beeson, has taken it upon herself to translate these words and the town is taking these translations as prophetic instruction on how to avoid the coming disaster.

As the people of Yonwood struggle to not sin and follow the prophets translated instructions, Nickie explores the odd town and its residents. She begins to investigate her great-grandfather’s home and peculiar belongings, as well as meet some of her neighbors - particularly a reclusive neighbor who studies the heavens and a boy who is obsessed with snakes - and all this, while trying to reach her goals (i.e. living permanently in Yonwood, falling in love and finding a way to help the world).

Sadly, I really couldn’t get into this book. I would advise not reading this book directly after The People of Sparks, the feel is so different that it will probably not hold you in the same way. Only the epilogue really ties to the ember saga itself. Probably a good book overall, but I was disappointed since I expected a stronger connection to Ember. I'm glad I read it because of the last few pages, but overall, it was disappointing. I will read the fourth book (The Diamond of Darkhold) but only because I still have that spark of hope for this series.