City of Ember

...seldom riveting, but it's consistently compelling, and its uncompromising literal andmetaphorical darkness renders its climax enormously satisfying.

...full of such sprightly visual thrills, and is packed with delightful incidental details that reveal a society making-do with dwindling resources.

This is a Boys' and Girls' Own Adventure, rousing and action-packed and short...

...half great...

...has some strong fantasy moments and makes a gentle statement about corruption and blind faith.