The Green Ember (The Green Ember Series: Book 1)

A new story with an old soul. That's how this book has been described by others who have fallen in love with it and I could not agree more. I was surprised to find something that reminded me, powerfully, of Edith Nesbit, CS Lewis and George MacDonald - while being something completely different at the same time.A hero story, this is more Hobbit than Watership Down. More Narnia than Beatrix Potter. And it works. I was skeptical because I usually prefer my animal characters to be of the James Herriot kind - rather than the talking Beaver kind. But, this, like Lewis, somehow lets us forget that Heather and Picket are animals and instead we relate to the heroes in these interesting characters.I had a hard time getting into the story. Because I had no idea what the intention was, I struggled in the first few chapters. They were almost too pastoral for me. Looking backwards, I understand now that they are in fact much like the beginning of The Hobbit - the innocence of the Shire (I mean Nick Hollow) must be acknowledged before the adventure can begin.Once Picket and Heather and are on the run, the story comes alive.I have waited weeks to write this review because I want so badly to communicate the profound value of this humble and tender little story. Even two months later, words fail me.Heather and Picket are unwitting participants in an adventure that transforms them into the very best versions of themselves - in the old fashioned way. They suffer much. They struggle against themselves. They humble themselves. They confront their own worst attributes. And they do it with the help of incredible mentors and new friends who have their own complex histories.There is so much to love about this book. It feeds the imagination, nourishes the soul and fortifies the character of the reader.S.D. Smith is the creative force behind Story Warren - a website dedicated to being the horns of Rohan in our lives as we seek stories of truth, goodness and beauty that point our children to the Maker.There is a sincerity in S.D. Smith's writing that makes the reader feel like they too could be the heroes of their own stories. Like the greats that Smith loves (Tolkien, Lewis, etc.), he tells stories worth knowing. Stories which inform the moral imagination and continue to speak to the reader long after the book has been returned to the shelf.It is exactly as S.D. Smith says at Story Warren - they are on our side. They are allies in imagination.I have been asked about the intensity level of this book. I would put it at the same level as The Last Battle. My four year old had no problem with this book but he is not particularly sensitive. I think that it is fair to say that the intensity progresses as follows:NarniaThe Green Ember/The Black Star of KingstonThe Hobbit/The Wingfeather SagaThe Lord of the Rings

Yet ANOTHER children's book that strongly reinforces gender stereotypes. It's disgusting that authors continue to do this in this day and age! How hard is it to just give some of main rabbit soldiers female names? That's literally all you would have to do. ALL the fighters are male, ALL the political figures are male, anyone who exhibits physical strength is male (no it doesn't count that the lead female character got to knock down some wolves, why couldn't SHE be the one to train as a fighter, to take down an impossible enemy, to be clever and calculating?). This story is for the trash! I don't care if it's a somewhat good story, I won't let my daughter be exposed to a world in which females apologize for their wisdom, in which females seem to only do stereotypical jobs like gardening, storytelling, sewing, and nursing! And while the lead female character starts out being interesting and somewhat strong, she is quickly outshined and outdone by her brother.

I really wanted to love this. My best friend raved about this series. I even met S.D. Smith at a conference and couldn't wait to read what this great dad had written. Unfortunately, we are half way through the book and none of us want to continue...me, my 9 yr old son, 7 yr old daughter, 4 yr old daughter. The first half of the book is filled with Pickett's bad attitude and an unclear chase scene filled with characters we don't know or care about...and half way through the book we still don't care about them and they are still being chased through a setting that is confusing both to me and my children. "Where is this taking place?" , they ask. The setting is undefined, as are the characters. " The author leaves too much to mystery...what happens to some of the beginning characters, what happened to some of the new characters, why Pickett has a perpetual bad attitude, and half way through the book you have no clue why they are being chased the whole time.

Okay, I'm a 42 year old father of 4. I have 3 daughters (16, 7, and 5) and one son (13). I saw this while browsing on Amazon and thought, "The cover looks cool. Hmm.. the reviews are good. I wonder if the kids would like to read this?" Well, I decided to take it for a test spin, so to speak, and, as it turns out, I loved it!I'm probably going to need to edit this review later after I read this out loud with my younger daughters and give their reaction but I thought S. D. Smith did a great job. There's an epic feeling here and the characters are just great. The illustrations are sure to pull your kids in--they're great.Anyway, I can't wait to read this with my kids and to continue the adventure with Picket, Heather, and the rest of the outstanding cast of characters.Check it out!

This review has been written by my 10-year-old daughter.This book is about two rabbits who are separated from their family and have to fight evil.One of the things I love the most about The Green Ember series, is that even though the story is about good vs evil, it isn't like most books where good wins every time. I find books where that happens, very boring and unrealistic.I can't pick a favourite character as they are all amazing. They are strong, caring, and loyal, and they inspire me to be more like them.I would definitely recommend this book series to anyone aged 6 and above.His books are very well-written and I couldn't put them down because each chapter keeps you hooked.Me and my little sister have read these books and listened to them on Audible lots of times and we both absolutely love them. S.D.Smith is one of our favourite authors and we can't wait for his next book to come out.I've read hundreds of books and personally, I'm convinced that these stories are some of the absolute BEST in history and will become just as well loved as The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.Thanks S.D.Smith for writing these FABULOUS books and inspiring me to become a writer.By Vishaka

The Green Ember is a substantial novel for children. It is based around two rabbits, Heather and Picket who become homeless and without close family, after a disaster. The story follows their wanderings and how they learn about family secrets, community, rabbit politics, deception and betrayal.The action is fast paced after the first chapter; rabbits perform amazing feats and good triumphs. The end is satisfying but leaves room for a sequel. This book is suitable for reading aloud from about age six and for reading independently, for readers from about eight or nine.Like all books with any meat, The Green Ember presents plenty of opportunities for discussion, mapping and cooking around the book but, of course, it should be savoured and enjoyed first.

For a first novel the author, S.D. Smith has done a magnificent job writing such an imaginative tale! I love that the Heather and Picket - two rabbits - are the protagonists of this adventure story,They have to deal with much in their young lives, but with courage and loyalty they help their mother and father to protect their home. Almost from the start, the reader is introduced to the plot when the rabbits discuss the mystery which divided the forest and forced their parents to move - leaving them sad most of the time. How will the two young rabbits be able to help them and have the courage to do so? All is revealed as the story unfolds chapter after chapter.The language is ideal for readers of 12 years and up, but younger listeners will certainly enjoy being read to by parents or older siblings. I love the drawings and especially the maps which help younger readers to visualise the area where The Green Ember is placed. I would love to have seen more drawings, but the story is quite long - a bonus for avid readers like my 8 year old granddaughter - but perhaps a bit long for the average 12 year old reader. Nevertheless, this book is good value for money and definitely begs for a sequel! We thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and look forward to reading more from this author's pen. :-)

My eldest son (11) and I have recently read through the first three Green Ember stories. We LOVED them, and cannot wait for the next book! The main characters are incredibly inspiring and courageous. The tale is deeply adventurous, well thought out and richly worded. The intrigue and suspense, had him begging for "just one more chapter" almost every evening! Honestly, my review cannot really do justice to these wonderful books! Take your kids on a literary adventure...for the Mended Wood!

Love this book! Its amazing with lots of action and adventure . For example when the wolves attack cloud mountain! If you just wanted to read a small part with action because you have limited time then thats the scene! Hope the review was useful!😀