A Book Review of The Green Ember!
Happy New Year, everyone!
I have another book review for you...and this one is very special to me. The Green Ember by S.D. Smith is not only one of my absolute favorite stories, but it is also one of the books that first got me interested in writing. The tale it tells is timeless, and even though it first came out in 2015, the story echoes with similar themes to The Chronicles of Narnia.
What the Book is About
The Green Ember is a middle-grade animal-adventure fantasy book, and it is the first in a series of twelve novels (so far!). It's set in the world of Natalia, where "ordinary" siblings Heather and Picket (who happen to be rabbits) discover their part in a long-time war. There are themes of betrayal, acceptance, family, and hope. The rabbits desire to get to the "Mended Wood," a Heaven-like paradise where they will no longer have to fight against the hawks, raptors, and wolves.
My Thoughts on This Story
Don't let the adorable bunnies on the cover fool you. This book is filled with battles, sword-fighting, action, and even death. Yes, some parts are sad. There's a war being waged.
BUT- I think it's safe to say that the good outweighs the bad. There's promise...love...joy. The characters learn powerful lessons even though they go through hard times. And, yes, there's slight allegory that's applicable to the readers.
I love how the author puts it in his book Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key:
"We...live in a fantasy world, but fantasy worlds are scary. Ours is too. We have villains and vice, darkness and dragons. Evil and ugliness contend and win in countless battles across the land. So there's a good fight to be had in our world. You are a character in the Story, not the main character and not the author, but you have an important part to play. What you decide and do matters."
-S.D. Smith, author of The Green Ember
That's an amazing reminder. Yes, there's darkness in the world. But darkness and Light cannot coexist. Know which side you're on. And fight, for the glory of the King and the hope of the Mended Wood.
For His Glory,
Caitlyn⚔️
