The Great Wood may have been razed by the destructive fire, but as they repeat triumphantly, They are painfully unaware how it will all end, but the unity of Cloud Mountain has taught them of a greater hope. It is a glorious tale of fighting evil in unison. Heather and Picket are fully aware they are still in the middle of their story. To borrow an expression from Andrew Pudewa from the Institute of Excellence in Writing, this is not so much a “twisted” or “broken” story, but a “healing” story.

I love that family members within the book unabashedly profess their love and affection for one another, that there is not bullying among the allies, but a focused purpose in defeating the evil. I love that even though there are many battle scenes and deaths, this is not too scary a read aloud for my six year old, and yet it has maintained the interest of my twelve year old. My boys and I completed the first in the series, and are midway through the newly published sequel Ember Falls.

I won’t reveal what events transpire, but they are distressing to the rabbit siblings, and demonstrate how betrayal and true evil exist even in their fantasy world. They slowly begin to help heal and strengthen the aching hearts of Heather and Picket as they grow into the vision of Cloud Mountain. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts…”Įndearing characters are introduced, such as the slightly bumbling, clay-flinging Eefaw Potter, or the sweet, grandmotherly sage, Old Mrs. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. We see similar ideas within the early Church. “Now, they do other work like everyone else: gardening, cleaning, teaching – whatever’s needed. Smith utilizes a great deal of Christian imagery throughout the book. “Everywhere they looked, energetic work was underway.” p. The rabbits live in true community as they prepare for eventual battle, and continue developing beautiful skills of creativity, artisanship and industry. After a previously unknown Uncle Wilfred and his adopted son Smalls rescue them from the wolves of Redeye Garlackson, they are sequestered in Cloud Mountain, a hidden community determined to preserve the old peace and order of the Great Wood. Not only are they seeking their family, but are likewise in search of a more peaceful world.

It is a coming of age story in which Smith seemingly draws on his love for C.S. Somehow, through a share on Facebook, or maybe a pop up on my newsfeed, we discovered The Green Ember series.īuilding on the Christian fantasy genre, Smith has created an inspiring world of anthropomorphized animals who are attempting to battle the evil in their own world as it spreads throughout the Great Wood, and beyond, into all Natalia.Īfter wolves attack their village, set fire to their home, and take off with their parents and baby brother, Heather and Picket begin a journey. For this very reason I am pleased my family and I have found S.D. Children’s problems are growing weightier, darker, and their literature is reflecting that in the name of “reality,” “daily life” and “awareness.” It is not any worse than previous generations have experienced, but it is certainly a marked characteristic of our current culture. Our public voice of dissonance has no hint of forbearance.

The world has become obsessed with hatred and bigotry and violence. Healing is on the horizon, but a fire comes first. “The Green Ember burns the seed of the New World smolders.

The green ember series book 4