![]() ![]() ![]() Smith, illustrated by Zach Franzen (with maps by Will Smith), and published by Andrew Mackay of Story Warren, LLC. “The Green Ember burns the seed of the New World smolders.T he Green Ember series is a succession of middle-grade noblebright fantasy books authored by S. Healing is on the horizon, but a fire comes first. Reading aloud with a beloved child in your life is just about one of the most enriching past times. It is single-handedly my favorite way to spend time with my kids, even though they can all read fluently on their own. Reading together cements our relationship and graces us with a shared vocabulary and with more robust imagery. #GREEN EMBER DISCUSSION SERIES#įor this reason I am pleased to introduce you to The Green Ember series by S. In The Green Ember and the subsequent books Ember Falls, and now in the newly published Ember Rising, Smith delivers a story worthy of sharing with middle grade readers and beyond.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. ![]() They are rabbits with swords.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. It is a coming of age story in which Smith seemingly draws on his love for C. They are seeking their family, but are likewise in search of a more peaceful world. 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. The rabbits live in true community as they prepare for eventual battle, and continue developing beautiful skills of creativity, artisanship and industry. “Everywhere they looked, energetic work was underway.” p. Smith utilizes a great deal of Christian imagery throughout the book. “Now, they do other work like everyone else: gardening, cleaning, teaching - whatever’s needed. We see similar ideas within the early church.Īll the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts…” Acts 2:44-46Įndearing characters are introduced, such as the slightly bumbling, clay-flinging Eefaw Potter, or the sweet, grandmotherly sage, Old Mrs.Įvery day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They slowly begin to help heal and strengthen the aching hearts of Heather and Picket as they grow into the vision of Cloud Mountain. 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. It is a glorious tale of fighting evil in unison. Heather and Picket are fully aware they are still in middle of their story. 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. Yes, Old Testament concepts of the remnant (Jeremiah 42:2, Ezra 9:8) resonate here as the rabbits huddle in their warrens awaiting eagerly the heir of King Jupiter to appear. ![]() He glanced at Smalls, then said in a strong, defiant voice, “It will not be so in the Mended Wood!” We can see the imagery of a broken or a cursed world becoming renewed. “…the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:21 Then the group, all but Picket and Heather, each struck the air with a fist and called out in an echoing reply, “The Mended Wood!” p. ![]()
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