Ember Rising (The Green Ember Series: Book 3)

Dear S.D. Smith,
You neeeeed to write green ember four I want to know what happened! !!!!!!!
I enjoyed this so much that my parents would not allow me to read after 12:00
You need to write number four. I neeed to find out what happened at the end.

P.S. in book 2 I knew smaller was not dead when morbin said scrawny little prince

Thank you for writing this book. Don't forget to work on the next one thank you.

May God Bless You and your family!!!! ?

Cinserly

Smith’s Books continue to get better and better! My 9 year old has grown with these books. If he were only 6 he could not have handled the intensity. These books have actually helped him outgrow some of his fearful spirit and emboldened him.

These books are filled with great characters with character whom a child is likely to both identify with and want to grow into. I don’t want to give away any plot spoilers, so I won’t. We are already theorizing what the 4th book of the Green Ember series will bring about! My son jumped around for hours after we finished and kept saying, “I am still on about (character not named)! Why am I still on about (character not named)?”

We are Rabbit Fans! It is so hard to find excellent reading material for children these days full of truth and goodness. We supported the Kickstarter for this release and plan to do so for the next one!

If you have not read the first two books and two side stories, do that! They are fabulous, too!

What a glorious story! Each Green Ember book has gotten steadily better in its storytelling and pacing, and its world has grown both vaster and more richly layered. I enjoyed the earlier books, but Ember Rising is truly an achievement.

One of my favorite aspects of this book, and really the series as a whole, is that small, weak, and seemingly marginal rabbits have their heroic roles to play as well—not just the frontline soldiers, kings, and princesses. Everyone is called to their “little work,” as Emma wisely says, which has its part among all the thousands of others in the great Story.

And so many interesting characters, both male and female! Harmony, Heyna, wonderful Helmer. WEEZIE. So many backstories I’d love to see explored in future novellas.

The violence in this book is grimmer, and there are more chilling moments (perhaps for adult readers even more than for children). But the tender moments ring truer as well. And the ending...!

The next installment can’t come quickly enough. And I do hope it won’t be the last.

Many reviews have already taken my words. Tolkien, Lewis, S.D. Smith, yes, those names fit together. This book was incredible. I had a friend ordering the series before I even finished telling her about them.
I received this through the Kickstarter and finished it the first night because I couldn't put it down. I am already re-reading it because there are so many jeweled phrases that I want to write down and hang on my walls in reminder of pressing on through every circumstance. My nine year old, who just these last couple months started reading novels, had the hardest time putting it down, and came to me at every break with joy, sadness, or shock at what had happened to a beloved character.
Truly, writing at its very finest. Bravo, yet again Mr Smith! Thank you for writing the very best stories for all hearts. Looking forward to The Mended Wood!

Another great chapter in this story line! There is so much character and emotion in these books along with the action and adventure. We have loved every one so far! I will make a quick note that the evil in this book is a little more intense than the others and might be too much for young readers, or may be better done as a read aloud. I was concerned about my 9-year-old daughter who can be sensitive to those things, but she said she was okay with it because she “knew it would all be okay in the end.” I won’t spoil anything, but, as with the others, this book is full of hope and courage amidst the evil with a great ending!!

Intense, much moreso than the previous books. It made me uncomfortable at times, but knowing the violence in the book was not gratuitously placed made me persevere. I thought about the saints and martyrs as I read the book, as I felt that the violence depicted in the book, the struggles, were pointing toward a higher purpose and a higher story as they did with their lives. Well done! My boys declared it to be the best yet. However, if you have sensitive children, you may want to preview it or wait until they are older.

My only negative comment, and I realize to most that it will be ridiculously small, is that one of the characters called another "Snot" something (I can't find the page right now) a couple of times. Mr. Smith's books have challenged my prejudice against newer books, but this is just the kind of thing that is not found in classics. "Snot" is a common, base word, very out of place with his excellent use of vocabulary throughout the rest of the book. I edited it out when I read aloud, because my boys would have been repeating it ad nauseam. Just a tip for other parents with "repeaters."

These books are phenomenal! They have helped turned my dyslexic son into a ravenous reader. He reads and rereads them and then will listen to the audio books. He has struggled for years, but these books are action-packed and impossible to put down. He has worked harder just to be able to see what happens next. As a family we have several copies because everyone (mom and dad included) is reading them. Like others have said, S.D. Smith absolutely belongs with the great authors Lewis and Tolkien. Two cautions: order all the books at the same time because waiting for a new one will seem like months to an eager reader. Second, waiting for a new book release will feel likes years, but on the upside it will become a family holiday when it does come out. I cannot recommend these books strongly enough!

I purchased this book on Kickstarter, and I received it on the 28 of February. I read it in four hours. I have been waiting for this book for months, and I was not disappointed! Ember Rising is the best Green Ember book yet! S.D. Smith weaves a intricate and complex stories that delights readers who love action and adventure. However, the cliffhanger is really, REALLY intense. HURRY UP, S. D. SMITH!

My boys and I absolutely LOVE this entire series of books. I haven't started this one with my children yet, but I finished it in about four hours myself. I'm anxious to do the second read through with my boys. The entire series is so richly done. The imagery is stunning, the characters are memorable, the story line riveting. The characters find their way into our daily conversation. I know that Ember Rising will be no different. I found myself completely engrossed in the story, and even at 38 I found myself laughing, crying, and finally wanting to cheer by the end of the book. Do yourself and your family a favor and start reading this entire series. <3

An excellent follow up to Ember Falls. I particularly enjoyed seeing the growth of the two main characters, Heather and Picket. In fact I have only one complaint: the ending!! Sure, some things were resolved, but there were many - MANY - unanswered questions and things foreboded in this and the previous two books that need resolving. It's embarrassing to admit that you're a 35 year old woman, mother of 8 kids, and you can't sleep because you're upset about rabbits!! ? SD Smith is an excellent author, and I highly recommend these books. Provided, of course, that the series isn't done...

Our family has fallen in love with the adventures of Heather and Picket and the rest of rabbitkind in the Green Ember books. from The Black Star of Kingston to the newest of The Last Archer and Ember Rising, we can't get enough. These are stories of adventure, heartache, perseverance and hope. My 13 and 9 year old kids read them over and over and eagerly anticipate the next installment as we learn the fate of all Natalia.

Parents should be aware that there is some fantasy violence and that there is a degree of suspense that S.D. Smith has woven into the stories. Depending on the age and maturity of your children, I'd recommend starting these as read-alouds together.

These keep getting better! I liked the first and second, but the quality of writing and tightness of the story is getting better each time. I read all three aloud to my girls (12, 10, and 7) and got choked up a few times at the speeches of a few characters willing to sacrifice for the hope of the mended wood. It does wrap up some of the story, but doesn't feel like the end by any means. I have quite a few questions that would need more books to answer them or at the very least an epilogue. So looking forward to more! My 7 year old did enjoy them somewhat but I would think 8 or older would enjoy them more depending on the kid.

First, a brief synopsis of the book.
Heather is brought to Akolan and imprisoned there while Picket and Helmer infiltrate the First Warren. Everything then narrows down to a incredible battle at the end.

I got the Kindle version of this book for $6.00 and after reading it I would have paid more. I would have given it 5 stars, but part of the target audience for this book was 8-10 year olds and it seemed to have more violence in it then the other books. The violence includes young rabbits being snatched by preylords for Morbin's rites as well as evil traitors torturing their prisoners (Gory details are not explained). Besides that, the story is incredible! It introduces some awesome new characters such as the Tunneller, Weezie, and Captain Moonshine. It also keeps on going with old favorites like Jo Shanks (My personal favorite), Picket, and Heather. All in all, this is no doubt a masterpiece worthy of 6 stars, but the violence and the intended audience force me too sadly give it 4 stars.

This tale delves deeper into the questions of What price will you pay for freedom? At what point are you truly free? Do you know who you are and from where you’ve come?

SD Smith truly writes tales that are engaging for children and deeply meaningful for adults. I hope that these stories spark a flame in my children. I hope they will be encouraged to question the whys of this world. Let’s not turn a blind eye for the sake of fake comfort. Know who you are, from where you came, and what purpose you play.

In Ember Rising, Heather and Picket grow in strength, virtue, and courage while the adventure grows, too. This latest installment of The Green Ember is so good! You can't miss this one!. Ember Rising is beautiful and exciting. Children's literature at its best.

This is an excellent third installment of the Green Ember Series. As an adult and homeschooling mom I’ve enjoyed these stories right along with my young boys. I read this third book before reading it to my children, because I was a little concerned it would be too dark for my very sensitive oldest child (age 5) and I would caution parents that although this story is fantastic, this third part of the series might be a bit too heavy for younger readers/listeners.

The book is great but like other reviewers have said I am glad I read it with my sensitive 11 year old son and not to my 6 year old. Much of the violence was very hard for me to take especially the torture and child sacrifice. All that said wow what a book and what a story I am so impressed with the themes and amazingly developed story Smith writes the detail is amazing we could really be there. The themes of slavery and freedom and how those truly feel is so well done, there is good and evil and cowards and heroes I can feel like I am there and truly try to think what would I do how would I be. It was incredible.

An incredible third installment of The Green Ember series. We laughed, teared up, and cheered. The characters we know and love have so much growth. The world expands and we meet new characters to be loved and some...not so much. This book is filled with such hope right through to the end.

After Ember Falls, I had some questions, and Ember Rising answered them all very satisfactorily. I love it so much, that I was very reluctant when I had to go do something else. I really enjoyed it, and I can't wait for the next one. As S.D. Smith progresses through the series, the books get better and better. If you like action-packed adventure you will love Ember Rising. Juliet - age 9

I had been anxiously awaiting the newest installment in this series, and I have to say that not only did it meet my expectations - it exceeded them! S.D. Smith continues to weave a beautiful tale about being a light in dark places, doing what's right instead of what's easy, and sacrificial love. This story is filled with adventure and excitement, as well as masterful character development and some surprise twists. Loved every page, and am already looking forward to the next book!

I just finished reading Ember Rising. Ember Rising is one of those enticing examples of YA literature that inspires me to live a more heroic story - even as one who is much older than the intended audience. These tales remind me of a mixture of Narnia and Watership Down, and honestly provide a simple escape for a few hours. S. D. weaves a tale of true courage in the face of insurmountable odds. He deftly handles themes of betrayal and mercy in a way that is neither trite nor predictable. I found myself unable to put this book down, which is why I had to wait for school to be on hiatus to even touch it. I loved it and now am waiting with baited breath for the next installment. - Claire A (using husband's account)

Loved this 3rd installment of the series! Surprise plot twists, heroic feats, devotion and loyalty to the cause of freedom! We get to see more of the family connections of the various main characters. The whole book was a satisfying read and I can't wait for the next one!

Absolutely AMAZING!!!!!! Highly recommended. Ages 8+ would be my recommendation. I love S.DSmith's books and own all of them. I also love the suspense Ember Rising leaves you on. It gives you time to make your own theories. Another recommendation is: Have a friend read it, too. You always have to talk to someone about it. I literally burst into a room to tell that persone what happened. Somebody also only read the last chapter, so knew what I was going to read. Highly recommended. Read. Plus, where's that hundredth star?

Just WOW! Characters have become even further developed and the adventure continues to excite and inspire! I am literally stressing how I am going to wait long enough for Book IV. Well done! Without giving spoilers, all I can say is keep reading!

What a thrilling adventure! I loved every bit of this epic adventure. Teeming with heroes to love, villains to hate, and oh so many surprises! Some of the action may be too intense for younger (under 9) readers, so parents ought to read this first. This book will make you gasp out loud a hundred times. It's such a well-told story. CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE! Highly recommended!

This book is another fantastic and gripping read. Similar to the other books in the series, there is a lot of peril for the characters but there is also insight into the daily lives of rabbits living in different places. Some of the situations are dark - especially regarding the treatment of the rabbits in captivity and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

If you are hoping that this book wraps up all loos3 ends - it doesn’t. Expect a cliffhanger similar to how the other books ended.

A thrilling, heartbreaking tale of wonder! Each installment of this saga gets better and better. The stakes are high, the danger is real, and the drama is intense in these stories. S.D. Smith knows how to weave a fantastic tale, and this one is highly recommended.

OMG??? it left me in shock, wondering what the heck is going to happen. Amazing page turners. Hilarious chapters. I felt as if I was right there with them. I could actually relate to them. Definitely my favorite book ever!!!

Ember Rising surpassed my expectations! This is such a great series, and this third book kept the story alive in glorious fashion. My kids, ages 4 to 13, all love these stories. The characters have become familiar friends. All of us are eager for more!

I purchased this book through the Kickstarter and both my daughter and I finished it within the first 24 hours. We could not put it down!!! All the action, adventure, bravery and surprises kept us glued to the page. Well done, SD Smith! You always leave us anticipating ?

This book was incredible. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I was walking around the house reading on my Kindle while making dinner because I couldn’t put it down. These books will be classics! They are amazing!

After eagerly anticipating the release of Ember Rising we devoured it during our read aloud time! My kids and I can not recommend Mr. Smith’s books highly enough. They never disappoint...except that we are all fairly melancholy when we have to await the release of future books!

Incredible moral lessons (with wisdom for how and when to apply justice and mercy) combined with edge-of-your-seat storytelling. This one may be "for older kids," but the lessons are timeless, just as interesting to an adult, and rich with role models safe for your children to enjoy.

I agree that S.D. Smith's storycraft has improved with each book in this series. Be warned, however, that this story is way more intense than the first two books. There's more than a few elements that read like The Hunger Games. Unlike the first story, I would not recommend this as a read aloud for the whole family. A younger audience may find it emotionally upsetting.

Our family has been reading though this series since the beginning. We have eagerly awaited the release of each book. My son couldn't wait for us to read it as a family so he read it on his own and thinks it is the best book in the series!