Step into the enchanting world of The Green Ember, where sword-wielding rabbits embark on epic quests for freedom in the vibrant land of Natalia! This bestselling middle-grade fantasy series by S. D. Smith captivates young readers and families with its thrilling adventures, heartfelt themes, and a touch of old-soul storytelling. Perfect for fans of Narnia or Redwall, it’s a tale of courage and hope that leaps off the page.
Centered on rabbit siblings Heather and Picket Longtreader, The Green Ember weaves a noblebright saga of resistance against tyranny. With its rich world-building and relatable characters, the series has become a beloved staple for homeschoolers, Christian families, and fantasy enthusiasts alike. Ready to discover why rabbits with swords have stolen hearts worldwide?
How The Green Ember Began
Inspired by backyard bunnies hopping around his West Virginia home, S. D. Smith crafted The Green Ember as bedtime stories for his four children. What started as whimsical tales of heroic rabbits evolved into a full-fledged series when his family urged him to write them down. Launched in 2014 through a Kickstarter campaign raising $21,908, the first book introduced Natalia—a land of hope and peril. Smith’s vision of 'new stories with an old soul' blends classic virtues with modern adventure, earning praise for its moral depth and accessibility.
The Heart of The Green Ember
The Green Ember series spans four main books and several companion tales, following Heather and Picket as they navigate a world threatened by the tyrannical Morbin Blackhawk. In The Green Ember (2014), the siblings’ idyllic life shatters when wolves attack, thrusting them into a rebellion to restore their king’s legacy. Ember Falls (2016) escalates the war, testing their fragile alliances. Ember Rising (2018) deepens the resistance with themes of sacrifice, while Ember’s End (2020) delivers a climactic finale, though some fans found its endless battles less gripping.
Set in the lush, perilous Natalia, the series shines with themes of bravery, loyalty, and hope. Heather’s compassion and Picket’s growth from sullen to heroic resonate deeply, tempered by Smith’s simple yet profound prose. Christian undertones of redemption and community weave through the narrative, drawing comparisons to C.S. Lewis. The Green Ember itself—a symbol of the true heir—ignites dreams of a 'Mended Wood,' a world free from fear, making every page a call to stand against darkness.
Companion series like Tales of Old Natalia (e.g., The Black Star of Kingston) and Green Ember Archer expand the lore, exploring legendary heroes and side characters like Jo Shanks. With Zach Franzen’s vivid illustrations and Will Smith’s maps, the books immerse readers in a world that feels both epic and intimate.
Why The Green Ember Resonates
The Green Ember has carved a niche in children’s fantasy, selling over a million copies and topping Audible’s audiobook charts. Its appeal lies in its balance of high-stakes adventure and moral clarity, inspiring readers to embrace courage and community. Homeschooling families and Christian readers particularly cherish its wholesome yet daring storytelling. Nominated for awards like World Magazine’s Children’s Book of the Year (2015), the series fosters imagination and virtue, making it a timeless read-aloud favorite.
Despite some critiques of Ember’s End’s pacing, fans adore the series’ emotional depth and relatable characters. Its growing fanbase eagerly awaits news of adaptations, proving that rabbits with swords are here to stay.
- Publication Years: 2014–2023 (main and companion books)
- Number of Books: 10 (4 main, 3 prequels, 3 midquels)
- Awards: Nominated for World Magazine’s Children’s Book of the Year (2015), West Virginia Fiction Award
Dive into The Green Ember today and join Heather and Picket in their quest for the Mended Wood. This heart-pounding fantasy adventure awaits—grab a copy and let Natalia’s magic sweep you away!