THE GREEN EMBER HELMER SERIES

THE GREEN EMBER HELMER SERIES

I *know*, in fact I am certain, that this series could not have been finished off better. If there was one author I could run up and hug today. I have thoroughly enjoyed Heather and Picket's journey and hope we get to revisit their world again someday!. The point of view, suspense, and dramatic irony created by such a structure adds a grandeur to this story that would not exist otherwise.

Pivoting to writer's craft, I also loved the use of parallel plots, even more so than I did with Ember Rising. Smith understands and portrays that relationship so well. We must have the former if the latter is to radiate its fullest beauty. That's because, as with the prior books, there is both abundant darkness and abundant light. While reading, I experienced everything from joy to sorrow, horror to delight, uncertainty to relief. I am so glad that books like these exist for children (and for us children's-book-loving adults, too). Ember's End is a moving, fitting culmination of the journey. I truly believe that Smith has channeled that same spirit throughout the Green Ember series. Tolkien understood the unparalleled power of a good story to help us escape not from reality, but into reality. How does one put into words the truly bittersweet feeling that accompanies reaching the end of a great story-the simultaneous joy of seeing how it all turns out and the sadness of having to say goodbye? How does one explain that this children's novel is a true story (see Smith's wonderful author's note at the end), not because the rabbits in our backyards are out fighting with swords, but because it reflects ultimate reality? Smith is a big fan of Tolkien, and so am I. How does one put into words the truly bittersweet feeling that accompanies reaching the end of a great story-the simultaneous joy of seeing how it all turns out and the sadness of having to say goodbye? How does one explain that this children's novel is a true story (see Smith's wonderful author's note at the end), not because the rabbits in our backyards are out fighting with swords, but because it reflects ultimate reality? Smith is a big f The best stories are sometimes the hardest to review. The best stories are sometimes the hardest to review.

Carolyn Leiloglou, author of Noah Green: Junior Zookeeper and the Garage Sale Pet (Spork 2019), Library's Most Wanted (Pelican 2020). Honor, sacrifice, and surprises abound in this thrilling finale.” “The end has come, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns you’ve come to expect from this series. The Mended Wood flickers dimly in the vision of the rabbits of Natalia, as they battle bravely for their survival and a hopeful future beyond. Heather and Picket face off for the last time with their tyrannical foes in this final installment of the Green Ember Series. My place beside you, my blood for yours, till the Green Ember.

The green ember helmer