Ember Falls: The Green Ember Book 2

I literally cannot say enough good about these books. Please note that this is a review of the entire seires, except The First Fowler, from The Green Ember to Ember's End. Heather and Picket are two young, blissfully ignorant rabbits living in Nick Hollow. In one day, the course of their lives changes forever. Picket trains to be a fighter under Helmer while Emma teaches Heather the art of healing. King Jupitur's heir leads on bravely as the grim Lords of Prey and the evil wolves threaten to abolish rabbitkind. Jo Shanks goes from an unrecognized archer to a hero. This is my favorite seires. I love the characters. I feel the danger. I see how evil the villans are. I love how Smith expertly blends friendship and family love, fear, war, yes, and romance into an epic tale approprite for children. When I am an adult with children I will read it to them. I will probably reread the seires two times in my life, if not more. Mr. Smith is my favorite author. He has composed a story that is so beautiful. He has cast such good characters. They are both strong and sensitive, loyal and wise, torn by loss and made complete by what they find on their journey. And they are different. Picket is a warrior who most wants to free his family. Emma is a kind and quite healer. Helmer is a feirce, wounded old soldier. I admit that there may be a few people who seem very similar, but with two fighters rather than one, we can see what is going on on two fronts. It also helps us see what the scene is like for each character.The Tales of Old Natalia is the sub-seires. It covers Whitson Mariner's time. Some might say that this was just an outlet for the author's extra world building, which it very well may be, but the Old Natalia books are very helpful when Prince Lander or Captain Blackstar is mentioned. Plus, who can deny an awesome story? The appropriate age for reading these books will vary from child to child, but a four year old was fine with the first book. The books do get more gruesome, but such is war. And I do not think that 'the arrow found it's mark and the Preylord fell from the sky' should be too descriptive for most kids that can understand what the words mean. But in the second and third books, there is talk of eating rabbit younglings and fattening them up. Those two are the most gruesome. I myself, reading them at about ten, was fine, and probably most boys around that age would be too, but watch out for your sensitive kids and little ones.

Just finished reading with my 8 yo son. He really enjoys this series. The action is very exciting and we enjoy the storyline twists!

I would like to encourage anyone with children (or not) to purchase and read the Green Ember Series. I am going to list a few good reasons.Sam is a father of four and he knows what children enjoy.He is incredibly talented.Sam currently works a full time job and can only leisurely write. I would love to see Sam write full time so that I can read more excellent stories.His writing is clean, and child friendly.The stories include important character lessons: loyalty, family, friendship, compassion, selflessness, and forgiveness. (etc.)Sam’s stories can be read by people of all ages. Both my 15 and 16 year old sons have read the stories, and they both enjoyed them. So have I (I’m 40).Green Ember concludes with the heroic and valiant efforts of Pickett when he rescued Prince Smalls from a potentially tragic situation. In the sequel, Ember Falls, Pickett has matured into an experienced and brave warrior. The war continues. Heather is training to be a doctor, meanwhile successfully serving under Emma… who turns out to be? I am not sharing, you will have to read the book. Friendships and loyalty grow as quickly as deception.Unfortunately, there are some very sad moments in the story. But I suspect that not everything is as it seems. The ending was shocking and equally frustrating, only because I want to know what happens to Heather and the singer (cliffhanger). Really Sam?! As I write this I am smiling because Sam left me wanting more, the habit of a great storyteller. No doubt there will be more stories. Ember Falls concluded with a mystery and a song. I loved the surprise ending, and I cannot wait to read more.The Green Ember Series will keep readers on the edge of their seat; it is exciting and fast paced. I read the first chapter to my MS Bible students and I encouraged all my students to buy the series for themselves. Before Christmas, when Sam offered the stories for free, I made sure to make my students aware. I do hope that you will read the Green Ember Series. Go read!

I am reading this series out loud to my boys, 8, and 6… wonderfully written and a joy to share with my kids. Life lessons abound, good characters and character development! Only half way through but can’t wait to finish and move on to the next.

The plot is pretty big at this point. Lots of characters and drama and lineage to remember. The action is pretty solid! If you like mid evil war books this series is heading in the right direction!

He loves the characters and the action and rolls right from one bk to the next

A lovely set of books. Full of peril and high adventure - but of the very best sort. Honourable and inspiring. Edit Update: After reading 4 of the books with my 7 yo, there is almost no reprieve from the war and fighting once it starts. Still a beautiful story, but the series my be too intense for some.

One of the greatest books about sword fighting rabbits you will ever read. My Son loves it. ‘It’s just great’ .

Nice children's fantasy fiction though might be a tad too violent for little kids. It's all about war and betrayal and fighting to keep one's home. Entertaining enough for adults too.

My kids and I are loving this series- beautifully crafted, solid characters and a rich, well developed 'world'. This definitely needs to be read after book one, the Green Ember. Best series!

Loved it great book they never disappoint just get better each time on edge of seat stuff love it look foreward to next in series