4.5/5 stars

A formational book review by Megan

“All of life is a battle against fear. We fight it on one front, and it sneaks around to our flank.” He paused, looked kindly at her. “Yes, Father. I understand.” “I regret many things I’ve done,” he said, “but most of all I regret those moments when I said to Fear, ‘You are my master.’”

The Green Ember follows Heather and Picket, simple rabbits, but their lives are turned upside down one day when they are suddenly thrown into a broader adventure. They must overcome prejudice, assumptions, fear, and hate. How will they navigate this uncertain time and will they be for the coming kingdom or against it?

Reading as a Disciple

“The king was asked during this time by a faithful subject, ‘What, Lord Jupiter, is the greatest joy in the peace you have won?’ He did not answer suddenly; that was not his way. He was a philosopher king, so he thought on it. Finally, after several moments in silence, he answered with a wide smile, ‘That I am my father’s true son.’”

Family background and history takes a prominent role in this story but we should all be aware of our own family history and backgrounds too. No matter our own family story, what is beautiful is that our story with God is simple and true, we are his children and are heirs in Christ. Heather and Picket must wrestle with their own family history and things they thought were true but perhaps are not. They face prejudice against them and deal with their own prejudice, both are difficult to overcome. Shame and doubt can make overcoming family history seem impossible but God continually pursues us.

Reading Communally

“Here we anticipate the Mended Wood, the Great Wood healed. Those painters are seeing what is not yet but we hope will be. They are really seeing, but it’s a different kind of sight. They anticipate the Mended Wood. So do all in this community, in our various ways. We sing about it. We paint it. We make crutches and soups and have gardens and weddings and babies. This is a place out of time. A window into the past and the future world. We are heralds, you see, my dear, saying what will surely come. And we prepare with all our might, to be ready when once again we are free.”

The Green Ember had a subtle theme of redemption woven throughout that reminded me of our desire to see God heal our broken world. This idea of being a herald is the same as being an image-bearer, we bear the image of God in us, though we are broken individually, together, in community, we gain a better picture of what is to come.

It was also lovely to see in the book the idea that everyone is preparing for the Mended Wood by doing a craft, learning a trade. Not everyone was a soldier, rabbits continued to chose a trade and by this they were still preparing for the Mended Wood. Nothing was considered unnecessary, all jobs were seen as important and as work toward the Mended Wood. Everyone was a herald and therefore their work was directed toward the hope of the wood being healed and made whole again. We should have the same attitude, that no matter what job we hold, we do it unto God knowing that it will bring glory to God now. All jobs can bring glory to God as we serve as a herald to point others to the hope to come.

Final Thoughts

A thoroughly enjoyable read, lots of action and suspense. I always appreciate kid stories that allow for great conversation and this one does not disappoint. Betrayal, loyalty, hope, friendship, legacy, truth, fear and gossip are all some of the topics that could be discussed. I look forward to finishing the series and seeing what will happen.

Other books by S.D. Smith:

The Green Ember series- I’ve read the second book as well and enjoyed it. Hopefully I’ll finish the third and fourth books sometime this year.

Mooses with Bazookas- Have not read

Jack Zulu series- Have not read