Why The Green Ember is a Gemstone in Juvenile Fantasy

Hello everyone!

While visiting a convention last year, I came across a stall selling the works of S.D. Smith, who is the author of the Green Ember. I heard about this book from a few influencers and friends, and decided to check it out. After reading it, it's my opinion that it's a true gem in juvenile fantasy literature and is also a great book for readers of all ages.

What is the Green Ember about?

The Green Ember is about two rabbits named Heather and Picket, who are siblings. They live in a clearing with their parents away from any other signs of life, and Heather often wonders why the only other rabbits she's interacted with are her immediate family. One day, tragedy strikes while the two are out on an errand, which leads them to embark on a wild adventure to reclaim the long-lost Green Ember, an emerald that can unite all of the rabbits in the woods. In the course of their adventure, the mystery about their isolation is revealed along with the heritage of a mysterious acquaintance named Smalls.

Literary Analysis

The superb story flow, character development, and appeal to the reader are traits that make the Green Ember a well-rounded book. Fans of the Redwall series by Brian Jacques may also enjoy and cherish this series.

World-building and story flow

The story flow of the Green Ember is excellent, as it keeps readers anticipating the next moves on every side. There is always an unexpected action during a chain of events that keeps the readers enthralled. The world-building is concise and to-the-point with just enough detail about locations to visualize the scene. Additionally, the shorter descriptions may be just right for early readers or younger children, as heavily-detailed world-building may lessen their interest in the story. Nevertheless, it has a surprisingly detailed history, which brings a level of realism to the story.

Character development and interactions

The character development of the Green Ember is some of the best I've seen - especially for juvenile fiction. Even though the story focuses on the trio of Heather, Picket, and Smalls, a lot of discussion about outlook and worldview can be gathered. 

For example, when Heather and Picket experience tragedy, each reacts differently - one broods and the other is grateful for the companionship of Smalls. This demonstrates how experiences effect people in different ways and could lead to discussions about how constructive actions are much more proactive in recovering from tragedy.

The interactions are also very well-developed. The dialogue accurately reflects the situation at hand and the characters all have their unique airs that influence the direction, mood, and type of conversation. 

Appeal to reader

The Green Ember will certainly captivate younger audiences. It has a balance of action and humor that will keep them engaged while older readers will notice discussions about philosophy and interpersonal interactions. 

For example, the way the two siblings act differently towards others due to the tragedy may give cause for older readers to reflect on their own interactions while younger readers may laugh at the attempted spellings of words rabbits with heavy accents speak.

A Keystone of Juvenile Fantasy?

While juvenile fantasy is usually centered upon fairy tales, folklore, and myths, the Green Ember provides a fresh taste to those interested in the genre. While it lacks certain tropes common in fantasy, such as magic, it still retains the mood of the genre due to the cast of anthropomorphic animals and Medieval ambiance. Additionally, it provides a unique retelling of the archetype of a long-lost relic that needs to be found in order to bring stability. The interactions, appeal, and story development are thought-out well. While I was initially skeptical of it due to the hype and praise, it turns out it lives up to the standard projected. Ultimately, the Green Ember truly is a literary treasure.

-Alex Russo