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Green Ember Lost Tales #1
The Lost Key
Picket, Heather, Jo, and your favorite Green Ember heroes are back for a thrilling new adventure. In the days after their arrival at Halfwind Citadel, the friends are caught up in a desperate fight for the cause when an internal conspiracy threatens to unravel the growing strength of rabbitkind’s resistance.
208 pages, Paperback
Published December 6, 2024
89 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Smith
16 books1,968 followersS. D. Smith is the author of The Green Ember Series, a million+ selling adventure saga featuring heroic #RabbitsWithSwords. The Green Ember spent time as the number one bestselling audiobook in the world on Audible. He is also the author of the madcap Mooses with Bazookas: And Other Stories Children Should Never Read as well as the touching throwback adventure, The Found Boys. Finally, he has co-authored two fantasy adventure novels with his son (J. C. Smith), Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key and Jack Zulu and the Girl with Golden Wings. Smith’s stories are captivating readers across the globe who are hungry for “new stories with an old soul.”
Though packed with old school virtue and moral imagination, Smith doesn't merely create "safe" stories, but bold, daring, truthful tales of light that help shape children who become dangerous—dangerous to the darkness.
Smith is a founder and owner of Story Warren, a publishing, events, and IP development house based in rural West Virginia. Story Warren exists to serve families as “allies in imagination.”
S. D. Smith lives in Gran
Though packed with old school virtue and moral imagination, Smith doesn't merely create "safe" stories, but bold, daring, truthful tales of light that help shape children who become dangerous—dangerous to the darkness.
Smith is a founder and owner of Story Warren, a publishing, events, and IP development house based in rural West Virginia. Story Warren exists to serve families as “allies in imagination.”
S. D. Smith lives in Gran
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 8, 2025
I'm SO excited for this. 🤩 Another Green Ember book? Yes, please. 🤭
I was squealing when I opened this and read what it was about! And in classic S.D. Smith fashion, it did not disappoint! Such a quick but amazing read. 🤩
Content: Fighting as usual. An arrow is shot through a wolf's eye.
✨ 4.5 Stars ✨
I was squealing when I opened this and read what it was about! And in classic S.D. Smith fashion, it did not disappoint! Such a quick but amazing read. 🤩
Content: Fighting as usual. An arrow is shot through a wolf's eye.
✨ 4.5 Stars ✨
Read
January 13, 2025A delightful addition to the Green Ember collection - and an honor to work on as an editor. Recommended for all Green Ember lovers!
March 18, 2025
Not my favorite Smith book... just because the first story didn't really end...it was a cliffhanger! Why!? Lol... and then the second story hit all the feels, but I wanted to know more about the journals.🤣
Characters:
I really enjoyed all the banter between Picket, Jo, Heather, and Helmer! It was great to see them again! As well as Heyward and Wilfred! Even if some of the characters were only there for a short period of time.
For the second story... I got so excited when a certain Lord was introduced! Because in Ember's End, I wasn't sure if he made it...I'm so glad he's alive! Also, Picket's POV was great!
Themes:
Honestly, I'm not sure with the first story...felt like it was just starting when it ended.
For the second...it hit all the feels. But I can't say more or I'll spoil it.
Language:
N/A
Romance:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Fighting, battles, mentions of wounds, and past wounds. A young buck is bitten, a young doe is carried off... but the violence, as always, is handled well and never gory.
Overall:
This was a fun addition to the Green Ember universe, but quite frankly, I wanted a whole lot more.🤣
Recommend ages 7+
Characters:
I really enjoyed all the banter between Picket, Jo, Heather, and Helmer! It was great to see them again! As well as Heyward and Wilfred! Even if some of the characters were only there for a short period of time.
For the second story... I got so excited when a certain Lord was introduced! Because in Ember's End, I wasn't sure if he made it...I'm so glad he's alive! Also, Picket's POV was great!
Themes:
Honestly, I'm not sure with the first story...felt like it was just starting when it ended.
For the second...it hit all the feels. But I can't say more or I'll spoil it.
Language:
N/A
Romance:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Fighting, battles, mentions of wounds, and past wounds. A young buck is bitten, a young doe is carried off... but the violence, as always, is handled well and never gory.
Overall:
This was a fun addition to the Green Ember universe, but quite frankly, I wanted a whole lot more.🤣
Recommend ages 7+
December 30, 2024
This has 2 fun short stories...and you MUST wait until after Ember's End to read the second one otherwise there will be MAJOR spoilers and you'll ruin the entire end of the Green Ember Series.
The first one was filled with good action and surprises, but I'm not sure it resolved anything about a lost key. Lots of stuff happened, with some new characters...I have a hard time getting into new characters, and it sort of ends with what could be continued later, so maybe this will pan out into an another mini-series with these new characters.
The second one was poignant and heartfelt and I loved it, but I can’t say anything else, or else it would spoil it.
I hope someday S.D. Smith will write a book of Helmer's Adventures!
The first one was filled with good action and surprises, but I'm not sure it resolved anything about a lost key. Lots of stuff happened, with some new characters...I have a hard time getting into new characters, and it sort of ends with what could be continued later, so maybe this will pan out into an another mini-series with these new characters.
The second one was poignant and heartfelt and I loved it, but I can’t say anything else, or else it would spoil it.
I hope someday S.D. Smith will write a book of Helmer's Adventures!
February 4, 2025
I read it one day, I loved it!!! Just another great installment to one of my favorite series!
But really when is the next book coming….i wanna know what happens next!!!!!
But really when is the next book coming….i wanna know what happens next!!!!!
March 31, 2025
🫐Blueberry's review🫐
5✨
My wonderful mom spontaneously ordered this one for me this week! 🥳🥰🥰 I’ve been a fan of Green Ember for years, so I was soooo excited for this one, but for various reasons hadn’t yet purchased it. It came in the mail Tuesday, and was done that afternoon. 🤣🥰(Someone help, it’s making me wanna reread all of the books! 🤣🥹💚)
💚🏹⚔️👑🐇🐺✨
CWs: None! Sword fights, but with no gore whatsoever. 😉
5✨
My wonderful mom spontaneously ordered this one for me this week! 🥳🥰🥰 I’ve been a fan of Green Ember for years, so I was soooo excited for this one, but for various reasons hadn’t yet purchased it. It came in the mail Tuesday, and was done that afternoon. 🤣🥰(Someone help, it’s making me wanna reread all of the books! 🤣🥹💚)
💚🏹⚔️👑🐇🐺✨
CWs: None! Sword fights, but with no gore whatsoever. 😉
April 3, 2025
Can't wait
Edit: just read it and it was amazing not quite as good as some of the others but still great
Edit: just read it and it was amazing not quite as good as some of the others but still great
April 4, 2025
The Lost Key By S. D. Smith
Rating: 3.5 stars.
Language/Profanity: None
Faith: None (If there is, let me know.)
Romance/Sex: None.
Violence ect.: Slight injuries; mention of war; old war injuries.
Other: Loved ones who have died; loved ones who have been taken by the enemy.
Part of a Series: Yes, the first, and so far only published, book in a series called Lost Tales.
Synopsis:
Picket, Heather, Jo, and your favorite Green Ember heroes are back for a thrilling new adventure. In the days after their arrival at Halfwind Citadel, the friends are caught up in a desperate fight for the cause when an internal conspiracy threatens to unravel the growing strength of rabbitkind’s resistance.
Thoughts:
Honestly... This wasn't my favorite. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of the Lost Tales, but this seemed to just be written because it felt like it needed to... I did like the banter between the characters, and seeing the end of the last story, but... It must not have been for me.
But for avid fans of the the Green Ember this is a cool book!
Bible Verse:
John 8:58 KJV
[58] Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Rating: 3.5 stars.
Language/Profanity: None
Faith: None (If there is, let me know.)
Romance/Sex: None.
Violence ect.: Slight injuries; mention of war; old war injuries.
Other: Loved ones who have died; loved ones who have been taken by the enemy.
Part of a Series: Yes, the first, and so far only published, book in a series called Lost Tales.
Synopsis:
Picket, Heather, Jo, and your favorite Green Ember heroes are back for a thrilling new adventure. In the days after their arrival at Halfwind Citadel, the friends are caught up in a desperate fight for the cause when an internal conspiracy threatens to unravel the growing strength of rabbitkind’s resistance.
Thoughts:
Honestly... This wasn't my favorite. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of the Lost Tales, but this seemed to just be written because it felt like it needed to... I did like the banter between the characters, and seeing the end of the last story, but... It must not have been for me.
But for avid fans of the the Green Ember this is a cool book!
Bible Verse:
John 8:58 KJV
[58] Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
January 4, 2025
As a massive fan of The Green Ember series, having been reading since the release of Ember Falls, I am giving The Lost Key a four star rating not to be more negative than the general review score for these books, but to provide some feedback that I hope will help in the next Lost Tales story.
This is another well-written and exciting story from S. D. Smith. It's full of the same adventure and interesting characters, both new and old, that you've come to expect from him. So why the four stars?
I feel that this book is much too short to adequately accomplish the mystery setup that it is trying to do. By the end of the first story, we don't have any clue as to what the Lost Key is, or why it's even lost. There seems to be a secret society inside the warrens, but not much investigation is going into that, either. While this does leave a lot of mysteries to be solved, there is not enough to keep the reader anticipating what will happen next, in my opinion. This is a good start, but I believe it needed to continue to the point that the reader will be more involved in the mystery rather than only getting a general, vague idea of what the mystery is.
Again, I hate sounding negative in a review of an S. D. Smith book. I truly enjoyed this return to the Green Ember universe after The Archer's Cup, and I'm excited to see another mystery-oriented spin on the series. However, unlike Archer's Cup, I don't think this story advanced the plot enough to be as riveting as the best of S. D.'s novels. What is there is still excellent, however it feels too incomplete for me to give it a perfect five stars in good faith.
This is another well-written and exciting story from S. D. Smith. It's full of the same adventure and interesting characters, both new and old, that you've come to expect from him. So why the four stars?
I feel that this book is much too short to adequately accomplish the mystery setup that it is trying to do. By the end of the first story, we don't have any clue as to what the Lost Key is, or why it's even lost. There seems to be a secret society inside the warrens, but not much investigation is going into that, either. While this does leave a lot of mysteries to be solved, there is not enough to keep the reader anticipating what will happen next, in my opinion. This is a good start, but I believe it needed to continue to the point that the reader will be more involved in the mystery rather than only getting a general, vague idea of what the mystery is.
Again, I hate sounding negative in a review of an S. D. Smith book. I truly enjoyed this return to the Green Ember universe after The Archer's Cup, and I'm excited to see another mystery-oriented spin on the series. However, unlike Archer's Cup, I don't think this story advanced the plot enough to be as riveting as the best of S. D.'s novels. What is there is still excellent, however it feels too incomplete for me to give it a perfect five stars in good faith.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
5✨
My wonderful mom spontaneously ordered this one for me this week! 🥳🥰🥰 I’ve been a fan of Green Ember for years, so I was soooo excited for this one, but for various reasons hadn’t yet purchased it. It came in the mail Tuesday, and was done that afternoon. 🤣🥰(Someone help, it’s making me wanna reread all of the books! 🤣🥹💚)
💚🏹⚔️👑🐇🐺✨
CWs: None! Sword fights, but with no gore whatsoever. 😉
My wonderful mom spontaneously ordered this one for me this week! 🥳🥰🥰 I’ve been a fan of Green Ember for years, so I was soooo excited for this one, but for various reasons hadn’t yet purchased it. It came in the mail Tuesday, and was done that afternoon. 🤣🥰(Someone help, it’s making me wanna reread all of the books! 🤣🥹💚)
💚🏹⚔️👑🐇🐺✨
CWs: None! Sword fights, but with no gore whatsoever. 😉
December 16, 2024
I loved this book so much! It is a great addition to the green ember books. This book has two stories each set in different times. The first story must be read after you have read the first book, and the last story must be read after you have read all the books, or else it will spoil to much. The last story made me tear up (and not a lot of books do that to me) but it was still really good.
March 30, 2025
To be honest, not my fave. The stories felt pretty incoherent. The plot of the first one seemed jumbled, and didn’t wrap up nicely. The second one just didn’t seem to be going anywhere. Kind of a letdown after how much I liked the original series.
July 18, 2025
im not a hater I swear but this one just felt... really unfinished?
like the plot of the first story was super messy and all over the place and didn't wrap up well at all. maybe there's plans to write more stories following that line, but then this one should have been held back until more were ready.
the second story was better but mostly because I 🩷 Helmer and I 🩷 explorations of grief. but it still didn't really get anywhere. picket knows his relationship with helmer and I thought it was a little strange that he was willing to throw out that father/son relationship for the benefit of some other, imaginary son.
on the whole, definitely one of the weakest books in the series, but im always still interested in anything coming next
like the plot of the first story was super messy and all over the place and didn't wrap up well at all. maybe there's plans to write more stories following that line, but then this one should have been held back until more were ready.
the second story was better but mostly because I 🩷 Helmer and I 🩷 explorations of grief. but it still didn't really get anywhere. picket knows his relationship with helmer and I thought it was a little strange that he was willing to throw out that father/son relationship for the benefit of some other, imaginary son.
on the whole, definitely one of the weakest books in the series, but im always still interested in anything coming next
December 11, 2024
I have loved the Green Ember series ever since I first picked up the books. I am so glad that it is continuing! This newest book has the same type of adventures, and I love getting to read more about the characters' lives. I was extremely surprised to find that this book is actually two in one! It has a new adventure from the beginning of the war and then another that is from the after the mending. Both stories are definitely incomplete and left me wanting more. They give a little taste of what is to come with future books, and I can't wait. I read it in less than a day, and now I am wishing it wasn't so short. Can't wait for more books to come out and finish these two new stories!
Here is more about the book:
It's a super short and easy read (probably took me an hour to read it) but it is so good! And I discovered a little surprise - it's two books in one! The first part of it (75%-ish of the book) was a story that takes place after the first main Green Ember book when Picket and Heather were sent to Halfwind Citadel. The book ends on a major cliffhanger and there will definitely be more to come because that first story is not finished. The second part of the book is actually a mini book/story called Helmer's Son. It takes place after the mending and is the start of Pickets' journey to honoring Helmer. Picket makes a huge discovery that makes me think we will be getting a lot more stories of Helmer before we meet him at Cloud Mountain in the first book. I can't wait!
Here is more about the book:
It's a super short and easy read (probably took me an hour to read it) but it is so good! And I discovered a little surprise - it's two books in one! The first part of it (75%-ish of the book) was a story that takes place after the first main Green Ember book when Picket and Heather were sent to Halfwind Citadel. The book ends on a major cliffhanger and there will definitely be more to come because that first story is not finished. The second part of the book is actually a mini book/story called Helmer's Son. It takes place after the mending and is the start of Pickets' journey to honoring Helmer. Picket makes a huge discovery that makes me think we will be getting a lot more stories of Helmer before we meet him at Cloud Mountain in the first book. I can't wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness. 🫢
As a recent Green Ember fan, I was extremely excited when I saw the announcement that S.D. Smith was releasing a new GE series. I was even more ecstatic when I heard that the first book would contain not just one, but TWO short stories! (One set between the first two main books, and the other set after the end of the series.)
I have now read both tales, and I'm genuinely freaking out!
To avoid spoilers, I'll keep this brief.
The Lost Key is a great addition to the Green Ember series! It's got everything you love about the series. Rabbits with swords (and bows), wolves, humor, twists and turns, and hope. It ends on a surprising cliffhanger, so I hope a continuation is coming soon, but, as it is, The Lost Key is a fun, quick read with plenty of familiar faces and a few intriguing new ones.
Helmer's Son can't be discussed without encountering huge spoilers for the entire series, but I can say that it is a must read for every Green Ember fan! But make sure you've read Ember's End first. It's the perfect epilogue to it that also teases future tales.
Thank you, Sam, for giving us more rabbits with swords! I hope and pray the future holds even more Green Ember stories!
As a recent Green Ember fan, I was extremely excited when I saw the announcement that S.D. Smith was releasing a new GE series. I was even more ecstatic when I heard that the first book would contain not just one, but TWO short stories! (One set between the first two main books, and the other set after the end of the series.)
I have now read both tales, and I'm genuinely freaking out!
To avoid spoilers, I'll keep this brief.
The Lost Key is a great addition to the Green Ember series! It's got everything you love about the series. Rabbits with swords (and bows), wolves, humor, twists and turns, and hope. It ends on a surprising cliffhanger, so I hope a continuation is coming soon, but, as it is, The Lost Key is a fun, quick read with plenty of familiar faces and a few intriguing new ones.
Helmer's Son can't be discussed without encountering huge spoilers for the entire series, but I can say that it is a must read for every Green Ember fan! But make sure you've read Ember's End first. It's the perfect epilogue to it that also teases future tales.
Thank you, Sam, for giving us more rabbits with swords! I hope and pray the future holds even more Green Ember stories!
May 20, 2025
I loved this! As an established Green Ember fan It felt amazing to read these stories. I’m so glad S.D. Smith is continuing to write about these characters that are so dear to me. I felt such nostalgia and affection! 5 stars!
July 29, 2025
Family read aloud book.
Two nice additional stories to the green ember world, but leaves you wanting more.
Two nice additional stories to the green ember world, but leaves you wanting more.
January 3, 2025
This book was incredible, if you enjoyed any of the Green Ember books, you will most definitely love these short stories.
The Lost Key was pretty great, epic battle scenes, Wolfs, Jo being Jo... and great new sayings and qoutes!
Helmers Son was also absolutely, incredibly, amazing! I love Helmer so much, and hope that S.D Smith will write more about him.
The Lost Key was pretty great, epic battle scenes, Wolfs, Jo being Jo... and great new sayings and qoutes!
Helmers Son was also absolutely, incredibly, amazing! I love Helmer so much, and hope that S.D Smith will write more about him.
July 15, 2025
This book was amazing! I was so excited when S.D. Smith came out with another in the Green Ember series. It was full of humor and jokes but carried with it the dread of the wolves that haunts the whole series to the end.
May 15, 2025
You lose a high percentage of the chances you don’t take so may I ask you desperately for the rest of your cake.
December 26, 2024
Always enjoyable
Sam Smith has a gift for story and it has been great to revisit some places we have been with new stories inside. If you live Natalia and the Mended Wood you will enjoy these Lost Tales.
Sam Smith has a gift for story and it has been great to revisit some places we have been with new stories inside. If you live Natalia and the Mended Wood you will enjoy these Lost Tales.
April 22, 2025
ANOTHER ONE??? IM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!
*adds to Christmas wishlist* 🎄
*adds to Christmas wishlist* 🎄
December 26, 2024
Amazing. S.D. Smith does not disappoint.
January 2, 2025
I was ecstatic when I heard about this book! I’m hoping for more soon!
January 20, 2025
Great read. My kids and I really enjoyed reading more of the Green Ember, especially about the characters we have come to know and love. Looking forward to more of these Lost Tales.
February 11, 2025
Amazing book (as usual with S. D. Smith)!
January 31, 2025
Was a fun quick read. Makes me want to go back and read the books again. Since it was two stories in one it seemed a bit rushed at the end of each story.
February 21, 2025
Good writing. Can't wait for more from S.D. Smith!
May 6, 2025
It was good to be back with Pickett and Heather for this short tale. This one felt a lot more like the original books in the series.
April 14, 2025
This book probably would have been appreciated more had I found the time to read the original series again first. There were characters and settings that I had completely forgotten about. Perhaps other ends that I thought were left dangling were actually resolved in the other books.
That said, I didn't find the book particularly fascinating. The book is divided into two completely different stories. The first was reasonable, but the ending was unsatisfactory. I felt as though the strings weren't tied into a bow--they were just left dangling so readers could tie them however they wanted to. The second story was rather dull. Perhaps after reading the whole series, it would feel more like extra payoff, but read independently, it felt very gray and overplayed. Certain emotion beats seemed unnatural, and even certain bits of dialogue felt forces.
But even examining just the prose, I'm not impressed. The voice wasn't consistent. Two companions that the protagonists meet in their adventure speak in vastly different styles of English. One says "Is it kidding me, you is?" and the second replies, "Aye, I jest." One page later the second character says "thankee."
This poor style applies not only to the direct address but also to the third-person unaddressed narrator. Smith also wrote that a character shot a wolf, "killing him dead." I also noticed certain vague phrases like "It looked bad." Furthermore, I felt as though he used many relatively trite metaphors, such as a singing bow in a battle.
As the final result, I was unsatisfied. It's quite possible that some of the unanswered questions with which I was left at the end of the book were resolved in the other books. But even if that is the case, Smith's simple style failed to impress me.
That said, I didn't find the book particularly fascinating. The book is divided into two completely different stories. The first was reasonable, but the ending was unsatisfactory. I felt as though the strings weren't tied into a bow--they were just left dangling so readers could tie them however they wanted to. The second story was rather dull. Perhaps after reading the whole series, it would feel more like extra payoff, but read independently, it felt very gray and overplayed. Certain emotion beats seemed unnatural, and even certain bits of dialogue felt forces.
But even examining just the prose, I'm not impressed. The voice wasn't consistent. Two companions that the protagonists meet in their adventure speak in vastly different styles of English. One says "Is it kidding me, you is?" and the second replies, "Aye, I jest." One page later the second character says "thankee."
This poor style applies not only to the direct address but also to the third-person unaddressed narrator. Smith also wrote that a character shot a wolf, "killing him dead." I also noticed certain vague phrases like "It looked bad." Furthermore, I felt as though he used many relatively trite metaphors, such as a singing bow in a battle.
As the final result, I was unsatisfied. It's quite possible that some of the unanswered questions with which I was left at the end of the book were resolved in the other books. But even if that is the case, Smith's simple style failed to impress me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews