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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
About the author
S.D. Smith
18 books2,067 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 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 ✨
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+
Read
December 28, 2025A delightful addition to the Green Ember collection - and an honor to work on as an editor. Recommended for all Green Ember lovers!
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!!!!!
November 24, 2025
3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)
(Green Ember: Lost Tales - book 1)
I really enjoyed revisiting Green Ember characters in this bonus book! There are actually two short stories here, so I'll share individual thoughts for each:
1st (This takes place between the events of The Green Ember and Ember Falls): I loved the initial low-stakes feel to the mystery, with lots of fun banter between characters (especially Jo, Picket, Heather, and Heyward). Then action picks up toward the middle, and I wasn't exactly sure how it would connect with the overall plot, but I could see certain aspects coming together. Then it just... ends?? I totally wasn't expecting a cliffhanger, so I'm really hoping there will be a continuation at some point in the near future!
2nd (This takes place AFTER the main series, and I'd definitely recommend reading it in that order to avoid spoilers): I really liked the "where-are-they-now" feel to this, although it's bittersweet. This story is also really short. I feel like it mostly serves as an introduction to spinoff books about Helmer (which makes me excited for Helmer in the Dragon Tomb, which was recently released), but I think I would have enjoyed this even more if the plot had been expanded upon here as well.
Overall, I'd read these stories again for the characters, and I'd definitely recommend them to fans who've already read the main books!
Side note: I listened to this on audio, which was narrated by the author, and I really loved that! There's something so special about listening to an author narrate his own works!
*Content to note (for both stories)*
Battles with enemy rabbits and wolves; various injuries/character with bite wound (not graphic). Brief references to old battles/war scars (not graphic).
(Green Ember: Lost Tales - book 1)
I really enjoyed revisiting Green Ember characters in this bonus book! There are actually two short stories here, so I'll share individual thoughts for each:
1st (This takes place between the events of The Green Ember and Ember Falls): I loved the initial low-stakes feel to the mystery, with lots of fun banter between characters (especially Jo, Picket, Heather, and Heyward). Then action picks up toward the middle, and I wasn't exactly sure how it would connect with the overall plot, but I could see certain aspects coming together. Then it just... ends?? I totally wasn't expecting a cliffhanger, so I'm really hoping there will be a continuation at some point in the near future!
2nd (This takes place AFTER the main series, and I'd definitely recommend reading it in that order to avoid spoilers): I really liked the "where-are-they-now" feel to this, although it's bittersweet. This story is also really short. I feel like it mostly serves as an introduction to spinoff books about Helmer (which makes me excited for Helmer in the Dragon Tomb, which was recently released), but I think I would have enjoyed this even more if the plot had been expanded upon here as well.
Overall, I'd read these stories again for the characters, and I'd definitely recommend them to fans who've already read the main books!
Side note: I listened to this on audio, which was narrated by the author, and I really loved that! There's something so special about listening to an author narrate his own works!
*Content to note (for both stories)*
Battles with enemy rabbits and wolves; various injuries/character with bite wound (not graphic). Brief references to old battles/war scars (not graphic).
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. 😉
December 5, 2025
All the green ember books are so great! You just can’t stop turning to the next page! Every chapter ends in a cliff hanger! I love it!
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
February 7, 2026
I only give it 4 ⭐s bc it just didn't hit like the other books... i was a little disappointed, but still a good read!
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 25, 2025
Great for kids. Very wholesome.
March 24, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
this book brought back so much nostalgia from the original series, and I loved it!! I missed all of the characters, so it was so good to have them back in this book!!
this book brought back so much nostalgia from the original series, and I loved it!! I missed all of the characters, so it was so good to have them back in this book!!
April 4, 2026
Lost Key:
Honestly, I was "eh" about the first story (this has 2 stories in 1 book. 2nd story is to be read after the final GE book). Nothing really made sense and there was no conclusion for many pieces. It was almost like a prologue, but I've read the next book and it has nothing to do with the crystal key.
Helmer's Son:
Of all SD Smith's works, this short story made me feel the most emotion. It was sad but cathartic. I wish there was more to it though. it only took 30-45 minutes to read.
Honestly, I was "eh" about the first story (this has 2 stories in 1 book. 2nd story is to be read after the final GE book). Nothing really made sense and there was no conclusion for many pieces. It was almost like a prologue, but I've read the next book and it has nothing to do with the crystal key.
Helmer's Son:
Of all SD Smith's works, this short story made me feel the most emotion. It was sad but cathartic. I wish there was more to it though. it only took 30-45 minutes to read.
January 2, 2026
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.
December 19, 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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews