Green Ember: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb

Green Ember: Helmer #1

by S.D. Smith, Zach Franzen (Illustrator)

Helmer is a young farmer whose homestead is under threat. The prince and heir is gone, and the kingdom is teetering on the edge of a long fall into darkness. Evil allies arise, threatening all that is noble and hopeful in Natalia.

Dark times. Deadly foes. A dragon tomb.

A legend is born.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure, Middle Grade, Christian Fiction, Childrens, Animals

400 pages

Published November 12, 2025

About the author

S. 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

Reviews

[Kalmar Shuffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO, SO GOOD!!!!! NEED MORE HELMER STORIES!!!!!

[Olivia Tonn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series will forever be nostalgic for me. Nearly all of my best childhood memories are of times when I was reading The Green Ember, talking to friends about The Green Ember, or writing my own plagiarized version of The Green Ember (which will never see the light of day).

So, even though this series no longer really falls into the style/niche of book that I prefer to read now, I will forever enjoy and be excited for every new book set in Natalia that comes out :)

[Sofie(the hopeless romantic version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

this series will always be five stars for me 💕 childhood memories ✨️

[Jared Mcnabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud with my boys. We love the whole series and this was a great addition.

[Emie BookLover & JesusFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

To read:
Ahhhh! Guys, I'm so excited!! Helmer is my favorite character in these books😭😭😭


11/30/25 review
⭐4.50 stars
Love. Wisdom. Humility. Self-Control. Loyalty. Patience. Service.

*Bounds into the review section and slowly claps hands together in respect for S.D. Smith*
Okay, so this whole review will basically be me ranting about the awesomeness of this book. If you read this, be careful of spoilers that I might have missed. You have been officially warned. Now, buckle-up, (if you're in a car) and let's talk...or let me talk.

⚔The fighting scene in the tomb while Helmer said the Seven Stones of Standing was hilarious! "Humbility" is a new word, and no one can convince me otherwise.

⚔Ahhh! I knew "Lesson number one: everything is a weapon" would be in this book! I KNEW IT!!

⚔Hemler ducking from instinct when Malder goes to punch him was so funny for some reason😂

⚔SPOILERS!! WAHHHH I'M SORRY?!?!?! P.J. IS PRINCE JUPITURE!!!??? LIKE THE KING JUPITER??? *slaps head* I SHOULD HAVE GUESSED! IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW!😭)

Alright. My rant is done.

Oh, wait. Ooops I have quotes. Hang on...

Favorite quotes----->
💬"If you must know, I have a particular fondness for ladybugs." (16) Stop. Just stop.

💬"Less grumbling, more humbling." My life quote. LOL

💬"You can't defeat the tyrant out there, until you conquer the tyrant," he pointed to Helmer's heart, "in there." (137) True.

💬"You may kill me, but it will not be easy. I will take one and a half of you with me." (211) So funny!

💬"We all need him. He is our hope." (258) NOOO! This hurts my heart more knowing that he'll die!😭😭😭

💬"Come for him, and I'll always be there to stop you." (320) That's the Helmer I know!


Alright, I think I'm done.

Wait. One more thing.

Is there going to be more in this series??? I notice that the book said #1...So maybe????

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is amazing! 🥹 If you are a Green Ember fan and Helmer is your favorite character, prepare for some emotional moments.

This book takes readers on a journey to explore the early adventures of the beloved Helmer, once a young farmer with a kind heart and a bit of impulsive impatience to right wrongs. When a fierce band of rabbits attacks his family’s farm, Helmer is captured and ends up on the infamous Grimble Island with hundreds of other enslaved rabbits.
There, he befriends a courageous and wise rabbit and dreams of escape and justice. But first, Helmer must learn to overcome his impatience and learn the virtues of a true hero.

Filled with adventure, action, suspense, and heartfelt moments, this story unfolds Helmer’s origins and his journey to become a warrior, learning patience and humility along the way.

This book is perfect for you if:
📔 You love adventurous stories that are full of heart.
✨ You appreciate storytelling with strong morals and meaningful lessons.
📔 You want wholesome books you can confidently share with your kids.
✨ And if you're a Helmer fan, get ready to cry over lines like “If you must know, I have a particular fondness for ladybugs.” (If you know, you know.) 🐞

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! Better than I was expecting since I was kind of disappointed with the previous two GE books that came out. But this one really was a comeback for me! I loved every moment of young Helmer, especially the moments when he reminded me of Picket!

Characters:
Helmer was fantastic! I love how he was written and presented and just...ack! Everything I wanted in a Helmer book!
JP was incredible! I loved him so much! Elias was also fantastic! There were villains to hate, characters to love, and humor to break up the hard moments.

Romance:
N/A

Language:
N/A

Magic:
N/A

Violence/Gore:
There are fights, beatings, injuries, wolves, rabbits with sharp teeth, etc...there are some scary moments, but not overly scary and it's intense but very good!

Overall:
This was such a fun thing! Such an amazing addition to the GE universe and I can't wait for the next Helmer book!

Recommend age 8+

[Val Emhof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might be one of my favorite because I love Helmer ! We all enjoyed reading it aloud as a family so so much. Discovering the beginning of the story of Captain Helmer was awesome. We all had so many theories and questions (me, most of the time asking my oldest son “Logan, do we know this character later ?! Is he still alive ?!” Answer from said son “just re-read them all, mom!” 😆🤦🏻‍♀️).
As a mom also, I absolutely love those books filled with adventures and goodness amidst darker times. The path to learning one’s strengths and gifts during difficult and challenging journeys. And, maybe above all, the gift of great teachers and mentors.
S.D Smith, thank you for another fantastic story! We all can’t wait for the next one!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sooo excited when this was announced. I’d been wanting to know Helmer’s backstory since I read the first book and this book delivered! It was epic.

[Tria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not a disappointment!!! I love all of the book and this one was no different!!!

[Avie K :): · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished it in a few hours. 11/10 🤩 Helmer is the best!!!! I’m so excited to read the next books in this new series!!

[Eden McCreery · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you must know, I have a particular fondness for ladybugs." 🐞

[Evalina Whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read in this world/series. I CANNOT wait for the next books about this character!

[Sam (The Favorites Shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

(Green Ember: Helmer - book 1)

I've been eagerly awaiting Green Ember spinoffs featuring Helmer (a prominent character from the main series), so I was very excited to read this!

It was fun seeing Helmer in his younger years, and I loved how his character is refined in this story. His journey through difficult circumstances presents good messages (like patience, honor, learning to be humble, etc.). And PJ is great too! The more I learned about him, the more I liked his role in things!

I also LOVED connections to the main series! Many of Helmer's actions in those books take on new depth after reading this! (As a side note: I'd recommend reading the main series first because you'll be able to go through a gradual process of discovery and feel more connected to Helmer here - although the exact order isn't entirely necessary, since this prequel can stand on its own as well.)

As for the plot, some scenes felt a bit repetitive, especially throughout different levels/corridors of the caverns. What's interesting, though, is I had a moment when I thought, "This should be a video game." And when I finished reading, I learned the author actually did release a video game based on the book. So, really, that aspect tied together quite well.

Now I'd love to know, are there going to be more Helmer books?? I definitely hope so because I'm ready for more adventures!

*Content to note*
.....May contain minor spoilers.....
Characters held captive by villains. Battles/fights, including some with bows/swords. A few injuries and deaths (mildly detailed/not graphic); very brief funeral scene. Mentions of dragons; island described as evil/cursed place because of dragon-related history. Side character named a "seer" - described as holy/devout, able to "see things no one else can see" (no further details given or shown).

[Eliana Peach · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to rate a Green Ember book so low, but this was hard to get through. It kind of feels like S.D. Smith has given up on plotlines.... it is, in every bad way, a prequel. 😮‍💨

[Liberty-Sylvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT! I really want to try the game.

[Luci Arbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me and my closest friend ever connected over this series, and now with this new addition I can't wait to talk about it with her!

Everything was in this, action and heart and faith and feelling! I don't know how SD Smith does it but he keeps on pumping books out like it's nothing, and his writing never bends away from his reputation of true, kind, and strong willed stories!
I've done my waiting for Helmers backstory, and let's just say I wasn't waiting in vain! It was epic and more than once I was on the edge of my seat wondering 'How will he survive? How will he make it through this?' and then somehow and always good prevails even when all forces of evil try to stop it.
Now that I have it I want more! I can tell that is is going to be a series so I am hopeing and PRAYING that the second will arive soon! I just hope that by then I have space on my shelves for the book......

[Christopher Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with a great initial back story on one of the main characters of the green ember series!

[Caleb Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book within the first 24 that we received it, I love the Green Ember series! I have read all the books numerous times over, I've been reading these books for years. This is a series near and dear to my heart. I think Sam truly did a great job with this book, but I have a problem... I need more! The biggest problem is that it ends, I want to keep reading past the last page, I'll just have to bide my time 'til the next release, maybe I'll got re-read through the series again XD
I loved how we learned more about a beloved character's backstory, but there is so much more of his story yet to tell, I hope Sam continues with Helmer as a focus.
Keep up the good work Sam, we're counting on you!

[Kezia · Rating 3 out of 5]

You may kill me, but it will not be easy. I will take one and a half of you with me.

I'm still deciding on the star rating☺

CONTENT
violance, low detail; rabbits killing rabbits

MESSAGES
it's important to know when to fight and when to be still - love for family - be humble - control your wrath - it's ok to lie, steal, and kill ememies in the name of the right cause

WRITING
Fun. It was a quick read, but fairly descriptive, and hilarious. Here's a short sample;

How have you gotten so good at this?
You overlook a possibility, Helmer.
What possibility?
That you are simply that bad.

CONCLUSION
I liked it! the little nods to other parts of the series were fun, and made it feel interconnceted.

✔Things I liked

*Learning about Helmer's artistic side🖌

*The vibes🔥

*New meaning to the term ladybug *happiness* 🐞

❕things I didn't like

*the killing--I didn't know Helmer started his carrier killing fellow rabbits. ... I lost count of the number. The origional series had a lot more fighting wolves, not other bunnies.

*the famus Helmer quote--honestly, I liked it being a Helmer quote. I see why he did that, and it being a fun tie in, but I might have preferred it if it was something Helmer came up with.

Thanks so much SD Smith!😃

💖

But it ends now, this fable of a farmer...

[Erin Hendrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, maybe 3.5, but I’m going to be generous and go with 4.

Pros: the kids loved it, the callbacks to the original series were fun (the kids whooped at the “everything is a weapon” line getting slipped in there, and they loved the little insight into Helmer’s love of ladybugs), and P.J. and Elias were enjoyable characters. The importance of the virtues of patience, self-control, service, etc. being practiced in tandem with using your strength and energy for good (fighting bad guys, saving the weak, working hard at your vocation) were woven into the story in a way that my sons really embraced and remembered (I’ve heard them telling each other “wait.. and see” pretty often this week 😂), and I really appreciated how the strengths of sons were called out while working to improve on weaknesses as well.

Cons: I felt the momentum of the story for the first half but the final third kind of dragged for me. I figured out the big reveal immediately (though my children who routinely spot twists ahead of time were completely shocked, so it was a well-written plot twist for the intended audience), and the ending felt a bit rushed with everything blowing up and all the extended fight scenes. There is a video game linked to this book and that might have influenced all the extended descriptions of every jump/swipe/kick which is a bit of a trudge to read. 🤪 Again, the kids were riveted, but reading it as an adult I felt like this weakened the power of the story.

In sum, the story starts strong, there’s lots of action, adventure, bravery, loyalty, good-vs-evil soul food in here, and my girls and (especially) boys both loved it, but the extended fight sequences dragged for me. I wanted to LOVE it but it doesn’t have the power of the Green Ember series. If you haven’t read any S.D. Smith books, definitely start with the Green Ember and read all 4 books. This makes a good addition to our home library, my children really enjoyed it, and I love the philosophy behind the game they made to go with it (and my children are chomping at the bit for us to play that together now that we’ve read through the story 😂), but it rates a solid star below the others for me.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was AMAZING!!!!!!!

Fair warning, I have been a fan of this series since the first book came out years ago, so this review *might* be slightly biased...

Some authors will try writing more books about different characters in their original series, and some of these stories just don't turn out as fantastic as the original books. I was SO glad this did NOT happen with Helmer in the Dragon Tomb because not only is Helmer my favorite character, but I absolutely love all these books and characters!!!

Helmer in the Dragon Tomb gave so much insight into the backstory of Helmer and how he becomes the rabbit he is in The Green Ember. Though it's just the start of what I hope will be another awesome Green Ember series (are you reading this Mr. Smith? I need more Helmer!!!!!), I understand Helmer so much more now, knowing where he came from. This was a beautifully written book of struggle, pain, hardship, perseverance, love, bravery, and most important of all, ladybugs. 😉 Deep themes lie beneath the surface of this beautiful story, and make it a wonderful read for all ages. 5 stars all the way!!

I cannot encourage you enough to read this book. If you have read the Green Ember series and love them to any extent, you will love this book just as much! If you haven't read The Green Ember yet... well what are you waiting for?!?!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It was so cool to see how Helmer changed over the course of the book and became something closer to what we see in the main series. I loved seeing all the little tidbits that show up in later books, like his love for ladybugs and the parallel between his training and Picket’s.

(I am also now dying to get more Helmer books because I want to see how he went from going home and being a farmer again to becoming Lord Captain of the King’s Army, disappearing into anonymity, and ending up at Cloud Mountain in time for the events of The Green Ember.)

[J. Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was FABULOUS. I absolutely loved the storyline, the characters, and especially how Helmer's arc, and the story itself, mirrored Picket's in book one SO WELL. Like, it's not the same, it's perfectly unique, but there were DISTINCT similarities that I absolutely LOVED. And now I really want to play the video game

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladybug is so much sweeter if a nickname now 😭

[Arjay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating 2.50 stars

When a series is done, just accept that.
The original series had four books! Well this one is the thirteenth book! I began reading this hours after it came out.
I am a big fan of this series, but this book was just not good. I started to get into it but it's nothing that we haven't seen before. Just the same old fighting. This series is done, it's ten years old and they still make books for it, it would really be a good time to move on.
I also found this book very boring, and I fell that it could have been written a lot better. I understand that a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this, and that's okay, but I am not going to lie about the book just because it is green ember.
I think we are at the point where the author is going to keep pushing out these books until they stop making money, and that's what they're doing, I don't blame them cause I would do the same thing. I found this book boring personally.
Also it wasn't horrible. I mean it kept me reading, And it did have a fun scene or two, but this book did disappoint me, cause helmer deserved such a better origin story!!! Look, I would totally recommend the green ember original series and the old natalia (haven't read the archer books) But unfortunately I can't say the same about "Helmer in the dragons tomb"

Positive

-It added some more sense to the original series

Negative

-It was very boring and hard to focuse on

-It was very similar to all the other books

-this series is being milked dry

[GuardedLegacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels like one of my favorite Green Ember books, already.

The narrator, Jake Phillips, is new to the Green Ember family of books and he did a good job with it. His speech rhythm and cadence would occasionally match that of S. D. Smith's speech patterns. It was interesting to hear those moments. He adds unique voices for most characters, including effective gravely or raspy voices for villains, and a calm, contemplative voice for Prester Jack. Excellent narration.
As for the story:
I loved it! There were a few aspects that could've been improved. I'm not fond of overnight skill power-ups enabling the effortless defeat of enemies that couldn't be touched the day before. And the "run for your life, and then run some more, and maybe a little more after that" is exceedingly annoying. That aside, I thought the story was very well written. Prester Jack has excellent lessons to teach. I'd like to make a plaque of the Seven Stones of Standing to hang next to our Fruit of the Spirit picture.
I'm going to have to look back at some maps to see where Nick Hollow and Seven Mounds are in relation to Grimble Island. They seem awfully similar. But, other books stated that the tunnels beneath First Warren were also similar to Seven Mounds.
It's been a very fun adventure to see through the eyes of the past. Hearing the tales between Old Natalia and the Golden Age of King Jupiter while learning more about the kingdom and the struggles set in the times of King Good and Jupiter Goodson.
The hourglass imagery included with the Time Steward workbook and the companion game makes a lot more sense. Now I just need to figure out how to setup the game for my kids to play.

Common Sense Media Core Content Rating Factors
**Violence & Scariness**:
Sword fights, bow and arrows, subtle killing scenes with little to no mention of blood, burying the dead, oppressive rulers, slavery, dark caves, rumors of a ghost.
**Sex, Romance & Nudity**:
None. There is an enthusiastic embrace of a married couple after surviving a difficult ordeal.
**Language**:
No swearing, but occasionally, oppressive guards are somewhat disparaging or belittling to the rabbits they hold as slaves.
**Drinking, Drugs & Smoking**: none.
**Consumerism & Product Placement**:
There's a companion video game and a Time Steward journal to teach children the value of budgeting time to different activities. But no ads or product placement.
**Positive Messages & Role Models & Educational Value**:
This book is ripe with positive messages and lessons to learn, including:
Invest in values that build up, rather than destroying and tearing down with anger, hate, and power over others. Stand by your values. Respect for others was more clearly emphasized with elders and women, but also demonstrated toward peers and strangers.
Prester Jack teaches the Seven Stones of Standing are foundational values to live by. "Love, wisdom, humility, self control, loyalty, patience, service. These are the words, our stones of standing." Helmer must learn patience before rushing in and causing more trouble for himself and those around him.
This book emphasizes the value of building competence and confidence through patient practice. It probably could have leaned more into cultivating creativity with Helmer's journaling and sketching, but that was a subtle demonstration of a skill he had already mastered.

**Age Appropriateness**:
S.D. Smith always expresses his desire to write stories that aren't safe, but they are good. His goal is to write stories to make us brave. The violence is tasteful and I began reading Green Ember books to my daughter when she was 5 or 6. These are great books for family reading. Maybe 8-9 years old for independent reading.
**Overall Quality**:
A 5-star rating independent of age.

I originally backed the Kickstarter campaign for the physical book and PC game, but I purchased and listened to the book on Audible. Additionally, I've purchased the digital book on Kindle.

[Jared Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of the Green Ember franchise first met Helmer in The Green Ember itself, the book that began it all. S. D. Smith himself has stated that he didn't know Helmer was a part of this series until he started writing the scene in which the black rabbit made his debut. Helmer as he appears in The Green Ember is, at least to begin with, unsociable and angry. And yet he has since gone on to become one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. Hence the fact that we're now getting the beginning of his backstory.

An unspecified number of decades before the events of The Green Ember, Helmer is rather more sociable but has definitely has the beginnings of the temper for which he will one day be famous. He's got a chip on his shoulder, and in fact has a lot in common with a rabbit he will one day mentor in the Green Ember series...which isn't entirely a good thing. But fortunately, just as Helmer will one day be there for that rabbit, there is a rabbit who is there for Helmer as he starts his own journey to become a hero. This is where that journey begins.

[Ella Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

… The first time i read the green ember i was 10, and in a lonely place. These books were “my books”… the books that took me to a new world. these are the characters that i fell in love with, and were friends when i had none. This is the story that made me love to read, and understand the magic that happens when you read a good book. SD Smith has done it again with this book, and even though some of the magic is gone because I am older, i love this story. My favorite part of these books is the twists- the wonderful character revealed as evil, the regular character revealed a hero, and a pouch with a certain gem in it. And after reading this i guess i will never be able to see the plot twists coming😉
also… freaking love the parallels between helmers story and pickets- adds so much depth to their relationship, and helmers deep love of picket😌

[Amy Wass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such good themes. A couple lines from the book stood out to them and we had great conversations that I’d say were pretty deep for a couple of teenage boys. I thought they would not be interested but they asked me to get the book and read it to them.

“Wait…and see” provided great conversation about taking time to observe instead of rushing in without seeing what is truly there.

“You can’t deal with the enemy out there until you deal with the enemy in here (referring to one’s own stuff)”. Sparked a conversation around the harm we can do to others if we aren’t willing to notice our own selves and engage with what is going on inside. We can’t truly save anyone and we can only see as far as we have traveled ourselves.