The Last Archer

Green Ember Archer #1

by S.D. Smith

A Green Ember story set during Heather and Picket's arrival at Cloud Mountain, The Last Archer follows the journey of Jo Shanks. Jo is a gifted archer with a burden on his back and a fire within. Eager to see the Longtreaders receive justice, he travels from his Halfwind Citadel home to a Cloud Mountain poised on the brink of war. What he finds there will confront his convictions and test his resolve as the war begins and King Jupiter's heir is revealed. A kingdom in the balance. An arrow aimed at the heart of darkness. Who will take the shot? Special Edition! Read the opening chapters of The Green Ember Book Ember Rising.

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

107 pages, ebook

First published December 28, 2017

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

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I enjoy so much about the #RabbitsWithSwords world of S. D. Smith’s Green Ember books is that there are a great number of “minor” characters who are so interesting to me that I would love to see them get their own fully developed stories. As an example, the Weavers are written in such a way that I feel like Sam must have backstories for them that he is waiting to tell. At least, I sure hope so. I also would love to know more about Emma and Lord Rake’s story before Heather and Picket arrive at Cloud Mountain. And, strange as it may sound, I want to know more about Kyle’s story. Without question, I definitely want much more of Helmer’s story. And I want to know more about the votaries. I said in my spoiler-free review of Ember’s End that I am an insatiable reader, but that is only part of it. Sam’s writing seems to suggest that if we had enough evenings on his porch, looking out at his field, he would tell us all of these stories and so many more.

While I was reading The Green Ember, Jo Shanks did not jump out at me as being one of those characters we needed to know more about. Heather did attend to his wounds in the battle, and that did pique my interest, but he did not jump off the page as one of those characters who would become a favorite. When Sam released The Black Star of Kingston, I delighted in the knowledge that we were getting a robust origin story for the land of Natalia. That little book had so much promise (which is, I think, realized in Prince Lander and the Dragon Wars). When I read Ember Falls, however, I began to really love the band of brothers who served under Captain Helmer and, with Picket’s experience and Heyward’s engineering, would all learn to fly. So, when I read The Last Archer I wasn’t completely surprised that we were getting a Jo Shanks story. I had not expected a third storyline to emerge from this #RabbitsWithSwords legendarium, but I did think Sam had a particular interest in Jo Shanks.

When The Last Archer opens, Jo is just not that “special.” In fact, he is pretty ordinary. Ordinary in the sense that he exists for great good but he is getting in his own way. Like most of us, Jo is not the best, not the brightest, not the most courageous, and certainly not the most consistent. Next to Nate Flynn, Jo is sort of a disaster. But, readers of the series know that is not Jo’s whole story. Jo Shanks is easily one of the most beloved characters of the entire series because when he is doing what he was made to do . . . he is a lovable, loyal, and brilliant hero. And funny. He is very funny. The Last Archer, will become the First Fowler, an ultimately, a great hero for the cause.

Like many, I thought Ember Falls was a brilliant sequel to The Green Ember. It was appropriately darker, richer, more complex, and more well told. Everything we loved about The Green Ember was present in Ember Falls, but the sequel was more satisfying, even if more tragic. The Last Archer builds on that creative energy with an intriguing twist.

As of writing this (April 2022), there are ten Green Ember world books. S. D. Smith recommends that we read in publication order. You can learn more here. That order, however, is not chronological. There are four Green Ember books which tell the overall story. Those books have a complex and well-developed story arc, and the ending of Ember’s End really and truly feels like a series-ender. Those books are substantially larger/longer than the Green Ember Archer books and the Tales of old Natalia books (although, those are growing in size as they are released). As Sam was writing the main series, he treated us to the beautiful and relevant history of Natalia in The Tales of Old Natalia series. Prince Lander and the Dragon War, as an example, gives us critically important information about key details in Ember’s End.

The Green Ember Archer books tell us more about the main series almost from the point of view of a third-party observer. The Archer books follow the exploits of Jo Shanks as the main series is happening. In this first installment, the story opens before Jo and the Half Wind Citadel rabbits arrive at Cloud Mountain. It tells the key events of The Green Ember from the vantage point of rabbits who hated and distrusted the Longtreaders. This creative twist offers readers a number of opportunities to consider the familiar story anew.

Jo Shanks is an insecure and self-absorbed rabbit who has much to learn. A hero in the making, Jo needs to first understand himself and his cause better. Readers of Ember Falls are keenly aware of what Jo is capable of, but in this story, Jo is floundering. Jo's confusion about himself and the characters around him affords us the opportunity to reflect on how grace really works. Knowing what Jo will become, we read this story with hope and faith that all of it will work itself out. It was not lost on my kids and me that this lesson can help us in our real lives. We too are a work in progress and have much to learn.

Like all things S. D. Smith, this story celebrates hope, courage, and self-reflection. These attributes make the characters authentic and worthy of consideration. I sincerely hope that Sam will give us more like this. A scenic and fascinating detour from the main story, this was a lovely way to spend a few hours reading aloud to my children.

[Kate Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Green Ember short story is not to be missed! Thanks to a young Ember fan at church, I finally got to read this book. ;)

It’s probably no secret that archers are often my favorite characters. (Also, mailmen and doctors--with or without a capital d. :D) I loved reading about Nate his squad, fitly named the Bracers. Their competition was nice foreshadowing and very intense!

Jo Shanks, a character in this series I related to very much. Not necessarily in all ways, but his awkwardness, regrets, and desire to prove himself felt very real. I can’t tell you much about the end without spoilers, but I couldn’t be more pleased with what happened. :D

Just a note, there was an intense battle and rabbits wounded by vicious wolves.

Altogether, this was a great addition to a wonderful series! I thought rabbits with swords were cool, but rabbit archers are even better. :D I hope Jo shows up in Ember #2 and #3. ;)

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Green Ember Stories! I adore Jo...y'all, no kidding he's one of my favorite characters! So that he got a whole mini side series just...ah, I love that!

Characters:
Jo is the main character, and he's so fun and determined and just relatable! I love him so much! *hugs*
Jo's friend Lund is also so hilarious! And I wish I knew where he ended up...
Other characters in the story include the Bracers, name Nate Flynn, Owen, and Junder, and I love all three of them. Especially Nate and Owen!
Captain Frye, who grows on you!
Several other characters from GE make appearances such as Wilfred, Smalls, Emma, Heather, Helmer, Picket, Lord Rake, Gort, Effaw, etc...

Themes:
Glory and fame aren't everything, and as a constant, just because one person in a family betrayed someone, it doesn't mean the whole family are traitors.

Language:
N/A

Romance:
N/A

Overall:
This is such a fun short read that fits right inside The Green Ember. I love it and highly recommend reading this awesome story!
Recommend ages 8+

[Lindsay B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy two day read. It's so hard to stop reading because it's so awesome.

It's a side story, during Ember Falls, (I think) about Jo Shanks, a rabbit soldier from Halfwind citadel. Everyone thinks he is a nobody, but really, he's pretty awesome. He is sad because everyone is annoyed at him, (he can be a goof sometimes) and he feels like an outcast.

He had a vision of his Father telling him, "You must make a name for yourself, son," he had said more than once. "You must strive and strive and strive until honor surrounds you and glory descends on you like a crown. They will give you nothing. You must take it, no matter the cost."

And it does. But I will let you figure out how.

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you'd have told me at the beginning of the year that one of my favorite series of the year would have been starring epic battle bunnies... Well, I probably would have believed you. My favorite book series does have an epic battle mouse, after all. Still, I don't know if I would have anticipated the battle bunnies being THIS epic.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dear friend of mine got this for me for Christmas and it was delightful. I loved seeing part of the first book from a different perspective, and yeah, it was pretty fun.
Overall, this was a very good story, and I look forward to continuing the series.

2020> Loved it even more the second time around!

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

4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)

I love archery and adventure stories, so I knew I would enjoy this!

The Last Archer follows Jo Shanks, a young rabbit who longs to overcome his father's past and become a renowned archer. His point of view also serves as an additional perspective for the events of book one in the main series. Because of this, I'd recommend reading the main series first (or you could read halfway through the main series first, if you're following the author's recommended order for all the books and spinoffs, which I've been doing - the list can be found on the author's website).

The archery scenes, including the archery competition, were definitely some of my favorite parts, but I also loved the story's clear themes and life lessons (like overcoming misconceptions, learning courage, etc.). The ending also left me quite satisfied.

Now I'm even more excited to continue my Green Ember journey - especially with more spinoff stories featuring Jo's archery skills!

*Content to note*
Perilous battles with wolves (somewhat detailed); injuries occur, and characters comfort wounded/dying soldiers (not graphic but could be intense for some young readers). Brief mentions of votary characters.

[Liz Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I just felt like I sat down for coffee with an old friend. No book has warmed my family’s heart like the Green Ember series has. I didn’t even realize how much I missed our old friends, but it was wonderful catching up and hearing more of their beautiful story. SD Smith truly has a way with words and draws you in where you don’t want to stop reading. I get sad knowing the series is almost complete, but as I read and see my 1 and 3 year old playing off to the side, I realize I will have another chance to revisit this story in the future.

[Bethany Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book with my kids and was excited to notice my 6 and 4 years olds being into it and wanting me to keep reading. Loved the focus on archery and learning to fight not for your own glory but for a cause.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent little book. This tells the story of the archer Jo Shanks. My children and I loved getting to know this hero more. The book was exciting, engaging, and so well written. My family can not wait for more.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The backstory of Jo Shanks and just how Heather Longtreader made it back to Cloud Mountain to rally soldiers for the fight.

Sigh. We were all so very sad that this book was over AND that we have to wait until March for the next book. Thankfully, we still have "The Black Star of Kingston" to hold us over and we will reread Ember Falls closer to release date.

These books are full of adventure, brokenness that leads to redemption, and forgiveness. Rising above and standing for a greater cause. The story is so well crafted. As an adult I love this story and my 9, 7, and 6 year old girls love it as well. There is something for everyone here.

Buy the books, dig in. Follow S.D. Smith because really he's just fun. (I was not paid for my endorsement. HA!)

[Rachel Oldaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved it. fast paced and exciting. really neat to witness same events as in green ember but from another perspective... I love the series books, but I would love to see other side stories like this come out in time! no pressure, Sam ;)

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 out of 5 stars

This short Green Ember novella is a little confusing. The time (in relation to the previous full-length novel) was not very clear to me. And the characters aren't given distinct personalities as they are in the full-length novels so it's hard to keep them separate.

On the positive side, Jo Shanks is an interesting, relatable character. Hopefully he'll show up in the next book!

(Sorry this is such breif, negative thoughts. Maybe I'm just not in a good mood because of tooth issues😂)

[jenjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing side story, and despite being small, it packed a big punch. Would recommend this for any Green Ember fan.

[Kelly Hohenstern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read

Another Green Ember story with wonderful bag story on Smalls, Heather, Picket, and a before unknown hero, Jo Shanks who saves Heather.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great side story for The Green Ember series. I think that if I was doing it over again, though, I would just read the main Green Ember books and then go back and read the side stories afterwards.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

good night... the note from the author at the end was worth the whole book.

[Heather Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic little book! I loved getting this glimpse into the life of another character in the Green Ember series. As always, I love how S.D. Smith writes his characters and shares how they grow and struggle to become more than just what their circumstances seem to have set them up to become. I can’t wait to read more of Jo’s story in the next book!

[Elsa K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute novella that goes with the Green Ember series. Good for fans of the series, but it would be lacking on it's own. I hope it can hold me over until the next one comes out.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Archer was such a surprise book! We've been waiting for news of S.D. Smith's next book in The Green Ember series, Ember Rises, and had no idea that a side story was coming. It is a really fun read.

The Green Ember itself will forever be a favorite book, because it was the first book that my whole family unanimously loved. But we love all of S.D. Smith's books and they just keep getting even more and more exciting. The Last Archer has a slightly more mature feel, a little bit more like Ember Falls, but it is a Green Ember companion story--very, very cool.

It was full of peril and adventure and heroics and friendship and I loved The Last Archer .

[Aaron Gaston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to Maddie: 5 stars for Maddie. 3.5 from me.

Fun, short little book about rabbit warriors.

[Megan Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

S D Smith is a master at writing tales that use a fantasy world to prepare our children for fighting real battles in this world. The Last Archer is a companion story to the main Green Ember series, and it tells the side story of archer Jo Shanks. Jo has had the pursuit of glory engrained in him from the beginning of his life, and through the course of the book, he must struggle to identify whether this is a worthy or vain pursuit. The book’s main themes of loyalty, humility, and strength when all hope is lost is such a needed message for all of us, no matter our age. Smith is brilliant at crafting stories to build up our hearts, and I am very, very thankful.

[Lmichelleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great short story to tide me over until The Ember Rising came out. I love this world the more I read of it! I'm hoping when I set my kids loose on these books, they will soak in at least one or two of the beautiful themes: you don't have to be the best at something to hone your talents and use them well, the good cause is worth fighting or even dying for, fail and get up and have courage to try again... and many more.

[Tori Samar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like the character Jo Shanks from the Green Ember series, make sure you read this book to get his backstory! It's always nice to see a side character get more attention. I also like that this book overlaps with events in The Green Ember—adds more depth to the story. I did find Jo's character development to be a bit too fast-paced here, but I attribute that simply to this book's short length. Things needed to move quickly.

[Enola Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Jo Shanks, we all love you even more now 😍 My only complaint is that it was just too short! As ever with Sam Smith, this is a superbly crafted tale. It adds yet more depth to The Green Ember series, further context to the characters, more beauty to an already well-loved story. Any yarn that can make me hearken back to Penelope's challenge in the Odyssey as well as evoke scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring is definitely worthy of five stars.

[Daniel Stegeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe is a funny character and Smith is a great writer

Smith is one of my favorite writers and you should read this book
Great job with the book Smith write more books and I will read it

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story! Read it in one day it was so exciting.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't love this one as much as some of the other books in the series, but still a good story.

[Robert Pierson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I know I’m not the intended audience though even if I think I was I don’t think I would’ve cared much for this I just found the characters kind of one note in the story one note and I I really found it hard to get invested in the story there’s probably an audience out there for it but I’m just definitely not in this audience.

[Ecaterina Mi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!