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Green Ember: Old Natalia Book #3
Prince Lander and the Dragon War
Old Natalia, during the declining years of Whitson Mariner and the rise of tyrannical dragons and their master, Namoz Dragonking.
Rabbitkind faces extinction, and Prince Lander must follow his aging father to the last desperate edge of hope. A possible future is glimpsed dimly through a veil of darkness and death. This will not be a safe ending.
Blood calls.
Oathbreakers attack.
Allies fracture.
Legends end.
Rabbitkind faces extinction, and Prince Lander must follow his aging father to the last desperate edge of hope. A possible future is glimpsed dimly through a veil of darkness and death. This will not be a safe ending.
Blood calls.
Oathbreakers attack.
Allies fracture.
Legends end.
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 19, 2022
155 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Smith
17 books2,004 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 100 reviews
July 1, 2022
Wish we could rate it higher, we were so excited and loved this series but this book confused us...lol...it started out strong and was interesting but there are a few things that bothered us. So here goes...
1. Lucianna was mentioned once and then she disappeared. Her father died, her brother almost died, lots of other things happened and she is nowhere to be seen!
2. The dragon transition ceremony thing...it was weird, so different from anything else that had been in the series before. Felt very out of place.
3. The PIlgrim was not explained...lol...we thought this book would explain that, but as far as we can see it did not.
4. A lot happened but not a lot happened...
Overall this book just wasn't what we were expecting. But that being said, S. D. Smith is a great storyteller so it was still enjoyable, even if we didn't understand all of it and it didn't make quite as much sense as we would have liked it to. Since we have given every other book in the series 5 stars, this hurt to rate a book in our favorite series so low...but, it just wasn't as enjoyable for us.
1. Lucianna was mentioned once and then she disappeared. Her father died, her brother almost died, lots of other things happened and she is nowhere to be seen!
2. The dragon transition ceremony thing...it was weird, so different from anything else that had been in the series before. Felt very out of place.
3. The PIlgrim was not explained...lol...we thought this book would explain that, but as far as we can see it did not.
4. A lot happened but not a lot happened...
Overall this book just wasn't what we were expecting. But that being said, S. D. Smith is a great storyteller so it was still enjoyable, even if we didn't understand all of it and it didn't make quite as much sense as we would have liked it to. Since we have given every other book in the series 5 stars, this hurt to rate a book in our favorite series so low...but, it just wasn't as enjoyable for us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2022
I'm pretty sure this was Smith's best book so far. I love the themes of loyalty and redemption and sacrifice woven throughout it. Additionally, the cast of characters was varied and realistic, bringing the reader into the setting. This is definitely one to reread!
July 1, 2022
Man, okay, I kinda have mixed feelings about this one...honestly I never thought I'd give a book by S. D. Smith just 3 stars, but, meh, I don't quite know what to think about this🤔😕
Readers Guide:
Language: Clean.
Violence: Mentions of war, people (or rather rabbits) dying. Small mentions of blood but nothing too gory and it also vaguely mentions heads being cut off.
Magic: Well, there was kind of magic in this book, which made it kind of unusual for the series...there was this really weird and really unnecessary part were the dragons did this weird magic thing and like transformed one of the rabbits into a dragon, it was weird and really wasn't necessary or even important.
Cons:
Okay, so now I wish I could say 'I loved this so much!' But sadly I can't. I just have mixed feelings about this one, which is sad because I loved all the other books in the series but this one just didn't really...go? I thought this book was gonna answer some really important questions but it didn't and honestly I'm more confused now then when I started reading it. There were lots of unimportant characters and some of the important characters which should have been there instead were no where to be found except vaguely mentioned then never mentioned or even seen after tragedy hits their family. The plot was confusing and kind of wierd and out of place. Also, when the characters got hurt it was not realistic like in the rest of the series...like really one of the characters had a freely bleeding leg, a wound to the side, a stabbed arm, and a crossbow bolt stuck in his collar bone and was still going...it wasn't really believable.
Pros:
I like the characters. Lander was great, Lumanuel was a nice addition, and Nickel was funny, I even liked Riley who wasn't important. (Back tracking to cons again with these next statements) Whinny was not important, Holly was just there to make the dragon scenes wierd, and there were lots more characters that could have been cut without changing the story at all. (Okay, back to pros) I still enjoyed S. D. Smith's writing style, it was fun and pretty as always, though be it not as good as normal. But it was a pretty good book, can't say I 'loved' it but I did liked it okay-ish.
This book made me laugh a little, cry a lot, and feel very uncomfortable in parts...mixed feelings about this read but I can say it was not a fav and 3 stars is all I can give it due to the slightly weird dragon scene, confusing plot, missing characters, and unnecessary characters.
Readers Guide:
Language: Clean.
Violence: Mentions of war, people (or rather rabbits) dying. Small mentions of blood but nothing too gory and it also vaguely mentions heads being cut off.
Magic: Well, there was kind of magic in this book, which made it kind of unusual for the series...there was this really weird and really unnecessary part were the dragons did this weird magic thing and like transformed one of the rabbits into a dragon, it was weird and really wasn't necessary or even important.
Cons:
Okay, so now I wish I could say 'I loved this so much!' But sadly I can't. I just have mixed feelings about this one, which is sad because I loved all the other books in the series but this one just didn't really...go? I thought this book was gonna answer some really important questions but it didn't and honestly I'm more confused now then when I started reading it. There were lots of unimportant characters and some of the important characters which should have been there instead were no where to be found except vaguely mentioned then never mentioned or even seen after tragedy hits their family. The plot was confusing and kind of wierd and out of place. Also, when the characters got hurt it was not realistic like in the rest of the series...like really one of the characters had a freely bleeding leg, a wound to the side, a stabbed arm, and a crossbow bolt stuck in his collar bone and was still going...it wasn't really believable.
Pros:
I like the characters. Lander was great, Lumanuel was a nice addition, and Nickel was funny, I even liked Riley who wasn't important. (Back tracking to cons again with these next statements) Whinny was not important, Holly was just there to make the dragon scenes wierd, and there were lots more characters that could have been cut without changing the story at all. (Okay, back to pros) I still enjoyed S. D. Smith's writing style, it was fun and pretty as always, though be it not as good as normal. But it was a pretty good book, can't say I 'loved' it but I did liked it okay-ish.
This book made me laugh a little, cry a lot, and feel very uncomfortable in parts...mixed feelings about this read but I can say it was not a fav and 3 stars is all I can give it due to the slightly weird dragon scene, confusing plot, missing characters, and unnecessary characters.
July 1, 2022
I don't know what to say, I really didn't want to give this 3 stars because I'm a really big fan of S. D. Smith. But this book just kind of felt rushed to me. There were a bunch of things I wanted to see happen that didn't. There were quite a few unnecessary characters who took the place of necessary one's like Lucianna! Where did she go? There was only one mention of her in the first chapter and then nothing after that...like, her world is falling apart her mom and dad and brothers need her and where is she?
The whole dragon transformation thing was a bit dark, the whole blood of the first born, changing thing thingy...was weird, creepy, and so unlike anything Smith had ever wrote before in the series. I just didn't like it...felt off when compared to the rest of the series.
And who on earth is the Pilgrim? Like this book could have come up another star if that tid-bit of information has been given!!! Like all I want to know is...who is the Pilgrim? Been driving me crazy since April of 2020!!!
I just don't know how I feel about this...don't get me wrong Smith is still a great writer and I love his stuff...this particular book is just not my cup of tea.
The whole dragon transformation thing was a bit dark, the whole blood of the first born, changing thing thingy...was weird, creepy, and so unlike anything Smith had ever wrote before in the series. I just didn't like it...felt off when compared to the rest of the series.
And who on earth is the Pilgrim? Like this book could have come up another star if that tid-bit of information has been given!!! Like all I want to know is...who is the Pilgrim? Been driving me crazy since April of 2020!!!
I just don't know how I feel about this...don't get me wrong Smith is still a great writer and I love his stuff...this particular book is just not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
Man, I seriously wanted to love this book...but there were just somethings I didn't understand.
There's a scene that's kind of creepy where a rabbit changes into a dragon and its so different from anything in the series that is just feels out of place.
Holly is brought in but she doesn't really do anything.
Lucianna is only mentioned and than falls off the face of the world. She's Lander's sister but we never seen her not even when some terrible things happen...
I liked Nickel and wanted to see more of him but with all the other characters floating about he hardly got any page time.
The ending felt a bit rushed and unfinished...I don't just would have liked to see a little more peace and finality to it.
There were other small things and probably some things I'm forgetting.
I did like Lander and Leumal and Grant...but somethings felt unnecessary and drawn out and confusing.
Mr. Smith is a great storyteller! One of my favorites...but this was not his best piece of work in my opinion. Overall, enjoyably confusing, but I'd take any other book in the series any day!
There's a scene that's kind of creepy where a rabbit changes into a dragon and its so different from anything in the series that is just feels out of place.
Holly is brought in but she doesn't really do anything.
Lucianna is only mentioned and than falls off the face of the world. She's Lander's sister but we never seen her not even when some terrible things happen...
I liked Nickel and wanted to see more of him but with all the other characters floating about he hardly got any page time.
The ending felt a bit rushed and unfinished...I don't just would have liked to see a little more peace and finality to it.
There were other small things and probably some things I'm forgetting.
I did like Lander and Leumal and Grant...but somethings felt unnecessary and drawn out and confusing.
Mr. Smith is a great storyteller! One of my favorites...but this was not his best piece of work in my opinion. Overall, enjoyably confusing, but I'd take any other book in the series any day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2022
Great read aloud and great ending to a modern classic series. Excellent examples of public virtue, and a spectrum of good to bad characters.
May 4, 2022
4.5 stars
S.D. Smith, you've done it again!
S.D. Smith, you've done it again!
May 9, 2022
This was my favorite of the tales of old Natalia because you finally get information that has something to do with The Green Ember.
February 17, 2023
A sweeping close to the Tales of Old Natalia
I've long enjoyed S.D. Smith's work, but I think Prince Lander and the Dragon’s War tops them all!
With a quick drop into the action and a plot that's already moving smoothly as you begin, you won't get through the first page without rooting for our heroes. The stakes are incrementally raised with each scene, and yet the potent themes are never buried under the action.
As always, Smith finishes with a poetic and powerful flourish, taking us full circle to the two battered rabbits on the shore of Ayman Lake, with a reminder that the world may be broken, but there are still good creatures who fight for a mending.
Certainly deserving of the 5 stars!
I've long enjoyed S.D. Smith's work, but I think Prince Lander and the Dragon’s War tops them all!
With a quick drop into the action and a plot that's already moving smoothly as you begin, you won't get through the first page without rooting for our heroes. The stakes are incrementally raised with each scene, and yet the potent themes are never buried under the action.
As always, Smith finishes with a poetic and powerful flourish, taking us full circle to the two battered rabbits on the shore of Ayman Lake, with a reminder that the world may be broken, but there are still good creatures who fight for a mending.
Certainly deserving of the 5 stars!
April 17, 2023
I love anything that’ll get me back into the world of Natalia. SD Smith fills his books with great morals that feel too pushy at times, but it’s a great read about heroics, bravery, and standing up for and protecting the vulnerable. I count that as a win for all ages.
September 27, 2025
3 stars
This was interesting, but I have some mixed feelings...
I enjoyed the extra history to the Green Ember world. Some questions I had from book 4 in the main series (mostly questions about the setting and legendary objects like the starsword) are answered in this one. I also liked seeing certain characters from previous Old Natalia books again - especially Prince Lander, Massie, and Whiston Mariner! Lander is more mature in this story, and his journey continues themes of bravery, courage, loyalty, etc.
Certain side characters (like Nickel) are also really entertaining, but I didn't feel as connected with all the new characters as I was hoping to. Also, certain scenes with the dragons feel quite dark and somewhat out of place compared to the rest of the series, which was primarily nonmagical up to this point (see my content note below for more info). It's very clear the dragons in this book are evil, and good characters stay strong in resisting them, so I could see how that presents a clear message of standing strong against extreme situations of darkness, but certain aspects still went further than I thought was necessary, especially for a middle grade book.
*Content to note*
.....CONTAINS SPOILER.....
Many battle scenes between rabbits and dragons. Injuries/wounds/deaths occur (somewhat detailed) from swords/arrows/slings/etc. Brief funeral scene. Discussions of young rabbits traded to dragons. Chapters of ritual involving dragon king's priestess/sorcerer and potion causing rabbit to turn into dragon (somewhat detailed).
This was interesting, but I have some mixed feelings...
I enjoyed the extra history to the Green Ember world. Some questions I had from book 4 in the main series (mostly questions about the setting and legendary objects like the starsword) are answered in this one. I also liked seeing certain characters from previous Old Natalia books again - especially Prince Lander, Massie, and Whiston Mariner! Lander is more mature in this story, and his journey continues themes of bravery, courage, loyalty, etc.
Certain side characters (like Nickel) are also really entertaining, but I didn't feel as connected with all the new characters as I was hoping to. Also, certain scenes with the dragons feel quite dark and somewhat out of place compared to the rest of the series, which was primarily nonmagical up to this point (see my content note below for more info). It's very clear the dragons in this book are evil, and good characters stay strong in resisting them, so I could see how that presents a clear message of standing strong against extreme situations of darkness, but certain aspects still went further than I thought was necessary, especially for a middle grade book.
*Content to note*
.....CONTAINS SPOILER.....
Many battle scenes between rabbits and dragons. Injuries/wounds/deaths occur (somewhat detailed) from swords/arrows/slings/etc. Brief funeral scene. Discussions of young rabbits traded to dragons. Chapters of ritual involving dragon king's priestess/sorcerer and potion causing rabbit to turn into dragon (somewhat detailed).
December 1, 2025
I loved the themes of loyalty and redemption in this. It was also very sad, but seeing some of the historical figures of this world and their stories explained in this respect makes it seem so much more… deep? I don’t know the correct word, but it gives the world of Natalia the sense that it is truly a world. I don’t know if any of that made sense, but thanks for reading to the end!
June 23, 2024
I can so tell how much Smith loves Lord of the Rings. I can tell because I, too, love Lord of the Rings. 😂😂😂 Lander's desperate last stand reminds me so much of Eomer's stand during the Battle of Pelennor Fields. It was such a great moment of Northern Courage, as Tolkien would have called it, looking danger in the face, knowing you will lose, and laughing as you charge it anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2022
Fantastic!!!
Definitely read the others first, but fantastic read <3 highly recommend!! It really fills gaps in the history for some of the other books.
Definitely read the others first, but fantastic read <3 highly recommend!! It really fills gaps in the history for some of the other books.
April 2, 2024
So this is the 7th book I've read in the Green Ember series (the original 4, and then this "Old Natalia" prequel trilogy ending with this 3rd book) - simply a delight! I think this may be my favorite of the series, and it serves as a fitting climax to this historical trilogy. This final book starts to reveal the shadows of the upcoming settings in the future/core series that will follow chronologically. I must say, it is an enjoyable read for all ages, serving as a great introduction to fantasy writing with its world-building, deep storylines, and well-developed characters. Truly one of S.D.'s best works. I hope you find time to enjoy it yourself.
September 21, 2022
I felt like it took us forever to finish this book between sports and jobs and life. I read this aloud to three of my children in the evenings. I felt like it started out kind of slow, but picked up not too far in. I ended up enjoying it and he did a good job of tying it into a bunch of other books! Smith’s writing has definitely improved since the first Green Ember book!
13 year old daughter - it was good. 4 stars
12 year old son - I liked it. It was great. 4.5 or 5 stars
16 year old daughter- 3.5 stars
13 year old daughter - it was good. 4 stars
12 year old son - I liked it. It was great. 4.5 or 5 stars
16 year old daughter- 3.5 stars
September 13, 2023
This is definitely my favorite of the Tales of Old Natalia series. To get to see Prince Lander grown up, and taking on all the heroic qualities - humility, loyalty, bravery, etc.
Full of action and adventure, dragons and turncoat rabbits, rescues and battles. Truth, goodness, beauty. Hope.
Even in the bleakest circumstances, even in your weakest moments, Keep Fighting.
A perfect ending to the Green Ember books - I've read them all now - But I'm seriously hoping that maybe, just maybe, there's more out coming? Oh please, pretty please?
This one is amazing.
Full of action and adventure, dragons and turncoat rabbits, rescues and battles. Truth, goodness, beauty. Hope.
Even in the bleakest circumstances, even in your weakest moments, Keep Fighting.
A perfect ending to the Green Ember books - I've read them all now - But I'm seriously hoping that maybe, just maybe, there's more out coming? Oh please, pretty please?
This one is amazing.
January 16, 2024
a truly amazing End to a truly wonderful story
This, the last published book, ties it all together from beginning to end. The green ember series is fabulous for all ages!
This, the last published book, ties it all together from beginning to end. The green ember series is fabulous for all ages!
March 14, 2024
Another great family read by S.D. Smith. I enjoy how he writes adventures with truths woven in like the battle between the evil dragons/oathbreakers who seek domination and control and the good rabbits with leaders who are sacrificial, servant leaders who fight for and defend the vulnerable.
May 10, 2025
It was very good. I I like how he pictured Lander at the end, sort of consumed by the sword. I like how he makes the forbidden mountain a forbidden island that comes in in the last book of the Green Ember series. I hope I get to read more of tales of old Natalia. This is the last one that was available to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
A bit slower than the other two Old Natalia tales, until it got close to the end. It was really fun to watch the boys as things started to click and they made the connections between what was happening here and how the setup played out in Ember’s End in particular.
July 18, 2025
Unfortunately just couldn’t really get into this book and kinda had to force myself to finish it. :/
June 9, 2022
My days! Incredible work on this book, Mr S.D. Smith! So full of twists and action I almost fell off my seat several times, so full of heart that I cried, and the lore! I loved all the lore and the mystery. I loved how he explained and elaborated several things in Ember's End.
What a fantastic book! I can't wait until the next one! There are still many stories in Natalia yet to be told.
What a fantastic book! I can't wait until the next one! There are still many stories in Natalia yet to be told.
August 21, 2023
(review drafted for Audible in April of 2022)
I love S.D. Smith's books, and usually love them even more after reading a second time. However, the Tales of Old Natalia books are always difficult for me to review, in a similar way that it is difficult to review The Legend of Korra without comparing it to Avatar: The Last Airbender. So I plan to approach this review from three angles:
1. Standalone plot and story
2. The lore in the greater Green Ember series.
3. Narration (Audiobook)
So let's dig into Prince Lander and the Dragon War.
(please understand, I've only read this once so far, and this is probably the most critical review I've written for one of S.D. Smith's books)
First, the plot and story, and how well Prince Lander and the Dragon War stands on it's own merits. S.D. Smith sticks to his usual writing style of filling the story with emotion and adrenaline. This has worked well enough in some of his other books, but I've always viewed it as one of Smith's weaknesses. This is usually my reasoning behind 4-star ratings for books that I find myself loving. I think Prince Lander suffers more than other books in the series due to lack of character development as we jump from one adrenaline-fueled jaunt to the next. There are a lot of questions established as this story charges heedlessly into the fray, but few of them are answered because Smith doesn't spend much time in those character driven moments. Who is Hollie Grimble and does she have any significance? She could have easily become a love interest that could lead to a marriage bringing peace between the factions... but no. She doesn't seem to have any significance. Who are Lander's brothers? I just don't care enough about them. Why is everyone so quick to turn on King Whitson? I guess because he made them all settle right next door to the dragons--again, WHY? Who are the Drekkers (I know this is explained, but is it really)? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the Drekkers; I just didn't understand their role. Oath sworn to the king, but we won't honor it or pick sides, but we'll pick your side...
In a sense, the plot suffers from a "chosen one" trope. Prince lander spends the entire book trying to unravel and bring about prophecies about the star sword, in essence, trying to make himself the chosen one. There's a sense that all depends on Lander, and despite injuries and overwhelming odds, nothing would succeed without him.
There's also (annoyingly) a new catchphrase for this book: "Defend all. All defend." While I love Blackstar's oath, this is the one book where it somewhat makes sense to have another catchphrase--Blackstar's not here and King Whitson's trying to build a community. I still think it's unnecessary, and the oath would have been fine.
Second analysis: Lore in the overall Green Ember series.
My overall thoughts... think Solo: A Star Wars Story--it's telling a story that is legendary and mysterious within the lore of it's own universe... and then it fails to deliver that legend. Without spoilers, I think there could have been more to how the dragons ended up under the lake at First Warren. I'll go back to The Green Ember and my review of The Black Star of Kingston--these are supposed to be stories that Picket and Heather grew up listening to. Picket idolizes Blackstar and his devotion in protecting King Whitson, but they spent all of 5 seconds together. Yes Blackstar shows up in this book, but he's never with King Whitson.
After The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner, I thought Massie would have made a better idol for Picket, as he never left Lander's side--but then he disappeared in this book.
Sadly this book just doesn't fit into the established lore of the series. Sure, names and hints and little Easter eggs are scattered throughout the book, but I'm sad to say it's not a satisfying, cohesive tale.
Finally, the narration by Eric Fritzius.
I love Joel Clarkson's narration of the main Green Ember series, but I've always struggled to enjoy Eric Fritzius's narration of the Tales of Old Natalia and the Green Archer series. He does well enough with voice variations and accents, but most of the time I just imagine a character sounding differently, especially in this book. This is probably because all the truly old characters (King Whitson, Blackstar, Massie, etc.) don't sound old enough, which makes Lander sound too old. I just didn't enjoy the narration. The Drekker voices are fun, same as Jimmy Docker was.
At the end of the read, this book was a lot of hype, and I'm surprised I'm giving it 4 stars. I'm tempted to only give it 3. I'll read again with my daughter, and maybe it'll grow on me. I'm sorry, I really wanted to love this book.
I love S.D. Smith's books, and usually love them even more after reading a second time. However, the Tales of Old Natalia books are always difficult for me to review, in a similar way that it is difficult to review The Legend of Korra without comparing it to Avatar: The Last Airbender. So I plan to approach this review from three angles:
1. Standalone plot and story
2. The lore in the greater Green Ember series.
3. Narration (Audiobook)
So let's dig into Prince Lander and the Dragon War.
(please understand, I've only read this once so far, and this is probably the most critical review I've written for one of S.D. Smith's books)
First, the plot and story, and how well Prince Lander and the Dragon War stands on it's own merits. S.D. Smith sticks to his usual writing style of filling the story with emotion and adrenaline. This has worked well enough in some of his other books, but I've always viewed it as one of Smith's weaknesses. This is usually my reasoning behind 4-star ratings for books that I find myself loving. I think Prince Lander suffers more than other books in the series due to lack of character development as we jump from one adrenaline-fueled jaunt to the next. There are a lot of questions established as this story charges heedlessly into the fray, but few of them are answered because Smith doesn't spend much time in those character driven moments. Who is Hollie Grimble and does she have any significance? She could have easily become a love interest that could lead to a marriage bringing peace between the factions... but no. She doesn't seem to have any significance. Who are Lander's brothers? I just don't care enough about them. Why is everyone so quick to turn on King Whitson? I guess because he made them all settle right next door to the dragons--again, WHY? Who are the Drekkers (I know this is explained, but is it really)? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the Drekkers; I just didn't understand their role. Oath sworn to the king, but we won't honor it or pick sides, but we'll pick your side...
In a sense, the plot suffers from a "chosen one" trope. Prince lander spends the entire book trying to unravel and bring about prophecies about the star sword, in essence, trying to make himself the chosen one. There's a sense that all depends on Lander, and despite injuries and overwhelming odds, nothing would succeed without him.
There's also (annoyingly) a new catchphrase for this book: "Defend all. All defend." While I love Blackstar's oath, this is the one book where it somewhat makes sense to have another catchphrase--Blackstar's not here and King Whitson's trying to build a community. I still think it's unnecessary, and the oath would have been fine.
Second analysis: Lore in the overall Green Ember series.
My overall thoughts... think Solo: A Star Wars Story--it's telling a story that is legendary and mysterious within the lore of it's own universe... and then it fails to deliver that legend. Without spoilers, I think there could have been more to how the dragons ended up under the lake at First Warren. I'll go back to The Green Ember and my review of The Black Star of Kingston--these are supposed to be stories that Picket and Heather grew up listening to. Picket idolizes Blackstar and his devotion in protecting King Whitson, but they spent all of 5 seconds together. Yes Blackstar shows up in this book, but he's never with King Whitson.
After The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner, I thought Massie would have made a better idol for Picket, as he never left Lander's side--but then he disappeared in this book.
Sadly this book just doesn't fit into the established lore of the series. Sure, names and hints and little Easter eggs are scattered throughout the book, but I'm sad to say it's not a satisfying, cohesive tale.
Finally, the narration by Eric Fritzius.
I love Joel Clarkson's narration of the main Green Ember series, but I've always struggled to enjoy Eric Fritzius's narration of the Tales of Old Natalia and the Green Archer series. He does well enough with voice variations and accents, but most of the time I just imagine a character sounding differently, especially in this book. This is probably because all the truly old characters (King Whitson, Blackstar, Massie, etc.) don't sound old enough, which makes Lander sound too old. I just didn't enjoy the narration. The Drekker voices are fun, same as Jimmy Docker was.
At the end of the read, this book was a lot of hype, and I'm surprised I'm giving it 4 stars. I'm tempted to only give it 3. I'll read again with my daughter, and maybe it'll grow on me. I'm sorry, I really wanted to love this book.
July 27, 2023
Oh, that was just amazing!!!! So many twists and turns! Another excellent and phenomenal Green Ember book! My only complaint is that it's the last one! C'mon, man! There's so many things left unsaid! You gotta write more!
May 19, 2022
This may be my favorite of all Smith’s books. It is so very moving!
April 25, 2022
SO GOOD. S.D. Smith, you really know how to tug on people's heartstrings. THAT ENDING was AMAZING. What will Fleck do now though????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2025
S.D. Smith is the author we have been waiting for. More please!!
August 23, 2024
A thrilling conclusion to the Green Ember Old Natalia series. We get to see more of the dragons from the main Green Ember series conclusion: Ember’s End. This story goes beyond exploring the themes of duty, honor, and loyalty, as seen in the first two books. It sees the consequences of war, and it also understands the real battles that we face as described in Ephesians 6: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Whitson and Lander understand the darkness involved in wielding the Starsword, and the corruption that can take root in the power over the lives of others. Even more powerful is the battle that happens that we cannot see between the forces of good and evil. We can be a part of that battle, but it cannot be won by the weapons of man.
Not only does this book illuminate the perils of war, it clearly shares the message of the Gospel. The best way I can describe it is by quoting, with spoilers, from Chapter 28:
“Your Majesty,” Hollie said, bowing low. “I am so sorry about your father. I cannot tell you how grieved I am that he traded his life for mine. Mother Saramack says I should honor his act by living a full and virtuous life, but I cannot help but mourn that one so great died for one so unimportant. A great king died for his enemy. It’s horrid, and I’m ever so sorry.” She wept.
Lander knelt beside her, taking her hands in his. “I understand your grief, and I too feel deeply sad that Father is gone. But if you had known him better, you would be glad of how he died. He died as he lived, really neither will I. Your life has deep value, Hollie. Your only duty is to live well. And the first step is being reconciled with the gift of your life.”
Not only does this book illuminate the perils of war, it clearly shares the message of the Gospel. The best way I can describe it is by quoting, with spoilers, from Chapter 28:
“Your Majesty,” Hollie said, bowing low. “I am so sorry about your father. I cannot tell you how grieved I am that he traded his life for mine. Mother Saramack says I should honor his act by living a full and virtuous life, but I cannot help but mourn that one so great died for one so unimportant. A great king died for his enemy. It’s horrid, and I’m ever so sorry.” She wept.
Lander knelt beside her, taking her hands in his. “I understand your grief, and I too feel deeply sad that Father is gone. But if you had known him better, you would be glad of how he died. He died as he lived, really neither will I. Your life has deep value, Hollie. Your only duty is to live well. And the first step is being reconciled with the gift of your life.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
⭐3.50 stars
9/12/25 review
Now that I've finished this little series, I have to read the main series again. I'm sure it will mean a lot more to me!
This last one was probably my least favorite out of this series, but still had good parts to it.
My praise about the book:
🤍the sweet moments where lovable character came back, like Galt and Blackstar!
🤍the "battle" with the sword was so good! That moment was so tense! I really thought he had "turned bad."
🤍The relief of Grant not dying!! AhhhH! I loved him! he was such a kind rabbit!😭
My favorite quotes----->
"'And if it doesn't work,' Gavin added, 'we'll all be dead anyway.'
'really takes the pressure off,' Massie said."
"Grant shook his head. 'They must see me standing alone,' he whispered hoarsely."
my dislikes:
❌still trying to figure out if I was okay with the whole weird dragon magic thing. It seemed a little creepy and unnecessary, but he did make it CLEAR that it was evil. Still don't know my thoughts on that.
9/12/25 review
Now that I've finished this little series, I have to read the main series again. I'm sure it will mean a lot more to me!
This last one was probably my least favorite out of this series, but still had good parts to it.
My praise about the book:
🤍the sweet moments where lovable character came back, like Galt and Blackstar!
🤍the "battle" with the sword was so good! That moment was so tense! I really thought he had "turned bad."
🤍The relief of Grant not dying!! AhhhH! I loved him! he was such a kind rabbit!😭
My favorite quotes----->
"'And if it doesn't work,' Gavin added, 'we'll all be dead anyway.'
'really takes the pressure off,' Massie said."
"Grant shook his head. 'They must see me standing alone,' he whispered hoarsely."
my dislikes:
❌still trying to figure out if I was okay with the whole weird dragon magic thing. It seemed a little creepy and unnecessary, but he did make it CLEAR that it was evil. Still don't know my thoughts on that.
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