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samiwise's review
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rheren's review
4.0
A short, entertaining book. Doesn't add a whole lot to the Green Ember series, but a little bit of back story to Jo Shanks, a rabbit who is an important supporting character. Quick, enjoyable read.
enolas's review
5.0
Oh Jo Shanks, we all love you even more now š 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.
thebiglebrewski's review
4.0
In novels, there are 2 types of characters: named, and unnamed. Named characters are, naturally, the more important characters to the plot, and unnamed are the faceless mortar that fill in the gaps between the named bricks. The last archer takes a character from Green Ember that I was surprised had a name, since he was introduced late into the book for one scene only , and reveals why he was named; as he is the main character of this side story, The Last Archer.
This novella reads extremely fast and takes place concurrently with the events of the first Green Ember novel. It tells the story ofJo Shanks , who has a chip on his shoulder and a troubled past, and how he came to be involved in the events of Green Ember. This book is heavily character driven, showing a struggle with one's past, the disappointment that comes from failure, and the shame of letting others down.
My feeling throughout the book was more or less "meh." I didn't care much for the character's struggle. But as my family approached the climax, I found myself enthralled with the development in character. Once again, S.D. Smith has done very well to write characters that feel relatable. He has also proved once again that he is a master in writing honor, bravery, and humility into these children's stories. As a father of 3 boys, I want them to have good, honorable examples of these traits in their fiction. As the father of a daughter, I want her to see these young female rabbits (did I mention the characters are all rabbits?) being brave as well, sometimes by taking up the sword, and other times by nurturing and protecting the vulnerable among them. As a point of comparison, I think that I enjoyed The Black Star of Kingston (The first book in the other side series) slightly more, simply for the worldbuilding and in-world historical aspect of it all, but I would happily recommend this one to anyone as well. My family continues to love these stories, and look forward to continuing the series with Ember Rising soon.
This novella reads extremely fast and takes place concurrently with the events of the first Green Ember novel. It tells the story of
My feeling throughout the book was more or less "meh." I didn't care much for the character's struggle. But as my family approached the climax, I found myself enthralled with the development in character. Once again, S.D. Smith has done very well to write characters that feel relatable. He has also proved once again that he is a master in writing honor, bravery, and humility into these children's stories. As a father of 3 boys, I want them to have good, honorable examples of these traits in their fiction. As the father of a daughter, I want her to see these young female rabbits (did I mention the characters are all rabbits?) being brave as well, sometimes by taking up the sword, and other times by nurturing and protecting the vulnerable among them. As a point of comparison, I think that I enjoyed The Black Star of Kingston (The first book in the other side series) slightly more, simply for the worldbuilding and in-world historical aspect of it all, but I would happily recommend this one to anyone as well. My family continues to love these stories, and look forward to continuing the series with Ember Rising soon.
erinmk's review
5.0
I sure hope S.D. Smith continues writing after the Green Ember series is done. His writing captivates my boys like very few other authors can. The kids were so excited each time a familiar character from Ember Falls entered the storyline in The Last Archer. We are all eagerly anticipating the release of Ember Rising!
preshusnhissight's review
4.0
Great Book!!!
A great book with an awesome story!
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy/sci-fi!
Great tie in to the other books!
A great book with an awesome story!
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy/sci-fi!
Great tie in to the other books!
floragata_lee's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
joey_schafer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Itās not bad, but I didnāt feel like there was anything unique or compelling in this.
rheereads's review against another edition
3.0
Much like the other books in this series, is to finish it and I'm enjoying the story when it's not heavily focusing on war lmao. I also like the characters more so that are being focused on in these
bookwormabby54's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail