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A review by thebiglebrewski
The Last Archer by S.D. Smith
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.