This was a great follow-up to The Green Ember
924041
This was a great follow-up to The Green Ember. It ended on a bittersweet cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book.
1319797
Luckily for me, I did not have to wait long to read First Rider's Call after finishing Green Rider.  I did like Green Rider and especially the characters in the novel, but it wasn't very exciting or original (at least the first half wasn't) because of the blending of ideas from other great fantasy novelists.  The second half of the book however did get more adventurous and stimulating as Karigan finally got to interact with humans and civilization again.

For many reasons, First Rider's Call was much more interesting than its prequel.  In this novel, there is more characterization; the reader gets to understand and "know" the main characters in more depth.  I usually don't like past-and-present/time travel scenarios (because they're usually boring), but the history behind Lil Ambrodhe and the Long War were definitely interesting.  It gave an insight of the past that's going to shape the future of Sacordia.  And of course, there was more romance (element that truly makes a novel entertaining and memorable).  Karigan and Zachary got to communicate more, so if they do end up together, the reader won't be skeptic about the development of their relationship/love.

First Rider definitely exceeded my expectations with its more original plot and narration.  The novel really never gets boring (something that happens a lot with the sci-fi category)and it's more developed than Green Rider.  I'd recommend it to all sci-fi/fantasy/adventure reader because it's definitely worth picking up.
1439314
A great follow up to book 1. Although the focus of this book is the protagonist, Ember's burgeoning powers and her journey to find someone who can continue her education in how to control them (as a side note, I did find the naming of the main protagonist, Ember, a somewhat derivative and, considering the first elemental power that emerges, not very inspired name) the see-sawing romance between her and Sawyer enough of a distraction from the main plot line to keep both from being over played. There were few true surprises for me, and only one that made me reread a section. But, despite me being able to see almost every plot twist coming, almost like a ten-foot neon sign was hung over them, it was still a very enjoyable read, and has me looking forward to book 3.
927741
Once again Rich you have written a great story! Takes me back to the beginning of the Ember War. Character development both old and new has the depth one needs to identify with them. I love the fact you answer some of those outlying small questions from previous novels. Keep it up, great job!
295386
Our girls have been IMPATIENTLY waiting for the next book in the Green Ember series. When we got the email alert for this book, we knew it would be a great Christmas surprise. Our girls didn't know of its existence, so their reaction opening it at Christmas was priceless. Just enough to tide us over until The Ember Rising is released this spring.
1864682
If you enjoyed the first book in the series, prepare to fall in love with the sequel. Here, traditions, cities, people and hearts are all broken in a fast-paced battle set in an alternate Alaska, a story set over just ten days (turns). It follows Kiera's continuing fight to rule her city without the need for slavery and the divisive ranking of mage above shifter, to integrate the splinters of her own deconn while protecting it from others outraged by her ideals, and by the prospect of a female governor co-ruling with an Alak slave. In this sequel, Keira will have her strength, her powers and her love tested beyond endurance - and she's all that stands between her people and the onslaught of the Skani Water Mage - Vrishka. It also explores more of the strange magic that decides each person's place in society - whether Skani mage or Alak shifter; the elemental powers of earth, fire, water and air. And there's more than a twist or two, and unexpected discoveries. But you'll have to read it for yourself to find those out ... :)
Check out the book video at [...] or visit the Facebook page Fallen Embers - The Ember Series for more information.
4241827
This book completes City of Ember series and answered a lingering question, created for me, by the first book's ending. I found this book  to be as satisfying the The City of Eber book as it answered many questions I am sure will occur to the readers of the first book. I found that the author had a genius for telling a post apoplectic story as seen through the eyes of children, which I found personally very refreshing. I got interested in the City of Ember books because of the movie and was pleased to see that the author did not need to revert to monsters and Rube Goldberg devices that were in the movie to make a complete and compelling story. The fact that the author continued the adventures of the two main characters, through the these books was satisfying and very neatly done. I give the author 5 stars for writing these books that many adults should read as it relates to today's religious and political conflicts and a possible unintended outcome for future generations.
2789021
It's been a while since the last Elemental world book - not that I am complaining since I also like Hunter's Cambio Springs and Irin chronicles - but with the gap it took me a bit to come back up to speed on the Dublin cast. Once I did, I was happy to see Patrick reconnecting with his estranged mate Annie, who at first seem like an opposites attract combination of Brawn and Brains with the former boxer Patrick and vampire psychologist Annie.

I really liked the passionate and protective Patrick and I did like Annie too - I like her relationships with the rest of the cast a great deal. Since this is a reconciliation story the romance is low-key - but not without steam. But Patrick is more than the charming rogue that he seems and he is the one to put the pieces together in the continuing mystery of the deadly vampire Elixer. I liked how his mind worked to figure out who has been behind the conspiracy.

Rounding out the story is the cast from the previous books, Bridget and Carwyn have parts to play  - no Ben and Tensin though - and there is a lovely little cameo for Baojia and Natalie.

So another nice little mystery that looks to have the Elixer storyline on the verge on wrapping up. Can't wait for the next episode.

Complementary copy  courtesy of the author, release date 7/7/15.
3750830
The Green Ember by S.D. Smith is the first book in the Green Ember series. I love that the main characters are rabbits. The story is about loyalty, courage, bravery, and rabbits with swords. The action brings you in and keeps you until the very end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
167205
I love it when the bad boy finds redemption.  Ember picks up right just where Spark ended, but with the introduction of Hailey.  Back in town for her grandfathers funeral, Hailey has been gone since a traumatic childhood incident 20 years ago.  Now she is expected to take over running her grandfathers diner, for which everyone in town seems to warn her to watch out for the local gang of thugs.  Brock Silvanus is the leader of those thugs and uses intimidation to keep his Alpha status among the townsfolk and his pack of panther shifters.  Then a chance encounter with Hailey brings to light their shared history and the fact that she is his mate.  Now he has to prove himself to her, yet somehow retain his status as intimidating alpha, but not let her delve too deeply into the secrets of the pastYeah, that really doesnt work out they way Brock planned!  Ember was a great, lose yourself in the characters, engaging story.  The third book in the series will be calling my name upon release!  I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3446515
Amy Lane returns us to Green's Hill with the long-awaited fourth installment of her "Little Goddess" series and fans will not be disappointed. The story begins a year after the end of "Bound". (Fans will want to read the series of Jack and Teague stories posted on Lane's web site both to apprise them of events that occurred during that year and to introduce them to Jack, Teague and Katy, who feature prominently in "Rampant.") Cory has grown into both of her roles as Green's queen and Queen of the Vampires and has been busy as Green's enforcer, and head of her kiss while still perusing that longed-for college degree. She has matured as well, learning to control her temper, her powers and finding balance in her relationships with Green, Nicky and Bracken.

Lane does not fall into the trap of having a single "Big Bad" for every novel, but that does not mean it's smooth sailing for the residents of Green's Hill. The first hint of trouble arrives in the form of a hideous creature: a vampire bear along with disturbing reports of slaughtered families. While trying to discover its origins, another threat is delivered in the morning mail: photographs of Cory and her obviously-not-human companions leaving Davy's funeral last year, captioned with the horribly ominous words, "I know what you are..." To top it all off, Nicky's parents (who refused to attend his four-way binding ceremony to Cory, Bracken and Green) come for a visit with a young woman in tow, the woman that they'd prefer to have as a daughter-in-law. Annette is sly, vicious, determined to have Nicky for her own, and she won't take "no" for an answer.

Cory takes charge in her role as Green's enforcer, traveling with her team of vamps, sidhe and weres to solve the mystery of the vampire bear's creator. She is much more confident than the young woman who was crushed and lost during Green's absences in prior novels. Green is still in her heart and mind, of course, and there is a good bit of interaction between them, but Cory has found a refreshing measure of independence that illustrates the growth in her character. As a result, Green is not as prominent a figure in this installment as he was in the previous books, but Bracken fans will be pleased at his primary role.

The novel takes us in some new directions, but reminds us why we love the series in the first place: the magic, humor, action and passion. The characters have grown, but they're still the people that we love. Cory still erupts into a cursing streak on occasion and still gives her beloveds heart attacks by putting herself in the line of fire to protect those she loves. Brack sticks his foot into his mouth on more than one occasion and is still baffled by human customs. Renny is still more kitty than girl, emerging to be human mostly so she'll have hands to steal Cory's stuff. The passion between them all has not cooled. (The first scene between Brack, Green, Cory and Nicky steamed up my glasses!) We get to see Bracken leading an army of lower fey into battle, the return of a certain uber-sexy character (fans may be able to guess who it is!), Renny adjusting to married life, and some heartbreakingly lovely scenes with Adrian. And if that wasn't enough, the book ends with an exciting surprise which will have fans demanding the next installment.
2430272
A great follow-up to the first ghost Hunter book! Emmet is as always a great character, Lydia out smarts the bad guys in an ingenious way. Highly recommend this series!
4729906
I really loved the first book in this series, Peter and the Starcatchers, as well as the classic it is based on, Peter Pan. This sequel was not a disappointment, continuing the magical fun with Peter hiding on a ship bound for England, determined to save Molly from a horrible fate, a jealous pixie-excuse me, bird-girl-named Tink, and a band of orphaned boys who loyally follow Peter, but are steadily growing older, as he remains young.

This book wasn't as fast paced as the first, or as gripping, though it didn't lack for that. It was sort of expected, and not entirely worrisome. I loved reading about Peter, who is an awesome character in these books, trying to figure out his relationship with Molly, the boys, and himself. He knows he can never live like a normal person, but that doesn't keep him from wanting to.

The evil characters keep getting better and better. Lord Ombra was the epitome of creepy, slinking around and making me cringe every time he came near someone else. Even though he was awesome, I would not want to run into that guy. A familiar foe returns in Shadow Thieves and plots against the flying boy and his friends.

There was never a dull moment, never a time when I questioned why on earth I was reading this book. I'm just thankful it was labeled as young adult in my library, as I wasn't sure if it would slip away into the children's shelves. There are several things that bring the level up-deaths and things like that-but I think that anyone could really enjoy it, if they love a good, adventurous fairy tale, and have the mind of a child in their hearts.

I give Peter and the Shadow Thieves 5/5 stars. I've already rented the 3rd installment from the library-that's how excited I was to continue this series. I can't wait to see what these authors come up with next!
2374392
This sweet and magical sequel to the first book advances the emotional ties between Ceony and Emery, this time more from Emery's side.  In the midst of this, they must deal with those who seek revenge for their victory in the first novel.  A quick and fanciful read for those who need a visit to a well thought out alternate reality.
1696808
Good sequel to the City of Ember. I liked the issues that arised from the Emberites moving above ground. Heartwarming end with a lesson in tolerance and humanity for young and old.
4361701
This follow-up to What We Saw At Night is a very good read and even better than the first. WWSAN was a fun read with a surprise sad ending. This was another fun read with a happy but sad ending. I'll say no more on that.

I bought the first book for my young friend, Mikayla, because I thought she would like the Parkour action. I try to read all of the books that I give young friends so that I can discuss things with them. I am really glad that I read them first and highly recommend them as gifts to your YA friends! Now, I need to go send this to Mikayla!
3271514
I'm glad I picked this up to give me a little fix until the next book comes out. I didn't really answer any questions I had at the end of the second book but it did, however, give us a better perspective into why Eli looked and acted the way he did when Ember came back. I feel I have a better understanding of Eli and am really wanting the next book to come out!

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I felt the story was too short.