I am so glad that books like these exist for children (and for us children's-book-loving adults, too). Ember's End is a moving, fitting culmination of the journey. I truly believe that Smith has channeled that same spirit throughout the Green Ember series. Tolkien understood the unparalleled power of a good story to help us escape not from reality, but into reality. How does one put into words the truly bittersweet feeling that accompanies reaching the end of a great story-the simultaneous joy of seeing how it all turns out and the sadness of having to say goodbye? How does one explain that this children's novel is a true story (see Smith's wonderful author's note at the end), not because the rabbits in our backyards are out fighting with swords, but because it reflects ultimate reality? Smith is a big fan of Tolkien, and so am I. The best stories are sometimes the hardest to review.
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