Every now and then I get to read and review a book that makes my work a pleasure. S.D. Smith’s The Black Star of Kingston is such a book. It’s been a long time since I read a book that so deeply moved me.
Smith’s first book in what I hope will be a long series, The Green Ember, was very good–but this, a prequel, is even better. It’s a little book. You could read it in a sitting, but I stretched it out to two sittings because I didn’t want it to end.
It’s a simple story of rabbits–very human rabbits, with a government, industries, arts and crafts, etc.–trying to establish themselves in a new home, after being driven out of their old home by merciless enemies. Why rabbits instead of people? Well, why not? It’s a fantasy for children, and children like animal characters.
Smith is a good enough writer to make it look easy, a very good writer indeed. His suspense is masterful, and the action of the climax is intense. Maybe a little too intense for some young readers–but to write it off as a children’s book is to rob adult readers. This is, quite simply, the best book I’ve read in quite a while.
What’s it about? It’s about love, courage, and loyalty. Friendship and self-sacrifice. Hope and faith. Although it’s not overtly “Christian,” it certainly conforms to Christian values. Not that we have a monopoly on these: we don’t. But taken as a whole, I call it a thoroughly Christian book. And a visit to Mr. Smith’s website, http://www.sdsmith.net , will leave you in no doubt as to his religious sensibilities.
Don’t let this one slip past you. Read it!
Your review puts this at the top of any reading list. This sounds like another one for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren (in a few years).
I’ll be busy reading your Bell Mountain Series as soon as the ones I’ve ordered arrive. I’m glad there’s not an end to your series yet. I love stories that go on and on. Years and years ago, I read the Hobbit and Tolkien’s trilogy and was a bit disappointed when it ended. But I still remember the characters all these many years later – Bilbo, Frodo, Gandolf, the Wraiths – quite an adventure.
I’m anxious to read your series, Lee.
I’ll keep writing these books for as long as God keeps giving me the stories–which I pray will be a long time yet to come.
Amen to that, kind sir!
By the way, how’s your elbow doing? Healing, I hope.
There’s still a hole in it, but it’s not so big a hole as it was.
Seems to be taking awhile, but things like that have to heal from the inside out so I suppose it’s running its normal course. Meanwhile, not re-injuring it is helpful. No bike riding, I assume.
Nice book. It intrigued my interest, “The Green Ember”. I’ll have to read it someday.