Where The Lost Key clicks into the Green Ember timeline
Fans of S. D. Smith’s Green Ember universe know that its timeline can feel as adventurous as the stories themselves. With the recent release of The Lost Key, the first in the Lost Tales mini-series, readers have another tale to enjoy, yet many wonder exactly where this new story belongs in the larger chronology of Heather, Picket, and the resistance! Let’s hop in!
A Return to Halfwind Citadel
The Lost Key is set after the events of The First Fowler (Green Ember Archer Series), and before the beginning of Ember Falls. This places it directly in the heart of a critical transition period for rabbit kind’s resistance.
During this time, Heather, Picket, Jo and Helmer have recently arrived at Halfwind Citadel. They’re still adjusting to new roles and responsibilities when they’re swept into a tense mystery that threatens the fragile momentum of their cause.
Although The Lost Key is a shorter work within the “Lost Tales” series, it captures everything readers love about the Green Ember world; bravery, humour, mystery, and high adventure.
Spoiler Alert
*The Lost Key includes a bonus short story at the end—one that takes place after Ember’s End. If you’re following the chronological order, be sure to skip this extra story for now and return to it after finishing Ember’s End!*
📘 The Green Ember Series Chronological Reading Order
For those wondering what the full chronological reading order for the series would be, we’ve got you covered, let’s take the eras tour:
1. Tales of Old Natalia (the earliest era)
These stories take place generations before The Green Ember and lay the historical foundation for the whole world.
I. The Black Star of Kingston (Tales of Old Natalia I)
II. The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner (Tales of Old Natalia II)
III. Prince Lander and the Dragon War (Tales of Old Natalia III)
2. The Main Green Ember Saga Begins
This is where Heather and Picket’s story starts.
3. The Archer Trilogy (interwoven with the main saga)
I. The Last Archer (Green Ember Archer I)
II. The First Fowler (Green Ember Archer II)
4. Lost Tales & Transitional Stories
I. The Lost Key (Green Ember Lost Tales I)
5. Continuing the Main Green Ember Series
I. Ember Falls (The Green Ember Book II)
II. Ember Rising (The Green Ember Book III)
6. Final Archer Installment
I. The Archer’s Cup (Green Ember Archer III)
7. The Epic Finale
I. Ember’s End (The Green Ember Book IV)
Cool Your Whiskers…
Before you bound off into chronological order, it’s worth noting that S.D. Smith (and our team at 10ofthose!) actually recommends reading the series in original publication order for the richest experience.
“ I think the most enjoyable way to experience the series is by reading the books in publication order.” S.D. Smith
So let’s take a moment to see what that would look like!
📘 S.D. Smith & 10ofthose suggested Reading Order
2. The Black Star of Kingston (Tales of Old Natalia 1)
3. Ember Falls: The Green Ember Book II
4. The Last Archer: Green Ember Archer I
5. Ember Rising: The Green Ember Book III
6. The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner (Tales of Old Natalia II)
7. The First Fowler: Green Ember Archer II
8. Ember’s End: The Green Ember Book IV
9. The Archer’s Cup: Green Ember Archer III
10. Prince Lander and the Dragon War (Tales of Old Natalia III)
11. The Lost Key (Green Ember Lost Tales 1)
Why Not Take a Longtreader Leap?
Whichever reading order you follow—chronological, publication, or somewhere in between—you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. The Green Ember world never disappoints.
We’d love to hear your reviews of the books, and how you intend to display them! You can send reviews in on the product pages, or send us an email!