Read Clean YA with CJ
Episode Forty-Four
Welcome to another episode of Read Clean YA with CJ, where we explore clean, engaging books for teens and young adults. Today, we’re diving into a conversation with S.D. Smith, the bestselling author beloved for his Green Ember series. He’s back with an exciting new project that is nothing short of game-changing—literally. Through his latest Kickstarter campaign, Smith is bringing fans into the world of Helmer in the Dragon Tomb, a thrilling new novel that also marks the first-ever gamization of the Green Ember universe.
Episode Show Notes Below
Links to Things Discussed in this Episode:
A Game-Changing Adventure: S.D. Smith’s Kickstarter Brings Readers into the Green Ember Universe
Episode Show Notes:
S.D. Smith, the bestselling author beloved for his Green Ember series, is back with an exciting new project that is nothing short of game-changing—literally. Through his latest Kickstarter campaign, Smith is bringing fans into the world of Helmer in the Dragon Tomb, a thrilling new novel that also marks the first-ever gamization of the Green Ember universe.
This unique project is making waves not just for its creativity but for its bold vision of combining storytelling and gaming in a way that’s family-friendly, inspiring, and deeply meaningful.
“Kids have always immersed themselves in the Green Ember world—through drawings, Lego creations, and imaginative play. With this project, we’re giving them a new way to experience the story: they can read it, and they can play it.” —S.D. Smith
A New Chapter in the Green Ember Universe
For years, fans have clamored for more stories from the Green Ember universe, and Smith has delivered. Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is the 12th book in the series but serves as a new entry point for readers.
The story focuses on Helmer, a fan-favorite character known for his gruff exterior and tender heart. This is his origin story, a tale of transformation as a farmer who must rise to become a fighter.
“Helmer is one of the most beloved characters in the series. For years, fans have asked for a Helmer story, and this is it. It’s a novel I loved writing, and I think readers—whether they’re longtime fans or brand-new to the series—will love it too.” —S.D. Smith
What’s more, Helmer in the Dragon Tomb is designed to be a gateway into the Green Ember universe, making it accessible to new readers who haven’t yet explored the earlier books. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or discovering these rabbits-with-swords adventures for the first time, this story promises action, heart, and timeless themes.
From Page to Play: The Gamization of Helmer in the Dragon Tomb
In addition to the novel, Smith is breaking new ground by releasing a video game based on the story—at the same time as the book. This simultaneous release is a first for the Green Ember universe and a rare achievement in the world of publishing and gaming.
“We didn’t want this to feel like just an adaptation. The book and the game were designed together, side by side, so they complement each other perfectly.” —S.D. Smith
The gamization of Helmer in the Dragon Tomb allows players to immerse themselves in the story in a whole new way. Imagine stepping into Helmer’s shoes (or paws!) and experiencing his journey firsthand, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and exploring the richly detailed world of Natalia.
What sets this video game apart is its commitment to being:
- Family-Friendly: No ads, no predatory monetization, and no chat features connecting players to strangers.
- Complete: The game has a beginning, middle, and end—offering a meaningful story rather than endless, mindless levels.
- Moral and Excellent: Smith and his team worked hard to ensure the game is not just fun but also aligned with the values fans expect from the Green Ember series.
“This video game isn’t just entertainment. It’s an extension of the story, and it’s been designed with care, excellence, and families in mind. It’s the kind of game I want my own kids to play.” —S.D. Smith
Why This Project Matters
S.D. Smith’s books have long been known for their ability to inspire courage, friendship, and hope in readers of all ages. With this Kickstarter, Smith is expanding his mission to make kids “dangerous to the darkness” by giving them stories—and now a game—that challenge them to become heroes in their own lives.
“Stories are meaning-making machines. They shape how we see the world and ourselves. That’s why I’m passionate about creating stories that inspire kids to be brave, selfless, and good.” —S.D. Smith
This project also comes at a time when families are looking for alternatives to the darker, more cynical stories that dominate much of today’s media. By combining an epic adventure with clean, family-friendly content, Helmer in the Dragon Tomb and its gamization offer something truly unique:
- A story that uplifts rather than tears down.
- A game that entertains without exploiting.
- A creative project that partners with parents to inspire kids.
“We’re not just creating a product; we’re offering families something they can experience together. Whether it’s reading the book out loud or playing the game side by side, this is an adventure you can share.” —S.D. Smith
How You Can Join the Adventure
This ambitious project is being funded through Kickstarter, and Smith is inviting fans to help bring it to life. The campaign offers a variety of rewards, including:
- Signed copies of Helmer in the Dragon Tomb
- Early access to the video game
- Exclusive Green Ember collectibles
- The Time Steward Adventure Journal, a tool for families to help kids think intentionally about how to spend their time.
“This is more than a book launch. It’s an invitation to be part of something bigger—a movement to create stories and games that matter.” —S.D. Smith
Why This Kickstarter Is Game-Changing
S.D. Smith’s Kickstarter isn’t just about funding a book or a game—it’s about changing the way we think about storytelling. By combining literature and gaming, Smith is offering a blueprint for how stories can inspire, entertain, and shape the next generation.
If you’re a fan of the Green Ember series, a parent looking for meaningful entertainment for your kids, or someone who believes in the power of stories to change lives, this is your chance to be part of something special.
“I’ve always thought of the Green Ember as a world that’s adaptable to so many forms—books, games, plays, art, and more. This Kickstarter is the next step in bringing that world to life in new and exciting ways.” —S.D. Smith
Back the Kickstarter Today
Don’t miss your chance to support this game-changing project. Join S.D. Smith and the Green Ember community by backing the Kickstarter today. Together, we can bring Helmer in the Dragon Tomb to life—from page to play.
Another Kickstarter: Captive of Talionis
If you’re a fan of meaningful, family-friendly adventures, you’ll also love the exciting Kickstarter campaign for CJ Milacci’s, Captive of Talionis, the final book in the award-winning Talionis Series. This epic tale takes readers into a richly imagined world filled with danger, courage, and redemption. The campaign offers exclusive rewards, including signed editions, behind-the-scenes content, and more. It’s another opportunity to support creators who are shaping the future of clean, inspiring fiction.
Visit the Kickstarter Campaigns’ Today!
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S.D. Smith
Author
S. D. Smith is the author of The Green Ember Series, a million+ selling adventure saga featuring heroic #RabbitsWithSwords. The Green Ember spent time as the number one bestselling audiobook in the world on Audible. He is also the author of the madcap Mooses with Bazookas: And Other Stories Children Should Never Read as well as the touching throwback adventure, The Found Boys. Finally, he has co-authored two fantasy adventure novels with his son (J. C. Smith), Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key and Jack Zulu and the Girl with Golden Wings. Smith’s stories are captivating readers across the globe who are hungry for “new stories with an old soul.”
Though packed with old school virtue and moral imagination, Smith doesn’t merely create “safe” stories, but bold, daring, truthful tales of light that help shape children who become dangerous—dangerous to the darkness.
Smith is a founder and owner of Story Warren, a publishing, events, and IP development house based in rural West Virginia. Story Warren exists to serve families as “allies in imagination.”
S. D. Smith lives in Grandview, West Virginia with his wife and four kids.
About Your Host
Award-winning author CJ Milacci writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As the podcast host for Read Clean YA with CJ, she loves talking about books and the deeper themes woven into the pages of each novel. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.
Always willing to get real about hard issues, C.J. also enjoys the cheesiest of puns. She chats about writing, her faith, bubble tea, and other fun adventures online (@cjmilacci) and at cjmilacci.com.
CJ Milacci is the award-winning author of The Talionis Series, and she writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As a referee, she’s always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.
Recruit of Talionis, Book 1
A teen with a dark past. A secret military force that kidnaps new soldiers. Can she survive as a Recruit of Talionis?
Fugitive of Talionis, Book 2
They kidnapped her. Trained her. And now they’re hunting her.
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