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Tag Archives: Brian Jacques

Top Ten Redwall Characters

24 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by roseredprince in Top Tens

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Basil Stag Hare, Brian Jacques, Cluny the Scourge, Gonff, Luke the Warrior, Mariel, Martin the Warrior, Matthias, Redwall, Rose, Silent Sam, Tsarmina

Mossflower Cover ArtIt’s been some time since I finished reading the entire Redwall series but I’m not done with it yet. It’s time to take a look at the best characters in the saga and narrowing down the potentials to just ten was not easy. The classic figures cut include such heroes as Methuselah, Dandin, Sunflash the Mace and Mattimeo, heroines like Constance, Cornflower and Lady Cregga Rose Eyes and the villainous Badrang, Ublaz, Asmodeus and Slagar the Cruel. With characters like those left out you know the top ten will be made up of legends. Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Rogue Crew – Brian Jacques

20 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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Brian Jacques, Razzid Wearat, Redwall, Skor Axehound, The Rogue Crew, Uggo Wiltud

On December the 13th 2010 I posted my first review – Brian Jacques’ Mossflower. Two years and nearly 150 other reviews later the 22nd and final Tale of Redwall brings this blog full circle. Continue reading →

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Book Review: Marlfox – Brian Jacques

10 Monday Sep 2012

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Brian Jacques, Dannflor Reguba, fantasy, Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, Marlfox, Redwall, Songbreeze Swifteye

Twenty-one down, one to go. It’s been a long road but the end is finally in sight. I have now read every Tale of Redwall with the exception of The Rogue Crew, the last work Brian Jacques published before he died last year. Before I commence on the final leg of my two year Redwall marathon there is the matter of my verdict on Marlfox, the eleventh book published and the last I read as a kid. Of all the books in the series this one proved the most useful in the debate over old Jacques against new. Of all the books in the series I had read before this was the one about which I could remember the least, including how much I like it and I approached it this time without any rose-tinted spectacles. So does Marlfox stand up next to the old classics or is it more of a match for the lesser later titles? Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Sable Quean – Brian Jacques

17 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Brian Jacques, Buckler Kordyne, fantasy, Redwall, The Sable Quean, Zwilt the Shade

Does nostalgia cloud critical thought? Is a beloved creation from one’s childhood always at a massive advantage next to something more recent? The answer to these questions is almost certainly ‘yes’ but it might not always be that simple. I’ve now reviewed ten of the eleven Tales of Redwall I first read in my youth and this review covers the tenth of the eleven books in the series I am reading for the first time. There can be no question that the former ten have, on average, enjoyed more of my praise than the latter. Am I just revisiting Brian Jacques’ earlier work wearing rose tinted spectacles or did the quality of his books really drop off over time? I think the answer is probably both. Maintaining the extremely high benchmark of quality laid by books like Redwall and Mattimeo for over twenty publications is a big ask. And while there have been plenty of lesser titles like Triss and Loamhedge there is also High Rhulain and Eulalia!. And there is The Sable Quean. Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Long Patrol – Brian Jacques

17 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Arven, Brian Jacques, Damug Warfang, fantasy, Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, Redwall, Tammo, Tansy, The Long Patrol

We’re getting fairly close to the end of the Redwall marathon now, this is the nineteenth I’ve reviewed and with just Marlfox, The Sable Quean and The Rogue Crew to go, the end is very much in sight.

The Long Patrol might be described as the sequel to The Pearls of Lutra featuring a number of the earlier title’s characters including Tansy, now Mother Abbess of Redwall Abbey and, of course, Arven, the most mischievous Dibbun of all time as was, now filling the role of heroic warrior of Redwall. The book also marks the first appearance of Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, the only character in the entire twenty-two book saga other then Martin the Warrior himself to feature in three separate titles. But top of the billing is Tammello De Fformelo Tussock, or Tammo, the son of a belligerent old campaigner of the Long Patrol, the formidable and disciplined order of fighting hares resident at Salamandastron. Continue reading →

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Book Review: Doomwyte – Brian Jacques

17 Thursday May 2012

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Bisky, Brian Jacques, Doomwyte, fantasy, Gonff, Korvus Skurr, Redwall

There used to be a time when new Tales of Redwall would arrive and fit into the extensive timeline in a haphazard and unpredictable way. The original story is the ninth chronologically and the first book in the saga was the thirteenth published. From The Taggerung onwards, however, new entries have slotted into the canon one after the other, each replacing its predecessor as the latest-set book in reading order. Although there was a whimsical appeal in the old backing and forthing there’s no real problem with the more linear ordering seen since, until, possibly, Doomwyte. Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Pearls of Lutra – Brian Jacques

14 Saturday Apr 2012

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Arven, Brian Jacques, Clecky, Craklyn, Durral, Gerul, Grath Longfletch, Inbar, Lask Frildur, Mad Eyes, Martin, Piknim, Rasconza, Redwall, Rollo, Romsca, Sagitar, Tansy, Tears of all Oceans, The Pearls of Lutra, Ublaz, Viola

The Tales of Redwall are wonderful and the late Brian Jacques most forever be praised for how well he has managed to maintain the charm and appeal of a twenty-three book series despite sticking almost religiously to a formula. That said, and as delightful as stories like Mariel of Redwall and Salamandastron are most books in the series don’t match the lofty heights of four books that hold the gold standard for the series, Martin the Warrior and Mossflower starring, funnily enough, Martin the Warrior and Redwall and Mattimeo starring Matthias. However outside of these two miniseries within the main canon there is one book that just about keeps up, the ninth book in the series, The Pearls of Lutra. Continue reading →

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Book Review: Eulalia! – Brian Jacques

20 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Brian Jacques, Eulalia!, Gorath the Flame, Gruntan Kurdly, Mad Maudie, Orkwil Prink, Redwall, Tales of Redwall, Vizka Longtooth

Crikey it’s been a long time since my last book review. Put than down to getting behind with blogging in the early part of the year and having too many movie magazines to read on the tube. But now it’s back to business as usual with another Tale of Redwall under the microscope, and this time it’s Eulalia!

The 19th book in the Redwall series, published in 2007, Eulalia! (the title refers to the traditional war cry of badger lords and Salamandastron hares) charts the story of Gorath the Flame, a young badger taken prisoner by the villainous golden fox Vizka Longtooth and his Sea Raiders who make efforts to press gang him into becoming a blind weapon of a slave for them. At the same time a pair of wayward young creatures, Mad Maudie (the Hon.) Mugberry Thropple of Salamandastron and Orkwil Prink of Redwall are ejected from their respective homes to learn some responsibility and overcome their habitual fighting/thieving delete as appropriate. Naturally worlds collide and the ensuing adventure, I’m happy to say, carries on the fine work of High Rhulain. Continue reading →

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2011 Review of the Year

13 Friday Jan 2012

Posted by roseredprince in Review of the Year

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Brian Jacques, High Rhulain, Mary Norton, Nintendo, The Borrowers Afloat, The Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time 3D, The Legend of Zelda - Skyward Sword, Wii U

That’s a bit more like it. 2011, though not without its difficulties (including two of the most problematic and stressful house moves of all time), was a considerably better year than 2010. Highlights included my moving to London to live with great buddies Ryan and Tom, flying to New York for a week for my brother’s wedding and the admittedly faltering launch of the Nintendo 3DS.

Any new piece of hardware launching is a special occasion but Nintendo’s new handheld got off to an inauspicious start in a debut year marred by start-up problems. A day one line-up and launchw window devoid of any must-have titles, the eShop delay, disappointing early sales, all signs of a flop. Not even the wonderful The Legend of Zelda – Ocarina of Time 3D could improve the system’s fortunes enough to avoid a drastic price cut and the unveiling of the aesthetically displeasing Circle Pad Pro was as good as Nintendo admitting they’d ballsed-up the hardware design. What a difference Mario makes. With Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 finally available the fledgling console’s fortunes have been transformed and sales figures have skyrocketed to record-breaking levels. The Wii meanwhile seems to be on its last legs with flatlining sales and a damaging shortage of quality new titles. However The Legend of Zelda – Skyward Sword gave the Wii faithful reason to be cheerful before year’s end. Finally the DS, the little handheld that could, has been coasting along to a dignified death as its more advanced successor gains steam, throwing up a few more well-received games to take it into its dotage. It hasn’t been the easiest year for Nintendo but in this time of transition for the company they’ve kept things ticking along in preparation for a crucial year ahead.

Due to wallet restrictions I’ve been less than ambitious in my pursuit of new games this year. Of the titles I picked for my Top Ten Most Anticipated Games of 2011 there’s still two I haven’t got round to buying, two that have been delayed to this year and one (the second DS Fire Emblem title) that was never released in the UK (which made me equal parts sad and angry). I still plan to get Okamiden and Kirby’s Epic Yarn as well as Sin and Punishment – Successor of the Skies, a game still left over from 2010, as soon as I can afford them. However I won’t let my woeful lack of new game acquisitions stop me from announcing my Game of the Year. Ideally I’d like to wait until I’ve reviewed every 2011 release I have managed to get my hands on before declaring my decision but this is the first of five annual posts I have in the pipeline and I don’t want them to get backed up. Plus I don’t think there’s much chance of the four games with reviews pending (Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, Star Fox 64 3D and Xenoblade Chronicles) supplanting either of my choices for GOTY and runner-up. So without further ado…

Rose Red Prince’s 2011 Game of the Year

The Legend of Zelda – Skyward Sword (Wii)

As you may have guessed from my Skyward Sword review I like Zelda quite a lot. Each new instalment is the cause of much fevered anticipation and this time was no different. Skyward Sword may have had its shortcomings but it was still a massively high quality experience packed with innovation and excitement built on a strong foundation of new and existing gameplay mechanics. The big draw was the brilliantly realised Wii Motion Plus sword combat which singlehandedly vindicated motion controls as a legitimate part of hardcore gaming but the game made bold steps in other areas too introducing a host of new concepts and focusing on diversity for a varied, compulsive experience. The bold, impressionistic art style, orchestrated soundtrack, increased difficulty and massive length all went towards a hugely satisfying package that should not have left any stalwart fans feeling short-changed. A worthy, if predictable winner. Read my full review here.

Runner-up: The Legend of Zelda – Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)

It’s going to be an interesting year ahead for Nintendo with the 3DS gathering pace and a slew of big new titles on the way. The handheld faces stiff competition from Sony’s PlayStation Vita which launches soon and with Smart Phone gaming proving more and more lucrative it looks like Nintendo might not have it all their own way this time around. The big new development however is the Wii U which is set for release in the second half of the year. Nintendo’s first HD console will have to be very special indeed if it is to keep up with rival machines with Microsoft set to reveal the successor to the Xbox 360 at E3. Promising a renewed focus on core gamers and online functionality and with pioneering new technology the company might have enough to beat the highly-stacked odds. No first party games have been unveiled as yet and the final specs and complete functionality of the machine remain unknown but with great strides being made with the 3DS’ online features and industry insiders making promising noises the signs are good. I’ll be revealing my Top Ten Most Anticipated Games of 2012 in due course.

As always 2011 never saw me going without a good book to read either in bed, during lunch breaks, on the train (including, newly, the London Underground) or wherever the urge takes me. The year marked the end of an era with the sad death of Brian Jacques aged 71. Brian’s work on the Tales of Redwall inspired my lifelong dream to be an author and though the quality of his long-running series dropped off in his later years they are books that will always keep a fond place in my heart. I am still working my way through the series one by one, something I’ve been doing since 2010 and with seven books still to finish they’re set to keep me occupied for some time to come. Once again I didn’t read a single book published in the preceding twelve months so instead my Book of the Year and runner-up are the best titles I discovered for the first time in 2011.

Rose Red Prince’s 2011 Book of the Year

High Rhulain – Brian Jacques

After a succession of so-so additions to the Redwall saga this little doozy popped up and rediscovered a little bit of what made the series so special to begin with. Featuring an effortlessly likeable heroine backed up by a diverse and balanced cast of memorable characters and a refreshing focus on adventure High Rhulain turned out to be the most eventful and enjoyable title since The Legend of Luke and a possible indicator of Jacques starting to find his form again. I’ll have to plough on through the last few tales to see if it was a one-off or the start of a Renaissance. Either way it qualifies for my Book of the Year. Read my full review here.

Runner-up – The Borrowers Afloat – Mary Norton

Hopefully I should be able to get the last handful of Redwall titles reviewed by 2013 so you can expect more of Jacques’ work to feature on the site in the coming months but I’ll be sure to spice things up and read the odd book by other authors at some point, maybe.

It’s been an odd year for films with few standout blockbuster releases that achieved critical acclaim to match ticket sales. With dull predictability, movies like Transformers – Dark of the Moon and Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides both made worldwide gross of 10 digits as did the rather more deserving Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. But it was darker, more artistic films that found the most praise from critics with films like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Drive and We Need to Talk about Kevin among the most revered. Animation is my big thing and it’s been a decent twelve months with corkers like Disney’s Tangled, Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin – The Secret of the Unicorn and Ghibli’s Arrietty leading the way ahead of good sequels like Kung Fu Panda 2 and Cars 2 (which no-one seemed to like but me). I’ve seen enough films last year to make a list of my Top Ten Films of 2011 so you can expect to see that in the near future.

There are lots of exciting films on the way in 2012 including some major heavyweight franchises. In the world of animation it looks like this year could turn out to be something of a Renaissance for stop-motion, which makes me very happy indeed. Instead of going into detail here let me invite you to check back soon for my Top Ten Most Anticipated Films of 2012.

And what about me? I’m already working hard to get ahead and make some career progress and am pursuing a number of different options. I haven’t written for either of my two novels in a while but, time permitting, should be getting back on that horse soon too. My New Year’s Resolution this time last year was to go to the cinema more often. I definitely kept that one. This year I’m resolving to be bolder in everything I do. So get used to that. And get used to this blog’s crisp new look too.

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Book Review: Mattimeo – Brian Jacques

20 Tuesday Dec 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

≈ 5 Comments

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adventure, Brian Jacques, fantasy, General Ironbeak, Malkariss, Matthias, Mattimeo, Redwall, Slagar

And now, well over a year after my review of Mossflower, we wrap up the original Redwall trilogy and the last of the great books in the venerable series (unless one of the final handful of titles can pull something incredible out of the bag), 1989’s Mattimeo, a direct sequel to Redwall.

Some seasons after the defeat of Cluny the Scourge the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey are enjoying the peace that has reigned there while preparing for a summer feast. Among them is the son of Matthias the Warrior, Mattimeo, a bright young mouse whose hot-headedness and confrontational nature are a cause for concern for his parents. While the Abbeydwellers are enjoying their feast they are entertained by a group of travelling circus performers who are really slave drivers in disguise, led by the villainous Slagar the Cruel who masterminds the kidnapping of Mattimeo and a number of other youngsters. Matthias, Basil Stag Hare and Jess Squirrel set out to rescue their offspring. The peace at Redwall doesn’t last long in the aftermath either as raven General Ironbeak and his band of crows and magpies descend on the abbey in an attempt to claim the building for themselves.

Mattimeo might be one of the most eventful books in the series, packed with incident and adventure from the outset, and despite being one of the lengthiest entries in the Redwall canon flies along at a brisk pace that never leaves a dull chapter. The strength of the book lies both in its involving plot and the characters that enrich it. Much of the original Redwall cast return and are as strongly conceived and likeable as ever but it’s a triumvirate of new villains that make this book’s characters stand out. In truth it’s just two new villains since Slagar is in truth a returning character too. The fox, known as Chickenhound in Redwall survived his encounter with Asmodeus but not without horrible disfiguration and a burning vendetta against Redwall driven by mad notions of revenge against the creatures he inexplicably blames for his ordeal.

Slagar is not the unforgettable villain Cluny was but he is among the best in a proud tradition of series nasties nonetheless. He’s an altogether different proposition from Cluny, less reliant on brute force and strength in numbers with a greater focus on strategy, shady dealings and good old-fashioned deviousness than the rat general. His influence and impact on the whole feel of Mattimeo is hard to overstate, the lion’s share of the story happens because of him and he is a powerful presence in every scene he features in. Second is General Ironbeak, a cruel and overconfident raven who provides more than ample antagonism for the inhabitants of Redwall and comes closest of the many would-be conquerors of the abbey in the series to actually achieving that goal. Finally there is Malkariss, who balances this trio of evil as the most mysterious and frightening of the three, injecting the back end of the book with real menace and power. To say more about him would be to stray dangerously close to spoiler territory but he rounds off the strongest line-up of baddies the saga has produced.

So it’s handy that there’s a suitably superb set of heroes to oppose them. Matthias returns as a dependable and stalwart protagonist, carrying on from where his character arc left off at the end of the previous book and serving as a perfect heir for Martin the Warrior. The title character is an altogether more interesting proposition. Mattimeo is a flawed, even brattish boy whose pride at his position as the Abbey Warrior’s son lends his character the kind of fallibility that gives him the room to learn from his ordeals. It’s another pretty obvious arc but it’s satisfying. The friends who share his unenviable situation in the slave lines provide excellent support for his character, among them the returning Tim and Tess Churchmouse, both featuring far more prominently than before, and of course the no longer silent Sam Squirrel who probably could have been used a bit more. They’re a good bunch, easy to root for but their story allows a little tension between them. Mattimeo’s mother Cornflower has a bigger role this time round, serving as the chief protagonist in the Redwall-set storyline. Then there are some new protagonists such as Orlando the Axe, a mighty badger warrior hunting Slagar with the aim of liberating his own kidnapped daughter from the slavers, and Jabez Stump the hedgehog who has a similar predicament. Then there’s rhyming owl Harry the Muse, the fierce Stryke Redkite, hydrophobic otter Cheek and the return of the Guerrilla Union of Shrews in Mossflower, the list goes on.

The strength of the plot is in its simplicity. It is essentially a chase story accompanied by another siege story. The pursuit of Slagar has tension and urgency throughout and the frequent exciting happenings from adventures involving everything from cave-ins to earthquakes. The journey leads hero and villain alike to a southern region of the series’ map that wasn’t revisited until the disappointing Loamhedge and lends the story a curious sense of mystery in the context of the series. At Redwall the same old story of underdog defenders fending off burly encroachers is kept interesting and varied with moments of both peril and comedy and the climax of both stories offer hugely satisfying payoffs.

Mattimeo is undoubtedly among the highlights of a very lengthy series that confirms Jacques was at his best in the early days. Redwall, Mossflower and Martin the Warrior are probably all better but it’s a fine line and there’s no shame in coming forth behind those three. Naturally it’s a cracking novel in its own right and a book no fan of the author or the series should ignore.

Verdict

A rollicking and varied adventure yarn that does everything right, delivering exciting action, epic scope and memorable characters. A fine sequel to Redwall and a robustly brilliant escapist tale.

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Book Review: High Rhulain – Brian Jacques

10 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

≈ 4 Comments

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adventure, Brian Jacques, High Rhulain, Redwall, Tiria Wildlough

At the current rate it won’t be long before the entire top shelf on the bookshelves in my room is dedicated solely to Brian Jacques’ work, not something I’m unhappy about. This time it’s High Rhulain, the 18th book in the Redwall series, published in 2005 and the best book in the series for some years.

High Rhulain’s villain is Riggu Felis, a vicious wildcat warlord ruling with an iron fist over Green Isle, the rightful home of the otterclans half of whom lie enslaved in his compound. Chief among the free otters rebelling against his tyranny is the outlaw Leatho Shellhound who dreams of the return of the High Queen Rhulain, the true ruler of the isle. Meanwhile at Redwall Abbey a young ottermaid named Tiria Wildlough dreams of Martin the Warrior who bequeaths her one of his great tasks to fulfil, an event that coincides with the arrival of two birds at Redwall, Brantalis the barnacle goose and Pandion Piketalon the osprey, both of whom know Green Isle.

Putting it simply High Rhulain is the best book in the series since The Legend of Luke and the closest the author has come to recapturing his early form. It’s not quite the equal of solid classics like Mariel of Redwall or Salamandastron, let alone Redwall itself but it clearly surpasses the several immediately preceding books since Lord Brocktree. The plot, which is a not exactly unpredictable affair involving the liberation of Green Isle, is fine as they go but it’s the characters that make this one stand out. Tiria is a likeable if fairly neutral heroine but it’s her many sidekicks that stand out, particularly the aforementioned birds and best of all Cuthbert Blanedale Frunk, a perilous and bonkers hare with split personalities. Riggu Felis is a fairly standard villain but his rivalry with his own son, which recalls Salamandastron makes for consistently interesting reading. Best of all though the narrative is mostly free of the pace-slowing character moments and endless meetings and feasting that have held back other recent stories. It’s an efficiently told well-paced story that doesn’t outstay its welcome.

There are a few other titbits to enjoy here, many of the otterclans share names with otter characters from throughout the series, there are some well thought out riddles to get stuck into and the abbey building is developed in the most interesting detail in quite some time.

With only four more books remaining in the series before Jacques’ death one can only hope that High Rhulain marked the start of a Renaissance for the author. I will of course be finding out in due course but won’t forget to review Mattimeo, The Pearls of Lutra, The Long Patrol and Marlfox along the way.

Verdict

Showing the kind of inventive and thoughtful storytelling that made his early work so compelling High Rhulain stands as Brian Jacques’ best Redwall tale of the new millennium.

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Book Review: Redwall – Brian Jacques

11 Tuesday Oct 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Brian Jacques, Cluny the Scourge, fantasy, Matthias, Redwall

I come to this, a review I’ve been building to ever since I started this blog about a year ago, at an inconvenient time. I finished reading Brian Jacques’ first published novel, 1986’s Redwall about three weeks ago but due to a combination of working long hours and spending a week in New York for my brother’s wedding haven’t had the opportunity to review it until now. I prefer to review something very soon after finishing with it so that it’s fresh in my mind but in the circumstances will have to do my best to convey why I consider this to be my favourite book, the work of fiction that inspired my lifelong dream to be an author.

 

Redwall and its twenty-one sequels and prequels is set in an imaginary period world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals including mice, hedgehogs, squirrels, moles, rats, ferrets, foxes and many more besides. The central setting of the series is Redwall Abbey, a marvellous red sandstone structure home to a peaceful order of healer mice who thrive in simple happiness. Hero of this opening chapter in the lengthy saga is Matthias, a young orphan mouse struggling to fit in among the serene and composed Abbeydwellers who idolises the legendary Marin the Warrior, one of the abbey founders, a brave and mighty warrior mouse of long ago immortalised by his likeness in the abbey’s famous tapestry.

It is the Summer of the Late Rose and the woodland creatures are enjoying Abbot Mortimer’s Jubilee celebrations in the traditional Redwall way, with a hearty feast. Following the merriment when Matthias is escorting the Fieldmouse family home to the nearby St Ninian’s Church they witness a hay cart full of hundreds of murderous rats headed by one particularly fearsome vermin tearing past on the road. This hellish rat is Cluny the Scourge, an evil warlord so legendary and feared that his is the name mothers use to scare their children into behaving. Cluny and his cutthroat army take up residence in St Ninian’s and lay down plans to conquer Redwall Abbey. So begins a siege story full of daring rescues perilous questing, fiendish riddles and unforgettable characters.

What strikes you as you read Jacques’ first book is just how different it is from the rest of the series. The same basic formula applies but it is delivered in a noticeably less regimented style. His earliest work is actually his best written filled with linguistic touches and turns of phrase that might be deemed more advanced than what most of his subsequent work offers. But more than that it is clear that Jacques hadn’t yet fully defined his fantasy world at this point. There are moments in the story that subtly suggest that we might be in a world similar to one of Jacques greatest influences The Wind in the Willows which places these anthropomorphic characters alongside regular humans. No humans feature in the book but there are faint suggestions of them in innocuous little moments that would probably go over the heads of anyone but a long-time fan of the series. St Ninian’s Church, for example seems to be a run-down place abandoned by the humans that built it before it became home to mice. There is even the sense that the building might be as huge as a church would be compared to a real mouse. One thing it is not is a functioning place of worship. These things are only inferred – there is no explicit evidence that Jacques’ early intentions for his Narnia to be populated by humans at all. One unquestionable detail is the presence of non-anthropomorphic animals, namely the horse that pulls the rat horde’s cart near the beginning as seen on the vivid and dramatic cover art. Another character, a cat named Squire Julian Gingivere, possibly a descendent of Mossflower’s Gingivere seems to be much larger than Matthias the mouse and apparently walks on four paws. There are no other non-anthropomorphic characters like this anywhere else in the series and there are a few other species mentioned that never recur, such as the abbey’s unnamed resident beaver, and references to dogs and stags. It’s an oddity to read about these things that didn’t continue in the series and lends the first book an air of mystery and depth absent from the later entries. Although in many ways these details seem evident of a setting not fully thought through they do not detract at all from a quite brilliant adventure tale and it is important to remember that this book laid the foundations for twenty-one followers.

Almost every series convention that repeated again and again throughout the series started here. Apart from introducing Redwall itself and the peaceful nature of its inhabitants this was the first book to involve a siege story; established the importance of Martin the Warrior and his sword; laid out the various important roles within the abbey and the particular species usually seen occupying them (badger mother, cellerhog, etc.); determined the recurring characteristics of each of those species, such as the quaint speech of the friendly moles and the upper-class English-accented gluttonous hares; introduced the concept of the Guerrilla Union of Shrews in Mossflower or Guosim and their argumentative ways; established the mystical gypsy-like qualities commonly endowed to female foxes; gave us the first terrifying monster character in Asmodeus the Adder and features the series’ first and best riddles. Most importantly it gave us the concept of the vermin horde, the nasty, murderous gangs of filthy rodent creatures, mainly rats who kill and plunder under the command of an almighty and evil warlord. Every villain in the series is some imitation or variation on Cluny the Scourge, possible the series’ most memorable character, a truly crazed and vicious villain who treats his own subordinates with as much cruelty as those he strives to conquer. The villains drive every story in the series and Cluny’s contribution is inestimable.

So what is it that makes Redwall stand out above every other book in the series including the magnificent Mossflower, which, lest we forget, told the story of Martin the Warrior himself and related the events that led up to the founding of the abbey and was the subject of my first ever review of any kind? The answer is pretty simple. This is the best story and has the best characters. Matthias may be slightly overshadowed by the ancient hero he adores in the wider context of the series as a whole but that doesn’t change the fact that he is a hugely likeable second-best hero and the kind of spirited underdog anyone can root for. His efforts which follow his various attempts to thwart Cluny’s invasion and the search for Martin’s long lost sword form the backbone of the plot. The story moves quickly from episode to episode. If one thing above all others holds back the quality of the later books in the series it’s that not enough of interest happens. Jacques crams these four hundred odd pages with incident from the exciting chapter in which the mysterious Shadow steals Martin’s likeness to the moment Matthias’ love interest Cornflower foils an invasion attempt by burning down the horde’s siege tower there’s never a dull moment. The best part is the endlessly engaging quest for the sword which is where the riddles come in. These riddles have long been a Redwall staple and serve as a brilliant way to immerse you in the story as you try to work out the clues for yourself but the journey Matthias faces is what will really stay with you. The section where the young hero must make his way to the abbey roof by following a route up inside the building is a particular highlight.

One approach that particularly characterises Jacques’ work is the amount of time given to his villains. Half the chapters cast the villainous Cluny as the main character as we learn all about his plans and follow large portions of the many attack sequences from the point of view of him and his horde. The army itself is also interesting. Since these unpleasant minor baddies fulfil the same role in every book their characters never change much but it’s their names that paint the most vivid picture. With monikers like Darkclaw, Scumnose, Redtooth and Mangefur they make for brilliantly comic creations, some with their own diverting story arc’s such as Cheesethief’s rivalry with Scragg the weasel.

The decent characters too prove consistently memorable, such as the severe female badger Constance, the ancient recorder and scholar Methuselah, and the brilliantly eccentric campaigner Basil Stag Hare. Many of these figures recur in spirit throughout the series but there are some that remain unique such as the feisty sparrow Warbeak and the brilliantly amusing infant squirrel Silent Sam. It’s a terrific cast.

Possibly the most important reason why Redwall had such a vast influence on me however is the setting. Redwall Abbey is an absolutely vivid creation, the equal, in my opinion, of J K Rowling’s Hogwarts. A magical place of peace and plenty that houses many mysteries and adventures. Setting is one of the most important elements of adventure storytelling and Redwall remained strong and constant through a very lengthy series. In this first novel nothing is more important as the whole plot revolves around the sandstone structure. It’s also just about the only book in the series that takes place almost entirely in one place with very limited wandering to other locations. It’s a superb creation and the stories that have been set there have been wonderful. But none more so than the first.

Verdict

Brian Jacques’ first book remains his best. It’s an eventful story filled to the brim with exciting twists and turns great characters and enticing mystery. Only a debut as strong as this could possibly lay the foundation for another twenty-one books.

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Book Review: Rakkety Tam – Brian Jacques

04 Sunday Sep 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Brian Jacques, Rakkety Tam, Redwall

My sequence of reading that has seen me tackling the Redwall books one by one, alternating between those I had already read in chronological order and those I hadn’t previously read in publication order has lead me to Rakkety Tam, the seventeenth book in the series, published in 2004, which is the last book I will be reviewing before the main event, Redwall itself.

As one of the series’ new-age editions Rakkety Tam sticks its nose ahead of much of its preceding competition and stands out a bit. By this time Jacques had settled in to a comfortable routine of producing one new book a year, roughly, risking little in each instalment and failing to deliver the kind of appealing characters and interesting situations common throughout his early work. Rakkety Tam is no different but it’s closer to past glories than many of the books published in the few years before.

The title character Rakkety Tam MacBurl is a tough, claymore-wielding highlander warrior squirrel currently in service to the insufferable Squirrelking Araltum and Idga Drayqueen whose realm is mercilessly ravaged by the forces of Gulo the Savage, a wolverine from the lands of snow and ice who steal the royal standard. Tam and stalwart buddy Wild Doogy Plumm strike a bargain with their employers and promise to recover the precious flag in exchange for their freedom from duty and set out to track Gulo’s horde down.

Meanwhile at Redwall Abbey a pair of wanderers bring news of another wolverine’s death beneath a fallen tree and a mysterious verse describing the whereabouts of the mysterious Walking Stone, an artefact Gulo needs to claim true leadership over his lands and which he is tirelessly searching for.

It’s a more eventful and less predictable tale than usual with plot threads clashing and parting frequently as various parties chase about striving to recover treasures from other parties. The villain is quite notable on this occasion, the vicious wolverine described as being the same size as a badger which helps create a vivid impressions of size and physical power in the antagonist for series veterans. However Gulo lacks real brains and is memorable solely for his species but it’s nice to see something new. That he and his gang are cannibals makes up for their relative seen-it-all-before status, a fact that gives rise to some uncharacteristically grisly early moments.

If it seems a darker tale than usual at the beginning things soon get back to normal with plenty of feasting and singing as a cast of okay characters trundle through the plot. As the hero Tam suffers from Lord Brocktree Syndrome, frequently upstaged by his number two but his thick accent, well-written by Jacques gives him character.

Verdict

Not quite good or rounded enough to earn that fourth star but far too entertaining to warrant fewer than three. This is another middle-of-the-road outing from Jacques that beats much of his immediately preceding output.

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Book Review: Salamandastron – Brian Jacques

02 Tuesday Aug 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

≈ 2 Comments

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adventure, Brian Jacques, fantasy, Lord Urthstripe, Mara, Redwall, Salamandastron, Samkin, Thrugg

A quick advertisement to begin with, Ception Theatre’s production of Little Bear as part of the Camden Fringe is under way. The show is on in St Martin’s Garden off Pratt Street, not far from Camden Town Underground Station and is completely free so if you’re in the area and looking for something to do at 7pm any day this week until Sunday the 7th (except Thursday the 4th) come along and watch.

With that matter dispatched let’s consider another classic Tale of Redwall. Published in 1992, Salamandastron is the fifth book in the series by Brian Jacques, the title refers to the huge extinct volcano that stands like a sentinel by the shores of the great sea west of Mossflower country and Redwall Abbey. It’s a recurring setting that first appeared in Mossflower and is the perennial home of a Badger Lord and an army of hares known as the Long Patrol. In this story the current lord in residence is Urthstripe the Strong.

Salamandastron weaves numerous plot strands together rather skilfully. Primary among them is familiar siege scenario recurrent throughout the series in this case perpetrated by Ferahgo the Assassin, leader of his army of Corpsemakers, a blue-eyed weasel in the habit of skinning his victims. Intent on possessing the rumoured riches within the mountain his army lays siege to the place with Lord Urthstripe and his hares horribly outnumbered.

Another plotline follows Mara, Urthstripe’s adopted daughter whose disillusionment with the rigid routines of Salamandastron drives her to leave with hare chum Pikkle Ffolger in tow. And let’s not forget the folks at Redwall Abbey who reluctantly take in a pair of deserters from Ferahgo’s army who abscond with a precious abbey treasure after a mishap. Worse still the Abbeydwellers start to fall foul of the deadly Dryditch Fever.

The big strength of Salamandastron is its eventfulness. With sometimes six different character groups covered by the narrative there’s scarcely a dull chapter as every strand has plenty of excitement to offer. When one lulls another will be in full swing. It’s a strong set of characters overall too. The abbey has two main heroes to get behind, Samkin the young squirrel who is the kind of mischief-maker that’s easy to like, and rugged otter Thrugg who teams up with the amusing baby dormouse Dumble. Many other figures in the story are recognisable series archetypes, Lord Urthstripe is a stoic and fierce badger as you’d expect and Ferahgo is a typically wily and assertive leader but can’t stand out like the best baddies in the canon.

Most Redwall books follow a routine and Salamandastron is no different so I’ll consider the several ways it stands out. Ferahgo’s relationship with his son Klitch is easily the book’s most interesting, resembling that of Swartt and Veil in Outcast of Redwall. The junior weasel’s brash confidence and, ambition and total disrespect for his father is a source of amusement that will often have you believing he would make the better leader. There are some memorable encounters various characters experience on their travels involving native creatures of the sky and water and it’s refreshing to see Redwall abbey at the mercy of disease instead of another invading army.

The downfall of having so many characters to follow is that many of them aren’t as well developed as one would like. Samkin is very likeable but features in too few scenes to be fleshed out into the more rounded character other Redwall heroes became. By the same token there’s little to differentiate Lord Urthstripe from other badgers. The book bearing the name of the badger mountain deserves a more memorable Badger Lord and both Boar the Fighter and Sunflash the Mace were better. These are relatively minor gripes though and the book ultimately takes its place as one of the good entries in the series well worth a read.

Verdict

Perhaps the weakest of the early Redwall titles but still a great read, Salamandastron is packed with incident and boasts plenty of entertainment value.

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Book Review: Loamhedge – Brian Jacques

23 Saturday Jul 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

≈ 1 Comment

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adventure, Bragoon, Brian Jacques, Loamhedge, Martha Braebuck, Redwall, Sarobando

I recently discovered that Brian Jacques died of a heart attack in February of this year. His Tales of Redwall have formed the subject of no fewer than ten of my book reviews (including this one) since I started this blog last year and his second book, Mossflower was the first thing I reviewed. Needless to say I was saddened by the death of the man who inspired my lifelong dream to be an author but I was deeply annoyed that it took me six months to notice especially given that I have reviewed four of his books (again including this one) since his passing. So let me take a moment to belatedly remember a wonderful author whose many wonderfully cheerful, action packed and beautifully written novels remain among the most cherished in children’s literature.

 

Rest in Peace Brian Jacques 15 June 1939 – 5 February 2011.

The final total of Redwall books numbers twenty-two. This is the tenth I have reviewed and you can be quite certain that I will be posting my verdict on each of the remaining twelve.

Since deciding to pursue the Redwall books I had not hitherto read one title stood out from the crowd. Loamhedge Abbey, first mentioned in Mossflower, is the spiritual forerunner of Redwall Abbey that was abandoned by Abbess Germaine, who became the first Abbess of Redwall which she designed, after the sickness swept through the abbey. It’s one of the sadder stories in the Redwall canon and I had assumed that Loamhedge would be chronicling it but I was wrong. Instead the book is set next after Triss.

Loamhedge deals with a lot of plot lines but the main part of it deals with Martha Braebuck, a haremaid of Redwall who has never walked and spends her days in a wheelchair. Appearing to her in a dream Martin the Warrior tells her that the secret to her learning to walk lies in the ruins of Loamhedge Abbey. Two rovers, Bragoon and Sarobando, legendary at Redwall as the biggest misbehaving youngsters the abbey has ever seen, volunteer to journey to the ancient site and discover the secret contained there.

In addition to this badger archer Lonna Bowstripe tracks sea rat captain Raga Bol through Mossflower country seeking vengeance against him. Both Raga Bol’s murderous crew and another vermin gang travel to Redwall with the aim of conquest.

I welcomed that Loamhedge returned us for the first time since Mattimeo to the lands south-east of Mossflower, a region of the fictional world that I’ve always found interesting but while the story offers some good moments and likeable characters I found it to be one of Jacques’ weaker books. The siege story which has been done so many times before in the series does nothing new here and the quest to Loamhedge lacks significance when considered against similar plot lines elsewhere in the canon. Large swathes of the lengthy story seem somewhat inconsequential and one twist renders an entire story strand rather redundant. Plus if I’m not mistaken Jacques made a fairly glaring error in the geography when writing the story.

There are good points of course. Bragoon and Sarobando are great characters, as are the three young Redwallers who sneak out of the abbey to follow them, Martha’s brother Horty, Fenna and Springald and the balance of power in one of the vermin gangs makes for interesting and unpredictable reading. Other than that Loamhedge is a by-the-numbers entry in the series, possibly its weakest and a real disappointment. Still, and I’ve said this before, this is a Redwall book and there’s a built in enjoyment threshold and the writing is as full of cheer, comedy and excitement as ever. It may not be a Redwall great but you could do a lot worse nonetheless.

Verdict

The numerous plot strands pad out a rather insignificant story to a great length. It’s certainly worth a read for series completists but don’t expect one of the classics.

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Book Review: The Bellmaker – Brian Jacques

25 Saturday Jun 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

≈ 3 Comments

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Brian Jacques, Dandin, Joseph, Mariel, Redwall, The Bellmaker

It’s amazing how long it’s taken me to get through this book, a direct sequel to Mariel of Redwall considering it’s one of the shortest books in the Redwall series. I guess that’s what happens when you’re as busy as I’ve been lately.

Mariel and Dandin have left Redwall Abbey in search of adventure in the lands to the south, a journey which takes them to Southsward, a beautiful green land where the rightful rulers Gael Squirrelking and Queen Serena of Castle Floret have been usurped by Urgan Nagru the Foxwolf and his mate Silvamord, commanders of a vicious army of rats. Before they know what’s what Mariel and Dandin find themselves embroiled in the struggle against Nagru and along with tall-tale spinning Meldrum the Magnificent, one of the series’ most entertaining military hares, end up prisoners in the huge plateau-top castle.

Meanwhile at Redwall Abbey Mariel’s father Joseph the Bellmaker is visited in a dream by Martin the Warrior who gives him cryptic instructions to set sail for the south with a handful of Abbeydwellers to aid in the struggle against the Foxwolf. On their way they meet up with salty sea otter Finnbarr Galedeep and help him repossess his ship, the Pearl Queen, from a double crew of searats. A third story arc follows Slipp, the searat captain in charge of the Pearl Queen before Finnbarr’s reclamation of the ship and his lackey Blaggut who travel to Redwall in a story that introduces some rare shades of grey to the series’ villainy.

The Bellmaker is possibly the fastest paced and most thrilling book in the canon interweaving three tightly plotted stories that never waste a chapter meaning that there’s scarcely a dull moment. Marial and Dandin’s side of the tale in particular is a non-stop thrill-a-minute romp with two thirds of their plot given to an absolutely epic escape sequence. Southsward itself and Castle Floret especially make for pretty vivid settings. The ocean bound journey with Joseph and Finnbarr never lets up with one thrilling sequence proving nigh-on unforgettable. Slipp and Blaggut’s side of things is more dramatic than action packed but still represents one of the more interesting vermin stories in the series. Only the main villain fails to really impress, Foxwolf is a typically nasty baddie but offers little we haven’t already seen many times from Jacques.

Verdict

It might not be as brilliantly rounded as the very best the series has to offer but The Bellmaker nonetheless represents the most efficient and varied adventure storytelling in a series not known for its frequent reinvention. A real Redwall highlight and a superior sequel.

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Book Review: Triss – Brian Jacques

07 Saturday May 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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adventure, Brian Jacques, Kurda, Redwall, Sagax, Scarum, Triss

This entry into the Redwall series, published in 2002 breaks a sequence for me. With the exception of Mattimeo every book I owned in the series before Triss was the compact Red Fox paperback edition which featured the same stone window design on the spine through which can be seen a character illustration. I looked for a similar edition of Triss but it looks like those printings were phased out which I found a little sad. It’s a strange thing to take note of I admit but the larger sized edition of Triss actually made for a slightly different reading experience. That’s what happens when you’re so used to something I suppose.

Triss is the next book in the series chronologically after The Taggerung but it seems like a lot of time has elapsed since the events of that book since none of the characters from that title return. Deyna, the Taggerung of the preceding story does get a mention but seems to have become a figure of history at Redwall. Brian Jacques doesn’t leave such a gap between the events of his books very often so it might be appropriate to treat Triss as something of a new age for the saga.

Triss is a young squirrelmaid who, like Martin the Warrior in the book of the same name, begins the story as a slave of a vermin fortress. The fort, Riftgard is ruled by Agarnu the true blood ferret, an old conqueror who is losing his lustre somewhat. For his daughter, the swashbuckling Princess Kurda to succeed she must first recover two royal artefacts that became lost in Mossflower country. To this end the enslaved creatures at Riftgard are busy building a boat to take her and her dim-witted brother Prince Bladd on a quest to recover said items. However, Triss and a couple of accomplices upset their plans by escaping in the very same boat to freedom. Kurda and Bladd, enlisting the aid of Captain Plugg Firetail and his crew of freebooters give chase in the effort of meeting the duel objectives of recovering both slaves and artefacts. Meanwhile at Redwall Abbey, learned Abbeydwellers Malbun and Cirkulus become extremely excited when the ancient entrance to Brockhall, the secret ancestral home of badgers last seen way back in Mossflower, is rediscovered but their efforts to explore the place are marred by an unknown menace stalking the forest. Further to this Sagax, a young male badger, sets off from Salamandastorn with sidekick Scarum, another gluttonous hare, seeking adventure.

It all starts extremely promisingly for Triss despite the sense of deja vu surrounding the early part of its basic plot. Riftgard and its rulers are vividly drawn, especially the thickly accented Princess Kurda, and the escape is handled deftly. The rediscovery of Brockhall is as exciting a proposition to long time fans as it is to Malbun and Cirkulus and there’s something very stirring about the way Sagax and Scarum set off in search of the unknown.

Sadly though this didn’t prove to be the sparkling return to form you’d really hope for. Jacques is guilty here of indulging in some bad habits letting the pace slacken for a good old singsong or feast when you want things to move on, introducing forgetable little societies who help out the heroes and are then left behind. These are all things that have been done before time and again of course but therein lies the problem. Since The Legend of Luke Jacques hasn’t been coming up with enough original plot ideas for his books and I’m desperate to see him take some risks instead of relying on the same slightly tired formula. Even the good ideas here don’t pan out terribly well, the Brockhall story strand at Redwall for instance is painfully slow to get anywhere. It’s a shame and a real missed opportunity because we have the best set of new characters for quite a while in this one.

The scholarly duo of Malbun and Cirkulus are consistently entertaining and an unusual choice for main Redwall-based characters (one example of a risk being taken and it working). The villains are more varied than they have been for a while. Kurda makes for a focused and dangerous female villain although she’s no Tsarmina while top honours in the villainy stakes go to the industrious Plugg and his freebooters. Each strand has a reliably resourceful otter to guide it along, Skipper at Redwall, Shogg with Triss and Kroova with Sagax and Scarum whose relentless bickering is always hilarious. Triss herself however isn’t the most electrifying heroine. She’s got some spirit and determination but you don’t feel it the way you do with Mariel and never really stands out even in her own storyline but isn’t overshadowed in the same way as Lord Brocktree. The real star of the show however is Scarum who might be the most garrulous hare of the series to date which is really saying something.

Inevitably stories collide and adventures are had and Jacques includes one of his most inventive and interactive riddles yet but as we progress the narrative lacks a sense of tension that it desperately needs towards the end. It’s never less than engaging and is probably the best since The Legend of Luke but you can’t help wondering if Jacques had employed some more originality what we might have ended up with.

Verdict

Triss represents a missed opportunity for the series. What started out as a refreshingly focused and multiple-stranded story ultimately strays into predictible territory. It’s still great value while it lasts though.

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Book Review: Mariel of Redwall – Brian Jacques

17 Thursday Feb 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

≈ 3 Comments

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adventure, Brian Jacques, Dandin, Gabool, Mariel, Mariel of Redwall, Redwall

In an effort to avoid Redwall fatigue this is the last book in the series I’ll be reading for a little while. Following my pattern of reading one I’ve known for years (in chronological order) and alternating that with one I’ve never read (in pulication order) the next in the sequence is the 1991 title Mariel of Redwall, the first book to be published following the original trilogy of Redwall, Mossflower and Mattimeo and the next in reading order after Outcast of Redwall.

Mariel of Redwall takes place relatively soon after the abbey’s completion (in fact the bell-tower is still under construction) and follows the tough and tenacious mousemaid Mariel. Gabool the Wild is the searat King of Terramort Isle where he commands his murderous fleet of pirates from Fort Bladegirt and he has recently plundered a magnificent bell created by Joseph the bellmaker for Lord Rawnblade of Salamandastron. After being attacked by Joseph’s daughter Mariel he punishes the mousemaid by driving her into the wild sea during a storm. Mariel miraculously survives washing up on the shore near Mossflower country but her memory is gone. She defends herself from gulls with a makeshift weapon, a knotted length of rope she names Gullwhacker and before long ends up at Redwall Abbey where the recitation of a mysterious poem brings her memories flooding back. Together with spirited mouse Dandin, a descendent of Gonff armed with Martin the Warriro’s sword she sets off to deliver justice to Gabool.

Meanwhile said tyrant’s tendency to off the captains serving under him leads his former right-hand rat Greypatch to desert the island, absconding with the Darkqueen, the best ship in the fleet. Gabool sends the flotilla to track down greypatch and reclaim the Darkqueen but in the meantime is tormented by waking nightmares in which the mysterious bell torments him with its ringing, sending him slowly mad.

It’s a good’un this as you’d expect Jacques’ early work to be weaving one of the best sets of charcters in the series and casting them in an eventful fast-moving story that taps into the spirit of adventure in similar fashion to Martin the Warrior. Mariel is arguably Jacques’ best heroine, all feisty indomitability and resolve and is a quite different charcter from the series other great heroine, the gentler Rose. The unique Gullwhacker she wields represents a nice hook for her warriorlike character. Her equal is Dandin, the next best hero mouse in the series after Martin and Matthias. Restless spirit and reckless courage personify Dandin as outlined by his first notable moment which sees him bungee-jumping off the bell-tower.

There are plenty of other memorable characters too, such as blind herbalist Simeon who has the uncanny ability to sense pretty much anything. Then there’s Mother Mellus who fulfills the role of badger mother at the abbey and is constantly on the tails of Bagg, Runn and Grubb, among the most mischievous and amusing Dibbuns (abbey youngsters) in the series. Lovesick Tarquin L Woodsorrel is the harolina-wielding hare who can barely open his mouth without mentioning the name of Hon Rosie whose raucous guffaw marks her out. Not to mention Gabool the Wild who goes down the Tsarmina path of villainy by losing a few marbles during the story. They’re a great bunch to read about.

And the plotting is pretty efficient too, never lingering in one place or on one subject too long whilst leaving plenty of room for standout moments like Mariel’s unconscious telling of her backstory, one of the more entertaining exposition scenes I’ve ever read, and of course the adventure through dark woodland and dangerous sea.

It’s no mistake that Mariel of Redwall was given a direcdt sequel in The Bellmaker because it’s one of the most likeable entries in the series. Yes there have been better books and the plot does little to really stand out but when the spirit of escapism is this strong sometimes that’s all you need.

Verdict

A great standard by which the series can be judged featuring all the staples and an excellent set of characters including two of the best hero characters in the canon.


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Book Review: The Taggerung – Brian Jacques

04 Friday Feb 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

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Brian, Brian Jacques, Deyna, Jacques, Mhera, Redwall, Taggerung, The Taggerung

The Redwall bus keeps on rolling. This is the sixth book in the series I’ve reviewed and we’re not even half way through it.

The Taggerung, published in 2001 takes place after Marlfox and is the third book to feature Lady Cregga Rose Eyes. Sawney Rath is the chief of the coast-dwelling Juskarath tribe. His father was a Taggerung an exceptionally skilled warrior born once in a generation.  When his vixen seer Grissoul foresees the birth of a new Taggerung at Redwall abbey he plots to kidnap him and amke him his clan’s prised asset. The Taggerung turn out to be a baby otter called Deyna whose father takes him to a ford as part of an otter birth ritual but Sawney’s efficient hordebeasts slay him and take the child to raise him as one of them.

There are some genuine surprises in this one. The most noticeable departure from the familiar formula is how the roles of villains are handled. From the get-go we seem to be in different territory from usual, the Juskarath tribe far from being this massive horde seems relatively small and unambitious. Sawney himself appears to fill the role of the horde chief but a fairly early twist involving him shifts the focus. Notably he is uncharacteristically cautious for a Redwall villain, the suggestion of attacking or even going near Redwall is quickly dismissed based on stories of previous warlords’ failed attempts to conquer the place. It makes a nice change of pace. The story itself is pretty original too giving us a reversal of the Outcast of Redwall scenario with a decent character growing up amongst evildoers but managing to maintain his decency. His ultimate journey away from the tribe is the story’s drive at least on one side. Of course there are goings on at Redwall too with Deyna’s sister Mhera engaging in a series of riddles left by the departed Abbes Song. The Redwall riddles are always a joy and provide a wonderfully interactive experience and the riddles in the Taggerung are no different, at least until the frustrating ITTAGALLs turn up. You’ll know what they are and why they’re frustrating if and when you read the book. Although this focus is fun and the subject of Redwall’s next abbey leader and it’s rather lovely to read about Redwall in happy times the story itself as somewhat thin. It’s no rollercoaster but it’s decent.

And there are some nice twists and turns along the way. It turned out to be one of the least predictable books in the series and at times aspects of the plot slotted in nicely. Deyna, or Tagg is a likeable and vividly tough hero but he is upstaged a little by his overconfident companion Nimbalo the Slayer. Other stand out characters include Gruven the inept Taggerung wannabe, Fwirl the energetic mousemaid and Rakky the otterfixer. Overall it’s nothing to write home about but it’s better than Lord Brocktree.

Verdict

By no means one of the Redwall classics but there’s enough going on here to keep fans entertained. The story is original for the series and some of the twists are geunuinely surprising.

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Book Review: Outcast of Redwall – Brian Jacques

09 Sunday Jan 2011

Posted by roseredprince in Book Reviews

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Brian Jacques, Outcast of Redwall, Redwall, Sunflash, Veil

After a brief hiatus it’s time to get back into the Tales of Redwall and this time it’s Outcast of Redwall, published in 1995.

Outcast of Redwall, the first book set after the completion of Redwall Abbey, feels like an introvert in the wider Redwall series. It’s not as obvious or joyous as most of the other titles. There’s something stranbely humble and unassuming about it. These might seem like strange thoughts to open with but I think this is where the key to Outcast’s success lies. The image above shows the cover of the edition I own and it’s one of my favourites of the series. It’s an evocative image, Sunflash the mace and hawk companion Skarlath in the snowy forest, one that conveys a sense of bleakness tempered by hope and that is what Outcast is about. It’s among the saddest and most meloncholy books in the series and that’s why it stands out.

Outcast of Redwall follows the story of Sunflash the Mace, a Badger Lord who, at the beginning of the story lives a life of slavery under the cruelty of ferret Swartt Sixclaw. After saving Skarlath’s life the hawk helps him escape Swartt’s clutches, the badger injuring his six-clawed paw in the process and the two sware a vow of death against each other. Their two worlds collide several times as Sunflash inevitably travels to Salamandastron and Swartt builds up an army to strike at the mountain. It’s a much better story than the similar Lord Brocktree, filled with incident and variety. Swartt’s cunning tricks that gain him his power highlight him as among the cleverest of Redwall villains and Sunflash and Skarlath are a very likeable team.

But the real reason Outcast is memorable is because of the title character’s story. Swartt has a son during his journey who is abandoned near Redwall Abbey. The baby ferret is brought to the abbey to be raised among the good creatures there and it’s loving mousemaid Bryony who takes up the charge of looking after him. Brian Jacques (and Bella, the same badger in Mossflower, now very old) came up with a cracking name for him, Veil, which is an anagram of both evil and live and his character represents probably Jacques’ most interesting study of the nature of evil. Despite his decent upbringing in the abbey Veil turns out a bad ‘un and after one hainous crime is declared an outcast. Bryony, a character you always feel for follows him from the abbey in a desperate effort to change his ways.

One of Jacques’ criticisms has been that each race of creatures he writes about is either good or bad with almost no exceptions. It’s a very black and white approach I understand the complaint but although it’s not the kind of technique I would ever use I know why Jacques does it. Remember these are anthropomorphic animals we’re reading about and it’s very easy to except that things like rats and weasels can be bad guys and cuddlier creatures such as mice and otters their antithesis. No doubt the seeds of this approach were sowed by The Wind in the Willows, which was one of his major influences. In Outcast of Redwall Jacques seems to tackle the issue headon with Veil who, despite the best of upbringings cannot contain the villainous ways of his species. Essentially blood will out but it’s not quite as simple as that as the ending proves. Needless to say Veil is a pretty deep character and his and Bryony’s story a fairly affecting one.

Naturally the two stories come together and after a lot of eventful goings on we reach a very satisfying conclusion. Outcast of Redwall may not be the most cheerful book in the series but its variety and depth make it a very enjoyable one.

Verdict

It may not feel like one of the Redwall greats but Outcast is a very worthy entry in the series with some memorable characters and an eventful plot. It’s a great read and one the fans shouldn’t miss.


 

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