Reviews

I had never read Redwall before. It is one of those book series I had heard mentioned in high regard, but never really got around to reading. This year though we started reading through the book with our kids and the family really enjoyed it.

Redwall is considered a children's book, but it was a children's book with an edge. It was a bit more intense than I was expecting putting it in a weird area of older kid's book without really being younger adult. It deals with evil, war, and death in a more direct way than I would have expected. Again this was because I was expecting a children's book. If you're looking for a subversively dark fantasy story for an older audience you're going to be disappointed. This is a story of the quest of good conquering over evil. I've always enjoyed these kind of stories, so this didn't bother me, but if you are bothered by these kind of stories this isn't going to be enjoyable.

I enjoyed the great variety of the cast. While the cover of the book may make you think that Matthias will be the sole focus of the book, that's not really the case. It really is more about all the creatures who live in and around Redwall. So you do follow Matthais, but there are also many other enjoyable characters like Methuselah, Abbot Mortimer, Constance, Jess Squirrel, Warbeak, Silent Sam, and my personal favorite Basil Stag Hare. It is fun to see the various interactions and I would say they are all somewhat unique although some stand our more than others.

Now, I will admit that there are some small issues with the book. The biggest in my mind is that the world of Redwall is kind of underdeveloped at this point. I remember wondering if this was a kind of post-human existence with talking animals, or a complete fantasy world of that sort. While there are a few hints of the first, as we were getting through the book it does seem like it is just a fantasy world with talking animals.

Also the book isn't necessarily unpredictable. For some this is a bigger issue than others. You just kind of knew certain things were going to happen and work out in a particular way. That kind of book doesn't really bother me. I felt that the book had enough heart, enjoyable characters, and a villain that was worthy of the title to make up for it.

So overall, I really liked Redwall. It was a story that really engaged our family. It was full of enjoyable heroes, a menacing villain, and a whole lot of heart. Sure it's a pretty straight forward good triumphing over evil kind of story, but I don't mind that at all. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, and the series as a whole. Hopefully, I'll enjoy them all as much as I did this one.

msjenne's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I think I’m too old to be starting this series. I kept getting distracted by wondering why the mice have an abbey, or how a fox would fit in a mouse hospital, or where they get all their supplies??
The food sounds amazing, though.

executivespooky's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

fabulousfunk's review against another edition

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4.5

*Audiobook

An endearing and often harrowing tale, "Redwall," is a novel I'm regretful I never read as a kid. The audio adaptation is a glorified BBC special with its full range and cast that, while some voices grate, injects even more character into the novels cast. How Matthias works to unite the various animal folk against the rat invaders is quite charming, the Sparrows and Shrews are just funny little societies. Though, some territories that Jacques forays into come across as in poor taste like with the use of words like savages and gypsies-- words and, contextually, slurs that, while likely without ill intent, are juvenile and unwelcome in a children's book.

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