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doriantagonist's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Another unexpectedly enjoyable book I wouldn't have picked up if not for book club. I have read nothing else of the Redwall series, but this is an easily readable on it's own part of the series. The audiobook is one of the best produced audiobooks I've ever listened to.
Only thing I didn't like was the classification of an entire group of animals as vermin that are inherently evil. Not the best message for a kids book.
Only thing I didn't like was the classification of an entire group of animals as vermin that are inherently evil. Not the best message for a kids book.
bookish_b's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dozylocal's review
3.0
2.5 stars
It's been a while since I read a Redwall book and I don't really know whether my rating is based on how my tastes have changed or if this really is a weaker story in the series.
Besides some repetition (which I think my younger self would have enjoyed: all the battles etc.) the thing that got to me the most was the "phonetic spelling" of the dialogue by "critters" with accents. I really struggled to follow what they were saying (oddly made easier when reading passages out loud to my kitten). I'll also admit to skipping all poems and songs. I almost abandoned the book in its entirety, but my 10-year-old self wouldn't let me, so I did actually finish.
I loved the books Redwall and Mossflower in my youth and read them multiple times. I have also read some of the other later stories at various times with varied enjoyment. Not sure I'll pick one up again though.
It's been a while since I read a Redwall book and I don't really know whether my rating is based on how my tastes have changed or if this really is a weaker story in the series.
Besides some repetition (which I think my younger self would have enjoyed: all the battles etc.) the thing that got to me the most was the "phonetic spelling" of the dialogue by "critters" with accents. I really struggled to follow what they were saying (oddly made easier when reading passages out loud to my kitten). I'll also admit to skipping all poems and songs. I almost abandoned the book in its entirety, but my 10-year-old self wouldn't let me, so I did actually finish.
I loved the books Redwall and Mossflower in my youth and read them multiple times. I have also read some of the other later stories at various times with varied enjoyment. Not sure I'll pick one up again though.
percystjoan's review
4.0
not my favorite redwall book but it gets that extra star for having some of the best music of any redwall book: PLEASE listen to logboat song, guosim bladechant I, and guosim bladechant II!!!! my god those shrews know how to sing holy shit
humbles's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookycnidaria's review
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, War, Physical abuse, Slavery, and Violence
zenithharpink's review
4.0
This was a good one! Salamandastron featured, but Redwall was the centerpiece, and that's the way I prefer it! Characters are engaging and lovable. I did miss the riddle/Redwall lore reveal, but the Maudie and her quest were entertaining. The competing villains was an interesting angle, but they were so inept it made the story a little lacking in real drama.
I recommend to fans of the series, as well as fans of fantasy & adventure. It's super entertaining, and a good example of why I love reading.
I recommend to fans of the series, as well as fans of fantasy & adventure. It's super entertaining, and a good example of why I love reading.
elusivesue's review
4.0
I know there are onlya few books left in the series, sadly, so I am treasuring each of them as I go along.
the_student_of_story's review
4.0
At its core, this book is a concept study of a major part of Redwall lore, yet it still manages to be a thrilling read. The characters tread a few of the same places as before, the villain isn't very memorable, and some elements to the plot kind of just appear out of nowhere, but man, this one is still so effective. The way its characters interact informs the study it undertakes just as it pushes the plot to a final, satisfying note.