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couldbestephen's review against another edition
3.0
I grew up reading these books. My memories of Redwall and the heroes who lived in her halls hang in my memory behind rose colored glass. On revisit, this book is still a solid intro to the world of Redwall, but doesn't quite hold up (which I expected).
Jacques quickly establishes the framework the world of Redwall will exist in. Certain animals are kind and good, others are inherently evil. Food and feasting is as important as the action. Riddles and puzzles will be a cornerstone of any Rewall adventure.
The characters of Redwall tend to be a little one note, a little one dimensional, but since this is a middle grade novel, I can excuse it to an extent. How characters are written and what their purpose in the story is changes depending on what Brian needs; the lack of character consistency can be jarring at times.
How Jacques writes certain animal cultures can be offensive on modern review (and were still not great even when he wrote the books). The Foxes are Romani coded, carrying all of the negative stereotypes. The Sparrows seem to be some sort of First Nation coded?
All in all, I still enjoyed revisiting this story. I think it holds up, even though some elements have aged poorly.
Jacques quickly establishes the framework the world of Redwall will exist in. Certain animals are kind and good, others are inherently evil. Food and feasting is as important as the action. Riddles and puzzles will be a cornerstone of any Rewall adventure.
The characters of Redwall tend to be a little one note, a little one dimensional, but since this is a middle grade novel, I can excuse it to an extent. How characters are written and what their purpose in the story is changes depending on what Brian needs; the lack of character consistency can be jarring at times.
How Jacques writes certain animal cultures can be offensive on modern review (and were still not great even when he wrote the books). The Foxes are Romani coded, carrying all of the negative stereotypes. The Sparrows seem to be some sort of First Nation coded?
All in all, I still enjoyed revisiting this story. I think it holds up, even though some elements have aged poorly.
merisavale's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Cute little kids book. They’re weird as fuck to cornflower tho.
kaoden39's review against another edition
4.0
I will never forget the first time I read this deilightful tale. I truly enjoyed the tale of these heroic mice and squirrels and such that protected their homes against the likes of rats, stoats and weasels and such. The main hero in the form of young Mathias who must solve riddles to find the sword and shield of past hero Martin the Warrior so that he can save his friends from impending doom. The friendship and companionship of the animals that live at Redwall Abby and their many friends could well serve as agude to us all.
This goes for the entire Redwall series.
This goes for the entire Redwall series.
burntnorth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
delenebeau's review against another edition
3.5
I forgot how violent it was for a “young readers” book, most of it was battling and quests but I still liked it, maybe I’ll keep reading them maybe I won’t
I did get a little weepy at the end whenAbbot Mortimer died
I love that they’re in an abbey and a brotherhood but also don’t practice a structured religion? No god talk (no worries)
I did get a little weepy at the end when
I love that they’re in an abbey and a brotherhood but also don’t practice a structured religion? No god talk (no worries)
breadwitchery's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
andyandyandandy's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
chuckleszeclown's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this. Got it for 50p in a charity shop having heard others say the books were worth reading. It’s well paced, good characters, and it doesn’t talk down to its audience. There’s brutality, hard choices, and not everyone lives. Looking forward to reading Mossflower shortly
distractible's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Violence and War
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
malikasbooks's review against another edition
5.0
What an absolute delight. Listen to the audiobook narrated by the author if you possibly can.