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smaugerella's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
2.0
I was obsessed with this book (and all the rest of the series) when I was 10. Much less obsessed now. Way more violent than I remembered, and missing some of the cozy Redwall factor that I recall permeating the series. Perhaps it’s a case of not being in the right mood for a book at the time I read it, but it was a struggle to finish. 2.5 stars.
zenithharpink's review
4.0
4.5 stars! THIS is what I expect from a Redwall book! The last couple felt a little rudderless, and while they're good books, they really weren't good Redwall books. The hares were toned down a bit, which I appreciated, and this story hit all my favorite highlights from Redwall. The characters were brave, heroic and peaceable. The food featured prominently, and the humor was present as well.
The villain was absolutely fabulous - I loved that not only was evil, but he was an unknown to the creatures of Redwall, which made him all the more terrifying. The only detractor for me was the lack of a quest, and Martin featured just barely, which was a bit disappointing. But I only took off a half star.
I recommend to fans of Redwall, as well of fans of fantasy - this is winner!
The villain was absolutely fabulous - I loved that not only was evil, but he was an unknown to the creatures of Redwall, which made him all the more terrifying. The only detractor for me was the lack of a quest, and Martin featured just barely, which was a bit disappointing. But I only took off a half star.
I recommend to fans of Redwall, as well of fans of fantasy - this is winner!
bookycnidaria's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Violence
meecespieces's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
dannecingqueen's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
william_sg's review
3.0
That score is a little generous. Jacques writes with so much charm and warmth. The passion shines through his prose - even in his middle tier work. This was the first time I read an entry in this series since I was a prepubescent. Nostalgia, as anyone knows, can be a double edged sword.
The major flaw here is the villain. He’s menacing but also insane which makes him consistently incompetent. The heroes almost always had the upper hand throughout. I never thought he posed much of a threat and I never felt any real peril for the characters when they interacted with him. This one aspect brought the whole story down for me.
Otherwise, it was pretty standard fare. Perhaps too many songs or is that standard as well? There is a lot of love for the characters - maybe too much love as there quite a bit of scenes where it’s just the characters exchanging stories or engaging in traditions. The plot is, at times, padded. Jacques is at his best when he cuts to different storylines between chapters. I know why I loved these books as a kid; at his best, Jacques is a master page turner novelist. He paces his plots extraordinarily well while crafting instantly likable heroes. I just wish they strayed more from the typical structure.
By the way, this is the first time I did the audiobook and while I did not care as much for the story, the production was incredible. The actors are clearly having a blast with this material and the musical accompaniment was top notch quality. Highly recommend everyone listen to a Redwall series audiobook at least once. Possibly the best full cast audiobook production I have ever heard.
May add more thoughts later.
The major flaw here is the villain. He’s menacing but also insane which makes him consistently incompetent. The heroes almost always had the upper hand throughout. I never thought he posed much of a threat and I never felt any real peril for the characters when they interacted with him. This one aspect brought the whole story down for me.
Otherwise, it was pretty standard fare. Perhaps too many songs or is that standard as well? There is a lot of love for the characters - maybe too much love as there quite a bit of scenes where it’s just the characters exchanging stories or engaging in traditions. The plot is, at times, padded. Jacques is at his best when he cuts to different storylines between chapters. I know why I loved these books as a kid; at his best, Jacques is a master page turner novelist. He paces his plots extraordinarily well while crafting instantly likable heroes. I just wish they strayed more from the typical structure.
By the way, this is the first time I did the audiobook and while I did not care as much for the story, the production was incredible. The actors are clearly having a blast with this material and the musical accompaniment was top notch quality. Highly recommend everyone listen to a Redwall series audiobook at least once. Possibly the best full cast audiobook production I have ever heard.
May add more thoughts later.
schmaggie's review
adventurous
lighthearted
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
5.0
kxu65's review against another edition
4.0
Goood book, not having to the quest to find something, along with the warrior not someone from Redwall.
elusivesue's review
3.0
Another escapist foray into the land of Mossflower Wood and Redwall Abbey. I always love the dialects of the different animals, esp. the moles and hares - having Scottish squirrels as main characters was a treat. Some of the dual storylines didn't seem to flow as well - it was a little like the ending came early, and then Jacques made something else up that happened. But, overall, a nice read.