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bookish_b's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
zenithharpink's review against another edition
3.0
In comparison to other books, this is a 3-star book. Within the series, this is a 2-star book, and easily my least favorite book in the series. Martha was a boring saint - I just felt that I wouldn't like her if I were to meet her, and aside from villains, I haven't felt that way about too many Redwall characters.
The quest featured felt hollow, Martha's problems felt manufactured and inauthentic. The whole arc was irritating to me as a loyal reader of the series.
The final piece that I was hoping would be more satisfactorily resolved were the 3 yound tagalong heroes. They were, annoying, superior, and added no value - either to the story or the actual heroes they were following around. I'm always hoping these young'uns, sometimes Dibbuns, get their comeuppance, but Jacques' heart is far more generous than mine, apparently.
I recommend this to fans of fantasy, but as far as books within the series, I would recommend starting elsewhere if you haven't read a Redwall book before.
The quest featured felt hollow, Martha's problems felt manufactured and inauthentic. The whole arc was irritating to me as a loyal reader of the series.
The final piece that I was hoping would be more satisfactorily resolved were the 3 yound tagalong heroes. They were, annoying, superior, and added no value - either to the story or the actual heroes they were following around. I'm always hoping these young'uns, sometimes Dibbuns, get their comeuppance, but Jacques' heart is far more generous than mine, apparently.
I recommend this to fans of fantasy, but as far as books within the series, I would recommend starting elsewhere if you haven't read a Redwall book before.
martin_rossouw's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
bookycnidaria's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Slavery, Bullying, and Violence
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic
ctlint's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
elusivesue's review against another edition
4.0
Although this was on my toread list for a while, I bumped it up when I found out about Brian Jacques' passing. His books have always been favorites of mine, and I recommend them to students who like fantasy-adventure books (or animal-related books) frequently. One could say there is a pat formula to these books - there are almost always fights against vermin, a long journey, more than one storyline that come together at the end... but to me it is comforting in a way. The ability to always revisit the hungry hares, guerilla unions of shrews, fabulous feasts, singing otters, down-to-earth molespeak - I love it. I appreciate that there are 21 books in the series - there always seems to be another I can read when I want to enter that world... but I am saddened that after the 21st, there won't be any new ventures into Redwall. Of course, one could just start the series over again...
the_student_of_story's review against another edition
3.0
There's a lot of mystery in this book that grows in tension throughout, but it feels kind of spoiled by a reveal which is at best, kind of played out, and at worst, problematic. The two old warrior characters have an amazing dynamic that carries the book well, especially as they are forced to deal with another tight group of young characters who also have good chemistry. Admittedly though, this might also be the worst villains in a Redwall book. The heroes are interesting and unique, but that mostly emphasizes how the villains don't feel threatening and don't really have that distinction that I love to see. Execution of the moment to moment saves this from becoming a two star, as at this point in his career, Brian Jacques probably can't write a properly "bad" story, just "fine."
knunderb's review against another edition
4.0
Like every Brian Jacques book I've read, this one kept the pages turning! A great mix of action and lull. I could have done wi the out the songs though. I skipped most of those.