Reviews

Mattimeo by Brian Jacques

Only show reviews with written explanations

ladylondonderry's review against another edition

5.0

Third or fourth grade; that was when i read this. I'm also not afraid to admit that I may have had a crush on Mattimeo. That's the main explanation I give to why I remember this particular story so much better than I remember all the other older ones.
There's not really much to say, Jacques mastered the art of the children's novel; full of adventure, fights, and a comforting home to return to, his novels let young readers explore new worlds while knowing that safety is not too far behind.

the_student_of_story's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Everything I've ever read comes back to Mattimeo. It was the first "grown-up book without pictures" I read as a kid, so naturally, my review might be scaled upwards. However, I don't think that's the case here. This is probably the best Redwall book. It realizes the potential of the world, builds upon what is already established, and introduces more characters (with stronger arcs than "realizes his destiny or becomes a better warrior"). The A-Plot and B-Plot have grounded, dire stakes that propel the story forward at a snappy pace. Add all of that together and garnish it with the best villain in the entire series, and the result is a book that I'll always hold close to my heart.

victoriousmariner's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Jacques' endings, y'all. They feel like a foretaste of eternity.

I didn't used to like this one because it disturbed me for personal reasons (watching the animated show as a little kid didn't help), but reading it again, wow, it's fabulous.

There's the importance of community and sacrifice, of bravery and love. And, as all of the Redwall books, there's darkness and the fight against it, but joy and goodness has the same weight. I feel like many writers who want to write darkness don't place enough emphasis on light as well, and a lot can be learned from Jacques on the compelling balance. Granted, it's an idealized darkness instead of a gritty one, but it's still darkness, and showing the goodness and the harmony of the creates gives a purpose to the fight against evil, instead of the fighting being for its own sake.

Anyway. Characters are all fantastic; wonderful, diverse personalities, even if some of the leading characters were a bit flat. Ends tie together beautifully. My new favorite Redwall book.