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rayn0n's review against another edition
5.0
The Redwall Book that Learned Me How to Cry in Brand New Ways
earthsprite's review against another edition
2.0
Really disappointed going back to Jacques in adulthood. The animals are adorable, of course, but I skimmed over the saccharine feasts and shenanigans, looking for actual plot.
Speciesism in spades, naturally. Jacques rarely takes a complex approach to good and evil.
Also? This is a *tragedy*, no matter how sweet or fulfilling the frame story tries to make it.
I don't find Luke's fate praiseworthy. He abandoned his son, as well as the women and children of his tribe to seek revenge. And he took many of the able-bodied fighters with him. (Who all die at sea.) Consequently, Martin is captured into slavery despite this whole nonsense of "ridding the world of the great evil red ship." Like, Luke, buddy, you chose your dead wife over your living son. That's not heroic. And the ending in which Martin is somehow satisfied by this story is completely contrived -- maybe a Viking warrior culture would be into it but I simply didn't believe it.
Blah.
Speciesism in spades, naturally. Jacques rarely takes a complex approach to good and evil.
Also? This is a *tragedy*, no matter how sweet or fulfilling the frame story tries to make it.
I don't find Luke's fate praiseworthy. He abandoned his son, as well as the women and children of his tribe to seek revenge. And he took many of the able-bodied fighters with him. (Who all die at sea.) Consequently, Martin is captured into slavery despite this whole nonsense of "ridding the world of the great evil red ship." Like, Luke, buddy, you chose your dead wife over your living son. That's not heroic. And the ending in which Martin is somehow satisfied by this story is completely contrived -- maybe a Viking warrior culture would be into it but I simply didn't believe it.
Blah.
bardicbear's review against another edition
4.0
If you've never read any of the Redwall series they are basically fantasy style novels for kids where all of the characters are mice or other woodland creatures. They have founded Redwall Abbey as a place where animals can live together in peace and safety. They band together against larger 'evil' animals. This particular book tells the story of Luke who is the father of Martin, the first warrior of Redwall.
I enjoy reading them because they are well written and entertaining but they also have fantastic descriptions for food and drink that we are currently using as inspiration for creating tavern menus for my husband's tabletop rpg campaign.
Age Recommendation: I think Redwall would be a good series to read aloud to kids at bedtime and it would also be suitable for older kids to read on their own.
I enjoy reading them because they are well written and entertaining but they also have fantastic descriptions for food and drink that we are currently using as inspiration for creating tavern menus for my husband's tabletop rpg campaign.
Age Recommendation: I think Redwall would be a good series to read aloud to kids at bedtime and it would also be suitable for older kids to read on their own.
ladylondonderry's review against another edition
5.0
If Redwall was a real place, I feel like this book would be what the history books would be based around. Martin is the greatest mouse that Redwall has ever known, so of course his father Luke is nothing but talk of legend, almost like a time before time, magical and etherial in its own way.
I always sort of hoped that that red ship was left there fore mice to find centuries later, but I'm pretty sure that it actually says in the story that they tore the ship down to build houses. It's been a while since I read it.
I always sort of hoped that that red ship was left there fore mice to find centuries later, but I'm pretty sure that it actually says in the story that they tore the ship down to build houses. It's been a while since I read it.
the_student_of_story's review against another edition
4.0
Stakes are one of the most important things in a story. Most stories need that edge that begs the questions: "So what? Why should I care?" This book is one of those weird, unique stories, that despite its significant lack of stakes for the narrative is a good, gripping read. The story almost spoils itself letting you know what's coming, and yet it's never the poorer for it. The characters both the good guys and bad guys, are strong, and the plot is one of a kind in this series. The only thing that really sets this book back is the latter third. It may be short, but it lacks the substance that the first and (especially) the second bring. The plot doesn't really have anywhere to go, and Martin doesn't get as solid a sendoff as the character needed. All that said though, for all its uniqueness and solid execution, this is another good one.
hecky's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Comfort series. Love the backstory in this book, reading Jacques’ writing makes me feel like a kid again
emlickliter's review against another edition
5.0
The Legend of Luke by Brian Jacques – What do you get when a legend goes to look for his legendary father? A fabulous time! Enjoy the adventure! Happy Reading!
kibbles15's review against another edition
2.0
This was not one of my favorites. I like a lot of Brian Jacques' books, but [b:The Legend of Luke|7987|The Legend of Luke (Redwall, #12)|Brian Jacques|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442546166l/7987._SY75_.jpg|801181] moves very slowly and feels a bit anti-climatic. It is nice to know the story of Martin the Warrior's father, but I feel it could have been done better.