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artistsallie 's review for:
Mariel of Redwall
by Brian Jacques
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this. In my head, this was in the "skip" category of the Redwall series, but it provides a completely new cast of characters and still keeps many of the old haunts from Mossflower, Redwall, and the rest. The introduction of the sea rats is also a welcome addition as it makes sense for the transportation of the Joseph Bell.
Biggest complaints: Gabool was a very weak villain. ( ) His split with Greypatch also felt rushed since we didn't ever see them interact much.
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The kids of Redwall got to be pretty irritating. I'm all for the rambunctious kids making a difference in a battle, but they were just a bit much for me.
Biggest Surprises: Mariel was a pretty entertaining lead character, especially one so separated from Martin/the Redwall lineage. I honestly want to read another story about what happens when she goes south.
The Long Patrol was so much fun.
The audiobook is very good because they actually sing all of the ditties and ballads throughout. This one felt like it had more than the other books, so the audiobook was a very immersive experience.
Simeon was probably my favorite character.
4 stars because I enjoyed this more than Mattimeo, though it's still quite flawed and doesn't have the same punch as Mossflower + Redwall.
Biggest complaints: Gabool was a very weak villain. (
Spoiler
Also, his insanity arc was almost identical to Tsarmina from MossflowerAND
Spoiler
Gabool's death was pretty pathetic. I know that Jacques was probably trying to prevent Mariel and the others from carrying out their blood oaths and killing him, but it still felt unsatisfyingThe kids of Redwall got to be pretty irritating. I'm all for the rambunctious kids making a difference in a battle, but they were just a bit much for me.
Spoiler
The bloodlust section where the Badger Lord murders hundreds or pirates wasn't really dealt with as a theme. I wanted a bit more reflection on such violence, especially in contrast to the Redwallers who only kill as a final resort. Could have led to some interesting discussions/disagreements between the various leads.Biggest Surprises: Mariel was a pretty entertaining lead character, especially one so separated from Martin/the Redwall lineage. I honestly want to read another story about what happens when she goes south.
The Long Patrol was so much fun.
Spoiler
Their sacrifice was also a pretty dark but interesting plot moveThe audiobook is very good because they actually sing all of the ditties and ballads throughout. This one felt like it had more than the other books, so the audiobook was a very immersive experience.
Simeon was probably my favorite character.
4 stars because I enjoyed this more than Mattimeo, though it's still quite flawed and doesn't have the same punch as Mossflower + Redwall.