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A review by madradian
Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques
4.0
Lord Brocktree is the 13th book published in the Redwall universe but the first to take place chronologically. I've been a massive fan of Brian Jacques ever since I was a child(or a dibbun as they would say in the Redwall world) and re-reading the series changes very few things for me.
The plot is simple: Peace has gone on for too long near the mountain fortress of Salamandastron; the ancestral home of the badger lords. Ungatt Trunn the wild cat arrives with his massive horde and lays siege to the mountain. Meanwhile, an army is amassed to come to the aid of the mountain.
The thing about Redwall novels that makes them great it the camaraderie. All of these novels have darkness in them. There is hardship and suffering, and cruelty. Some of the characters backstories can be brutal, especially for the age group these stories are marketed towards, but the characters never give up.
A major criticism I see from other readers of these books is how formulaic they are, and while that is true it also allows us to really enjoy the lore of the world. We know there is going to be a villain, a land quest or sea quest, some magic, and food, and singing. What that really brings out is the new elements Jacques brings to each story. Redwall is an ever-deepening world.
Each novel ends with an invitation to come back to the world of Redwall and that is why I think so many of us choose to keep coming back.
“Defend the weak, protect both young and old, never desert your friends. Give justice to all, be fearless in battle and always ready to defend the right.“—The law of Badger Lords”
3.5/5
The plot is simple: Peace has gone on for too long near the mountain fortress of Salamandastron; the ancestral home of the badger lords. Ungatt Trunn the wild cat arrives with his massive horde and lays siege to the mountain. Meanwhile, an army is amassed to come to the aid of the mountain.
The thing about Redwall novels that makes them great it the camaraderie. All of these novels have darkness in them. There is hardship and suffering, and cruelty. Some of the characters backstories can be brutal, especially for the age group these stories are marketed towards, but the characters never give up.
A major criticism I see from other readers of these books is how formulaic they are, and while that is true it also allows us to really enjoy the lore of the world. We know there is going to be a villain, a land quest or sea quest, some magic, and food, and singing. What that really brings out is the new elements Jacques brings to each story. Redwall is an ever-deepening world.
Each novel ends with an invitation to come back to the world of Redwall and that is why I think so many of us choose to keep coming back.
“Defend the weak, protect both young and old, never desert your friends. Give justice to all, be fearless in battle and always ready to defend the right.“—The law of Badger Lords”
3.5/5