A review by joanna_banana
Mattimeo by Brian Jacques

4.0

Reading these in publication order reveals how formulaic they are. I remember that later books move away from the evil conqueror threatens the woodlanders or Redwall and good triumphs over evil through the ingenuity and courage of the woodlanders and their coalitions. This book developed more relationships and emotions which I appreciated. Loved the fearlessness of the ‘young uns’ in the battle of Malkariss. Of the first three, this is my favorite. My daughter squealed in delight at the points when they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Definitely a cliff hanger in parts! Violence and brutal treatment of enslaved young woodlanders is notable making the book more for mature audiences.