Legend of Luke, The - Softcover

Jacques, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0091768721 ISBN 13: 9780091768720

Publisher: Red Fox / Random House, 1999

Synopsis

A chance meeting with a young hedgehog maid who is visiting Redwall Abbey reveals to Martin the Warrior a tantalising glimpse of the early life, and family, he can scarcely remember. He sets forth from the Abbey to seek the truth about the father he barely knew, accompanied by his trusty friends Dinny, Trimp and Gonff. His journey takes him home to the northland shore, meeting friends and enemies, old and new, along the way and leading him to an extraordinary shipwreck.

The wreck, the Arfship, is home to three ancient, veteran warriors who have in their possession a dusty old volume. Inside is the story of Martin's early life and the dramatic account of his father Luke's pursuit of his hated enemy, the pirate stoat, Vilu Daskar. Brian Jacques' skilful narrative is told in three parts, interweaving the stories of father and son in yet another unforgettable Redwall experience.

About this title

Review

Brian Jacques and his tremendous Redwall books never cease to amaze: this is the 12th book in the series and it just gets better and better. This time, the interweaving story of a father and a son is told in three parts, starting with a visit to Redwall Abbey by a young hedgehog maid who, by singing a half-remembered song recounting the adventures of a warrior called Luke, begins to unlock some of the mysteries behind the Abbey's early years.

As skilfully executed as all the other Redwall books, The Legend of Luke is a truly magnificent, rampaging, rip-roaring adventure story that gives the heart and mind the kind of aerobic workout normally reserved for a sprint round a playing field. From the very first page the reader just knows that he is in for a treat, and as Jacques skilfully builds his story, cleverly interweaving intricate, imaginative detail with a vast cast of incredible characters who each play a vital role in the unfurling of the tale, there can be no doubt that he is still the true master of his genre.

Excellent as a stand-alone read for anyone new to Redwall, and even better as part of the amazing saga that has captured the imagination of millions since its inception, The Legend of Luke is an absolute must- read for anyone--young or old--who likes their fiction fast and fantastical, and will certainly leave them breathless for more. (Ages 9 and over) --Susan Harrison

Review

"Not since Roald Dahl have children filled their shelves so compulsively" (The Times)

"He is a wonderful storyteller, immersed in his own kingdom" (Guardian)

Edition details

• Publisher: Red Fox / Random House
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0091768721
• ISBN 13: 9780091768720
• Binding: Paperback