Lord Brocktree - Hardcover

Jacques, Brian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0091768772 ISBN 13: 9780091768775

Publisher: Hutchinson, 2000

Synopsis

Salamandastron, ancestral home of the Badger Lords is under threat from an enemy whose power is absolute and whose evil knows no bounds. Ungatt Trunn can make the stars fall from the sky, the very earth shake underfoot, and with a horde of vermin as numerous as the leaves in autumn, the wildcat appears unstoppable. The mountain's defences are weak. Who can save it now? Salamandastron's only hope is a badger, Lord Brocktree who is drawn to the fortress by a sense of destiny. If he is to rescue the mountain from the vermin rule, Brocktree must raise an army capable of combating Trunn's formidable Blue Hordes.

About this title

Review:

"This is a big work," says the badger Lord Russano of Salamandastron about his latest historical manuscript. "I've been two seasons now, reading through dusty old parchments, interviewing creatures for stories about their ancestors, and studying carvings in the forge. I've sat on the shore, listening to sea otters, stood beneath trees recording squirrels--huh, I've even had to crouch for four days in a mole dwelling."

But fans of Brian Jacques' novels should be thankful that so much trouble was taken over this, the 13th slice of his triumphant Redwall saga. It is another gloriously chivalrous and swashbuckling adventure--recounted to the young future of the kingdom by its respected badger guardian. From the moment Russano pulls the first scroll from his pail of scripts, he has every eye and ear's attention.

He begins a story about Salamandastron from back in the mists of time, further back than even he would dare to guess. The mountain, with its leveret school, Long Patrol and laws set down for all to live in peace by, was largely down to the work of one badger--Lord Brocktree of Brockhall. Other badgers were there before him, but the mountain did not come into its own until Brocktree arrived. He inspired their wonderful life of comfort--the wonderful chambers, the outer gardens and terraces, orchards and crop-growing areas.

But before his triumph there was struggle. Together with a scatterbrained but irrepressible haremaid called Dotti, Brocktree had to rescue Salamandastron from the threat of vermin rule at the hands of Ungatt Trunn--a vile and evil wildcat with a frighteningly dangerous army of Blue Hordes at his disposal.

The stage is set for a glorious battle, and Jacques delivers a breathtaking denouement with all of his characteristic verve and excitement. Fans will relish this book and new readers will be drawn into its pages - probably to be hooked forever. (Age 9 and over) --John McLay

Review:

He is a wonderful storyteller, immersed in his own kingdom. "The Guardian" Not since Roald Dahl have children filled their shelves so compulsively. "The Times" "From the Paperback edition.""

About this edition

• Publisher: Hutchinson
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0091768772
• ISBN 13: 9780091768775
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384