Outcast of Redwall: 08 - Softcover

Jacques, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0441004164 ISBN 13: 9780441004164

Publisher: Ace Books, 1997

Synopsis

Can a creature be born completely evil, incapable of any good? For the mice and other inhabitants of Redwall, this is the question they ask themselves of Veil, ferret son of the evil warlord Swartt Sixclaw. Abondoned as an infant and left for dead by his father, Veil is raised by the kindhearted Bryony. Despite concerns from everyone at Redwall, Bryony is convinced that the goodness in him will prevail. But when Veil commits a crime that is unforgivable, he is banished from the abbey forever. An outcast.

When Swartt and his evil hordes of searats and vermin attack the peaceful inhabitants of Redwall, Veil is left with a difficult decision: Should he join Swartt in battle against the only creature who has ever loved him? Or should he turn his back on his true father?

Brian Jacques's eighth entry in his beloved Redwall series is full of swirling adventure and dramatic surprises. But most of all, it shows that questions of right and wrong don't always have simple answers.

About this title

Review:

As Ferrett Swartt Sixclaw and his arch enemy Sunflash the Mace swear a pledge of death upon each other, a young creature is cruelly banished from the safety of Redwall. As he grows, he seeks revenge on the people of Redwall and finds himself embroiled in a bitter battle that has far reaching consequences.

An epic Tale of Redwall from the pen of master storyteller Brian Jacques, Outcast of Redwall is a kaleidoscope of colour, range and emotions that culminates in a bitter battle between good and evil. None of the passion of the previous Redwall titles is lost as some of the most cherished landscapes and best loved characters from previous books are revisited, bringing with them a wisdom and clarity that has developed and endured.

On a basic level, this is a cracking fantasy adventure story. Look deeper and you will find that this, along with the other titles in the series, has a divine, enduring quality that ranks it among he best in children's literature. --Susan Harrison

Review:

Praise for the Redwall series

"Brian Jacques has the true fantasy writer's ability to create a wholly new and believable world." -School Library Journal

"The medieval world of Redwall Abbey--where gallant mouse warriors triumph over evil invaders--has truly become the stuff of legend." -Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"A grand adventure story. Once the reader is hooked, there is no peace until the final page." -Chicago Sun-Times

"Jacques's effortless, fast-paced narrative gets its readers quickly hooked. He clearly loves this other world he has created--there's a genius sense of involvement and care (lots of lovingly descriptive passages), as well as an overflowing, driving imagination." -Birmingham Post

"Redwall is both an incredible and ingratiating place, one to which readers will doubtless cheerfully return." -New York Times Book Review

"An excellent adventure with an enlightened conscience. Brilliantly complex. With vibrant and distinct animal characters, Jacques's classically inspired plot-weaving achieves virtuosity." -Publishers Weekly

"Only a churl would reject this morality play in fur." -Kirkus Reviews

"Filled with the kind of vibrant storytelling that fans of Jacques have come to expect. His dialogue is lively and delightful to read aloud...so rich in detail that the sights and sounds and smells of the adventure pull the reader in." -Grand Rapids Press (MI)

"A richly imagined world in which bloody battles vie for attention with copious feasting and tender romancing. Where males and females are heroes and warriors. Where the young triumph and the old endure. Where intelligence is as valued as strength and wit is frequently more important than size...[Jacques] continues to surprise and delight with intriguing plots and fresh faces." -Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Knights of the Round Table with paws." -The Sunday Times (London)

About this edition

• Publisher: Ace Books
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0441004164
• ISBN 13: 9780441004164
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 384