Redwall: 30th Anniversary Edition: 01 - Softcover

Jacques, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0441005489 ISBN 13: 9780441005482

Publisher: Ace Books, 1998

Synopsis

"An animal world as compelling as of The Wind and the Willow...This epic adventure contains the elements of all grand quests, with heroic archetypes that will keep fans of Tolkien and King Arthur tales engaged to the final battle". -- Publishers Weekly

About this title

Review:

There's something wonderful in hearing an author read his or her own work. And when that work is an epic adventure with a mouse for a hero and a rat for a villain, it's also just plain fun. This entertaining fantasy opens with Matthias, a clumsy young mouse who has big dreams of becoming a warrior. "Poor Matthias, alas for your ambition," says the head mouse of the peaceful little group. "The day of the warrior is gone." But even as the words are spoken, that day is about to change. Led by the deliciously evil Cluny the Scourge, a savage army of rats is heading for Redwall, destroying anything in its way: "A farmhouse set alight ... piglets, an entire litter of them eaten alive." Matthias is about to get his wish--the only thing that can save the idyllic world of Redwall is a true warrior. But, as the little mouse quickly learns, that's a title that must be earned.

Yes, the characters are mice and rats (and a badger and a few birds), but there are no song-and-dance numbers here. These mammals take their quest seriously, and author Brian Jacques narrates his tale with all the drama and passion of an old-time storyteller. The full cast of talented but little-known actors rounds out the story and helps bring the memorable characters of Redwall to complete and vivid life. --Sara Nickerson

Review:

Praise for Redwall and the Novels of Brian Jacques

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

"Jacques extols the virtues of honor and valor...[The Redwall Novels] are a good read, with enticing maps, plenty of songs, a dose of natural history, and loads of excitement, charm, and humor."--The Irish Times

"Wonderfully imaginative."--The New York Times Book Review

"Children are privileged to enter the rich world of Redwall and Mossflower. So are the parents who get to come along."--The Boston Phoenix

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

"Old-fashioned swashbuckling adventure."--Locus

"The Redwall books...add a touch of chivalry and adventure reminiscent of the King Arthur stories." --Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

"Filled with rousing adventure, strong characters, and vibrant settings."--The Boston Sunday Globe

"Packed with action and imbued with warmth...richly inventive."--Kirkus Reviews

"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

"A richly imagined world in which bloody battles vie for attention with copious feasting and tender romancing."--The Cincinnati Enquirer

About this edition

• Publisher: Ace Books
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0441005489
• ISBN 13: 9780441005482
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 352