As the inhabitants of Redwall relax in the haze of the long, hot summer, they are unaware that the neighbouring stronghold of Salamandastron lies besieged by the evil weasel army of Ferhago the Assassin, and that the Mara, the beloved daughter of Urthsipe, Badger Lord of the Fire Mountain, is in terrible danger. But when a lightening bolt uncovers the sword of Martin the Warrior, young Samkin embarks on adventure that leads him to Mara, and their lives become inexplicably entwined.
Brian Jacques once again strikes to the heart in this stunningly executed adventure, another in the bestselling Redwall series, proving, if indeed proof was needed, that he ranks high among the best children's authors in the world. His genius lies in his ability to capture character and atmosphere with a stroke of a pen, drawing the reader in until the only way to start breathing again is to finish the book. --Susan Harrison
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)