Lord Brocktree (Redwall) - Softcover

Jacques, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 186230145X ISBN 13: 9781862301450

Publisher: Red Fox, 2007

Synopsis

Salamandastron, under the guardianship of old Lord Stonepaw, is under threat from an enemy of immense and terrifying power. Ungatt Trunn, the wildcat who can make the stars fall from the sky, has attacked with his Blue Hordes and is determined that the fortress should be his. The mountain's defences are weak and it seems that nothing can stand in his way. Nothing, that is, but the badger Lord Brocktree, who is drawn to Salamandastron by an undeniable sense of destiny. But if he is to rescue the mountain from Trunn and his verminous hordes, he must gather about him an army capable of defeating them in battle. Together with the irrepressible haremaid, Dotti, and a host of brave creatures, Brocktree journeys to Salamandastron to fulfil his destiny.

A captivating blend of heroism and adventure set against a backdrop of the legendary mountain fortress of Salamandastron.

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:

"Jacques is one of the literary world's best kept secrets . . . He has created a fascinating world of wonder which gets richer with every book. A cracking read from start to finish" (Glasgow Evening Times)

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

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Red Fox
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 186230145X
• ISBN 13: 9781862301450
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384