Selma Lanes
His book is artfully structured to rivet the attention of young readers and listeners. Mr. Jacques has woven an energetic, if somewhat simple-minded, fantasy on a refreshingly old-fashioned subject: the struggle between good and evil. ''Redwall'' is both a credible and an ingratiating place, one to which many young readers will doubtless cheerfully return. -- New York Times
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Only the lost sword of Martin the Warrior can save Redwall Abbey from the evil rat Cluny and his greedy horde. The young mouse Matthias (formerly Redwall's most awkward novice) vows to recover the legendary weapon. In the course of his quest, Matthias forges strong ties with various local animals. As much as the magic of the sword, it is the help of these new friends that enables Matthias to defeat Cluny once and for all. Jacques's clever use of detail creates an animal world as compelling as that of The Wind in the Willows. From the beginning, each of Redwall's characters is endowed with a unerringly distinct personality: there is a powerful badger named Constance; a mute squirrel named Silent Sam, who knows the forest better than anyone; and his mother Jess, a champion climber who leads a splendid rescue of a piece of the abbey's tapestry. This epic adventure contains elements of all grand quests, with heroic archetypes that will keep fans of Tolkein and King Arthur tales engaged to the final battle. Illustrations not seen by PW. All ages. (June)
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-This full scale, unabridged performance is a fine salute to the tenth anniversary of the publication of Redwall (Philomel, 1986). Author Brian Jacques narrates as an outstanding British cast brings the saga to life. Charming musical accents further enhance the reading. Each character's voice is distinct, and the reading is well-paced. Young mouse Matthias' adventures as he tries to save Redwall Abbey from the evil rat Cluny will enthrall listeners. The Redwall fantasy adventure series has a rabid, international following, and this production will serve to swell the ranks of fans.C.A. Prevetti, Milwaukee Public Library, WI
From the Publisher
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
JUN 96 - AudioFile
Redwall Abbey, the medieval home of a peaceful order of mice, is challenged by the evil blackguard, Cluny the Scourge, and his horde of nefarious rats, stoats and weasels. The resourceful mice, their many brave woodland companions and the foul band are magically brought to life by the masterfully voiced Keith. This consummate aural production pulsates with the struggle between good and evil. Each of the multitude of characters is clearly depicted. Keith is to be hailed for his work. S.G. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine
FEBRUARY 2023 - AudioFile
Narrator Ariyon Bakare establishes a determined voice for Matthias, a church mouse who must rise to the occasion when the Redwall Abbey is threatened by rats, led by Cluny and his horde. With even pacing, Bakare shares the history of the abbey and a legendary warrior of the past who may be the key to fending off Cluny once and for all. Bakare creates unique voices for each character, including soft, high-pitched tones for the civilian mice and a bold, tyrannical voice for the villainous Cluny as he prepares for a final assault. REDWALL fans and new listeners alike will enjoy Bakare’s rendition of this classic good-versus- evil adventure story beloved by many since its debut decades ago. M.D. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
FEBRUARY 2023 - AudioFile
Narrator Ariyon Bakare establishes a determined voice for Matthias, a church mouse who must rise to the occasion when the Redwall Abbey is threatened by rats, led by Cluny and his horde. With even pacing, Bakare shares the history of the abbey and a legendary warrior of the past who may be the key to fending off Cluny once and for all. Bakare creates unique voices for each character, including soft, high-pitched tones for the civilian mice and a bold, tyrannical voice for the villainous Cluny as he prepares for a final assault. REDWALL fans and new listeners alike will enjoy Bakare’s rendition of this classic good-versus- evil adventure story beloved by many since its debut decades ago. M.D. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
