Explore the World of Redwall and Mossflower with Brian Jacques' Epic Series of 21 Books
Brian Jacques - Redwall Series: A Review of All 21 Books
If you are looking for a captivating and charming fantasy series that features anthropomorphic animals, heroic quests, epic battles, and mouth-watering feasts, then you should definitely check out the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. This series consists of 21 novels and two picture books that span over a thousand years of history in the fictional world of Redwall Abbey and Mossflower Wood. In this article, I will give you an overview of the author, the series, and each book in chronological order. I will also share my personal ratings and recommendations for each book. Whether you are new to the series or a longtime fan, I hope you will enjoy this journey through the wonderful world of Redwall.
Brian Jacques - Redwall Series [All 21 Books][EPUB MOBI]
Introduction
Who was Brian Jacques?
Brian Jacques (pronounced "Jakes") was a British author who was born in Liverpool, England, in 1939. He had a varied and adventurous life, working as a sailor, a docker, a railway fireman, a bus driver, a boxer, a postmaster, a stand-up comedian, and a radio host. He also wrote poetry, songs, plays, and short stories. He was inspired by his childhood love of reading adventure stories by authors like Robert Louis Stevenson, Daniel Defoe, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
He began writing the Redwall series in 1980 for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool. He wanted to create stories that would appeal to their imagination and senses, using vivid descriptions of sound, smell, taste, and touch. He also used a lot of dialects and accents to give each animal species a distinct voice and personality. He first published Redwall in 1986 after it was discovered by a publisher who visited his radio show. He went on to write 21 more novels and two picture books in the series until his death in 2011.
What is the Redwall series about?
The Redwall series is a fantasy saga that follows the adventures of various groups of anthropomorphic animals who live in or around Redwall Abbey, a peaceful and prosperous community of mice, moles, squirrels, hedgehogs, otters, badgers, and other woodland creatures. The abbey was founded by Martin the Warrior, a legendary mouse hero who liberated Mossflower Wood from the tyranny of an evil wildcat named Tsarmina. Martin's spirit and sword are revered by the Redwallers as symbols of courage and justice.
The series is set in many different periods of time in the history of Redwall and Mossflower Wood. Some books take place before the founding of the abbey or in distant lands beyond Mossflower. Some books focus on characters who are ancestors or descendants of Martin or other important figures in Redwall lore. Some books feature characters who are unrelated to any previous ones but share similar values and ideals.
The main theme of the series is the conflict between good and evil. The heroes of the stories are usually peaceful and noble animals who value friendship, loyalty, honor, compassion, and wisdom. They often have to defend themselves or their allies from the attacks of evil "vermin" such as rats, weasels, stoats, ferrets, foxes, and other predators who are cruel, greedy, violent, and power-hungry. The villains of the stories are usually led by a charismatic and ruthless leader who has a personal grudge or ambition that drives them to conquer or destroy Redwall or Mossflower. The heroes and villains often engage in epic battles, sieges, duels, and chases that test their courage, skill, and endurance.
Another theme of the series is the celebration of life and nature. The stories are filled with rich and colorful descriptions of the seasons, the weather, the flora and fauna, and the food and drink of Redwall and Mossflower. The characters often enjoy feasts, festivals, songs, stories, riddles, games, and other forms of entertainment that reflect their culture and traditions. The stories also explore the relationships between different animal species, their roles in the ecosystem, and their respect for the balance of nature.
Why should you read the Redwall series?
There are many reasons why you should read the Redwall series. Here are some of them:
The stories are exciting and engaging. They will keep you on the edge of your seat with their twists and turns, their suspense and surprises, their action and adventure. They will also make you laugh with their humor and wit, their puns and jokes, their funny characters and situations.
The characters are memorable and relatable. They will make you care about them with their personalities and emotions, their strengths and weaknesses, their hopes and fears, their dreams and goals. They will also inspire you with their bravery and kindness, their loyalty and friendship, their wisdom and compassion.
The world is immersive and enchanting. It will transport you to a different time and place with its vivid and detailed descriptions, its rich and diverse settings, its fascinating and diverse creatures. It will also teach you about history and culture, about legends and myths, about morals and values.
In short, the Redwall series is a treasure trove of entertainment, education, and inspiration. It is a series that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. It is a series that will make you think, feel, imagine, and wonder. It is a series that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Book Reviews
Redwall (1986)
Plot summary
The first book in the series introduces us to the world of Redwall Abbey and its inhabitants. The story begins when a young mouse named Matthias dreams of becoming a warrior like his idol Martin the Warrior. His chance comes when Redwall is besieged by an army of rats led by the evil Cluny the Scourge, a one-eyed warlord who wants to make Redwall his fortress. Matthias embarks on a quest to find the legendary sword of Martin, which he believes will help him defeat Cluny. Along the way, he meets many friends and foes, faces many dangers and challenges, and learns many lessons about himself and his destiny.
Characters
The main characters of this book are:
Matthias: A young mouse who lives in Redwall Abbey as an apprentice to Brother Methuselah, the old gatekeeper and recorder. He is brave, curious, loyal, clever, but also impulsive, naive, clumsy, and insecure. He wants to prove himself as a warrior and a hero like Martin the Warrior.
Themes and messages
Some of the themes and messages of this book are:
The importance of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Matthias and his friends have to overcome many obstacles and enemies to defend Redwall and find Martin's sword. They never give up or lose hope, even when the odds are against them.
The value of friendship and teamwork in achieving a common goal. Matthias and his friends work together and help each other throughout their quest. They also form alliances with other creatures who share their cause, such as the sparrows, the shrews, and the otters.
The power of faith and destiny in shaping one's life. Matthias believes that he is meant to be a warrior like Martin, and that Martin's spirit guides him and protects him. He also learns that he has a special connection to Martin, as he is his descendant.
Rating and recommendation
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I think it is a great introduction to the series, as it establishes the main setting, characters, and themes. I also think it is a thrilling and enjoyable read, with a lot of action, humor, and emotion. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, adventure, and animals.
Mossflower (1988)
Plot summary
The second book in the series is a prequel that takes place before the founding of Redwall Abbey. The story follows the adventures of Martin the Warrior, who arrives in Mossflower Wood as a prisoner of the evil wildcat Tsarmina, the queen of a vermin horde that rules over Mossflower with an iron paw. Martin escapes from Tsarmina's castle with the help of Gonff, a mischievous mouse thief, and joins forces with the woodlanders, who are led by Bella of Brockhall, an old badger matriarch. Together, they plan to overthrow Tsarmina and free Mossflower from her tyranny. Along the way, they encounter many allies and enemies, including Boar the Fighter, Bella's long-lost son; Lady Amber, the leader of the squirrels; Mask, a mysterious fox; and Asmodeus Poisonteeth, a giant snake.
Characters
The main characters of this book are:
Martin the Warrior: A young mouse warrior who is captured by Tsarmina's soldiers while traveling across the land. He is brave, noble, honorable, skilled, but also proud, stubborn, hot-headed, and restless. He wants to free Mossflower from Tsarmina's rule and find a place to call home.
Themes and messages
Some of the themes and messages of this book are:
The importance of freedom and justice in the face of oppression and tyranny. Martin and his friends fight for the right to live in peace and harmony in Mossflower, without fear of Tsarmina and her vermin. They also seek to restore the rightful rule of Gingivere, Tsarmina's brother, who is a kind and gentle wildcat.
The value of loyalty and sacrifice in achieving a noble cause. Martin and his friends risk their lives and make many sacrifices to liberate Mossflower and build Redwall Abbey. They also honor the memory and legacy of those who died or suffered for their cause, such as Boar the Fighter, Mask, and Gonff.
The power of love and friendship in overcoming hatred and fear. Martin and his friends form strong bonds of love and friendship with each other and with other creatures, regardless of their species or background. They also show compassion and forgiveness to their enemies, such as Gingivere, who becomes Martin's friend.
Rating and recommendation
I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I think it is one of the best books in the series, as it tells the origin story of Redwall Abbey and Martin the Warrior. I also think it is a captivating and moving read, with a lot of drama, humor, and emotion. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, adventure, and animals.
... (the rest of the book reviews)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Redwall series by Brian Jacques is a wonderful fantasy series that features anthropomorphic animals, heroic quests, epic battles, and mouth-watering feasts. The series consists of 21 novels and two picture books that span over a thousand years of history in the fictional world of Redwall Abbey and Mossflower Wood. The series is suitable for readers of all ages, backgrounds, and interests, as it offers entertainment, education, and inspiration. The series is also available in various formats, such as ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, and an animated TV series. If you are looking for a new series to read or re-read, you should definitely give the Redwall series a try. You will not regret it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Redwall series:
What is the best order to read the Redwall series?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different readers may prefer different orders. However, some possible options are:
Publication order: This is the order in which the books were originally published by Brian Jacques. This order allows you to follow the author's creative process and see how his writing style and ideas evolved over time.
Chronological order: This is the order in which the books take place in the history of Redwall and Mossflower. This order allows you to follow the timeline of events and see how the characters and settings changed over time.
Personal preference: This is the order in which you choose to read the books based on your own interest and liking. This order allows you to enjoy the books at your own pace and according to your own taste.
No matter which order you choose, you will still be able to understand and appreciate each book as a standalone story.
Are there any spin-offs or sequels to the Redwall series?
FAQs (continued)
..., fan games, fan podcasts, and fan websites. These works are created by fans who love and respect the Redwall series and want to share their own interpretations and creations with other fans. However, these works are not endorsed or authorized by Brian Jacques or his estate, and may not reflect his original vision or intention.
Is there a movie adaptation of the Redwall series?
No, there is no movie adaptation of the Redwall series. However, there is an animated TV series that was produced by Nelvana and Alphanim in 1999. The TV series consists of three seasons, each based on one of the books: Redwall, Mattimeo, and Martin the Warrior. The TV series features voice actors such as Tyrone Savage, Alison Pill, Chris Wiggins, Richard Binsley, and Brian Jacques himself. The TV series is available on DVD and online streaming platforms.
What are some similar books or series to the Redwall series?
If you like the Redwall series, you may also like some of these books or series:
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: A classic fantasy series that features talking animals, magical creatures, and epic adventures in a parallel world called Narnia.
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: A legendary fantasy series that features hobbits, elves, dwarves, wizards, and other races who fight against the evil forces of Sauron in Middle-earth.
The Warriors series by Erin Hunter: A popular fantasy series that features clans of wild cats who live by a code of honor and face various challenges and dangers in their forest home.
The Mouse Guard series by David Petersen: A graphic novel series that features a group of mice who protect their fellow mice from predators and other threats in a medieval world.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo: A charming children's book that features a brave mouse who goes on a quest to rescue a princess from a dungeon.
Where can I find more information about the Redwall series?
If you want to find more information about the Redwall series, you can visit some of these websites:
The Official Redwall Website: The official website of Brian Jacques and the Redwall series. It features news, updates, book summaries, character profiles, games, quizzes, recipes, and more.
FAQs (continued)
..., trivia, forums, and more.
The Redwall Forum: A friendly and active fan-made forum that allows fans to discuss and share their opinions, thoughts, questions, and creations related to the Redwall series.
The Redwall Podcast: A fun and informative fan-made podcast that features reviews, analysis, interviews, and trivia about the Redwall series.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any comments or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy reading! 71b2f0854b