Redwall Book Review (Non-spoiler)
Do you like fantasy? Do you like animals? If yes to both, you will absolutely love the Redwall books written by Brian Jacques. Today, however, I will just be reviewing the first book entitled "Redwall." When I was younger there were not many series of books I was into. I recall reading a ton of Hardy Boy books and Happy Hollister books. Basically, a lot of mystery novels for what some call young people, or "doubly young" as some call these small people, or as others say, "kids," but those people are weird and their opinions don't count. Anyways, the Redwall books were my introduction to medieval fantasy books. What makes Redwall books special though is that all of the characters are animals. There are absolutely no humans! (You can take this time to sigh in relief).
The first book in the series, "Redwall," was my introduction to the series. Redwall tells the story of the animals that inhabit a keep and abbey called Redwall as they are put under siege by the notorious Cluny the Scourge, a giant bilge rat that has laid waste to everything in his path. The name Cluny is feared by all the animals of Redwall; everyone knows who he is and everyone is scared of him. Our young protagonist, Mathias, though, is ready to prove himself beyond his years and take on the great rat that is known and feared by all. This story is amazing! It is funny; it is an adventure story; it is warmhearted; it tells tales of heroic deeds by those who should not have to be the ones to step forward, but do so nonetheless. The animals of Redwall won't give up and Cluny the Scourge is obsessed with conquering Redwall and will not give up until it is his.
One of Brian Jacques great strengths is his descriptions of food. If you read this book, without stopping to look up recipes you are weird and you are doing life wrong. This books makes you hungry. And, if you read enough Redwall books, you might find yourself calling food "vittles" by accident.
The reason Redwall is so refreshing to read is because it feels like a revisiting of the more classic tales of good and evil where the villain is purely evil and the hero is good in such a way it warms your heart to see such heroism on display. Once again, if you like animals and fantasy, this book, and the series accompanying it, are perfect for you. If you don't like animals and you don't like fantasy, I would suggest sitting down and asking yourself why you are they that you are. I mean come on...animals...fantasy. Whats wrong with you? I command you to love it!
Redwall: FIVE STARS!!!!
I have this book but have not read it yet. You have encouraged me to move it up on my TBR stack.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear Tracy! It is an excellent book. Brian Jacques was also consistently good. You always knew that next book he wrote was at least going to be decent. Some of his best books though came later somewhere in that books 4-18 range. Almost all of those books in that range are amazing. Some personal favorites of mine are "Outcast of Redwall," "Long Patrol," and "Rakkety Tam"
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