Books: Redwall

4 Slagars out of 5

Redwall. The book that started it all. You either love it or hate it - there are many who find it the worst book of all because it is so different from most of the other books. There are many differences between "Redwall" and the rest of the series - horses, pigs, dogs, and cows are mentioned, although they are technically not native to the Brittish isles. Once you look past the "out of place" references to domestic animals, however, Redwall is a good book. It's got all the elements that make Redwall so enjoyable - a brave young hero, an evil villain, friends, foes, fights, feasts, riddles, and a quest - the quest for Martin's sword!

The story itself revolves around Matthias and the inhabitants of (believe it or not) Redwall. Matthias is a bumbling young mouse trying to become a monk at Redwall Abbey. He secretly dreams of becoming a warrior, just like the Abbey's long-dead guardian, Martin the (get this) Warrior. Matthias gets his chance. Cluny the Scourge, an infamous rat warlord with power over a terrible horde, sets his eyes on the peaceful Abbey. Matthias must quest for the sword of Martin, which was lost long ago, because Redwall is without arms. Through his battles and journeys, Matthias discovers that the power and courage needed to win the war could not come from a magic sword, but from him.

"Redwall" contains a great deal of focus on (no way!) Redwall. This is understandable, as the only journey in the book takes Matthias just a small distance away from the Abbey, unlike other books with long quests to distant lands. The vermin are especially entertaining in this book, as the rivalry and mutiny in the ranks in this book is only rivalled by "Taggerung". The military tactics employed in "Redwall" are especially intelligent and effective. It is highly suggested that you read "Redwall" before any other book in the Redwall series.