Redwall, Book 1 of 3: The Wall

Summary: The first in the Redwall Saga,where Matthias, the adopted mouse, dreams of being a warrior like Martin the Warrior, hero of the Redwall Abbey tapestry, a dream (and prophecy) he has the chance to fulfill when Cluny the rat and his forces attack Redwall Abbey.

How did I miss this fantasy, and miss reading it aloud when our son was growing up? Only recently, when I kept seeing it turn up in the recommendations of online friends did I decide to pick up the first of the series of Redwall Sagas (twenty-two in all) by Brian Jacques, who passed in 2011. I found Redwall absolutely delightful and absorbing.

The story centers around a mouse adopted by Redwall Abby, Matthias, who has dreams of following in the footsteps of Martin the show more Warrior, founder and hero of the abbey, celebrated in a glorious tapestry. He’s mentored by Methuselah the gatekeeper, old Abbot Mortimer, and Constance the Badger, perhaps the fiercest fighter in Redwall. He’s rather impetuous for a novice monk but his true mettle shows when news comes of the approaching attack of Cluny the Rat, known as the Scourge for his poison-barb tail. Cluny has struck terror wherever he has gone, but the residents of Redwall, who quickly recognize Matthias leadership, refuse to surrender.

So it is war. Cluny is strangely troubled in his dreams of a mighty warrior like Martin, and even succeeds in stealing the Martin portion of the tapestry. But this just reveals a prophecy, that points to Matthias as Martin’s successor–if only he can find Martin’s armor and sword. The Sparras, living in the rooftops of the abbey are sworn enemies of the mice and clues point to their possession of Martin’s sword. Matthias ends up their prisoner, but in the end secures the shield and the friendship with the future queen of the Sparras and learns that the sword has fallen into the deadly grip of Asmodeus, a poisonous adder who has already claimed several victims. He sets off to Mossflower forest, seeking the counsel of a wise owl as to the whereabouts of Asmodeus, after making friendship with the voles of the forest.

I will leave you to find out whether he succeeds in his battle against Asmodeus, and whether he is able to save Redwall from the increasingly devious attacks of Cluny. But here is what I really liked about the story: the contrast between Cluny and his minions and the residents of Redwall. The former reminded me of the demons of the Screwtape Letters, in endless rivalries, seeking to enlarge themselves by devouring others, including one who even fancies taking Cluny’s place, leading to his demise. By contrast, it seems that the character of Redwall is that residents magnify each other, the wise old abbot and old Methuselah pouring themselves into Matthias, and all working with harmony, and even joy, amid their efforts to defend. The Sparras are reconciled to the Redwall mice, and the voles to the former arch-predator owl. Jacques is also skilled in description, enabling us to envision Redwall, the old Saint Ninian’s church, the Mossflower woods, as well as all of the principle characters.

From what I read, the plans for a Redwall movie from Netflix are on hold due to the company’s troubles. I’m not altogether disappointed with this. It gives me a chance to discover more books in the saga. I loved Jacques worldbuilding and story-telling, more accessible than Tolkien, though richly textured in its own way. Only twenty-one more to go! I only wish I’d had these books in those wonderful “read me a story” days (although Asmodeus might be a bit scary for a young child). show less

When I was around 12 years old the PBS Redwall series was airing and introduced my brother and myself and my cousins to Brian Jacques's Redwall world. My mom started collecting the books so my brother read several of the series with me reading smaller selection. I remember liking the books as a kid, but am happy that I picked up the first book to reread as an adult especially as I have been doing my best to seek out cozy fantasy. Redwall depicts a lot of death and cruelty, but in general, good will overcome evil so the stakes do not feel as high as they would in adult fantasy. The descriptions of food, the comradery between old and new friends, and humor spread throughout to balance the darker moments simply warmed my heart. While I am show more looking forward to picking up my next Redwall book soon, I'm more interested in picking up the cookbook to try a recipe or two and watch the first season of the PBS series while filling my stomach with good food! show less

Redwall is one of the greatest children's books ever, but it's also a good read for teens and adults. I didn't start reading Redwall till I was in my late teens after my younger brother brought home a copy. I'd heard about it, and it was even more popular when I was younger. I was not disappointed. I understand that Redwall's detractors cite the violence in these books, but violence happens. Some might not feel that this is appropriate for young ones, but these books are very good, and fighting existed in the Middle Ages, and we learn about it.

Some people complain the characters are flat. Well, keep in mind that this is a book geared towards a younger audience, and that Brian Jacques focused on the descriptions of surroundings, sights, show more and action - lots of action and adventure - for his target audience. Some books do better with a larger amount of character development, but the action and adventure here is what adds to Redwall. This book may not be for everyone, but Mr. Jacques is still an excellent author with a imaginative mind and a wonderful idea that he spun a fantastic story from. show less

If I had first read this book when I was 7 or 8, I might have loved it. But reading it for the first time as an adult, I didn't connect with it. Definitely written for a younger audience.

My son gives it to me breathlessly. "You are going to LOVE this book, Mom!" Dang, he's cute.

Very fun YA adventure story.

I also read a couple of sequels including Martin the Warrior, also good.

My favorite series as a kid.