Redwall (Redwall, Book 1)
Common Sense Note
An exciting and well-told tale, but sophisticated language may deter younger or less experienced readers. Challenging vocabulary and rich, descriptive passages will help readers to improve their language skills. Though characters go to war, the inherent value of a peaceful existence is promoted.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jennifer Docherty
"It was the start of the Summer of the Late Rose. Mossflower country shimmered gently in a peaceful haze, bathing delicately at each dew-laden dawn." Opening passages rich in poetry bring the Abbey of Redwall vividly to life. In the opening chapter an atmosphere of calm and comfort seems to pervade the rustic town.
Within the very next chapter, however, the mood quickly changes and the pace of the novel quickens as Cluny the Scourge and his army of rats march menacingly toward the Abbey. Though a war is at the center of the novel, the characters are fighting in self-defense and it is clear that their lives are at stake. As the mice and their friends struggle to defend the Abbey, they see the importance of cooperation and of respecting others.
Matthias, in his quest for the sword, must face traditional enemies of mice--sparrows, a cat and an owl. Only by treating these creatures with respect can he gain the aid he and his friends so desperately need. The escapades of comical characters like the whimsical military hare or the quarrelling band of shrews often punctuates the suspense. Preteens, teens, and adults with a penchant for fantasy and legends are drawn into this magical animal kingdom where unlikely heroes face seemingly insurmountable odds, and have made this series a runaway hit.
From the Book:
Not normally given to anger, the Abbot stared Cluny in the eye, his face a mask of cold fury.
"... I tell you that neither you nor your army will ever set paw or claw inside Redwall, not while I or any of my creatures have breath in our bodies to fight and resist you. That is my solemn word."
Plot Summary:
The Abbey of Redwall, a haven of peace, is under attack from a band of barbarous rats. How will a kingdom of innocent woodland creatures fend off such experienced villains? The answer lies in an ancient tapestry, a long-forgotten sword, and a young mouse who must rise to his destiny. Rich prose draws readers into an enchanting and humorous fantasy.
The legend of Redwall begins as Abbot Mortimer, leader of a monastery of mice, celebrates his Golden Jubilee, and a clumsy young novice, Matthias, struggles to find his place within Redwall Abbey. While escorting some woodland creatures home after the celebrations, Matthias and his companions are forced off the road by a rabble of rats whose leader, they later discover, is none other than the infamous Cluny the Scourge.
This legendary rat, whose reputation for cruelty terrifies the inhabitants of Redwall and the surrounding countryside, declares war on the Abbey when the animals refuse to surrender to him. As the woodland creatures prepare for war, Matthias and his old friend, Methusaleh, begin a desperate quest for the magical sword of Martin the Warrior, the famed defender of Redwall. The sword is their only hope in fending off Cluny the Scourge, but they must find it before time runs out!
Related Books:
Other Books in this Series
Mossflower
Mattimeo
Books With Similar Themes
Watership Down by Richard Adams
The Gammage Cup
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien
Related Videos
Watership Down
The Secret of NIMH
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ViolenceWar is waged in defense of the Abbey. The deaths are sometimes inflicted by gruesome methods. Violent rats and a monstrous adder might frighten younger readers. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoThere are brief references to the partiality of some animals to the ale at the abbey and a mention of an animal being "tipsy." |
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