Redwall discussion

What are your guys' thoughts on the details that Brain Jacques puts into his stories?

He usually as plenty of details that aren't visual because he made Redwall originally for reading to blind children. This is especially prevalent with feasts and battle scenes, but if you pay attention is actually everywhere.

It’s so fascinating to me to read the details

Indeed

I'm about 80% through with my first read of Redwall. I have to admit the first half didn't really thrill me, but I'm enjoying the second half more. Maybe because they got to the first battle so quickly.

Yeah, that happens to me with a lot of his books.

I kinda have to struggle through the first chunk, and then get really invested.

If I remember correctly, each novel was about 350 pages, so quite understandable - he also divided them up into three ‘books’, almost like a play

Just finished. Here are my two closing notes:
-It seemed at the beginning that Matthias would be a far more clumsy character as the book goes on, partly owing to his too-large sandals. But he quickly leaves this reputation behind, with no mention of his shoes again.
-I like the existence of Jess and Mr. Squirrel. Jess is a strong female character who can strategize with Basil Stag Hare, climb the abbey's walls, and be fearless in battle; but she can also be a good mother to her son. Although she's not my favorite character, I very much appreciate her. Same goes for Mr. Squirrel. He fully supports his mate, consoles their worried son, and does more domestic tasks such as help Cornflower in the kitchen and feed the abbey's defenders.

You shan’t be disappointed then, Jacques has plenty of prominent female roles throughout his books - Mariel of Redwall is probably one of my top favorites

Phillip wrote: "You shan’t be disappointed then, Jacques has plenty of prominent female roles throughout his books - Mariel of Redwall is probably one of my top favorites"

Good to hear that. Cheers to Jacques

I’ve heard a few times people complaining that his characters were overall too flawless, but I never noticed it enough to be bothered

I plan to read Mossflower (Redwall #2) in the next few months.

You should read Mattimeo. It’s a direct sequel to Redwall and much better than Redwall. Not as good as Mossflower, though.

Hello! Have you guys joined the Redwall Forum yet? I would be so much fun.

I looked at it when you sent the link in a message a few months ago but I get kinda lost when I try to explore forums. So yeah I got lost (mentally lol).

Most people are lost at first, but once you fumble through that with the help of the existing members, it’s a great community

I was more active way back in I think 2019, but I'm just not into the new culture that's adapted there

We’ll, it’s become more of a friendly fun-filled community, then a book forum.

I like it.

It’s a safe, friendly, relatable community.

hi! I bought the first 11 paperbacks pretty cheap, I like to read books by the series and redwall looked interesting enough. So far I have read the first book and am halfway through mossflower. I have to say, second book is probably better than the first so far, stronger character development I think.

I had a harder time caring about the protagonist in the first book, matthias seemed flawed in that he was sort of a fully competent character to begin with, it seemed obvious there was some plot armor going on with his character. Still a fun read though, I liked the battle scenes in particular.

Glad to have you introduced to the series. IMO, Redwall is his weakest book. They only get stronger as the series goes on. Salamandastron is particularly strong. I feel it was one of the last that weren’t polished to perfection. That being said, the later books still have a lot to offer.

Good to know that Mossflower is thought of as a better story, as I also found Matthias' character lacking. It seemed like he missed a majority of the action! I'm planning on starting Mossflower soon.

Starting Mossflower tonight!

Mossflower is a fairly solid one, Tsarmina is unforgettable

I'm about halfway through now, but during even the first few chapters I liked it more than the first book.

Finished yesterday. Yes, Tsarmina is a better antagonist than Cluny. The Gloomer creeped me out a bit, in a good way if that's possible.

Mossflower definitely had a solid cast of characters for both sides, dare I say probably the high point of the series