Status Updates From The Sable Quean (Redwall, #21)

A young badgermaid being taller than a male badger Lord? Now that's a first. It's usually the other way around.

So, madness can be cured with a knock on the head? Hmph, should've done that on the last mad hare.

I was beginning to wonder what happened to the score of other young ones as we had only followed a select few escaping the vermin lair.

Now that's a better death: not at the hands of a good creature, but accidental by their own doing with their own weapon.

No-&^#%!*-way! No way that a villain of these stories survived! That never happens! They always get their comeuppance.

So, now we have a second hare who's gone mad in this series. Although, a hare refusing the excellent food of Redwall Abbey? Now that doesn't sound like any hare ever.

Exactly how far on to the Flatlands was the vermin horde? And how fast are they coming to Redwall? The vagueness of this whole thing is conveniently helping the good guys. You would think that a few of the vermin at the front of the group would notice the REDWALL COUNTERATTACK IN THE DITCH!

You would think that after all this time, Brian Jacques would have researched the difference between a ballista and a trebuchet. Maybe it's a difference in English or British education and American education?

So, out of all of the books, we finally have one where the villain is killed directly by the Sword of Martin, and in a dishonorable but justified fashion. I don't recall any instance where this has happened.

Indeed, a rapier is good for a light fighter who fights with speed and maneuverability. A broadsword is good for power but also maneuverability. Depending on how much training you had with either, the battle will depend not just on scoring winning cuts and strikes but also being able to outlast the other.

"Grakk had replaced the slain Fallug, who lay stiff on the ground, his face fixed in a hideous grin caused by the adder venom..."
I can't help but think of Joker venom.

Jesus H. Christ, these vermin didn't realize that the ditch was big enough to keep the battering ram from being moved across? Maybe they should've kept it in the woods and bring it out of the woods and up from the bloody road!

So much for that ambush. Honestly, it would've been better if the young hedgehog had seen the incoming vermin and shouted a warning. It would've been a little more dire.

It's a good thing that we have someone who can put this doddering, young fool in his place. As entertaining as it was, this joking character has gone on for all too long.

So, they spent all that time making a siege weapon and they aren't even going to use it? What was the point of that, exactly?

Zwilt is going to attack from the other side of the main attack. He was putting a lot of responsibility and compliments on his newly made captain, probably knowing that he would fail without Zwilt.

Hmph, should've left him over the pike to be eaten by them.

A badgermaid is not afraid of pike? And is able to whack them with a loaded sling? I don't think there's been anyone like her.

About time somebody found the Dibbuns.

Don't send a flippin' party just to scout!

Dibbuns and young ones having dark and murderous thoughts? I'm concerned on how that will affect their growth as they get older. Their ordeal has certainly changed them, and not much for the better. They're going to need to some serious therapy after this.
Furthermore, this is the first time that there are four parts in a book in this series. It's always three. Was that a decision by the author or publisher?

So, how long are these Dibbuns and young ones are going to deal with this mad hedgehog?

Yeah, I figured. There was only one otter among the young prisoners. Key word being "was."

This sable, Zwilt the Shade, is both clever and strategic now that he's in his element. Let's see if he's just as good as Cluny or Slagar or Ferhago.

Well, well, well. Isn't this a turn?