Mossflower (Prequel to Redwall)
by Brian Jacques
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Book Summary Information
Author: Brian JacquesEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1998-11-01
ISBN: 0441005764
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: Ace
Book Reviews of Mossflower (Prequel to Redwall)
Book Review: Perhaps the best Redwall novel: engrossing, wonderful characters, an exciting read. Highly recommended.
Summary: 5 Stars
The second book in the Redwall series, Mossflower provides much of the backstory for the first novel, Redwall, recording Martin the Warrior's time spent in Mossflower wood and his battle to free the natives from the tyrannical rule of Tsarmina the wildcat. Martin arrives as a stranger to Mossflower, but is soon imprisoned by Tsarmina. The wildcat breaks the sword of his father, and he vows to take her life. After his subsequent escape with the help of his friend Gonff and the animals of Mossflower wood, Martin sets out on a journey of riddle solving, traveling, capture, and escape in order to restore his father's sword to its glory, kill Tsarmina and destroy her castle Kotir, and bring freedom and peace to the inhabitants of Mossflower. This text shows remarkable improvement, both in style and in setting, from Redwall and even now remains one of the best books in the series. Martin is a true hero and an enjoyable protagonist, both supporting characters and villains are well-developed and interesting to read, Martin's jorney provides our first glimpse of Salamandastron, and the book provides much backstory to Redwall and creates a prime jumping off point for the many, many sequels and prequels that follow. This is one of my favorite Redwall books to reread, and I very highly recommend it.
Where I sometimes feel frustrated by Redwall, Mossflower is truly a delightful, enjoyable read from beginning to end. Already in this second novel, all traces of the human influence visible in Redwall are gone, creating a more complete, independent world and more intelligent characters. The religious overtones are gone as well, Jacques' writing style has matured, and he has a greater grasp of the different beings, landscapes, landmarks, and mindsets within the world that he has created. As a result, Mossflower is a complete, highly enjoyable read by an accomplished author. It moves quickly and smoothly, manages to be funny, provoking, and emotional in turn, and is a truly engrossing and enjoyable read.
Jacques is, however, almost too good at filling in all the backstory to Redwall--almost every character and location in that book is explained in this one, often providing answers that are too pat. It comes off as a bit scripted and pretentious, and the reader can get so caught up in looking for these connections that he becomes distracted from the story itself. These pieces of backstory do provide a more complete world, and in the following books Jacques will tempter, contradict, and expand upon them, but for now they do feel forced. However, this really is the most major drawback of the book. In all other ways, it is a well-written and exciting story.
Mossflower is truly one of my favorite books in the Redwall series to come back to and reread. Martin is a inspiring, enjoyable protagonist--not cliched, not too funny, but very strong, independent, and realistically human and social. His journey to rebuild his father's sword is central to Redwall history, and it also is our first view of Salamandastron, which will become increasingly important in later books. The battles are memorable (although the final battle against Tsarmina does go a bit quickly), as are the characters (Skipper, Lady Amber, Mask, and Gonff all stand out in my mind). The is one of the books that I love to curl up and dive into, and it's prime material for getting lost in. I definitely recommend it if you're at all intested in the Redwall series.
Summary of Mossflower (Prequel to Redwall)
The thrilling prequel to "Redwall". The clever and greedy wildcat Tsarmina becomes ruler of all Mossflower Woods and is determined to govern the peaceful woodlanders with an iron paw. The brave mouse Martin and quick-talking mouse thief Gonff meet in the depths of Kotir Castle's dungeon. The two escape and resolve to end Tsarmina's tyrannical rule. Joined by Kinny the mole, Martin and Gonff set off on a dangerous quest for Salamandastron, where they are convinced that their only hope, Boar the Fighter, still lives.
Brian Jacques's superb Redwall series truly captures the finest in storytelling tradition and combines it with the ultimate in upbeat, catch-your-breath adventure. Mossflower tells the story of Martin the Warrior, who finds himself trespassing on the land of Verdagua, King of a Thousand Eyes, as he lies sick and near dying. With his last strength, Verdagua is struggling to make a decision on who should replace him as ruler of Mossflower Country. As Martin and his newfound friend and fellow prisoner Gonff become embroiled in the battle against Verdagua's ruthless daughter, Tsarmina, a bloody fight between good and evil ensues.
Stunning landscapes, brilliant characterization, masterly plots, and a wicked sense of humor unite in this epic tale of derring-do and the triumph of good over evil, making it one of the most addictive and memorable books that anyone is ever likely to read. --Susan Harrison
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