Redwall

Brian Jacques (author)

Random House, UK: 1986;352pp 

ISBN: 9780399247941

Genres: adventure, animal stories, fantasy

Issues: bullying, friendship, gifted, identity

advanced vocabulary

Matthias, a novice at the abbey, has always dreamed of quests and battles, and it seems that he is going to get his chance sooner than expected.

The notorious Cluny the Rat and his horde of fighting thieves and vagabonds have invaded the neighbourhood. It is up to the Abbey to provide what protection it can to the gentle creatures that live in its surrounds. Surprisingly it is the young Matthias who comes into his own, another Martin the Warrior, they say, full of energy and cunning ideas to foil the treacherous Cluny. But before victory can be complete, Matthias must find the meaning of Martin's obscure message, the message that will lead Matthias to the famous warrior's sword.

Readers from outside England may need a little assistance in recognising some of the animals, but the adventure is fast and furious, with plenty of valiant characters and those vital elements to a good fantasy: the quest and the hero.

Series: Martin the Warrior; Mossflower; Outcast of Redwall; The Bellmaker (and many other titles)