About the Author

Brian Jacques was born and bred in Liverpool, where he lives today. He has worked as a stand-up comedian and playwright and now hosts his own programme, Jakestown, on Radio Merseyside.

Reviews

Gr 7 Up-This full scale, unabridged performance is a fine salute to the tenth anniversary of the publication of Redwall (Philomel, 1986). Author Brian Jacques narrates as an outstanding British cast brings the saga to life. Charming musical accents further enhance the reading. Each character's voice is distinct, and the reading is well-paced. Young mouse Matthias' adventures as he tries to save Redwall Abbey from the evil rat Cluny will enthrall listeners. The Redwall fantasy adventure series has a rabid, international following, and this production will serve to swell the ranks of fans.ÄC.A. Prevetti, Milwaukee Public Library, WI

Only the lost sword of Martin the Warrior can save Redwall Abbey from the evil rat Cluny and his greedy horde. The young mouse Matthias (formerly Redwall's most awkward novice) vows to recover the legendary weapon. In the course of his quest, Matthias forges strong ties with various local animals. As much as the magic of the sword, it is the help of these new friends that enables Matthias to defeat Cluny once and for all. Jacques's clever use of detail creates an animal world as compelling as that of The Wind in the Willows. From the beginning, each of Redwall's characters is endowed with a unerringly distinct personality: there is a powerful badger named Constance; a mute squirrel named Silent Sam, who knows the forest better than anyone; and his mother Jess, a champion climber who leads a splendid rescue of a piece of the abbey's tapestry. This epic adventure contains elements of all grand quests, with heroic archetypes that will keep fans of Tolkein and King Arthur tales engaged to the final battle. Illustrations not seen by PW. All ages. (June)