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Redwall #6
Martin the Warrior
On the shore of the Eastern Sea, in a cold stone fortress, a stoat named Badrang holds dozens of innocent creatures as slaves, part of his scheme to build an empire where he will rule as unquestioned tyrant. Among those slaves is a mouse named Martin who has a warrior’s heart and a burning desire for freedom—freedom not only for himself, but for all of Badrang’s victims. There is no risk he will not take, no battle he will not fight, to end the stoat’s evil reign and in the process regain the sword of his father, Luke the Warrior—the sword that Badrang stole from him when he was but a lad!
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1993
About the author
Brian Jacques
209 books4,126 followers Brian Jacques (pronounced 'jakes') was born in Liverpool, England on June 15th, 1939. Along with forty percent of the population of Liverpool, his ancestral roots are in Ireland, County Cork to be exact.
Brian grew up in the area around the Liverpool docks, where he attended St. John's School, an inner city school featuring a playground on its roof. At the age of ten, his very first day at St. John's foreshadowed his future career as an author; given an assignment to write a story about animals, he wrote a short story about a bird who cleaned a crocodile's teeth. Brian's teacher could not, and would not believe that a ten year old could write so well. When young Brian refused to falsely say that he had copied the story, he was caned as "a liar". He had always loved to write, but it was only then that he realized he had a talent for it.
He wrote Redwall for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool, where as a truck driver, he delivered milk. Because of the nature of his first audience, he made his style of writing as descriptive as possible, painting pictures with words so that the schoolchildren could see them in their imaginations. He remained a patron of the school until his death.
Brian lived in Liverpool, where his two grown sons, Marc, a carpenter and bricklayer, and David, a professor of Art and a muralist, still reside. David Jacques' work can be seen in Children's hospitals, soccer stadiums, and trade union offices as far away as Germany, Mexico, and Chile (not to mention Brian's photo featured in most of his books).
Brian also ran a weekly radio show on BBC Radio Merseyside, until October 2006, where he shared his comedy and wit, and played his favourites from the world of opera - he was a veritable expert on The Three Tenors.
When he was wasn't writing, Brian enjoyed walking his dog 'Teddy', a white West Highland Terrier, and completing crossword puzzles. When he found time he read the works of Mario Puzo, Damon Runyon, Richard Condon, Larry McMurty, and P.G. Wodehouse. He was also known to cook an impressive version of his favourite dish, spaghetti and meatballs.
Sadly, Brian passed away on the 5th February 2011.
Brian grew up in the area around the Liverpool docks, where he attended St. John's School, an inner city school featuring a playground on its roof. At the age of ten, his very first day at St. John's foreshadowed his future career as an author; given an assignment to write a story about animals, he wrote a short story about a bird who cleaned a crocodile's teeth. Brian's teacher could not, and would not believe that a ten year old could write so well. When young Brian refused to falsely say that he had copied the story, he was caned as "a liar". He had always loved to write, but it was only then that he realized he had a talent for it.
He wrote Redwall for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool, where as a truck driver, he delivered milk. Because of the nature of his first audience, he made his style of writing as descriptive as possible, painting pictures with words so that the schoolchildren could see them in their imaginations. He remained a patron of the school until his death.
Brian lived in Liverpool, where his two grown sons, Marc, a carpenter and bricklayer, and David, a professor of Art and a muralist, still reside. David Jacques' work can be seen in Children's hospitals, soccer stadiums, and trade union offices as far away as Germany, Mexico, and Chile (not to mention Brian's photo featured in most of his books).
Brian also ran a weekly radio show on BBC Radio Merseyside, until October 2006, where he shared his comedy and wit, and played his favourites from the world of opera - he was a veritable expert on The Three Tenors.
When he was wasn't writing, Brian enjoyed walking his dog 'Teddy', a white West Highland Terrier, and completing crossword puzzles. When he found time he read the works of Mario Puzo, Damon Runyon, Richard Condon, Larry McMurty, and P.G. Wodehouse. He was also known to cook an impressive version of his favourite dish, spaghetti and meatballs.
Sadly, Brian passed away on the 5th February 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 686 reviews
January 13, 2015
One of the things I came across when I was young and completely obsessed with Redwall was a quote from Brian Jacques, in the introduction to 'Redwall Friend and Foe' where he stated, emphatically, "Goodies are good!" I can't help thinking about that when I think about this book, because here's the thing: while on its surface Redwall can look like a series with black and white morality, where certain people are good and others are bad, the stories themselves often overturn those expectations, and none do it quite as powerfully as Martin the Warrior, story of the Abbey's legendary champion before he arrived in Mossflower Wood.
Martin isn't a bad person, but what he is isn't precisely 'good' either. His story is fundamentally about being consumed by revenge to the point that he loses sight of the people around him, and it causes horrible destruction and suffering. What he fights for, nominally, is freedom; but it is clear as the book nears its climax that he is also motivated by pride and pain, and both of those cloud his vision. He does not make it out unscathed.
The end of this book was pretty much the saddest thing I remember reading as a child - the song that played over the TV show's final scenes still makes me tear up. There is a brutality to it which is uncommon for the series (though not unique) and it is that coupled with the long-term effects on Martin - which most readers probably already know - that make this so painful. And yet it's... also a big part of what makes this book powerful, because it is a book about pain and responding to it, and Martin's choices at the beginning and at the end are completely opposed, as are the choices he makes in much of the rest of his life.
Martin isn't a bad person, but what he is isn't precisely 'good' either. His story is fundamentally about being consumed by revenge to the point that he loses sight of the people around him, and it causes horrible destruction and suffering. What he fights for, nominally, is freedom; but it is clear as the book nears its climax that he is also motivated by pride and pain, and both of those cloud his vision. He does not make it out unscathed.
The end of this book was pretty much the saddest thing I remember reading as a child - the song that played over the TV show's final scenes still makes me tear up. There is a brutality to it which is uncommon for the series (though not unique) and it is that coupled with the long-term effects on Martin - which most readers probably already know - that make this so painful. And yet it's... also a big part of what makes this book powerful, because it is a book about pain and responding to it, and Martin's choices at the beginning and at the end are completely opposed, as are the choices he makes in much of the rest of his life.
August 18, 2015
I love The Redwall books and have all of them on my shelves. I am once more reading through them all out of respect for author Brian Jacques who sadly has passed away. There will be no more delightful books full od the adventures of the animals of Redwall. Yes, these books are written primarily for children, but here is one child at heart who been gripped by every one of them. They can teach youngsters and older people too, lots about life. There is a lovely innocence in the books coupled with the harder facts of life. Readers learn of family, loyalty, sacrifice, treachery cruelty, love and fun and laughter too. Can I just mention the food! If you read a Redwall book you will soon know what I mean. A younger and simpler version of the 'Duncton Wood' books but if you like animal stories and you too are a child at heart do read them!
March 6, 2017
I think I will just find a blankie, and a corner to cry my heart out in.
March 26, 2024
5+ stars (8/10 hearts). I loved
Redwall—
I loved
Mossflower—
I loved
Lord Brocktree.
But I really loved Martin.
I can’t really lay my finger on the reason. Perhaps it’s the writing. The descriptions were unusually beautiful in this book—there are several I wish to add to my commonplace book. Perhaps it's the aesthetic—a mixture of slave fort and sea, forest and sand. Perhaps it’s because of the TV show, which brings it so accurately to life and which I love so much.
Perhaps it's the characters—pirates, a slaver and his army, a mostly crew of actors, crazy pigmy shrews and wild squirrels and various other colourful personages… There’s Tramun Clogg, a host to himself—braided, dirty, loud Cap’n Clogg, a queer mixture of humour and cruelty that somehow is almost likeable… or pitiful. There’s Badrang the Tyrant, the cruel, wicked overlord but none too clever for all that. There’s soup-making, ladle-totting Grumm and sweet, headstrong Brome the runaway and the blooming healer. There’s the Rambling Rosehip Players—witty, reckless Ballaw; strong-minded, strong-voiced Rowanoak; flirty Celandine; and the others. There’s unloving Pallum and noble old Barkjon; Druwp the traitor and Keyla the brave. There’s the wicked soldiers and corsairs; the stern Warden; Boldred and her sweet family. There’s Rose—sweet, spirited, resourceful Rose. There’s Felldoh—fierce, loving, determined Felldoh the avenger. And then there’s Martin. I can’t say why I love Martin so much. He’s stern and tender, wise and impulsive, dutiful and brave and strong—not a very outstanding warrior mouse. But somehow he became one of my very favourite fictional characters ever.
Perhaps it’s the dramatic plot—the terrible slavery in the fort rampant with torture and ill-use; the plotting and counterplotting between Clogg and Badrang; Rose, Grumm, and Martin’s adventures with the shrews and moles and lizards; Felldoh and Brome’s escapades with the actors; the half-freedom and full freedom; the half at Noonvale; the final battle… it’s a real voyage, full of happiness and excitement and dismay. Perhaps it’s the beautiful ending, that brought tears to my eyes.
Perhaps, quite simply, it’s all of these things…
A Favourite Quote: “Don't think about what you could have done, concentrate on what you plan to do; it is more useful.”
Content List: mild violence; mild euphemisms.
*Review to be updated upon reread.*
I can’t really lay my finger on the reason. Perhaps it’s the writing. The descriptions were unusually beautiful in this book—there are several I wish to add to my commonplace book. Perhaps it's the aesthetic—a mixture of slave fort and sea, forest and sand. Perhaps it’s because of the TV show, which brings it so accurately to life and which I love so much.
Perhaps it's the characters—pirates, a slaver and his army, a mostly crew of actors, crazy pigmy shrews and wild squirrels and various other colourful personages… There’s Tramun Clogg, a host to himself—braided, dirty, loud Cap’n Clogg, a queer mixture of humour and cruelty that somehow is almost likeable… or pitiful. There’s Badrang the Tyrant, the cruel, wicked overlord but none too clever for all that. There’s soup-making, ladle-totting Grumm and sweet, headstrong Brome the runaway and the blooming healer. There’s the Rambling Rosehip Players—witty, reckless Ballaw; strong-minded, strong-voiced Rowanoak; flirty Celandine; and the others. There’s unloving Pallum and noble old Barkjon; Druwp the traitor and Keyla the brave. There’s the wicked soldiers and corsairs; the stern Warden; Boldred and her sweet family. There’s Rose—sweet, spirited, resourceful Rose. There’s Felldoh—fierce, loving, determined Felldoh the avenger. And then there’s Martin. I can’t say why I love Martin so much. He’s stern and tender, wise and impulsive, dutiful and brave and strong—not a very outstanding warrior mouse. But somehow he became one of my very favourite fictional characters ever.
Perhaps it’s the dramatic plot—the terrible slavery in the fort rampant with torture and ill-use; the plotting and counterplotting between Clogg and Badrang; Rose, Grumm, and Martin’s adventures with the shrews and moles and lizards; Felldoh and Brome’s escapades with the actors; the half-freedom and full freedom; the half at Noonvale; the final battle… it’s a real voyage, full of happiness and excitement and dismay. Perhaps it’s the beautiful ending, that brought tears to my eyes.
Perhaps, quite simply, it’s all of these things…
A Favourite Quote: “Don't think about what you could have done, concentrate on what you plan to do; it is more useful.”
Content List: mild violence; mild euphemisms.
*Review to be updated upon reread.*
January 15, 2023
I want to begin this by saying that I was unfortunately spoiled of some of the events by siblings who had already seen the animation.
That said, I could predict many of these spoilers anyway, but that by no means prepared me for the way this book ended. This was also the fastest I've read a Redwall book, taking two days for the first third, and the binging the rest of it in a few hours. The story felt much simpler in tone, but nonetheless deep in development and characters. I cannot say much for fear of spoiling...but Brian Jacques once again went directions I did not think he would stoop to, and essentially stabbed me in the heart twice. It's going to take me awhile to recover and get back to this beloved series.
This is currently tied with Mattimeo for favorite in the Redwall series. I would give it 10 stars if I could. The feels...oh the feels...
That said, I could predict many of these spoilers anyway, but that by no means prepared me for the way this book ended. This was also the fastest I've read a Redwall book, taking two days for the first third, and the binging the rest of it in a few hours. The story felt much simpler in tone, but nonetheless deep in development and characters. I cannot say much for fear of spoiling...but Brian Jacques once again went directions I did not think he would stoop to, and essentially stabbed me in the heart twice. It's going to take me awhile to recover and get back to this beloved series.
This is currently tied with Mattimeo for favorite in the Redwall series. I would give it 10 stars if I could. The feels...oh the feels...
May 29, 2013
Martin the Warrior is probably one of the best Redwall books. While the writing is decidedly clunky at best, you never notice once you get into the book. Martin the Warrior has everything; it has the drama, the sadness, the love and hate of The Lord of the Rings.
It also has the revenge and hate of Felldoh, and off course the sadness of the death's of some central characters.
I felt the difference between Martin and Felldoh strongly; Felldoh was imprisoned all his life, and was forever changed by it. He nourished a great hate, which he could only satisfy with revenge. Martin, on the other hand, fought for the freedom of those living within the area of Marshank. I was first introduced to the animated series, and impressed by the line they added, which, surprisingly, was not in the book;
We fight for freedom, not revenge. We fight in the name of Felldoh!
A line they left out of the cartoon, was Brome, speaking of Felldoh. In the cartoon, he still says "That was an oath of vengeance, not a goodbye," and "Felldoh used to be my hero, but I don't know him anymore," but the left out the powerful part of the conversation that followed:
"Felldoh is a warrior. This Martin your always talking about is a Warrior like him."
And Brome responded by saying "If Martin is a warrior like Felldoh, then Seasons help my sister Rose if she is still with him!"
Then later, Brome is to say "Give me a javelin, I want to be a warrior like Felldoh!" and yet lets one of the enemy go free. A powerful and emotional book.
It also has the revenge and hate of Felldoh, and off course the sadness of the death's of some central characters.
I felt the difference between Martin and Felldoh strongly; Felldoh was imprisoned all his life, and was forever changed by it. He nourished a great hate, which he could only satisfy with revenge. Martin, on the other hand, fought for the freedom of those living within the area of Marshank. I was first introduced to the animated series, and impressed by the line they added, which, surprisingly, was not in the book;
We fight for freedom, not revenge. We fight in the name of Felldoh!
A line they left out of the cartoon, was Brome, speaking of Felldoh. In the cartoon, he still says "That was an oath of vengeance, not a goodbye," and "Felldoh used to be my hero, but I don't know him anymore," but the left out the powerful part of the conversation that followed:
"Felldoh is a warrior. This Martin your always talking about is a Warrior like him."
And Brome responded by saying "If Martin is a warrior like Felldoh, then Seasons help my sister Rose if she is still with him!"
Then later, Brome is to say "Give me a javelin, I want to be a warrior like Felldoh!" and yet lets one of the enemy go free. A powerful and emotional book.
January 2, 2015
This was the book that got me into fantasy, and fill in love with reading. My teacher in grade school loved the story, and all my friends read the series. So I gave it a try on audio, and felt in love with audio and this series. This is my favorite book of the Redwall series. I just love the character of Martin the Warrior. This origin story really shows how he came from nothing into the one of the greatest leaders and warrior in the land. The ending of the book is the cause and origins of Redwall. Without it, Redwall would have never existed. So this is the foundation book in the series.
P.S. I have read this book more times than I can count.
P.S. I have read this book more times than I can count.
June 7, 2024
The story is pretty thin and the there are a lot of boring parts. I hate that every meal needed to be described in excruciating detail - although it did add to the immersion of the world. Martin the Warrior was cooler when he was just a legend shrouded in mystery.
September 14, 2015
I hadn’t thought of rereading these seriously until I realised that reading a childhood book was on the list for a reading challenge, and then my sister returned all my copies to make room on her shelves for her own books. Then I thought, well, why not? I remember that I found the books getting a bit repetitive as the series went on (and on, and on) but Martin the Warrior was the first I read, and it’s obvious why it hooked me as a kid. It’s a little bit deterministic — rats are evil, mice are good, shrews are quarrelsome, etc — but I know that’s tackled a little in later books with characters like Veil. I’m not sure it’s ever really dealt with, though.
One of the awesome things is the way it talks about food; all kinds of food that animals would actually eat, yet cooked in human ways. It’s a weird combination, or sounds it, until you read the book and then it just sounds tasty. I’m sure I’d like Grumm or Polleekin’s cooking…
Martin the Warrior ends on a sour, sad note. I think ultimately the sympathies lie with the peace of Noonvale, even while there’s understanding of the need for revenge that drives Felldoh and, to a lesser extent, Martin. It doesn’t bring any good to the characters, even though they’ve removed a threat from the world.
Definitely a good nostalgia read, despite the sadness, and perhaps a bit more nuanced than I remembered.
Originally posted here.
One of the awesome things is the way it talks about food; all kinds of food that animals would actually eat, yet cooked in human ways. It’s a weird combination, or sounds it, until you read the book and then it just sounds tasty. I’m sure I’d like Grumm or Polleekin’s cooking…
Martin the Warrior ends on a sour, sad note. I think ultimately the sympathies lie with the peace of Noonvale, even while there’s understanding of the need for revenge that drives Felldoh and, to a lesser extent, Martin. It doesn’t bring any good to the characters, even though they’ve removed a threat from the world.
Definitely a good nostalgia read, despite the sadness, and perhaps a bit more nuanced than I remembered.
Originally posted here.
March 2, 2021
The second book on my chronological rereading journey. Now, we learn of the early origins of Redwall's warrior, Martin.
After escaping from slavery, Martin journeys back to the fortress of Marshank to free his fellow slaves and take back his father's sword.
After escaping from slavery, Martin journeys back to the fortress of Marshank to free his fellow slaves and take back his father's sword.
September 7, 2019
"It's a long hard road ahead for you, little warrior. Enjoy a happy day while you can."
—Boldred, Martin the Warrior, P. 267
"Don't think about what you could have done, concentrate on what you plan to do; it is more useful."
—Boldred, P. 335
The ability of Brian Jacques to create an entirely new world that is bursting at the seams with deep, suspensefully plotted adventures, characters overflowing with originality and life, and epic, imaginative quests that could appeal to even the most hard-nosed literary cynic has almost no equal.
For nearly four hundred pages in Martin the Warrior we the readers follow on an action-packed, tightly written adventure novel, leading onward through surprising twists and turns that left me, personally, breathless and with a pounding heart. The world of Redwall is as perfect as the creation of a literary world can get, and when one thinks that the author could not possibly jam in any more exciting adventure, one will look at the page and see that he is less than halfway through reading the book!
The feeling and perspective of Martin the Warrior will resound loudly with the reader long after the final page has been completed. It is a unique literary experience that simply should not be missed, and I heartily recommend it for anyone who would ask me.
A magnificent achievement.
"Throughout his life the memory of that happy day stayed locked secretly in (his) heart."
—Martin the Warrior, P. 296
—Boldred, Martin the Warrior, P. 267
"Don't think about what you could have done, concentrate on what you plan to do; it is more useful."
—Boldred, P. 335
The ability of Brian Jacques to create an entirely new world that is bursting at the seams with deep, suspensefully plotted adventures, characters overflowing with originality and life, and epic, imaginative quests that could appeal to even the most hard-nosed literary cynic has almost no equal.
For nearly four hundred pages in Martin the Warrior we the readers follow on an action-packed, tightly written adventure novel, leading onward through surprising twists and turns that left me, personally, breathless and with a pounding heart. The world of Redwall is as perfect as the creation of a literary world can get, and when one thinks that the author could not possibly jam in any more exciting adventure, one will look at the page and see that he is less than halfway through reading the book!
The feeling and perspective of Martin the Warrior will resound loudly with the reader long after the final page has been completed. It is a unique literary experience that simply should not be missed, and I heartily recommend it for anyone who would ask me.
A magnificent achievement.
"Throughout his life the memory of that happy day stayed locked secretly in (his) heart."
—Martin the Warrior, P. 296
October 14, 2022
This was a great read in the series. I loved the chapters focusing on different characters and I love reading about all the different food they ate.
I hated Badrang, and even though he was also a bad character, I kind of liked Captain Tramun (I kept misreading it as Truman 😂) Clogg. I thought he was quite humourous at times.
The final battle was descriptive and I felt fully immersed with what was going on. I really wanted to see Badrang slain, which I'm glad he was, but I also felt sadness at Rose being slain too. I really enjoyed the fact that Martin got his Father's sword back by slaying Badrang.
I really enjoyed this installment, and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series
I hated Badrang, and even though he was also a bad character, I kind of liked Captain Tramun (I kept misreading it as Truman 😂) Clogg. I thought he was quite humourous at times.
The final battle was descriptive and I felt fully immersed with what was going on. I really wanted to see Badrang slain, which I'm glad he was, but I also felt sadness at Rose being slain too. I really enjoyed the fact that Martin got his Father's sword back by slaying Badrang.
I really enjoyed this installment, and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
I want to re-visit the Redwall universe in chronological order and this was the first chronological book available on Libro.fm.
I was really looking forward to the peaceful wholesomeness of the original Redwall book, but Martin the Warrior is pretty focused on the numerous and violent obstacles Martin encounters instead. I still enjoyed the enthusiastic descriptions of food and the friendships the develop in the story. I'm looking forward to reading Redwall at some point.
I was really looking forward to the peaceful wholesomeness of the original Redwall book, but Martin the Warrior is pretty focused on the numerous and violent obstacles Martin encounters instead. I still enjoyed the enthusiastic descriptions of food and the friendships the develop in the story. I'm looking forward to reading Redwall at some point.
October 30, 2021
Jacques delivers again!
May 10, 2020
This was one of my least favorite Redwall books, if I recall correctly, mostly because it's such a tragedy. Coming back to it, well, it's still not my favorite. But I did enjoy it much more than I used to — now I appreciate the message and impact of the tragedy far more than I used to.
All the Redwall books fairly well exemplify the "I do not love the spear for its sharpness" quote. When they glorify the heroes and the warriors, they do it because of how those heroes defend others. And this book, in particular, shows an astonishingly mature look at how that defense, how that life of a warrior, how a desire to fight, can break someone. Those who are able not to fight and who can choose not to fight are envied, not mocked — without losing respect for those who choose to fight in defense of others. And that tragedy of war and battle is shown, unflinchingly but sorrowfully, in a way that's mature yet appropriate even for the middle-grade audience.
This is not an amazing book in and of itself. But, like most of the Redwall books, it's still well worth reading.
All the Redwall books fairly well exemplify the "I do not love the spear for its sharpness" quote. When they glorify the heroes and the warriors, they do it because of how those heroes defend others. And this book, in particular, shows an astonishingly mature look at how that defense, how that life of a warrior, how a desire to fight, can break someone. Those who are able not to fight and who can choose not to fight are envied, not mocked — without losing respect for those who choose to fight in defense of others. And that tragedy of war and battle is shown, unflinchingly but sorrowfully, in a way that's mature yet appropriate even for the middle-grade audience.
This is not an amazing book in and of itself. But, like most of the Redwall books, it's still well worth reading.
May 21, 2018
These books are Chicken Soup For The Anthropomorphic-Animal-Loving Soul and I could not get enough of them. Still comfortable nostalgia reads! This made better use of the Redwall formula than most, partly because the semi-sympathetic treatment of a couple of the vermin characters gave that side a bit more nuance, partly because there's a real melancholy running through Martin's story. Knowing his legacy ups the poignancy factor of seeing him here, at the beginning of his journey.
November 18, 2021
"Significantly better than the last book, Salamandastron, but I think the ending was forced and it never really felt like there were any significant stakes. It was still enjoyable and I liked the pirates."
March 7, 2017
This was extremely well written and entertaining. I enjoyed it vastly.
May 14, 2022
I'm not crying! You're crying!
Wow, this book is so amazing. The adventure, action, and all the feels.
Wow, this book is so amazing. The adventure, action, and all the feels.
August 13, 2022
I'm finding that I love these Redwall books. The story of Martin was heartbreaking, engrossing and wonderful.
August 24, 2024
Jacuques tells his story in a very rambly way, with so many diversions into singing and eating that I was starting to roll my eyes a little bit whenever somebeast started bursting into song. There's also some old-timey attitudes towards children and child-rearing that now, as an adult, kinda rub me the wrong way. Not to mention, there's not a lot of depth to be found in the characters; you can often get a grip on what a character's all about in the first few lines they're mentioned.
All that said, though, this was still pretty delightful! This one was always a favorite of mine as a kid, and I found my revisit as an adult to be just as fun and thrilling. The author has a way of illustrating the story with his prose, giving both the setting and his characters enough definition to feel lively and believable, despite the aforementioned flatness. The arc of the story also travels to some surprisingly mature places amidst all the swashbuckling and singing, and the conclusion is a *fantastic* culmination of everything before it.
I don't know how well this fares in the greater Redwall canon as of writing this, but I can confidently say this is still one of my favorite fantasy novels period.
All that said, though, this was still pretty delightful! This one was always a favorite of mine as a kid, and I found my revisit as an adult to be just as fun and thrilling. The author has a way of illustrating the story with his prose, giving both the setting and his characters enough definition to feel lively and believable, despite the aforementioned flatness. The arc of the story also travels to some surprisingly mature places amidst all the swashbuckling and singing, and the conclusion is a *fantastic* culmination of everything before it.
I don't know how well this fares in the greater Redwall canon as of writing this, but I can confidently say this is still one of my favorite fantasy novels period.
June 12, 2024
Martin's story before Mossflower was more beautiful and tragic than I expected.
August 29, 2024
3 1/2 stars, someone give that mouse his sword
February 8, 2015
So, this is possibly the best Redwall book that Jacques ever wrote. It’s focused (no random sideplots that have nothing to do with the main one), it has a lot of characters but doesn’t jump between them too much a la Salamandastron, it has unique features that depart from the formulas of previous books, and the ending is simply fantastic (but also sad).
And the number one reason why this book is so great is:
WHHHHHYYYYYYYY?
Only slightly less important characters do, like Felldoh! I mean, in hindsight having read Mossflower, it makes sense that and Jacques had to avoid retconning (although he’s never been reticent about that…), but still! It also explains everything about Martin in Mossflower. But really just makes this book stand out.
It’s also one of the best books in terms of plot. As I mentioned above, there’s no irrelevant sideplots, all the creatures have the same quest, there’s not too many viewpoints, and there are a lot of original (to the series) features introduced. Brome has great development, and Martin has heartbreaking development. All of these add up to the Redwall series’ best book, in my opinion.
Also, Clogg is a hilarious villain. Jacques said that Clogg was his favorite villain to write. He’s also the only villain to
Nitpicky: Why is Saxtus characterized as an old mouse when he’s the same age as Dandin?
As much as I liked this book, I hated Felldoh. Every single time someone called him a warrior like Martin, I wanted to scream. Felldoh is not a warrior like Martin, in fact he’s more of a foil to Martin because he shows all the reasons why Martin is a better warrior than him, and a better character. Felldoh let his revenge overtake him and in the end acted more like a villain than a hero. I couldn’t stand him, but that’s just me.
Overall, Martin the Warrior is the best book in the Redwall series. The ending is possibly the saddest in the series, but that’s why it’s so great. Jacques does new things with this book, departing from the formulas of previous books to deliver a tightly focused, heart-wrenching story with characters that actually develop and whom I actually care about. The Martin books are the best books.
And the number one reason why this book is so great is:
WHHHHHYYYYYYYY?
Only slightly less important characters do, like Felldoh! I mean, in hindsight having read Mossflower, it makes sense that and Jacques had to avoid retconning (although he’s never been reticent about that…), but still! It also explains everything about Martin in Mossflower. But really just makes this book stand out.
It’s also one of the best books in terms of plot. As I mentioned above, there’s no irrelevant sideplots, all the creatures have the same quest, there’s not too many viewpoints, and there are a lot of original (to the series) features introduced. Brome has great development, and Martin has heartbreaking development. All of these add up to the Redwall series’ best book, in my opinion.
Also, Clogg is a hilarious villain. Jacques said that Clogg was his favorite villain to write. He’s also the only villain to
Nitpicky: Why is Saxtus characterized as an old mouse when he’s the same age as Dandin?
As much as I liked this book, I hated Felldoh. Every single time someone called him a warrior like Martin, I wanted to scream. Felldoh is not a warrior like Martin, in fact he’s more of a foil to Martin because he shows all the reasons why Martin is a better warrior than him, and a better character. Felldoh let his revenge overtake him and in the end acted more like a villain than a hero. I couldn’t stand him, but that’s just me.
Overall, Martin the Warrior is the best book in the Redwall series. The ending is possibly the saddest in the series, but that’s why it’s so great. Jacques does new things with this book, departing from the formulas of previous books to deliver a tightly focused, heart-wrenching story with characters that actually develop and whom I actually care about. The Martin books are the best books.
September 23, 2012
Like many, I grew up adoring the Redwall series, so it pains me to give this two stars now.
This past summer I found my collection of Redwall books — I have the first dozen — and chose to reread this one because it was, in my opinion at the time, the best of them.
And frankly, it isn't all that great.
The writing itself is depressingly mediocre, the plot (like all of them) meandering and predictable. The colloquial quirks of the different animal species (molespeech, the shrews, etc.) and the painstakingly detailed descriptions of Redwall feasts, which seemed so fun and colorful to my 11-year-old self, are now irritating and slow to muddle through. But the worst of it is the contrast between villains and good guys.
The heroes and their friends throughout the whole series are fond of making jokes, hurling insults, and pulling pranks at the expense of the current Big Bad and his or her minions. As a kid, this made the good guys seem clever and fun-loving, but as an adult all I can think is that the villains are so incredibly dim-witted (to the point of possibly diagnosable cognitive impairment) that the insults and pranks come off as cruel and bullying, an interminable barrage of low-risk cheap shots. Yes, this is even in light of the villains' participation in slavery/siege/acts of war.
Frankly, Martin is a temperamental little turd. I simply could not bring myself to root for him and his crew.
I'd still recommend these books to kids, if for no other reason than the positive, lasting impact it seems to have had on myself and others who were fortunate enough to read these at a young age. But if you're an adult who grew up traveling to Salamandastron and Mossflower and hold those memories dear, I'd suggest you do what I did not: let the memories sit unspoiled, and do not reread the books.
This past summer I found my collection of Redwall books — I have the first dozen — and chose to reread this one because it was, in my opinion at the time, the best of them.
And frankly, it isn't all that great.
The writing itself is depressingly mediocre, the plot (like all of them) meandering and predictable. The colloquial quirks of the different animal species (molespeech, the shrews, etc.) and the painstakingly detailed descriptions of Redwall feasts, which seemed so fun and colorful to my 11-year-old self, are now irritating and slow to muddle through. But the worst of it is the contrast between villains and good guys.
The heroes and their friends throughout the whole series are fond of making jokes, hurling insults, and pulling pranks at the expense of the current Big Bad and his or her minions. As a kid, this made the good guys seem clever and fun-loving, but as an adult all I can think is that the villains are so incredibly dim-witted (to the point of possibly diagnosable cognitive impairment) that the insults and pranks come off as cruel and bullying, an interminable barrage of low-risk cheap shots. Yes, this is even in light of the villains' participation in slavery/siege/acts of war.
Frankly, Martin is a temperamental little turd. I simply could not bring myself to root for him and his crew.
I'd still recommend these books to kids, if for no other reason than the positive, lasting impact it seems to have had on myself and others who were fortunate enough to read these at a young age. But if you're an adult who grew up traveling to Salamandastron and Mossflower and hold those memories dear, I'd suggest you do what I did not: let the memories sit unspoiled, and do not reread the books.
November 25, 2018
A classic, definitely one of the best Redwall stories out there. Even if you've never read a Redwall book, this one gets you started on one of the oldest and most important of the stories, centering on the great warrior mouse, Martin. It may not be the first in the series, though these books do have a wonderful way of functioning perfectly fine no matter which one you start with (I've found). Adventure, love, courage, tears, humor, the Brain Jacques-experience.
The story itself, without spoiling too much, focuses on Martin son of Luke the Warrior, and his struggle against the tyrant Badrang and sea captain, Clogg. Together with the fierce Rose of Noonvale among other companions, Martin must go on a daring adventure to take back his father's sword, and the freedom of Badrang's slaves.
Like all of the other Redwall books, the entire cast is made up of animals who can speak and cook and fight from fortresses and ships. It is another fine addition to the many adventures of Redwall, even if the story takes place before the actual Redwall abbey was even built. Like it's fellow books in the series, this book is filled with adventure and laughs and even some love. Still, I would certainly credit this book with having some of the sadder moments than others did. Sure, every Redwall book tends to have a somber moment here and there, and death is not uncommon in these books, though this book does have what I would consider one of the more famous tragedies within the adventure. However, I would quickly assure any potential reader that the majority of the book is, in fact, full of high adventure and laughs and love, and leaves you with a warm satisfaction, even amidst heartache. Highly recommend to fantasy readers.
The story itself, without spoiling too much, focuses on Martin son of Luke the Warrior, and his struggle against the tyrant Badrang and sea captain, Clogg. Together with the fierce Rose of Noonvale among other companions, Martin must go on a daring adventure to take back his father's sword, and the freedom of Badrang's slaves.
Like all of the other Redwall books, the entire cast is made up of animals who can speak and cook and fight from fortresses and ships. It is another fine addition to the many adventures of Redwall, even if the story takes place before the actual Redwall abbey was even built. Like it's fellow books in the series, this book is filled with adventure and laughs and even some love. Still, I would certainly credit this book with having some of the sadder moments than others did. Sure, every Redwall book tends to have a somber moment here and there, and death is not uncommon in these books, though this book does have what I would consider one of the more famous tragedies within the adventure. However, I would quickly assure any potential reader that the majority of the book is, in fact, full of high adventure and laughs and love, and leaves you with a warm satisfaction, even amidst heartache. Highly recommend to fantasy readers.
February 18, 2012
Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques
I had been pretty burnt out on the Redwall books after Mossflower, Mattimeo, and Salamandastron. Redwall was a creative and fun book, but it seemed that all its successors were progressively formulaic and uncreative. Martin the Warrior, however, is a return to the same creative spirit of the original book, and, in my opinion, improves upon it.
The book explores the early life of Martin the Warrior after he has been made a slave by Badrang, the cruel tyrant of Marshank. Escaping with a small group of captives, and washing up on an unknown shore, Martin attempts to return a mousemaid named Rose to her family at Noonvale and build an army to return and challenge Badrang.
Jacques still uses his familiar formula from the previous books, but by not feeling the need to set the book near Redwall Abbey it becomes more of a novel adventure and a great fantasy yarn. If someone wanted to read just one of the Redwall books, I think that I would recommend Martin the Warrior above the original.
5/5 stars.
I had been pretty burnt out on the Redwall books after Mossflower, Mattimeo, and Salamandastron. Redwall was a creative and fun book, but it seemed that all its successors were progressively formulaic and uncreative. Martin the Warrior, however, is a return to the same creative spirit of the original book, and, in my opinion, improves upon it.
The book explores the early life of Martin the Warrior after he has been made a slave by Badrang, the cruel tyrant of Marshank. Escaping with a small group of captives, and washing up on an unknown shore, Martin attempts to return a mousemaid named Rose to her family at Noonvale and build an army to return and challenge Badrang.
Jacques still uses his familiar formula from the previous books, but by not feeling the need to set the book near Redwall Abbey it becomes more of a novel adventure and a great fantasy yarn. If someone wanted to read just one of the Redwall books, I think that I would recommend Martin the Warrior above the original.
5/5 stars.
December 21, 2012
Martin the Warrior is by Brian Jacques. It is fantasy because animals are talking.The main characters are Redwall, Martin, Grumm, Captin Tramun, and Rose. Redwall started out as a small mouse but now he is a hero and is adventurious. Martin is grey mouse with heroic skills. Grumm is a wise mouse and can try to act funny and heroic.Rose is Martin's sister and she is heroic too. Captin Tramun is the bad guy they run into him and he has a bunch of scars. They go to a bunch of places during the story like Marshank, Northwest coast, Inlet, Noonvale, Boldred's Tunnel. They travle any time of the day. On their way to Boldred's Tunnel they got attack with Abbot, someone does die but I am not going to say. I liked that Jess and Grumm were making werid food combinations. I didn't like that someone got killed on Redwall's side. I liked that the author made me shocked at sometimes and made me really sad. At sometimes it made me cry of laughter or sadness. He didn't do anything that bad. I recommend this book because it is about adventure and you can fell what the characters are felling.
November 29, 2018
How does one even begin to relate this epic tail without making this sound like every other Redwall tale? You'll just have to take my word when I say everyone should pick this book up and give it the read it deserves. Martin the Warrior is the sixth installment in the Redwall series and mainly focuses on Martin and his story of becoming the renown warrior we have all heard epic tails about.
There is a little adventuring in the story but the main focus of this tale is the battle of Marshank. Martin and his ragtag band of friends meets a few fellow beasts along the way, while your introduced to the Tyrant of Marshank and his evil minions and ex-comrades. Not all is black & white in this adventure as it has a really nice mix of good vs bad in this story. Mixed with a bittersweet ending it's hard to compare this one to the other Redwall novels.
There is a little adventuring in the story but the main focus of this tale is the battle of Marshank. Martin and his ragtag band of friends meets a few fellow beasts along the way, while your introduced to the Tyrant of Marshank and his evil minions and ex-comrades. Not all is black & white in this adventure as it has a really nice mix of good vs bad in this story. Mixed with a bittersweet ending it's hard to compare this one to the other Redwall novels.
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