ryanteston's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ladypalutena's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this.
It gives you the backstory of Sunflash the Mace, who appeared at Salamandastron at the very end of the original Redwall book.
Appears: Mossflower, Outcast of Redwall
Mentioned: Mariel of Redwall, Salamandastron, The Long Patrol, Eulalia!
The first book (each Redwall book is split into three smaller books) deals with Sunflash's beginnings, and how he came to Salamandastron. The second book deals with Redwall Abbey, and the titular "Outcast of Redwall," Veil the ferret. The book starts off differently than the summary on the back leads you to believe, as Veil isn't introduced until the second book, really. The summary leads you to believe the entire book deals with Veil, but that's not it. The majority of the book deals with Sunflash and how he came to be Sunflash the Mace.
This book fits very well into the Redwall chronology, and gives us another view of Bat Mountpit, as well as a different view of Salamandastron. Although we see a ton of Salamandastron it its self-titled novel, we really get to know what's going on behind the scenes in this one. We see Sunflash arrive and set the stages for how things are run in future novels.
The one character I couldn't stand was Bryony. I know she was willing to suspend disbelief that her adopted son, Veil, could do any harm, but it ended up ruining her character for me. It's clear that Bryony's love for Veil will overcome anything, but at some point, even a mother will see that her offspring is just evil.
I do love that we get to see
I think the main weak point for me was Bryony.
It gives you the backstory of Sunflash the Mace, who appeared at Salamandastron at the very end of the original Redwall book.
Appears: Mossflower, Outcast of Redwall
Mentioned: Mariel of Redwall, Salamandastron, The Long Patrol, Eulalia!
The first book (each Redwall book is split into three smaller books) deals with Sunflash's beginnings, and how he came to Salamandastron. The second book deals with Redwall Abbey, and the titular "Outcast of Redwall," Veil the ferret. The book starts off differently than the summary on the back leads you to believe, as Veil isn't introduced until the second book, really. The summary leads you to believe the entire book deals with Veil, but that's not it. The majority of the book deals with Sunflash and how he came to be Sunflash the Mace.
This book fits very well into the Redwall chronology, and gives us another view of Bat Mountpit, as well as a different view of Salamandastron. Although we see a ton of Salamandastron it its self-titled novel, we really get to know what's going on behind the scenes in this one. We see Sunflash arrive and set the stages for how things are run in future novels.
The one character I couldn't stand was Bryony. I know she was willing to suspend disbelief that her adopted son, Veil, could do any harm, but it ended up ruining her character for me.
Spoiler
Particularly after it's clear that Veil poisoned Myrtle, and that he was willing to kill an old dormouse that had done him no harm.I do love that we get to see
Spoiler
Bella of Brockhall finally reunite with her son, Sunflash the Mace.I think the main weak point for me was Bryony.
linneak's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Violence, War, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Animal death, Bullying, Death, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent and Stalking
tezzarudge's review against another edition
4.0
I had full nostalgia listening to this one. This one is a mixture of two stories which then eventually tie into a single story in the final third.
Considering the main characters are a weasel and a badger. The character depth is always spot on in these novels
Considering the main characters are a weasel and a badger. The character depth is always spot on in these novels
zenithharpink's review against another edition
4.0
This book had a slightly different format that others in the series, and I found myself somewhat missing the old format - I liked the linear-type quest with prophecies and riddles. This was a bit more meandering, but not necessarily less entertaining. As always, Jacques' characters are compelling and lovable, and I was deeply invested in every character I encountered.
I loved the additional background on Salamandastron, with the culture and social structure-it was interesting to know more about that mountain operates. Sunflash was a truly lovable hero.
As always, this book made me hungry-everything just sounds so delicious!
I ABSOLUTELY did NOT believe the titular characters story arc - it made no sense and was completely inconsistent with information provided to the reader during the narrative. It was truly my only complaint about this story.
I DEFINITELY recommend this book - it's really not super important to read these books in order, but a little bit of backstory never hurts, if you have the time, read the whole series!
I loved the additional background on Salamandastron, with the culture and social structure-it was interesting to know more about that mountain operates. Sunflash was a truly lovable hero.
As always, this book made me hungry-everything just sounds so delicious!
I ABSOLUTELY did NOT believe the titular characters story arc - it made no sense and was completely inconsistent with information provided to the reader during the narrative. It was truly my only complaint about this story.
I DEFINITELY recommend this book - it's really not super important to read these books in order, but a little bit of backstory never hurts, if you have the time, read the whole series!
bookycnidaria's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bookslesstravelled's review against another edition
4.0
One of my all time favorite series! I love each and every one! A great book for young adults, and adults alike! I'm in college, and still read these, and enjoy them each! Good for animal lovers, adventures, and those who just like a good tale of good over evil!
bookish_b's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0