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bmzhang's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It could get really boring with the long descriptions, and I stopped trying to figure out what the moles were saying at all, so I honestly expected I'd DNF. but then I got pretty into it and read the whole thing. I won't be continuing but like wow can't believe it pulled me in and had me finish that
ohnoitscoco's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
dullshimmer's review against another edition
5.0
Mossflower is the prequel to Redwall and tells the story of a war between Tsarmina and Kotir against the free woodlanders of Mossflower. It is in this story that Martin the Warrior, the legendary figure talked about so much in Redwall is seen as a major character in this conflict.
In many ways it is like Redwall. There is an evil force seeking to do harm and a group of likable protagonists attempting to thwart the forces of evil without stooping to their methods. During this battle you also have one of the main characters go on a quest to seek the means to end to conflict once and for all. In Redwall it was Matthais seeking the sword of Martin, in Mossflower it is Martin seeking the warrior, Boar the Fighter.
The protagonists are a fun group to follow and are rather diverse in some ways. You have some who are more wanting to really go into full battle with Kotir like Skipper the otter and Amber the squirrel. Ones who are more moderate in that defeating Kotir is a goal, but not really wanting to go into full open war like Bella and Martin. While also having Abbess Germaine who reluctantly admits that conflict is needed. You also have funny characters like the moles and hares and the little hedgehogs that provide some amusement.
It is also interesting to see connections to Redwall. Many of these don't happen until the second half of the book, but it is still fun to see the connections when they happen. There aren't as many as you might think, but it's fun to see the development of the world.
One thing that was a bit more disappointing than the first book is the level of threat. Tsarmina may be an excellent villain that you want to see taken down, but unlike Cluny you never felt that there was a real threat from her. She was too unhinged and probably did just as much damage to her side as the woodlanders did. In some ways this was good because it showed a different kind of villain, but at the same time you never really worried about the victory of Mossflower.
Overall, if you enjoyed Redwall you'll enjoy Mossflower. There is a lot similar between the two books, but they have their own set of characters and interactions that make it a fun journey. Mossflower isn't going to subvert any expectations and is a pretty standard good triumphs over evil tale, but if that doesn't bother you then I think you'll find the book rather enjoyable.
In many ways it is like Redwall. There is an evil force seeking to do harm and a group of likable protagonists attempting to thwart the forces of evil without stooping to their methods. During this battle you also have one of the main characters go on a quest to seek the means to end to conflict once and for all. In Redwall it was Matthais seeking the sword of Martin, in Mossflower it is Martin seeking the warrior, Boar the Fighter.
The protagonists are a fun group to follow and are rather diverse in some ways. You have some who are more wanting to really go into full battle with Kotir like Skipper the otter and Amber the squirrel. Ones who are more moderate in that defeating Kotir is a goal, but not really wanting to go into full open war like Bella and Martin. While also having Abbess Germaine who reluctantly admits that conflict is needed. You also have funny characters like the moles and hares and the little hedgehogs that provide some amusement.
It is also interesting to see connections to Redwall. Many of these don't happen until the second half of the book, but it is still fun to see the connections when they happen. There aren't as many as you might think, but it's fun to see the development of the world.
One thing that was a bit more disappointing than the first book is the level of threat. Tsarmina may be an excellent villain that you want to see taken down, but unlike Cluny you never felt that there was a real threat from her. She was too unhinged and probably did just as much damage to her side as the woodlanders did. In some ways this was good because it showed a different kind of villain, but at the same time you never really worried about the victory of Mossflower.
Overall, if you enjoyed Redwall you'll enjoy Mossflower. There is a lot similar between the two books, but they have their own set of characters and interactions that make it a fun journey. Mossflower isn't going to subvert any expectations and is a pretty standard good triumphs over evil tale, but if that doesn't bother you then I think you'll find the book rather enjoyable.
karasokami's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hotsake's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a fun, thrilling adventure with a surprising amount of violence.
lakmus's review against another edition
Found an audiobook narrated by the author and a whole cast – it's pretty dope and very Redwall.
Nostalgia re-read.
So what makes a good guy according to the Redwall universe? Sense of humour, looking after one friends, and cooking skills, all of which allow for greater efficiency in warfare :) And the camaraderie to effectively brainstorm ideas to creatively and promptly slay your enemies :) The bad guys lack that, and also torture children (psychologically) :)
Also hygiene, apparently.
Nostalgia re-read.
So what makes a good guy according to the Redwall universe? Sense of humour, looking after one friends, and cooking skills, all of which allow for greater efficiency in warfare :) And the camaraderie to effectively brainstorm ideas to creatively and promptly slay your enemies :) The bad guys lack that, and also torture children (psychologically) :)
Also hygiene, apparently.
shinedown's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0