Redwall Abbey

Brian Jacques' Works (Spoilers) => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mosflower 4Life on December 06, 2017, 07:59:02 AM

Title: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Mosflower 4Life on December 06, 2017, 07:59:02 AM
How would you guys rank the Redwall book series from best to least favorite?

These would be my rankings:
1. Mossflower
2. Martin the Warrior
3. Rakkety Tam
4. Long Patrol
5. Taggerung
6. Redwall
7. Lord Brocktree
8. Legend of Luke
9. High Rhulian
10. The Bellmaker
11. Mattimeo
12. Marlfox
13. Pearls of Lutra
14. Mariel of Redwall
15. Rogue Crew
16. Outcast of Redwall
17. Triss
18. Eulalia
19. Salamandastron
20. Sable Queen
21. Doomwyte
22. Loamhedge
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: redtooth on April 12, 2018, 01:49:25 PM
Unfortunately I only read 4 books yet. Im rereading Mariel now (almost finished) and then I will read more. But for now I would say:
1. Redwall (Unbelievable well written, thrilling book. Cluny, Basil, Asmodeus and myself are great characters)
2. Mossflower (Epic tale!)
3. Mariel (the badguys were too weak and dumb :P, but I liked the island and great map.
4. Legend of Luke (really differentiates itself from the other books. Very nice story! Ending of book 2 could be better.
6. Martin the warrior (Nice story about Martins early life)
7. Mattimeo (nice adventure but didnt like Slagar and the, though exciting, end was a bit dissapointing
8. Brocktree (great army of Trunn and Brocktree was cool, story was not very exciting, though).

Will update this post and add more books when I have read them.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: SoranMBane on April 14, 2018, 08:05:30 PM
Well, I've read every one of these things (and even reread most of them within the last few years), so I may as well do my own ranking. Just keep in mind that, out of all the Redwall books, the only two I actually dislike are the bottom two; I ultimately like the rest of the series, even if a few of them do frustrate me for one reason or another. I'll also add short summaries of what my overall opinion is on each of them. But anyway, my rankings:

1) Martin the Warrior: Easily my favourite.
2) Mossflower: Awesome.
3) Rakkety Tam: Awesome.
4) The Sable Quean: Awesome.
5) The Long Patrol: Awesome.
6) The Bellmaker: Solid.
7) Marlfox: Solid.
8 ) Mariel of Redwall: Solid.
9) Lord Brocktree: Solid.
10) The Legend of Luke: Solid.
11) Salamandastron: Solid.
12) Mattimeo: Solid.
13) Pearls of Lutra: Solid.
14) Taggerung: Alright.
15) Doomwyte: Alright.
16) The Rogue Crew: Alright.
17) Triss: Alright.
18) High Rhulain: A bit frustrating, but still enjoyable.
19) Outcast of Redwall: A bit frustrating, but still enjoyable.
20) Redwall: Heavily flawed, but still enjoyable.
21) Eulalia!: Boring (and also the only Redwall book I found myself disliking as I was reading it the first time; even the one at the bottom of this list was one I only came to dislike in hindsight).
22) Loamhedge: It would be alright if it wasn't for the fact that everything to do with the Martha plot is just lazy and busted to the point of being messed up and kind of unintentionally offensive.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Captain Tammo on May 22, 2018, 09:30:19 PM
My turn! So there aren't actually any Redwall books I remember disliking. So just because some titles are in the latter half of the list does not necessarily mean they weren't enjoyed. Just didn't have the same moment another book at the top of the list had!

1. The Long Patrol:      First one I ever read, loved it!
2. High Rhulain:          Loved the journey in this. And some great character FOILs
3. Legend of Luke:      Specifically book II. Awesome story of a mouse with no "super powers" as some have
4. Rakkety Tam:          I really liked Tam - he was a great warrior
5. The Bellmaker:        So much goes on in this story and I read it at a really cool time in my life
6. Pearls of Lutra:        Ublaz is my favorite!
7. Mattimeo:               Slagar the Cruel is a standout villain in this series and makes the story really intense!
8. Salamandastron:     The struggles between badger lord and ferhago make this among the best
9. Redwall:                  How can you not like this one?!
10. Sable Quean:         Vilaya and Zwilt are amazing villains!
11. Martin the Warrior: This ones sad, but a really well-written story with an ending that beats almost all the others
12. Taggerung:             Finally a "good guy" species put into a "bad guy" role!
13. Marlfox:                 Again, the villains are what make this one special to me
14. Outcast of Redwall: I read this when I was beginning to think I knew the Redwall formula. I was very wrong!
15. Loamhedge:           Another sad one. A fantastic journey and some spectacular character development
16. Mossflower:            This one is epic. Just epic
17. Mariel of Redwall:   Mariel could beat any other hero up... with a rope. Talk about awesome!
18. Triss:                     I loved all the islands in this one! Ruddaring and Peace Island are among my favorites
19. Lord Brocktree:      Don't be fooled by the "low" ranking; this ones awesome, too!
20. Doomwyte:            Nice, mysterious villain lair, and the Baliss is a great character!
21. The Rogue Crew:    A band of sea otters team up with the Long Patrol for a fight. Need I say more?
22. Eulalia:                 I actually don't remember much from this one. It's the only reason it got the bottom.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Rooish on August 22, 2018, 11:03:25 PM
I haven't read anything past Loamhedge, and I  never got through that one. So I'll rank those I did read.

1) Mossflower - the first I read. It had real, well rounded characters; (even most of the vermin were somewhat sympathetic and realistic), it wasn't formulaic, and I loved the oppressed Woodlanders plot.

2) Martin the Warrior - because it's epic and dark and one of the saddest in the series.

3) Salamandastron - I guess I like the sad ones? I enjoyed learning about the culture of Salamandastron, the sideplots were interesting, and the ending was epic.

4) Outcast of Redwall - an edge of yourself read. I like what Jacques tried, and ultimately failed to do, with the series' controversial moral determinism.

5) Pearls of Lutra - Mad Eyes was great , Romsca was great, I actually enjoyed the Riddles, and I enjoyed the subplots.

5) The Long Patrol - the hares of the Long Patrol, my lads! I love the military plots so I enjoyed this one.

6) Mattimeo - the first few chapters are really emotional, Slagar is a great villain, there's tension, and I loved the Abbeydwellers' defense against Ironbeak.

7) Mariel of Redwall - Mariel's journey was powerful, and Greypatch was a great villain.

8) Marlfox - the British cover was amazing. I enjoyed the Marlfoxes as well as some of the character drama, like Rusvul and Dannflor. The kids' quest was cool.

9) Redwall - as the first in the series but not the first I read, it was a bit quirky and strayed quite a bit from the world and Abbey culture Jacques came up with after.

10) The Bellmaker - Blaggutt made this book. And Finbarr Galedeep.

11) Legend of Luke - I liked the adventures of Luke's crew on the ship.

12) Lord Brocktree - I don't remember much about this one but I enjoyed the frenemy relationship between Fleetscutt and that grumpy squirrel.

13) Taggerung - I like ferrets so I like that aspect of thiis book, and I liked how Jacques apparently attempted to tackle child abuse by parents in Nimbalo's case, but Deyna was such a letdown and the author failed miserably at making the protagonist raised by villains interesting. Also I feel like there was no real conflict?

14) Triss - kind of bland.

15) Loanhedge - way too much going on in this one, but I didn't really like any of the characters. Agreed that Martha's plot was kind of offensive.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: The Skarzs on August 23, 2018, 01:42:48 AM
Lol, Loamhedge is probably the least appreciated book of the series. That list seems reasonable, Rooish.

Have you considered getting back into the books and finish the series?
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: WUMASTER on August 31, 2018, 10:07:24 PM
A lot of people are putting Loamhedge towards the bottom. Plot is flawed with Martha learning to walk at the price of several lives.

My rankings: (can't remember all the plots, because I read the series three years ago)
1. Mattimeo- good one, and one of the most interesting. The nice part was the underground palace.
2. Triss- first book I read in the series. Exciting plot.
3. Redwall- the thing is, the first book in the series is always going to be slightly different from the follow-ups. Good plot and intro to series.
4. Martin the Warrior- before reading this book, Martin the Warrior has always been a spirit, but now I got to read about him "in broad daylight". It's nice to read this after you've read a different book, before Martin was introduced.
5. The Bellmaker- a good journey south. I've always wanted to know what were other regions near Redwall Abbey, and now I got introduced to Southsward. However, what is even further south of that is still a mystery. Can't complain, though, because of how good the plot was. If Mr. Jacques designed further books with maps for more areas, eventually he'll have to design the whole planet, though.
6. Mossflower- the interesting story of how Redwall came to be, and what was in Mossflower beforehand.
7. The Legend of Luke- Probably one of the earliest time periods in this series. Luke has always been someone whose only spoken of by characters and does not come out into the plot. It's nice to actually have him in the plot.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Delthion on September 03, 2018, 06:52:14 AM
I'll rank some, but unfortunately I don't remember all of them...

1. Rakkety Tam - Highland Squirrels. 'nuff said. ;D But to be a bit more specific, the entire story is fairly sound, most of the faults that take place in most of the books (in my mind at least) do not happen in Rakkety Tam. The only part that I dislike is how Gulo starts killing off all of his horde.

2. Lord Brocktree - The first Redwall book that I read has the one of the greatest beginnings to a book in all of Redwall: the last of an aging group of hares and their Badgerlord stand against the innumerable horde of vermin lead by Ungatt Trunn. Stonepaw's character is one of my favorites in the entire series. Only misses first place because of Highland Squirrels. ;D

3. Mattimeo - Points off for disappointing main villain, but other than that, a great book. Possibly with the most interesting villain in Redwall.

4. Martin the Warrior - If you haven't noticed yet, I like the ones where the goodbeasts and vermin go against each other
toe-to-toe. So Badrang's fight with Martin is a great one. Penalties for creating characters that you wanted to live with every fiber of your being only to have them trampled underfoot by the great pen. ;D

5. Outcast of Redwall - My favorite character in this whole book is the kestrel, his relationship with Sunflash is the best part of the book. I like Sunflash's character a lot as well. Penalties for killing off too many characters, and disappointing end battle, and Bryony. (I think that's how her name is spelled.)

Tied for 5th. Loamhedge - I don't honestly see why so many people hate this book. I really like the two rogue dibbuns coming back to Redwall, and I LOVE the return to Loamhedge, so much mystery surrounds this earlier Abbey that it is nice to see a little revealed. The end with Martha spontaneously learning to walk With a magic sword, a warrior spirit mouse that haunts a great hall in a tapestry, and will randomly inspire various creatures to take up said magic sword to save the abbey from various invaders, all of this is present in a book and yet a beast can't just walk again? This is were we draw the line of suspending our belief? Points off for not having a memorable villain. Honestly I can't remember any siege or anything, only the journey to Loamhedge and back.

6. Legend of Luke - I really like finally seeing Abbess what's her name, the founder of Redwall, and one of the most renowned creatures throughout the books, second only to Martin really, yet her character is substantially less fleshed out than his. Points off for everyone dying in the end. ;D

7. Doomwyte - The villains in this are crafted masterfully, Baliss is the snake that probably holds the most emphasis in the series for me (yes that includes Asmodeus. ;D Also, I don't remember the Raven's name but he was great too). The return to Brockhall was particularly interesting, but as I had not read Mossflower this was my first visit there. The environment in the villain's lair is some of the greatest descriptive writing that I have read in Redwall. The riddles in this were particularly enjoyable to me compared to most of the others. This one on the whole, however, just doesn't leave as much of an impact as the ones above it on this list.

8. Eulalia - This is the last of the ones that I mostly enjoyed, I enjoyed Mossflower but for about 50% of the time. Thud'n'Blunder forever! ;D I also liked the sage Badger, though I don't know exactly why, I like the redemption of Orkwill, and Gorath is one of my top three Badgers in Redwall. Stonepaw, Brocktree, and Gorath being those top three. But on the whole it  was fairly average.

8. Mossflower - I don't remember as much about this one, it's our first introduction to Brockhall, and to the land that Redwall would be built on. However, if I do remember correctly, the ending was EXTREMELY disappointing, but I'm not sure if that's correct or not. But the worst thing in this book that I can remember without a shadow of a doubt is the disappointment of Boar the Fighter. The most legendary warrior in all of Redwall, his name has been lauded throughout every Redwall book that Involves Salamandastron, and he just walks out onto the beach one night after forging Martin's sword, and fights a huge horde of searats to the death.

9. Pearls of Lutra - I enjoyed this one a little more than Mossflower, but the main character death that Brian Jacques added in this one particularly gutted me for some reason. I was deeply depressed for about a week after reading that chapter, and I don't know why. I wasn't particularly attached to the character...so yeah. ;D

10. Salamandastron - Just fairly lack-luster in my opinion, part of the reason for that is that I have one of those "Friend and Foe" posters, and the villain that I looked forward to meeting the most was Ferahgo, but he wasn't much of an assassin, he just lead a small band of vermin, and had Salamandastron's food supplies poisoned.

11. Sable Quean - Master of stealth and the blade against another great swordsman? Now that promises to be great! Such potential was in this one and it was completely wrecked. I liked the "death" of Vilaya in this book, at least, until it was found out that she wasn't actually dead. The thing that I absolutely DESPISED in this one is the way Zwilt is dispatched. If the duel that we were promised from the beginning of the book was carried out well, this book would be in the top three, as it is it's one of my lowest ranked books. Redeeming quality is the Bloodwrath mole, that made me smile.

11. Triss - I didn't dislike this one as much as I disliked Sable Quean, but there isn't really anything to dislike, it's fairly bland, I am fairly sure that Brian Jacques was just experimenting with the way he told the final battle, seeing as how he never did this again, I would say that he learned well from that mistake.

12. Taggerung - It was a fierce battle for last place, but this one barely one out. The reason I dislike this one is mainly because I dislike the entire story of Taggerung, and there isn't really anything that really stuck out to me. I am fairly certain that one of the most feared hordes in the land never amounted to any more than an imagined threat, so that was seriously disappointing.

13. The Rogue Crew - Definitely the worst book that I can remember in my opinion, it seems to me that in this one Brian Jacques spent to much time dwelling on the villain's rise to power, and the construction of the landship that he built, that he didn't leave enough time for the resolution. The one thing that brings the Rogue Crew way down here is my utter hatred of the sword-bearer in this one. Every time it seems Martin chooses a person to wield his sword, in this one, he chooses a mole who does absolutely nothing. It seems as if the never-faltering spirit of Martin was just playing a practical joke on everyone, because to my memory his sword never accomplishes anything noteworthy in this book.

Honorable Mentions that I can't remember for the life of me.

1. Redwall (Read this one second to last and I can't remember any of it, maybe that reflects on its quality?)
2. The Bellmaker/Mariel of Redwall
3. Marlfox
4. The Long Patrol
5. High Rulain (I remember absolutely NOTHING about this one. I don't remember the storyline, the villains, the main good guy, the abbot. Nothing.)

So ends my short ranking that accidentally turned into a dissertation. ;D
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Jetthebinturong on September 03, 2018, 09:29:42 PM
Quote from: Delthion on September 03, 2018, 06:52:14 AM
Tied for 5th. Loamhedge - I don't honestly see why so many people hate this book. I really like the two rogue dibbuns coming back to Redwall, and I LOVE the return to Loamhedge, so much mystery surrounds this earlier Abbey that it is nice to see a little revealed. The end with Martha spontaneously learning to walk With a magic sword, a warrior spirit mouse that haunts a great hall in a tapestry, and will randomly inspire various creatures to take up said magic sword to save the abbey from various invaders, all of this is present in a book and yet a beast can't just walk again? This is were we draw the line of suspending our belief? Points off for not having a memorable villain. Honestly I can't remember any siege or anything, only the journey to Loamhedge and back.
She doesn't learn to walk again, her not being able to walk was "all in her mind." She only needs to believe in herself to be able to walk, which is a disgusting message. Also, Martin sends Brag and Saro off on a quest to look for a cure that doesn't exist, so that they die pointlessly. And when I say pointlessly, I mean there was absolutely no reason for them to go. Martha "learned to walk" even without their fake cure. It's pathetic. The whole Brag and Saro plotline was pointless, the main plot would've gone the exact same way without it. This is bad writing. Pointless aspects are supposed to be removed in the drafting process.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Delthion on September 03, 2018, 11:21:56 PM
Ah, I still enjoy it though. Although I can certainly see the reasons for not doing so. ;D
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: WUMASTER on September 05, 2018, 08:10:43 PM
I'll probably re-read Loamhedge if I have time, to get a refresher. Then I'll give a more accurate ranking.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Vilu Deskar on September 07, 2018, 01:05:04 AM
I have only read 5 so here yer go.
1. Legend of Luke
2. Redwall/Mossflower
3. Lord Brocktree
4. Mattimeo
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Grond on September 10, 2018, 03:40:30 AM
Quote from: Jetthebinturong on September 03, 2018, 09:29:42 PM
She doesn't learn to walk again, her not being able to walk was "all in her mind." She only needs to believe in herself to be able to walk, which is a disgusting message. Also, Martin sends Brag and Saro off on a quest to look for a cure that doesn't exist, so that they die pointlessly. And when I say pointlessly, I mean there was absolutely no reason for them to go. Martha "learned to walk" even without their fake cure. It's pathetic. The whole Brag and Saro plotline was pointless, the main plot would've gone the exact same way without it. This is bad writing. Pointless aspects are supposed to be removed in the drafting process.

I agree on the part about the disability- it probably would have been better if he left her disabled and that even with her disability she did great things for the Abbey and lived a happy or satisfying life. Would have likely sent a better message to disabled readers of the series.

But I don't agree that the Saro and Brag quest was "pointless". I personally liked how in that book Redwall took on darker undertones. Maybe I'm reading to far into it and am finding meanings that don't exist but hear me out. Saro and Brag died as they had lived: as warriors and wanderers. They would not have died gracefully from old age or even lived out their last days well. They were accustomed to wandering all of their lives and suddenly they would have to be content with living out their lives watching their abilities and mobility vanish with old age. They could no longer enjoy the life they so loved and chose. Instead they died a death of their choosing and they went out with a bang and the way they wanted to. That quest also tempered Horty the hare and the 2 other abbey maids. It transformed Horty into a fledging warrior from an immature youngster. And it laid the foundation for one the maids to mature into a budding abbess. All 3 were fairly immature and mischievous before the quest. So the quest served a purpose but not necessarily the one Martin intended for it. I personally quite liked this and that book as a whole...
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Vilu Deskar on September 10, 2018, 03:50:53 AM
Welp just finished Martin the Warrior, new ranking.
1. Mossflower
2. Redwall/Legend of Luke
3. Lord Brocktree
4. Salamandastron
5. Martin the Warrior
6.Mattimeo\Outcast of Redwall
7. The Bellmaker
8. Mariel of Redwall
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: WUMASTER on September 28, 2018, 12:01:05 AM
I noticed a trend with the Redwall series, when I first read it in 2015, which I haven't posted about here yet.

Basically, the first book of the series was different from the others. It was somewhat flawed, but it was the first book, so even the author is getting used to the new series, let alone the reader. Readers will probably forgive the little mistakes in the book, because every series is like that. The first book in a series may have certain flaws that the author does not even notice, but the book is still awesome.

Then, the later books change. The action gets much better, and there are much more exciting battles, and of greater variety. Those were books Mossflower-Triss.

Unfortunately, the series kind of repeats the same themes throughout, and by the later books of the series, it does get kind of repetitive. Nonetheless, they're still very good books that I enjoyed. I wanted there to be more books in the series. The action did get more intense in the later books, with newer inventions like the crossbow. As I've said in other places on this website, I sure would have liked to see a Redwall book where they invent gunpowder!

There are special cases, too. For instance, most people would agree that Loamhedge isn't exactly the best book, and I agree. There are some problems with it, but as someone who has read all the books before it, I would have to forgive the mistake. While reading this book I did experience those feelings. But for people who have read Loamhedge as their first book in this series, that might be a different story.

Speaking of which, are there any people who have read Loamhedge as their first book in this series?
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Cornflower MM on September 28, 2018, 08:23:19 PM
Quote from: WUMASTER on September 28, 2018, 12:01:05 AM
Unfortunately, the series kind of repeats the same themes throughout, and by the later books of the series, it does get kind of repetitive. Nonetheless, they're still very good books that I enjoyed. I wanted there to be more books in the series. The action did get more intense in the later books, with newer inventions like the crossbow. As I've said in other places on this website, I sure would have liked to see a Redwall book where they invent gunpowder!

Would you really? That's interesting. I don't think I've ever really seen someone mention the idea of a book where they invent gunpowder. (Likely my negligence in keeping up with the forum, I'm not doubting you've said it) It's certainly an interesting idea, although I'm not sure how much I like it.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Ashleg on September 29, 2018, 03:37:16 AM
If Loamhedge was my first impression, I bet I wouldn't have read any other books in this series!
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: WUMASTER on September 29, 2018, 03:42:30 AM
Quote from: Cornflower MM on September 28, 2018, 08:23:19 PM
Would you really? That's interesting. I don't think I've ever really seen someone mention the idea of a book where they invent gunpowder. (Likely my negligence in keeping up with the forum, I'm not doubting you've said it) It's certainly an interesting idea, although I'm not sure how much I like it.

I guess Mr. Jacques didn't include it because that would mean the end of Redwall. The peaceful abbey beasts wouldn't be the kind to get gunpowder. Most likely, searats would get guns, and invade Redwall pretty easily. A sword can't stand against a gun that easily.

I think Salamandastron hares would make or buy guns to defend searats, because they patrol the west coast of Mossflower Country.

Imagine what would happen if it were the far future, and there were laser beams!
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: DanielofRedwall on October 21, 2018, 04:43:44 AM
I do appreciate/love all of the books, but:

1. Mossflower: Best characters, best story. Loved the villains, of course Martin's character arc, and the story of the oppressed woodlanders banding together to overturn an evil rule is perfect.
2. Martin the Warrior: Ditto. Ending still makes my heart ache to think about it.
3. Mariel of Redwall: Always loved the character of Mariel, and this book has a great plot.
4. Redwall: First one I read so always will be close to my heart, still a fantastic story even if Jacques was finding his feet a bit at times.
5. The Bellmaker: I loved the Southsward region (always wished the returned there in later books), and the continuation with Mariel of Redwall.
6. Mattimeo: Slagar is one of the best villains Jacques has written, and I loved the storyline in this one.
7. Outcast of Redwall: Some nice script-switching on this one, and I've always loved the duo of Sunflash and Skarlath.
8. The Legend of Luke: I really enjoyed the two-stories-in-one thing going on here, and explores the best Redwall characters written (Martin, Luke etc.) in my opinion.
9. Pearls of Lutra: The emphasis on riddles on this one was really fun.
10. Long Patrol: The Long Patrol were always one of the most interesting parts of the books, so exploring how they actually operate made for a really fun book.
11. Rakkety Tam: I love Rakkety Tam as a character but didn't have the same kind of flare in storytelling as the others.
12. Rogue Crew: Personally thought this was a real return to form from Jacques. Loved the idea of the otter crew being the leads on this one.
13. Eulalia!: Super enjoyed the character journey of Gorath and the villain but some of the other plotlines dragged a little.
14. Taggerung: Still frustrated by how easily the conflict of an otter being raised by a vermin pack was resolved, but it did have a great plot.
15. Doomwyte: I enjoyed the bird villains and emphasis on the painted ones, but not the most thrilling of the books.
16. Lord Brocktree: Might be surprised to see this one so low but I did find the plot dragged a bit, as good as the characters (especially the villain) were.
17. Salamandastron: Just not super interesting.
18. High Rhulain: I like Tiria as a character but was a bit Sue-ish, and overall some of the characters were a bit under-written.
19. Marlfox: Found this one a bit boring, as much as I loved Cregga and Songbreeze.
20. Sable Queen: A pretty by-the-numbers Redwall book, not much interesting about it, although I do love there being a warrior mole. If only they had a better book to appear in.
21. Triss: Honestly found this one boring.
22. Loamhedge: Just the least interesting of them in my opinion.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Steelinghades on October 21, 2018, 11:37:46 PM
Quote from: WUMASTER on September 29, 2018, 03:42:30 AM
I guess Mr. Jacques didn't include it because that would mean the end of Redwall. The peaceful abbey beasts wouldn't be the kind to get gunpowder. Most likely, searats would get guns, and invade Redwall pretty easily. A sword can't stand against a gun that easily.

I think Salamandastron hares would make or buy guns to defend searats, because they patrol the west coast of Mossflower Country.

Imagine what would happen if it were the far future, and there were laser beams!

The thing is though that swords can be competitive with guns. Why do people always forget e Renaissance and the rest of the Early Modern period, where guns and swords existed together. For example, the fully armoured knight and firearms existed alongside each other for upwards of three centuries.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: The Skarzs on October 22, 2018, 01:00:13 AM
Yeah, around 1450 onwards. But they weren't widely or effectively used for a long time, which is why it's easy to pass them off. Also, we aren't necessarily sure what time Redwall is set in. It could be anywhere from, say, 600, to the 1500s. Their technology hasn't seemed to advance much other than a crossbow.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Vilu Deskar on October 22, 2018, 02:08:51 AM
1. Mossflower/Rakkety Tam
2. Redwall/The Long Patrol
3. Lord Brocktree
4. Salamandastron
5. Legend of Luke
6. Mattimeo
7. Outcast of Redwall
8. Marlfox
9. Pearls of Lutra
10. Martin the Warrior
11.The Bellmaker
12. Mariel of Redwall
13. High Rhulian
14. Triss
16. Loamhedge
17. Taggerung
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Steelinghades on October 22, 2018, 09:42:44 PM
Quote from: The Skarzs on October 22, 2018, 01:00:13 AM
Yeah, around 1450 onwards. But they weren't widely or effectively used for a long time, which is why it's easy to pass them off. Also, we aren't necessarily sure what time Redwall is set in. It could be anywhere from, say, 600, to the 1500s. Their technology hasn't seemed to advance much other than a crossbow.

A bit earlier then that, firearms were used in warfare in the 1,360s during the hundred years war.

As for Redwall's closest historical analogue judging by weapons and armour, I'd say roughly 13th century based on Mossflower and the full maille suits the vermin were using. Although as a whole Redwall varies extremely.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: The Skarzs on October 22, 2018, 11:06:12 PM
Mm, I'm not sure about that. The Celts had chainmail way before then, back in Roman times. Really, full articulated plate armor like some the Badger Lords had would date it better, since plate armor fell in and out of style during the Dark ages.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Steelinghades on October 23, 2018, 03:59:43 PM
Quote from: The Skarzs on October 22, 2018, 11:06:12 PM
Mm, I'm not sure about that. The Celts had chainmail way before then, back in Roman times. Really, full articulated plate armor like some the Badger Lords had would date it better, since plate armor fell in and out of style during the Dark ages.

Plate armour--and articulated plate--exsisted in the bronze age, though Boar's armour is a bit more advanced then my thirteenth century answer I admit, however the Badger Lord's armour has generally been one of a kind and not seen on any other character--with maybe the exception of martin in mossflower, I forget how his armour was described--whereas the vermin armour was shown in far greater number then any other point in the entire series.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Vilu Deskar on November 30, 2018, 04:36:35 AM
1. Mossflower/Rakkety Tam
2. Redwall/The Long Patrol
3. Lord Brocktree
4. Salamandastron
5. Legend of Luke
6. Mattimeo
7. Outcast of Redwall
8. Marlfox
9. Pearls of Lutra
10. Martin the Warrior
11. Eulalia!
12.The Bellmaker
13. Mariel of Redwall
14. High Rhulian
15. Triss
16. Loamhedge
17. Doomwyte
18. Taggerung
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Captain Tammo on December 02, 2018, 05:49:05 AM
I'm re-reading the Taggerung right now via audiobook. Definitely would bump this one up my list! Perhaps it's the performances, but I think the story itself has a very nice charm to it!
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Tungro on May 21, 2019, 04:48:55 PM
Finally got this down,
Mariel of Redwall
Mossflower
High Rhulain
The Legend of Luke
Pearls of Lutra
Martin the Warrior
The Long Patrol
Salamandastron
Redwall
The Bellmaker
Taggerung
Mattimeo
Triss
Lord Brocktree
Marlfox
Rakkety Tam
Sable Queen
Doomwyte
Rouge Crew
Outcast of Redwall
Loamhedge
Eulalia
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Grond on May 29, 2019, 06:56:28 PM
Quote from: WUMASTER on September 29, 2018, 03:42:30 AM
Quote from: Cornflower MM on September 28, 2018, 08:23:19 PM
Would you really? That's interesting. I don't think I've ever really seen someone mention the idea of a book where they invent gunpowder. (Likely my negligence in keeping up with the forum, I'm not doubting you've said it) It's certainly an interesting idea, although I'm not sure how much I like it.

I guess Mr. Jacques didn't include it because that would mean the end of Redwall. The peaceful abbey beasts wouldn't be the kind to get gunpowder. Most likely, searats would get guns, and invade Redwall pretty easily. A sword can't stand against a gun that easily.

I think Salamandastron hares would make or buy guns to defend searats, because they patrol the west coast of Mossflower Country.

Imagine what would happen if it were the far future, and there were laser beams!

The Redwallers did keep other weapons though like swords, spears, bows and arrows etc... also at certain points it had a larger armoury than at others. The big problem with gunpowder would be that Redwall would lose its ability to be a fortified safe haven. If a vermin army had cannons they could easily breach a hole in the walls that would then have to be repaired and the process would often repeat itself. Eventually making it unfeasible to upkeep the abbey. Absent gunpowder it is quite difficult for an opposing army to raze a wall. The invention of the cannon was largely the reason why castles fell out of use...
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: clunylooney on March 26, 2020, 04:10:23 PM
I have only read 20 redwall books but here are my Rankings: (JFTR I like all the books that I have read)
1. Mossflower: The definition of epic
2. Redwall: The original, with the best villain ever
3. High Rhulain: Had some of the most epic villains and great heroes in the entire series
4. Marlfox: The Marlfoxes are great villains, the journeys and the siege on redwall were awesome.
5. Taggerung: People are way to hard on it, this was the first redwall book where not even one chapter bored me
6. The Bellmaker: I almost cried at the end
7. The Legend of Luke: Has some of my absolute favorite characters in the series and is super engaging
8. Outcast of Redwall: I love the Sunflash vs Swartt in this book.
9. The Long Patrol: The battle at the end was the best in the series and it was just in general an amazing book
10. Lord Brocktree: The Characters are amazing in this and Book 2 and 3 are great
11. The Pearls of Lutra: The riddles were fun and I love how much new Jaques brought in
12. Doomwyte: This book went from just trying to find some jewels to a war with painted ones and the craziest battle ever
13. Loamhedge: This book was great. There were a few problems with it, but it didn't take away from the experience
14. Rakkety Tam: There wasn't really anything I truly disliked about this book. It's a good book!
15. Salamandastron: This book was really really fun
16. Mattimeo: The more I think about it the more I like it
17. Martin the Warrior: Don't be fooled by how low this is, this one was real good too
18. The Sable Quean: Had fun with this. Also had many problems with this. Quite a few problems actually. But I still enjoyed it!
19. Eulalia!: I honestly liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. But still was nothing AMAZING
20. Triss: I enjoyed it. The Characters aren't great but Plugg Firetail, his crew and the adder siblings were awesome
21. Mariel of Redwall: I liked the characters and the Graypatch storyline but not much else
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Kade Rivok on March 26, 2020, 06:21:21 PM
Aw, sad to see Brocktree so low on the list....

Glad to see you posting though, noticed you looking around the other day  ^-^

If you feel like, you can go to the Introduction Topic (http://redwallabbey.com/forum/index.php?topic=177.0) and introduce yourself to everyone!  It's a good way to meet some of the forum folk.

Either way, I hope you have fun while you're here.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: clunylooney on March 26, 2020, 06:50:11 PM
Quote from: Kade Rivok on March 26, 2020, 06:21:21 PM
Aw, sad to see Brocktree so low on the list....

Glad to see you posting though, noticed you looking around the other day  ^-^

If you feel like, you can go to the Introduction Topic (http://redwallabbey.com/forum/index.php?topic=177.0) and introduce yourself to everyone!  It's a good way to meet some of the forum folk.

Either way, I hope you have fun while you're here.
To make you feel better, If I were to give Lord Brocktree a score from 1 to 10, I would definitely give it an 8. Also, thank you!
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Kade Rivok on March 26, 2020, 07:22:03 PM
Hahaha, that does indeed  ;D
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Dante8002 on March 27, 2020, 05:51:38 AM
1. Loamhedge

Bit surprised how everyone's least favourite seems to be this one. For me it was excellent, and I wasn't bothered by Bragoon and Saro losing their lives for nothing. They took down the whole of Kharanjal thingamummy's army, but this book was super and had awesome characters, such as Lonna Bowstripe. I was very sad at Bragoon and Saro's death though.

2. High Rhulain

From the cats to Leatho Shellhound, everything was awesome here. Not Tiria though. I also loved Major Cuthbert Frunk W. Bloodpaw in here. He is either greatly adored or very lowly. But his deed of killing five cats wasn't to exaggerated though, since those feral cats were trash fighters.

3. The Bellmaker

Who doesn't love The Bellmaker? It's plot is awesome and Finbarr and Rab are super cool otters. Finbarr's death is pretty sad though.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: clunylooney on April 01, 2020, 05:45:33 PM
Quote
From the cats to Leatho Shellhound, everything was awesome here. Not Tiria though. I also loved Major Cuthbert Frunk W. Bloodpaw in here. He is either greatly adored or very lowly. But his deed of killing five cats wasn't to exaggerated though, since those feral cats were trash fighters.


Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: clunylooney on April 01, 2020, 05:49:36 PM
Yay! Another High Rhulain Fan! And You like Loamhedge?!? WHY ARE YOU SO AWESOME?!?!?!??!?!
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: clunylooney on April 08, 2020, 12:33:39 AM
I fixed it.
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Verdauga on April 08, 2020, 12:36:40 AM
Hey, cluny? The mods don't like it when we double post. They want us to use that nice, shiny modify button just in the corner of your post there. Bye! ;)
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: clunylooney on April 08, 2020, 12:40:12 AM
Quote from: Verdauga on April 08, 2020, 12:36:40 AM
Hey, cluny? The mods don't like it when we double post. They want us to use that nice, shiny modify button just in the corner of your post there. Bye! ;)
Verdauga, could you ask someone to delete that post I just made? I accidentally clicked quote instead of modify, then deleted the quote bit because I was confused (I still thought it was on modify) and then realized that I messed up and I didn't know how to delete. Please Help!
Title: Re: Ranking the Redwall Books
Post by: Verdauga on April 08, 2020, 12:52:34 AM
Just send a private message to either DanielofRedwall or Captain Tammo, or Jukka the Sling and they can delete it for you. You might also want to quote the posts you want deleted. Here, I'll @ them for you.(Don't worry, we've all hit the quote button instead of modify at some point. They're generally pretty cool about it) :)

@Captain Tammo could you please delete replies 35 and 36?