Did the magic of Redwall "die away" for you?

[Jack the Quick]

Yeah I'm with Jet on this one. After a while, everything just melded together into this stereotypical "nice child with godlike powers genocides evil mustelids because quasireligious castle has fancy upholstery" nonsense that wasn't very entertaining since you knew exactly how it would go. By the time I got to Taggerung, reading the series basically became a chore, since they were all the same at that point bar one or two gimmicks. I think I sold my books pretty much the second I put down Rogue Crew, since I felt like I'd basically just spent three months reading Triss over and over again.

That is one problem with the Redwall series, but my favorite part has always been the vermin. I even made a hug chart with info from every named vermin in the whole series. My point is, if you look hard enough, every character has a story.

That's the truth. Do you write poetry? That was good. 

The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan.

Ah, yes. That was a good series.

[Mommui]

To be honest I can't see the magic died completely, but parts.  I understand that the black and white morality isn't the best, and that the fact all "Rodents" are universally evil (save a few here and there) and seem to be no matter what. In addition, the formulaic plots and repetition can get boring but, I still find the magic in the series still. I find comfort and magic in the warmth of the abbey walls, the descriptions of cheer and feasts, the concept that a hero can emerge when the time is needed, and that maybe a ghost of a warrior is watching us and protecting us. I still enjoy reading the journey these characters go on and the picture books as well.

So basically no.

[Gonff the Mousethief]

I think this is a really interesting topic and one I really had to think about. But I guess, for me, the answer would have to be no.

When I first got into Redwall I knew that some magic was there. The writing, the pictures on top of each chapter, the world itself; all of it filled by with joy. Each book I read always felt like it was evolving that formula and throwing new twists, secrets, and lore left and right. I loved getting to the end not because of the fight, but because I was on step closer to the next book. For me, the magic came from what the books were about: adventure. All the quests these heroes took part in inspired me like nothing else. It instilled within me a strong urge to explore, seek out challenges, and face them no matter what. So, by the time I finished the series and started to grow older, that central idea stuck within me. Really, it did more than just push me forward. My own book, The Bridge of Evon, focuses on that adventure. Not only does it take heavy emphasis from Redwall but it also helps push on that core thing that made me fall in love over and over and over again.

I guess the thing is with me is that I always try and see what makes something itself, even children books such as Redwall. Every author brings a new something or another to the table that makes their craft fully their's. Jacques just so happened to be able to form such brilliant, monumental journeys that always left the reader invested until the final word. Now, when I look back to Mossflower Wood and the Abbey all I can think of are those adventures I took, the travels I was a part of. Redwall ingrained that in me; now, really, I'm stuck with it.

Even though some of the later books start to falter in quality (I feel mainly from Jacques simply getting older and such), something pretty great still lies in those pages, even if, for me, they haven't been turned for years. I guess when I love something and dedicate myself to it the thing just never seems to go away, no matter how hard I try.

[Jarky Thistlebrush]

Redwall will always be magic for me.

[shisteer of nothing much]

Redwall will always be magic for me.

Hare, hare!
I think the things I like best about the Redwall books are the characters and the way a lot of them are linked together in some way. I love hearing how a main character from one book impacted the lives of characters in a totally different adventure.

[Rokukeshiba]

I read Redwall as a kid, nice books.

[Jarky Thistlebrush]

Welcome Rokukeshiba! (Any nicknames I might be able to call you?)

[Verdauga]

Hello Rokukeshiba! (Little side-note: we have an intro topic here [ http://redwallabbey.com/forum/index.php?topic=177.0] if you want to formally introduce yourself there!)
*Back on topic,*

I like Redwall because it mostly has straight-up good and evil. It's a trope, but it's simplicity is refreshing. And it's rather well-executed, too.

[shisteer of nothing much]

I agree wholeheartedly.

[Kade Rivok]

I like Redwall because it mostly has straight-up good and evil. It's a trope, but it's simplicity is refreshing. And it's rather well-executed, too.

I agree with you there, I rather like the simplicity of that aspect.  For me, it let's you mentally remove those worries from your mind (about who's good and who ain't and who's sorta both) so that I can just enjoy the characters and the stories.

For me, Redwall hasn't lost it's magic at all.  I've been going through the books again, but since I don't have much downtime for reading, I've been listening to some of the audio books instead.  I had no idea that they were narrated by Brian Jacques and fully voice acted by a cast.  It was a pleasant surprise and I was really drawn into the stories because of it.  If you haven't listened to these, I'd suggest doing so; they're great!

I think as long as you don't let yourself get bogged down by the simplified morality, and instead use that fact to let yourself revel in the feelings of sadness, joy, and camaraderie that Mr. Jacques is trying to convey, these books can still impart much of the magic that you felt in your younger years.