[Mithfânion]

Only recently heard of this series?

It's about moles I understand. Naturally I wonder as to why this series is the success it certainly seems to be, since it is about moles. You'll forgive my scepsis I hope.

What is the story about? Is this comparable to Horwood's Wolves of Time or Adams's Watersship Down? Can you explain why it is so loved?

[Ogg]

I believe that it is about Mice. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Qin]

If you value your standards, you'll stay away from Jaques' books. They're terribly written. Redwall is nowhere near as good as Watership Down. I feel dirty for even attempting to compare them.

[Tagalie]

not only mice. There are "good" animals ie squirrels, otters, hares and badger: brave and noble etc. The "bad" animals are pesky vermin ie rats, ferrets, stoats and foxes: nasty and dirty.
There is quite a lot of fighting, but nothing as rocking as the armoured bears in Northern Lights.
Unless you discovered them as a child/teen they probably won't do anything for you. The first three rock; the rest are just paler imitations.
There is nothing as beautifully written as Hazel's exit in Watership Down, but that's true of most things.

[Vitriol]

I actually read some of them when I was younger, and they're standard adventure fare but with animals instead of people.

They're nothing like Horwood's Wolves or Duncton series, or Watership down, as the animals behave like people (wearing clothes, building houses, wielding swords and bows etc). As Tagalie says, there are a whole bunch of animals, some of which are good, and some not. If any 'evil' animal, like a weasel, or rat, claims to have seen the light, it will betray everyone at some later date, guarenteed. By coincidence, the animals only ever fall in love with others of their species.

The books follow a fairly formulaic pattern;a bunch of young animals set out on some quest or other, often at the prompting of a dream. While they are away, their home is attacked by a horde of evil animals, and the younglings return just in time to save the day.

They're definitely books for children, and as such aren't all that bad, but there are definitely many others that are far superior.

As for moles, you're probably thinking of William Horwood's earlier Duncton Wood cycle, which IMO is much better than his Wolves one.

[Mithfânion]

Yes, I confused it with Horwood's moles.

[Blizzaurel]

Yeah, the only time Redwall ever did anything for me was before I reached high school- but still, Mossflower and Redwall are both pretty good, I just don't read any of his stuff any more b/c he writes the same story over and over again (he's way worse than Eddings that way)... but he's good for one or two books.

[Sammie]

I adored the first 5 (ish) Redwall books.....but i was 9 when i discovered them. Think that says it all really http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

Good kids books, but in no way comparable with Watership Down.

[Princess of Darkness]

Soooo agree with all of above, but sadly still read them - thats what having a younger sister does for you. I also have a sentimental streak - still cry when reading Mattimeo. I think its the innocence of it all....

The Hares are definitely the best characters. However it is Jaques' descripion of the food that always makes my mouth water - anyone else have the same problem?
If you like Redwall you should try stuff by Robin Jarvis - its much better.

LOL P. Darky

[Steerpike]

I've seen a Redwall cartoon series on TV recently. Haven't watched more than a couple of minutes though.