Martin the Warrior [Paperback]

I have read Redwall, Matimeo, Salamandastron, Mossflower, and Martin the Warrior so far, and my two favorites are Mossflower and Martin the Warrior. In this book we delve even deeper into the origins of the greatest hero of the Redwall series. We find out where he got his sword, who his first love was, and how he freed the slaves of his homeland and ultimately came to wander into the land of Mossflower all alone.

This is a truly epic tale about true love, revenge, loyalty, and the lonely life a true warrior is destined to lead. Superbly written, action-packed, and ultimately deeply sad and heartfelt, this is a book that demands to be read and re-read.

If you enjoyed other books in the series you owe it to yourself to give this one a read. If you liked Mossflower it's a definite must-buy.

The story begins with Martin serving as a slave to build a fortress for the crazed, tyrant hopeful, stoat Badrang. When he sees an old squirrel being beaten, he decides that he has had enough. He grabs the taskmaster's whip and tries to strangle him with it. Unfortunantly, he is stopped and hung outside to be killed by the elements or the seabirds. During a storm that night, he cries out about his troubles and a mousemaid named Rose hears him. She says that she and her molefriend, Grumm, will try to help him. Martin survives the storm and Rose and Grumm manage to drive off the seabirds. Meanwhile, Badrang suddenly sees the ship 'Seascarab' on the cost and orders Martin thrown into the pit. The captain of the 'Seascarab' is none other than Tramun Clogg, Badrang's old 'business' partner. Inside the pit, Martin meats Felldoh, the old squirrel's son, and brome, Rose's brother. Together they manage to instruct Grumm on where to dig a tunnel to aid in their escape. They finally manage toescape while Badrang's hoard fights off Tramun Clogg's crew planning to meat in Noonvale. Unfortunantly, the boat they steal was sabotaged and they get seperated in the sea. Felldoh and Brome meat up with a traveling troupe and attempt to free the slaves in marshank. Meanwhile, Martin, Rose, and Grumm begin the perilous journey to Noonvale in which they make many new friends and create an army to free the slaves in Marshank.

Martin the Warrior is one of, if not, the best Redwall book. The story is filled with adventure, excitement, humor, and tragedy. If you choose to buy the audio version, the cast is superb. Brian Jacques is the narrator and his son and friends along with several professional actors portray the characters.I would recomend this book to any one, fan of Redwall or not. In my opinion, this book would also be great as the first Redwall book you read because it's story is independant from the other books and they, sort of, depend on it.