Redwall

This is one book that truly qualifies as a “modern classic” of YA literature.

This is the book that launched what would go on to be a 22-book series spanning some 25 years. But really, this book is a perfectly good story all by itself. You need not read any other in the series to enjoy this tale of heroism and courage set in a richly adorned world of woodland creatures and villainous monsters.

The vivid imagery Jacques uses in his writing makes the whole world of Redwall really come to life. You might say, as Jacques himself said, that… show more.

The lines between good and evil are clearly drawn in Jaques series written for a school of blind children he encountered regularly early in his life. His books are so visually descriptive because of that encounter. A wonderful adventure series written for children about talking animals, but again, to be enjoyed by all ages as his books are full of real adventure and danger. Now I’m unsure as to whether the series has religious undertones, but a clear division of good versus evil is depicted. Warning, there is much death, and even murder, as related to the perils of the… show more.

These books will always be on my list of favorites. The main characters are all animals, but the author does such a fantastic job describing them that you’d have to remind yourself they aren’t human. They are personified so well, yet there are also wonderful descriptions and details that remind you they are animals. I always found myself rooting for these characters in the same ways that I do when I’m reading a well-written book with human characters. You get sucked into their world, so much so that you almost feel like you are one of them.

Perhaps a little too much nostalgia weighs on my recommendation here but I would be remiss if I did not mention the Redwall series as influential books. These were the books that my mother read to me as a child and many of Mr. Jacques's tales of the heroic mice of Redwall Abby helped me through bouts of the flu and other ailments. His storytelling is delightfully vivid but despite being focused on child-friendly animal characters, he manages to play in the darker side of fiction well enough to keep his material from being too “campy” or “cheesy”. His fiction… show more.

When I first picked up Redwall I had my doubts. Mice? Really? Now Redwall is firmly atop my recommendation list for fantasy. Brimming with quests and riddles, warring factions, lost weapons, strange new allies, and villainous foes – it is positively Tolkien in scope. Anchored by Hero’s Quest themes and propelled by great pacing, colorful locales, and richly drawn characters developing new friendships, this adventure-driven fantasy is a breezy joy to read. The series has grown to over 20 books, and in regard to imagination, flow and pacing, I consider it an inspiration for what I try to do in… show more.