Review of the Latest Redwall Book

Hey, all reader guys everywhere, the CARLMAN is back from a great 3-day weekend. We planted tomatoes in the back yard and, I tell you, there's nothing better for a GUY than digging in the dirt and planting the stuff you'll eat in a few months! Puts you in touch with all the MANLY MEN who've gone before us. (Makes you SMELL like them too! P-U!)

Anyway, we have a review by Val. She's Darth Bill's wife and loves guy books. Of course, Bill would marry only a superwoman, so the Val stands for Valkyrie. Here's her review of the latest Redwall book:

I finished the latest Redwall book "The Sable Quean". by Brian Jacques. In the beginning of the story the Abbey-goers are having a singing/speaking contest to see who will become the offical Redwall Bard. A Bard is a poet-singer who writes verses about heros and their deeds. Outside in the Mossflower Woods something evil is happening. Zwilt the Shade and his troops, known as Ravagers, are kidnapping youngsters and babes by order of their leader, Vilava, the Sable Quean. (British spelling) A Sable is related to weasel only slightly larger with thick, black fur and undertones of rich dark brown. Her plan is to force the Redwallers to exchange living in the abbey for the lives of their little ones.

Of course with any Redwall story there are subplots going on that interweave with the main story. In this book, the blademaster (instructor of sword fighting) at Salamandastron has been sent on an adventure with his sidekick to deliver a gift to Redwall. Buckler Kordyne and Diggs are hares from the famous Long Patrol and are use to hearing stories, but have never taken part in any of the battles the Long Patrol is famous for being a part of. This is soon to change. The book also has Guosim shews, anyone who has read a Redwall story have come to look forward to hearing about them. This time along with the usual Redwall creatures, mice, squirrels, and moles, Brian Jacques introduces a Warrior Mole, Axtel Sturnclaw, who carries a war hammer as his weapon of choice. There is also a Badgermaid, Ambrevina Rockflash of the Eastern Shores, Ambry for short. There are battles, comedy and songs to move the story along. The book is aimed at ages 9 and up.

Thanks, Val ! I'm embarassed to say that I've never read a Redwall book. I know a lot of you reader guys have written and told us how much you like them. Maybe it's time for me to check one out. I'd like to start with the first one, although this one sounds really good. How about all of you out there? What's your favorite Redwall book?

Oh, Man, Wait Until Darth Bill Reads This One!

Hey, one and all, it's Carl again. This is great! We're getting good respnse from you guys out in blogland. Like Bill, I'm proud of the good work you're doing. Keep it up! And lookee here--we've got another comment from Sir Samuel:

Before I choose to let the cobwebs settle, I feel like I ought to make one more comment, wot wot. Now, first off, reading the introduction thingamabob, I relized that I had not stated why I liked the book! I myself seemed quite the frogwalloper then, here here. But back to buisness: I likes the jolly old book because they are extremely descriptive, the battles are cunning and well paced, and the villian seems so alive. (Instead of just being the pure evil black-hearted thug you expect him to be)
However, I suppose I might as well review another ole story- can't have an outlandish sith beating me, wot ho? So here I go:The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme: The Floating Island. The main character in this adventure is Ven himself, a dwarfish creature known as a Nain. He is the son of a shipbuilder but truly longs for adventure. One day when testing a new boat out at sea, he is attacked by fire pirates and left out at sea to die. But through a great lucky turn of events, he starts down the road on a sort of mystery quest, most questions coming from the floating island, the home of the element of wind. This is a fairly straightforward story at first, but near the end forms itself into quite the complex puzzle. And you'll be on yer toes when you turn to that last chapter, believe me.

That's that, me old chums! And take THAT, ya bloody sith!
Signing off,
Sir Samuel the Wise

Whoa, just wait until Darth Bill reads this one! He really got in DB's face, didn't he? Well, what do you think, guys? Can you outread a sith? Or will you sith readers take this lying down? And what about the rest of you readers who are neither sith nor knights? Do you think you can outread them both? Let's hear it!

A Crazy Little Post From Captain Bootstrap Bill

Well now, it seems we have a character here a name of Sir Samuel the Brave. Ya knows what I think should be done with characters reviewing books! Do ya really want ter know!!!!!!

John "The Duke" Wayne

They should be complimented on a job well done, ole bean!! Wot, wot very good indeed. Haven't seen such an insightful review of the first Redwall book since the Great War (some time ago indeed). Bravo, Sir, Bravo indeed! Not trying to be a cheeky monkey, but did you know that a Graphic Novel version of this book has just recently come out, wot, wot? The title is Redwall: The Graphic Novel by Brian Jacques; illustrated by Bret Blevins; and adapted by Stuart Moore. I wouldn't dare say it's better than the work it is based on(Redwall by Brian Jacques published in 1986), but it is a jolly good read!

Redwall: The Graphic Novel (------------------------------------) Redwall the Novel (1986)

Similar, but different!!!! Kinda like dogs and cats. No that's not a good example. Hum, how about NASCAR cars and Indy cars. Yea, that works!

Also I really liked the books The WeirdDude(MHR) recommended--Chasing Vermeer, Artemis Fowl (I really love this whole series) and Science Verse (Jon Scieszka rules!!!!). If this gentleman, and I use that term loosely, is not yet a Sith, I see a bright future for him in this field of work!

Well, everyone who contributed did and outstanding job and I say keep it up. Hip, Hip Hurray!!!!!!!!

And now for something completely different!










Well, let's talk about some good books that I have read recently and maybe you would like to read also:

The Latke who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket - If the title to this book does not make you laugh, I don't know what will. Mr. Snickett has written here a wonderfully funny book about what happens when Hanukkah and Christmas collide. I will quote from the beginning of the book: "This story ends in someone's mouth, but it begins in a tiny village more or less covered in snow." Interesting sounding, isn't it? Well, in this village a Latke (a potato pancake) is made or, more to the point, is born. Because of the high temperature in the pan in which it is made/born, it starts screaming and runs out the house. As the Latke makes its way through the peaceful village and runs into Christmas objects who do not understand who or what he is or represents (Latke
is a part of Hanukkah), he gets so frustrated that he continues to scream. You really have to read this book because it literally will have you in tears with laughter. On top of all this, there is a twist ending that will also blow you away with laughter. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful book. I know you will enjoy it.

Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures (Volume 9) by the Filbach Brothers - This is the 9th volume in this terrific graphic novel adventure series set in the Star Wars' Universe during the Clone Wars. This volume includes 4 stories that range from comical ("Appetite for Adventure" staring Dexter Jettser) to the truly poignant ("Salvaged" staring a Clone War Trooper). Also included in the mix are stories featuring Jedi Mace Windu (my favorite Jedi) and Quilan Vos (Jedi on the cover of the book). So if you feel like visiting a galaxy and time far, far away, give this graphic novel and the rest a try. Good Stuff!!!!!!



Well, guys, take it easy and continue to send in those great posts. If you haven't posted yet, come on!!!! It's fun and we would love to find out what books you are reading and enjoying (plus, first time posters get a free book!).

Peace,

Darth Bill

"We're Knights of the Round Table, We Blog When We Are Able..."

What ho, good readers! Forsooth, 'tis Carl, keeper of the noble blog scrolls. We have a comment from a new and knightly friend, Sir Samuel the Brave. Let us hear what he hath to say:

Three new comments, eh? Well, ye old frogwallopers, I'll make it four! Bet ye didn't see that comin', wot wot. Anyhap, might as well get on with things. Books, yes...I'd say a jolly good ole book would be Redwall, sirs. It tells the tale of a young mouse, Mathias, and his friends. The tale starts right peaceful and all, but things start to get a might bit tight when an army of rats lead by Cluny the Scourge sets upon the peaceful Abbeydwellers, and begins to lay siege to the famed Redwall. Mathias goes on a quest to retrieve the ancient sword of Martin the Warrior, guardian of Redwall, while the creatures of Redwall take up arms against the intruders. It is filled with constant action, involving massive clashes between the two sides, a desperate race against time to claim an aincient blade, and a final clash that wil remain imprinted on yer mind furever. (Get it? They're animals, and I said 'fur' ever?) It sounds like jolly good reading, wot wot!
Signing off,
Sir Samuel the Brave

Most excellently done, Sir Samuel! Come and get thy free book! Has anyone else read the Redwall books? How'd you like them?

Listen Up! Darth Bill Speaks!

Hello all you brave, noble, and well-read Jedi out there. It is I, Darth Bill, bravest Sith this side of the Outer Rim. Well, well, well I guess I'm going to have to have to wear a dress. Oh, wait a minute, let me recount the Jedi comments: 1, 2, 3, 4 .......... My goodness, it seems I have made a mistake. The Jedi are one commenter short! Well, I must say that I am relieved that I will not be wearing a dress anytime soon (not that I was ever truly worried that I would) and happy to see there are at least 4 literate Jedi out there. Very impressive indeed! Sad, sad, sad. If I were not a Sith, I would cry. Well, enough of this Jedi bashing; let's move on to more interesting subjects, shall we?

Sith Rule, Sith Rule, Sith Rule!!!!!!! Yeah, in your face Jedi!!!!!!! Yea, you know it!!!! Sith are the best!!!!! Yeah, you know it!!!!! Wooooooo!!!!!!!Woooooooooo!!!!!! Jedi stink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are the best, oh yeah! Go Sith!!!!
Sith Rule!!!!
Sith Rule!!!!
Sith Rule!!!!




Yes, I feel much better now.

Yes, now on to other matters:

I want to talk about the first book in a really cool series I am reading now (I'm now on the 5th book in the series). The name of the book is "Artemis Fowl" which is the name of the main character in these books by Eoin Colfer. Artemis is a 12 year old who also just happens to be a genius. Unfortunately he uses his great intellect in what most would view as criminal activities. Artemis takes his criminal genius to a new level when he decides to kidnap a fairy for gold. Yes, you read what I said correctly, I said fairy. Artemis and his faithful friend and bodyguard, Butler, discover that, deep beneath the Earth, exists an extremely advanced society of fairy folk composed of elves, pixes, centaurs, goblins, dwarfs and many other creatures. Unfortunately for Artemis and Butler their choice of kidnapping victim is the worst choice they could have possibly made Captain Holly Short, of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance) Unit. Thus starts this great book and series. This book is both full throttle action and full throttle laughs. Highly recommended!!!


I also recently finished reading this really cool graphic novel called Mouse Guard, Fall 1152 by David Peterson. If you are a fan of the Redwall Series by Brian Jacques, or not, and are into great epic adventure stories, you will love this graphic novel. This book tells stories of the famed Mouse Guard, the equivalent of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. Their duties are to defend the common mouse and defend their hidden cities from intruders and enemies. The main characters in this story are Lieam, Kenzie, and the brash, young Saxon who are investigating the mysterious disappearance of an old merchant mouse. While doing this they discover a traitor in the Mouse Guard, the legendary Black Axe. Other Mouse Guard stories are included in this graphic novel that are equally adventurous tales. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Well take it easy and peace,

Bill