Pondicherry

I have just recently heard that Brian Jacques was working on a new Redwall Book when he sadly passed away. It is titled Pondicherry. The book was never finished and it is unknown whether or not it will be finished by a ghost writer and published posthumously. I have done some research and I came up with contradictory results. Some websites firmly believe that Pondicherry was not even close to being finished, and has no chance of ever reaching the publishers. On the other hand, several websites are much more optimistic. They state that since Brian Jacques was always ahead of schedule and finished his books well before they were published, there is a great likelihood that another one may have been finished. I, myself, am not sure what to think. I hope very much that there will be another Redwall Book, but I think that there would be some news of its being published by now. If I receive any more information concerning the mysterious Pondicherry, I will immediately post it.

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Redwall in the Future

I know this may seem like the end of Brian Jacques' books, but I have learned from reliable sources that there is a chance that there will be more works of Brian Jacques published posthumously. Nothing is certain yet, but I am hoping (And I am sure you are too!) that there will be at least one more Redwall book. Who knows? There may be multiple manuscripts hidden away, ready to be found and published.

The Rogue Crew, Published in 2011 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

Redwall Abbey has never seen a creature more evil or hideous than Razzid Wearat. Captain of the Greenshroud, a ship with wheels that can sail through water as well as the forest, this beast is a terror of both land and sea, travelling Mossflower Country, killing nearly everything--and everyone--in his path. And his goal? To conquer Redwall Abbey.

From Salamandastron to the High North Coast, the brave hares of the Long Patrol team up with the fearless sea otters of the Rogue Crew to form a pack so tough, so rough only they can defend the Abbey and defeat Razzid Wearat once and for all. 

In this book, there are a multitude of "grey" characters. I can not tell whether they are meant to be good, or evil. Some of the milder cases of "grey" is in the sea otter clan called the "Rogue Crew." They are obviously portrayed as good, but I think that they are way to violent, devoid of both mercy and pity on vermin, even willing to physically harm a creature to get information. More grey characters include the pygmy shrews and sand lizards. Lizards are always shown as evil in Brian Jacques' other books, but in this one, it is hard to tell. In the other Redwall Books, pygmy shrews were shown as good, but once again, it is hard to tell.

An interesting fact about this book is that the Wearat's ship has wheels. It reminds me of the Legend of Luke and the boat the Honeysuckle, which also had wheels, but this is on a much larger scale.

The Rogue Crew was a good book, but it can not compare with Brian Jacques' earlier novels.

 In the cover of this book, I found out that Brian Jacques received an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of Liverpool. Therefore, he is Dr. Brian Jacques.

Today I received the sad news that Brian Jacques, the author of the Redwall Series, passed away. He died of a heart attack at the age of 71, Saturday the 5th of February, 2011. More information will be posted later.

The Redwall Books in Chronological Order

Here are the Redwall books in chronological order, for those of you who are interested:
The order of the books is based on the Prologues and Epilogues

Martin the Warrior
Mossflower
The Legend of Luke
Outcast of Redwall
Mariel of Redwall
The Bellmaker
Salamandastron
Redwall
Mattimeo
The Pearls of Lutra
The Long Patrol
Marlfox
Lord Brocktree
Taggerung
Triss
Loamhedge
Rakkety Tam
High Rhulain
Eulalia
Doomwyte
The Sable Quean
The Rogue Crew

Doomwyte, Published in 2008 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"Set your paws on the track of a great adventure, my friend. Who stole the jeweled eyes of the Great Doomwyte Idol long ago? What horrors dwell in the caves beneath the wooded hill - the realm of the fearsome Korvus Skurr, the black-feathered raven?

Young Redwallers and their friends find themselves in the grips of adventures, solving mysterious riddles and battling villainous foes in daring underground forays. Join them in the quest, the feasts, the songs, and the fray. Unite with the tribes of the Gousim and Gonfelin against Wytes. Discover why the black avenger haunts the wooded slopes. But most of all, beware the dreaded Balissssssssssss!"

This Redwall book is perhaps my least favorite. This is the book when grey characters (Characters that are neither good or evil) appear the most. One of them is the Gousim Log-a-log Tugga Bruster. He is heartlessly cruel to vermin. He also is mean to the shrews under him and Redwallers. You would naturally think of him as evil, except for the fact that good creatures don't think that of him and that he practically lives among them, those that can stand him. Sorry to say, I was actually kind of happy when he died. Another grey character is the black otter, Zaran the Black. She only lives for revenge, with is not a good thing, even though she is pictured as a good creature in the minds of most. I also think the whole plot of the story is not too good. All that happens happened because of four jewels. That makes it seem as if one of the main themes is greed, even though it might not. Another thing is the Gonfelins and the stories of Gonf. Gonf was all but forgotten in some of the earlier books before this one. Why does he reappear in the stories and tales, and why is there a whole tribe descended from him? I think this book is not one of Brian Jacques' best.

Eulalia! Published in 2007 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"Across the seas comes Vizka Longtooth, with a scurrilous crew of Sea Raiders bound for plunder and conquest. Aboard, a young badger lies captive. The aged Badger Lord of Salamandastron sends forth a hare-maid, questing for his successor. A young thief is exiled from Redwall. A Brownrat chieftain, with his savage horde, ravages Mossflower Country. The fate of all these creatures, both good and evil, is caught up in this saga of war and destiny.

Over the cold Nrothern Isles, across the heaving seas, sweeping through forest and plain, from the legendary badger mountain to the ancient stones of Redwall Abbey, the warcry thunders out. . .

Eulaliiiiiiaaaaa!"

This book is the first and only book in which the badger (In this book, Gorath) takes out his arch-nemeses (Vizka Longtooth) without suffering from a fit of Bloodwrath. Admittedly, Gorath had great attacks of the Bloodwrath, some of the worst fits of all badgers. But, he forces himself to break free from those chains in order to protect his friends and himself. Even when it is only his enemy and himself, he kills Vizka without going completely mad. Brian Jacques added an interesting new twist to the Redwall series in this book.

High Rhulain, Published in 2005 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

Young Tiria Wildlough is and ottermaid touched by the paw of destiny. Her epic adventures take her on a journey from Redwall Abbey across the Great Western Sea, to the mysterious Green Isle. There she must fulfill and ancient prophecy and gain her inheritance.

Green Isle is home to the otterclans, but they are beset by dangers from the wildcat chieftain Riggu Felis and his catgaurd slave masters.  Aided by two birds and a platoon of Long Patrol Hares, Tiria joins forces with the outlaw leader of the otterclans in a battle that will test all their courage and skill.

In the true tradition of Redwall comes a new saga full of feasts and fighting, riddles and quests, and a heroine you're not likely to forget as she strives to become the chosen one--the High Rhulain!

This 18th book of the Redwall series, written by Brian Jacques, is one of the few books in which the main character (Tiria the otter)  finds out that she is a ruler, more precisely a queen, and even more precisely the High Rhulain, the queen of all otters on Green Isle, which is currently ruled by vicious wildcats. It might be the only one, excluding books like Lord Brocktree, in which a badger receives the lordship of Salamandastron when his successor dies. This book is also one of the several books in which the good creatures take a long voyage. I like how Brian added common things into this part of book., like seasickness. It really improves the plot. This also is a great Redwall book.

Rakkety Tam, Published in 2004 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"From beyond the cold northern seas and lands of ice, a terrifying beast arrives on the shores of Mossflower Country: Gulo the Savage! With his crew of white-furred vermin, this creature out of a nightmare comes to murder his brother and seize the fabled Walking Stone. Nobeast is safe from the mighty Gulo, who feasts on the flesh of his enemies.

But something stands between Gulo and what he seeks: the ancient Abbey of Redwall. Who will come to the aid of Abbot Humble and his peaceful Woodlanders? The mercenary warrior from the borders, Rakkety Tam Macburl, that's who! With his mate Wild Doogey Plumm, the brave squirrel sets forth on a quest to rescue two kidnapped Redwall maidens, and joins forces with one hundred perilous hares from the Long Patrol. Together they face a battle that ranges far over the plains, streams and woodlands of Mossflower in this epic tale of war, courage and comradeship.

Hark to the battlecries: Redwaaaaaaal! Eulaliiiiiaaaa! Haway the Braaaaaaw! "

This Tale from Redwall introduces some interesting elements. First of all, it introduces cannibalism. I am glad Brian Jacques incorporated it with the evil side only, and that the good creatures are thoroughly disgusted with that aspect of their foes. I wouldn't read these books if the good side embraced the idea of cannibalism. Second of all, it introduces the tortoise, or the "Walking Stone".  This just could be the only book in which that type of creature is found. I think that it is funny that all the creatures in this book think that it is a seat or a rock that moves around. I just can't get over the fact that they are so ignorant. Over all, this is a good book.

Loamhedge, Published in 2003 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"Loamhedge, the deserted Abbey, forgotten for countless seasons. What secrets do its ruins hold?

Martha Braebuck, a young haremaid, wheelchair-bound since infancy, wonders about a mysterious old poem relating to the ancient Abbey. Could it really be the key to her cure? But how could she get to this Loamhedge? As fate has it, two old warriors, travellers returning to Redwall Abbey, are inspired by he spirit of Martin the Warrior to quest for the ancient place - and three young rebels determined to go with them.

In another part of Mossflower Country, the giant badger Lonna Bowstripe thirst for vengeance as he relentlessly hunts down the Searat Raga Bol and his murderous crew. He pursues them unto the very gates of Redwall - and finds valiant Abbeybeasts defending their home against the conniving band of marauding vermin!

Riddles, feastings, songs and battle intertwine with the forces of good and evil in this epic saga. Join the heroes in their far-flung mission. Stand on the ramparts with the Abbot and his friends. Face the Foebeast at the Abbey of Redwall. Take the high road to adventure in the search for the hidden secret of Loamhedge! Eulaliiiiiaaaaaaa!"

Triss, Published in 2002 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"Enslaved by the evil ferret King Agarno and his daughter Princess Kurda - slavers who have shackled hundreds - the brave squirrelmaid Triss, along with Shogg the otter and Welfo the hedgehog, plans a daring escape by sea. In her flight from Kurda, Triss happens upon Redwall, and the abbey creatures discover a new hero in her. Someone brave enough to carry the sword of Martin and face the evil that threatens them . . . "

This is great book. The only thing I find strange about it is the re-occurrence of Brockhall. Why didn't the abbey creatures search for it earlier, since it has such historical value? How come they just happened to find it out of nowhere? It is one of those mysteries that might never be solved. . .

Taggerung, Published in 2001 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"In which the otter Taggerung, having discovered that he is too pure of heart to live and fight beside the vermin clan who raised him, embarks on a journey to find his true home and family . . . "

This is the 14th book in the series. It is a good story. Boorab the Fool is my favorite character. I always like the hares, appetites and all, plus all the cracks made about them and by them.

Lord Brocktree, Published in 2000 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"In which the mighty badger warrior Lord Brocktree - with the help of the spirited young haremaid Dotti - must reclaim the mountain of Salamandastron from the army of a villainous wildcat . . ."

The 13th book in Brian Jacques' New York Times Bestseller Series, Lord Brocktree is one of my favorite Redwall books. I love the characters, especially the main one, the strong, quiet badger lord who has a great sense of humor: Lord Brocktree. I also like all the battle chapters. There is a great one at the end. If you read it, you will love it.

The Legend of Luke, Published in 1999 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"In this twelfth book of the New York Times bestselling series, Brian Jacques goes back in time to reveal the legend of the first of the magnificent Redwall warriors--Luke, father of Martin.
Joined by Trimp the Hedgehog, Dinny Foremole, and Gonff--the ever-mischievous Prince of Mousethieves--it is that legend Martin hopes to discover when he embarks on a perilous journey to the northland shore, where his father abandoned him as a child. There, within the carcass of a great red ship--broken in half and wedged high up between pillars of stone--he finally uncovers what he has been searching for: the true story of the evil pirate stoat, Vilu Daskar, and the valiant warrior who pursued him relentlessly over the high seas, seeking to destroy Vilu at all costs, even if it meant deserting his only son. . ."

Marlfox, Published in 1998 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"A villainous new presence is aprowl in Mossflower Woods--the Marlfoxes. Stealthy, mysterious, they can disappear at any time, in any place, and they are out to plunder and destroy everything in their path. And when they reach Redwall Abbey? They ruthlessly steal the most precious treasure of all--the tapestry of Martin the Warrior. It takes Dann Reguba and Song Swifteye, children of warrior squirrels, to follow in their fathers' heroic footsteps, and together with the young shrew Dippler, and Burble the water vole, they embark upon the seemingly impossible quest to recover the famous tapestry--to the ominous island domain of the Marlfox clan and its evil leader . . ."

The Long Patrol, Published in 1997 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"The murderous Rapscallion army is on the move. Pursued by Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, the Badger Lady of Salamandastron, they are heading inland to take a great prize: the peaceful Abbey of Redwall.
But the Long Patrol--that fighting unit of perilous hares--is called out to draw them off . . . and fight them to the death if need be. And the lead sword of the Long Patrol will be taken up by the young, in experienced hare Tammo--in one of the most ferocious battles Redwall has ever faced . . ."

Pearls of Lutra, Published in 1996 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"Known as the Tears of All Oceans, six magnificent rose-colored pearls that inspire passion, greed, and deception are mysteriously missing. The only clue is a series of riddles, and Tansy, a young hedgehog maid at Redwall Abbey, is desperate to solve them--for the life of one she holds dear is in great danger.
But Ublaz Mad Eyes--the evil emperor of a tropical isle beyond the horizon--is determined to claim the pearls as his own. And a crew of fearsome monitor lizards and corsairs gathered around him grow restless . . ."

The Outcast of Redwall, Published in 1995 by Brian Jacques, Ace Books

"Abandoned as and infant by his father, the evil warlord Swartt Sixclaw, Veil is raised by the kindhearted Bryony. Despite concerns from everyone at Redwall, Bryony is convinced that Veil's goodness will prevail. But when Veil commits a crime that is unforgivable, he is banished from the abbey forever. Then Swartt and his hordes of searats and vermin attack Redwall, and Veil has to decide: Should he join Swartt in battle against the only creatures who have ever loved him? Or should he turn his back on his true father?"

The Bellmaker, Published in 1994 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"In a faraway kingdom, Mariel the Warriormaid prepared to face her greatest enemy . . .
At Redwall Abbey, a cryptic dream warned Joseph the Bellmaker that his daughter was in danger . . .
Thus began an epic quest that would take Joseph and a courageous band of Redwallers across land and sea to help Mariel. Where a vicious Foxwolf and his bloodthirsty rat hordes have claimed the kingdom as his own. And where Joseph would join Mariel in a heroic battle against the usurper. One that would forever be remembered in the legend and lore of Redwall Abbey . . ."

Martin the Warrior, Published in 1993 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"As a child, martin was brought to the stronghold of Badrang the Tyrant, forced into enslavement behind its massive walls. But he was strong. He was brave. And mere escape was not his plan, as long as his father's sword rested in Badrang's ruthless fist. . ."

Salamandastron, Published in 1992 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"In the woods and mountains of Redwall, the badgers and mice and the moles lived in peace. Until one day, a weasel assassin came to change their world forever. . ."

Mariel of Redwall, Published in 1991 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"Dire peril awaits the innocent mousechild Mariel on a voyage with her father across tempest-tossed waters. For Gabool the Wild, King of the Searats, greedily eyes their unsuspecting vessel--hungry for plunder . . . and destruction. Mercilessly cast overboard by the evil rodent, Mariel is washed ashore near Redwall Abbey barely alive . . . with no memory. But with the aid of a small yet hardy band of Woodlanders, the courageous mousemaid is determined to reclaim her identity . . . and to enact a rightful vengeance on the bloodthirsty pirate and his terrible minions."

Mossflower Forest

Mossflower Forest is an imaginary woodland created by Brian Jacques. It is a wide expanse of trees and shrubs that makes up most of the world of Redwall. A wide path winds throughout and goes by the fabled Abbey of Redwall itself. It separates the abbey from a wide expanse of flatlands, and it is bordered by a long ditch. Through the forest there is a large river - the River Moss. This is a way of travel for the shrews and otters, plus other river-dwelling folk, and supplies the wide expanses of Mossflower with water. The forest goes almost to the shore of the great sea on its western side. North, it goes on and on until it is too cold for trees to survive. In the far south, the woodland goes practically forever. In the woodland, there are thousands of minor landmarks, such as watermeadows, huge rocks, a farm house, the church of Saint Ninian's, a rock quarry full of adders, minor tributaries of the River Moss, and countless others. Brian Jacques truly depicts a wonderful place in his books.

Redwall Recipes #4

Today's Recipe:

Otter Rockcream

• Small Rocks
• Whipped Cream

This should only be made if you are thinking of pulling a prank on someone. To make the otter rockcream, clean of the rocks (you don't want the recipient to get sick, do you!). Next, cover them with the cream and serve. However, don't let the person eat them, like Folrig and Ruddle did to poor Porty in The Outcast of Redwall.
To find more recipes, click on this link:
http://www.redwall.net/kitchen/misc.html.

The Newest Book by Brian Jacques

Brian Jacques newest book, The 400 page long The Rogue Crew: A Tale of Redwall, came out May 3, 2011. Here is an introduction found at http://www.redwall.org/:

From Salamadastron's Western Shores, to the High North Coast, here they come. Captain Rake Nightfur, and his long Patrol Hares, with Skor Axehound and the Rogue Crew Sea Otters. Marching boldly into a thrilling saga, singing, feasting, swashbuckling, and battling. Questing for the infamous ship Greenshroud, crewed by Searats and Corsairs, Captained by the murderous Razzid Wearat, terror of land and sea. His aim, the conquest of an Abbey! Was there ever such a blood and thunder chase? The Fate of Abbot Fibb and his Redwallers hangs in a balance. Who will be first to the gates, who can save the legendary Abbey from the clutches of the Wearat? On, on to victory or death!

Pray read on, gentle reader...

Mattimeo, Published in 1989 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

This book was Brian Jacques 4th. Slagar the fox hated Redwall Abbey-its peaceable creatures, its fearless mouse warrior Matthias. He blamed Matthias for the injuries he'd suffered...but his quest for vengeance would have a cunning one, for he knew the power of the legendary Redwall sword.

"Above all, he knew, the Redwallers cherished their young. So Slagar would steal them from their very noses-and the greatest prize would be Matthias' headstrong son, Mattimeo..."

This book goes beyond all borders of the maps, to the tops of the dancing cliff and to the ancient Abbey of Loamhedge, forgotten and uninhabited since the dawn of time. Since this book, Loamhedge has only been visited again in the book Loamhedge.

Redwall Drinks #2

Today's Drink:

October Ale

• 16 oz. Soda
• 8 oz. Grape Juice
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• 1 tbsp. Lime Juice

First, mix the grape juice and soda slowly, so as not to make too much fizz. Add the sugar and heat the mixture for fifteen seconds. Mix well until all the sugar dissolves. Next, add the lime juice and stir again. Finally, chill until ready to serve. Enjoy!
To find more delicious drinks, go to http://www.redwall.net/kitchen/beverages.html

Mossflower, Published in 1988 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"Generations before the building of Redwall Abbey, all Mossflower bowed to the will of Tsarmina - the wildcat Queen of a Thousand Eyes. With unrelenting cruelty, her ruthless army terrorizes the woodlands - until the fabled coming of Martin the Warrior. A remarkable mouse, Martin vowed to end forever the evil feline's oppressive reign - journeying to the perilous Mountain of Dragons to reforge a mighty weapon...and to prepare for the terrible battle that would mean the salvation - or destruction - of Mossflower Woods."

This book goes way back before Redwall Abbey. It shoes the courage of Matin, and it explains why Redwall creatures would look to his guidance thousands of seasons later.

Redwall, Published in 1986 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

Redwall, Brian Jacques first book, was published in 1986. Here is and introduction to his fabled story:

"Welcome to Mossflower Wood, where the gentle mice have gathered to celebrate a year of peace and abundance. All is well...until a sinister shadow falls across the ancient stone abbey of Redwall. It is rumored that Cluny is coming - Cluny, the terrible one-eyed rat and his savage horde - Cluny, who has vowed to conquer Redwall Abbey! The only hope for the besieged mice lies in the lost sword of the legendary Martin the Warrior. And so the epic quest of a bumbling young apprentice - a courageous mouse who would rise up, fight back...and become a legend himself."

From there, Brian Jacques wrote the Redwall Series, boasting over 20 books and over 20,000,000 copies sold worldwide.

I think this is Brian Jacques' best book. The tale is truly captivating. He includes the bases for all the stories he wrote latter, from the Gousim to the courage and boldness of hares.

Redwall Recipes #3

Today's Recipe:

'unnymoles

• 3/4 Cup of Flour
• 1/4 Cup of Margarine of Butter
• 3 Teaspoons of Powdered Sugar
• 2-3 Teaspoons of Cold Water (Maybe More)
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Honey
• Damson Juice

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the flour, margarine, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Sprinkle in the water 1 teaspoon at a time while mixing with a fork until dough forms. Split the dough into approximately 9 lumps. Flatten each piece of dough and spread with honey. Place 1 strawberry and 1 raspberry in the middle of each piece of dough. Wrap the pastry around the berries and spread the damson juice on top. Bake them for 15-20 minutes at 359 degrees. Enjoy!
To find more delicious recipes, go to http://www.redwall.net/kitchen/desserts.html