The Legend of Luke: A Tale from Redwall (Redwall, Book 12) - Hardcover

Brian Jacques

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 039923490X ISBN 13: 9780399234903

Publisher: Philomel, 2000

Synopsis

In this twelfth book in the masterful Redwall epic, storyteller Brian Jacques goes back in time to the days before Redwall, revealing with dramatic poignancy the legend of the first of the magnificent Redwall warriors--Luke, father of Martin. 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 he uncovers what he has been searching for: the story of the evil Pirate stoat, Vilu Daskar, and the valiant mousewarrior who pursued him relentlessly over the high seas, seeking to destroy Vilu at all costs, even if it meant deserting his only son. Brian Jacques reaches a new pinnacle in storytelling, imparting the story behind the story of the greatest Redwall warrior of them all.

About this title

Review:

Brian Jacques and his tremendous Redwall books never cease to amaze: this is the 12th book in a series that just gets better and better. This time, the interweaving story of a father and a son is told in three parts, starting with a visit to Redwall Abbey by a young hedgehog maid who, by singing a half-remembered song recounting the adventures of a warrior called Luke, begins to unlock some of the mysteries behind the Abbey's early years.

As deftly executed as all the other Redwall books, The Legend of Luke is a truly magnificent, rampaging, rip-roaring adventure story that gives the heart and mind the kind of aerobic workout normally reserved for a sprint round a playing field. From the very first page the readers know they're in for a treat, and as Jacques skillfully builds his story, cleverly interweaving intricate, imaginative detail with a vast cast of incredible characters who each play a vital role in the unfurling of the tale, there can be no doubt that he is still the true master of his genre.

Excellent as a stand-alone read for anyone new to Redwall, and even better as part of the amazing saga that has captured the imagination of millions since its inception, The Legend of Luke is an absolute must-read for anyone--young or old--who likes their fiction fast and fantastical. This story will certainly leave them breathless for more. --Susan Harrison

From the Inside Flap:

A young hedgehog maid visits Redwall Abbey and sings a half-remembered song recounting the adventures of a warrior called Luke.  This chance meeting begins a tale of two quests: that of a son to find his father and that of a father to avenge the murder of his beloved wife.

The son is Martin the Warrior, founder of Redwall, who sets forth from the Abbey seeking the truth about the father he barely knew.  His journey takes him home to the northland shore, meeting friends and enemies, old and new, and leading him to an extraordinary shipwreck.  The wreck, the Arfship, is home to three ancient, veteran warriors who have in their possession a dusty old volume.  Inside is the story of Martin's early life and the dramatic account of his father Luke's pursuit of his hated enemy, the pirate stoat, Vilu Daskar.

Brian Jacques' skillful narrative is told in three parts, interweaving the stories of father and son.  Addressing some of the mysteries behind the Abbey's early years, this book provides answers that no Redwall fan will want to miss.

About this edition

• Publisher: Philomel
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 039923490X
• ISBN 13: 9780399234903
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 384
• Illustrator: Fangorn