The haremaid studied it, still chunnering to herself. Also there was some sketchy writing, obviously Ruff’s: “See U att noone.” By a sharp bend in the stream, Ruff and Brocktree were drawn, apparently waiting for her. There was an arrow pointing downstream and a depiction of herself sitting on the boat. It was a crude sketch, done with a piece of burnt wood from last night’s fire. of Salamandastron), but thirteen books in, this series is starting to drag a bit. This one had some unique features (acquiring the army from Bucko, the defense, siege, counter-attack, etc. I am 100% certain that he was only included to continue the formula of “adorable, precocious (more like annoying) baby.”Īt this point in the series, I’m starting to notice even more the same-ness of everything in Redwall. There was absolutely no reason to include Skittles. The army breaking up and going their separate ways on their ships was just really touching. Compare him to Sunflash, the badger hero of Outcast of Redwall, and you’ll see what I mean.įor some reason, I thought the ending of the book was really well done. The only other way I can think to describe him is that he’s kingly. That being said, while Brocktree is the hero of the story, he’s much more like an Aragorn hero and not like the typical Redwall hero. Like I said above, Brocktree is smart, and we get to see him both come up with and carry out his plans. Her emphasis on proper manners just to rile her opponents made for some of the funniest scenes in the book, and let’s not forget all the times she called herself a “kingess.”Īll of the Redwall books have fighting in them, and most have some sort of war, but I think that this book has the best depiction in terms of siege, battle plans, etc. Another nice departure was the antagonism between Fleetscut and Jukka and the maidenry (is that a word?) of Dotti. It’s a nice departure from the usual, especially since many of Jacques’ characters all start sounding the same after a while.

Lord Brocktree is probably the cleverest Badger Lord and throughout the book relies more on his brain than his brawn. To face the Blue Hordes, the two must rally an army-hares and otters, shrews and moles, mice and squirrels-and execute a plan that makes up in cleverness what it lacks in force!” This is not what they expected! Seized by rage, the badger knows bloodwrath is not enough. “The brazen, young haremaid Dotti and the badger-warrior Lord Brocktree-unlikely comrades-set out for Salamandastron together only to discover the legendary mountain has been captured by the wild cat Ungatt Trunn and his Blue Hordes.

The Redwall wiki (spoilers!) can be found here, and info about Brian Jacques can be found here.

Chronologically, it is the very first book of Redwall, making it the prequel to everything. Lord Brocktree is the thirteenth book in the Redwall series by Brian Jacques.

Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques