Taggerung

Apart from the original, I think this is the best Rewall book ever. Why? It's just so different! This time Brian Jacques has almost changed the monotonous old Redwall formula (i.e. Random guy gets a summoning from M the warrior to go on a quest, finds the route through riddles hidden in a song... etc). Rolicking adventure is replaced by an emotionally charged plot, with it's joys and sorrows, victories and defeats, and it's refreshingly new, nothing like the disappointing 'Lord Brocktree'. Being the latest book chronologically also has it's advantages, as this brings in a whole cast of new characters (as well as keeping two of the old). And the characters are just great! Sawney Rath, the adoptive father of Tagg who changes from almighty cheftain to old bodger, Nimbalo the harvestmouse, brought up by a cruel father and wanting to prove himself, Rukky the mysterious otter healer... they are all marvellously placed forward in the development of the story.And there's more. This time Redwall itself is given a new, more organised feel. There's a dibbun choir, wallguards, music teacher... This time there's a badgerlord without bloodwrath, Russano the wise (yay!)... this time there's real frienship, hatred, romance... and, to the disappointment of some fans Iguess, not much action (there's not even a main bad guy, and no final showdown); but I think that's a great change (sort of, everyone lives happily ever after, except for Gruven). Also, the scene of Cregga's death had me close to tears (really!).I just hope that other books will feature Deyna and his friends, Fwirl, Broogle and Rosabel, Mhera and Filorn, Old Hoarg, Boorab (he actually made me laugh out loud). They're simply amazing characters, and Brian Jacques has simply done an amazing job on this, his latest book. Top marks sah, wot wot!(Finally, does anyone have the same suspicion as me that Madd is really Fwirl's lost mother? :P)

I've loved the Redwall books ever since first grade when I read Redwall for the first time. I've read it 16 times since, but that's not the point. When Taggerung came out, I was delighted, even more so when I actually read it. Much as I love the Redwall series, the later books' plots do get rather repetitive. I don't hold that against Mr. Jacques. The books are still good. But Taggerung was a completely new plot, standing apart from the others, but just as good; better than some. The plot twists and turns, with things happening that I didn't think would ever occur. I was frequently surprised by the outcome of a section, and the characters were all perfect, developed so they'd fit their station perfectly. The repetitive theme of "Martins sword and/or tapestry is lost, a young creature, male or female, goes out to find it, and invariably succeeds, killing the villain in the process" was gone, though some fragments remained, which was terrific. I happen to like that redundant theme. Anyway, if you like fantasy, you should definately read this book-oh, except you should read the other 13 books in chronological order first. That will make Taggerung better. Happy reading!

I have been following this series since I first was enthralled by the first book, Redwall. So when this book came out I went out and picked it up, hoping it would live up to expectations. The truth of the matter it did not make my expectations it blew them away. I was expecting another hero, defending Redwall or the citizens of Redwall, who overcomes another impossibly huge army, by the Sword of Martin. Well this book was nothing like this, it was totally different than any of the previous Redwall books. The Taggerung is a prophetic warrior, in vermin tribes, that will lead its tribe to victory against any obstacle. In this case an otter is the Taggerung and he is stolen from his parents at a very early age by Sawney Rath. He wants the Taggerung to become his son and lead the tribe to countless victories. The vermin leader, surprisingly, shows respect and almost father-like love to the otter cub and trains him everything he knows about fighting. Eventually clan problems occurr, and the Taggerung has to run from his foster father and clan. He eventually meets Nimbalo the Slayer, similar to Gonff the mousethief, and they many grand adventures on their search for the Abbey of Redwall. During the Redwall plot line, Deyna or the Taggerung, is never forgotten by his family, but they move on to take care of things in the Abbey. Mhera, his sister, becomes involved in a complex puzzle, one that is much better than in any other Redwall book, that takes up much of her time and teaches her to be a leader. The third plot line is the cowardly Gruven, and his adventures to capture the Taggerung and craven flight away from the Taggerung. This book seems to be the start of a new direction in the Redwall saga. I hope Brian Jacques will continue to use Deyna in more books, because he is the most interesting character he has created to date, even more so than Martin. This book is also Mr. Jacques most mature Redwall book, seems he is trying to gain a larger audience of teenagers and adults. Anyway, I can't wait for the next book, it can't come soon enough.

I agree wholeheartedly with the other reviewers. This book deserves praise from all who read it. The newest installment in the Redwall series had everything that I like about Jacques' writing, and nothing that I didn't. I would rate The Taggerung right up there with Pearls of Lutra, Mattimeo, and Marlfox, all great Redwall books. It is my sincere hope that Mr. Jacques recovers quickly from the stroke he suffered and continues writing phenomenal books like this one.

For many seasons rumors have gone around that one day a powerful warrior beast called the Tagggerung will join the Juska rat clan and be the most powerful of them all. THe rumors about this beast are almost unbelievable but Sawney Rath wants nothing more than to find him, so when he dose the whole clan is shocked to learn that the Taggerung is no vermin, but an otter! Little Tagg grows up amoung the vermin living a tragic life, never knowing who he really is. But one day he realizes that something is wrong with his life, very wrong.Meanwhile at Redwall, the Abby has been without an Abbess and Warroir for more seasons than they can count. The only member of the Abby from the old times that hasn't died from old age is Lady Cregga Rose eyes, the badgermum. But soon a series of riddles shows up around the Abby. Riddles that can tell who the Abbess really is.When I saw this book I was a bit surprised. It was longer than any Redwall book I've seen in a while, but apparently the longer books are the better they are. I haven't Read a Redwalll book this good since Marlfox. Tagg's story is very entertaining and their are countless refrences to a Classic Redwall book that fans of the series will recognize. The new charecters are well drawn (my favorite being little Nimbalo) and for once, Brian Jacques introduces a serious issue in the series, one that readers may relate too. I reccomend this book strongly to fans of the series. You won't be dissapointed!