School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-This addition (Philomel, 2007) to Brian Jacques's "Redwall" series features the usual diversity of brave forest animals--the boxing hare Maudie, the badger Gorath, and the hedgehog Orkwil--fighting villainous vermin (the golden fox Viska Longtooth and his cohorts and the Brownrats led by Gruntan Kurdly). Maudie and Orkwil help Lord Asheye fulfill the prophecy that he will be replaced by a badger and redeem their own standing among the forest animals. As with most titles in the series, the plot is predictable but satisfying and much of the enjoyment is in the diverse characterization. Jacques narrates, and a cast of actors provide the animal voices. The recording is a mixed bag. The sound levels are inconsistent between segments and vary depending upon the narrators. The actors' strong regional British dialects are often very difficult to decipher. On the other hand, the full cast brings the characters to life and will be enjoyed by listeners. Jacques reads well, but has a somewhat slurred, slushy voice and a heavy north of England accent, creating a challenge for listeners. Musical bits are enjoyable but puzzling--sometimes featuring instruments when none have been mentioned, while in other instances the instruments named are not heard. Musical introductions to each chapter are appropriate but don't fade quickly enough. Redwall fans will be pleased with this audiobook, but it won't have much appeal to casual listeners.-Louise L. Sherman, formerly Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Eager fans can also welcome the latest novel in the series, Eulalia!, illus. by David Elliott. Gorath, the young badger destined to rule Salamandastron has been captured by the marauding fox, Vizka Longtooth. The heroes of Redwall Abbey are again forced to take up arms when Longtooth and his crew invade. (Philomel, $23.99 400p ages 10-up ISBN 9780-399-24209-0; Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Lord Asheye, the Badger Lord of Salamandastron envisions his own demise, prompting him to send a clever haremaid from the Long Patrol on a quest to find his successor. Meanwhile, Gorath, an orphaned warrior badger, has a vision of his own: a sword-wielding mouse tells him to follow a thief to Redwall. Complicating matters are Vizka Longtooth and his scurrilous Sea Raiders who want to capture Redwall for themselves. Readers won't want to miss this installment in the Redwall Chronicles, which, as usual, is filled with colorful characters and high adventure.--Weisman, Kay Copyright 2007 Booklist