I might have just been distracted the entire time I was reading this one, but I was completely lost by the end of the audiobook. I remember liking Blaggut, and I have vague memories of the shark scene from when I was little, but I think there were just a few too many characters in too many places to keep me on track for an audio-reading. (My guess is that I would give this 3 stars if I was reading it on paper and had a better understanding of the names and location.)
Also, for a book called "The Bellmaker," I learned nothing new about Joseph and why he was chosen as the title character.

Not a bad book, but rather forgettable in the overall Redwall Lineup

Retracing my steps through the Redwall books that I read the least as a child has been really interesting. This book, along with the two directly before and after, definitely changed since last I read it.

The Southsward story, which I thought I remembered the most, was much darker than I remember, what with the traumatization of Muta and Rab and the fact that Glokkpod actually does abandon the crew. It's a bit too reminiscent of the Terramort story from the last book for my taste; I think Jacques' best eerie-villain-castle-in-a-faraway-land was in Marlfox. A strong argument could also be made for Pearls of Lutra.

The Pearl Queen story was jarring, mostly because of the odd decision to have Rufe Brush be a different character in every way but name and species from the strong, silent warrior in Mariel of Redwall. Why not just make a new character? Also, where is Flagg? Finnbar and Joseph were great, though, and I still love Hon Rosie, even though she'd be a pretty awful party member in D&D.

The Redwall story, while lower stakes than in Mariel, actually turned out to be my favorite. This is partly because I truly love Tarquin, partly because of the truly sad character death, but mostly because of the truly unique decision to have a good "vermin" character! Yay, four for you, Blaggut! The moral absolutism of Redwall is quite a bit more uncomfortable as an adult reader than it was when I was a kid, so it's nice to see a searat who was an actual good guy, even if he was a real idiot.

Also, the audiobooks remain delightful, even (especially???) Rosie's piercing laughter.

On to Salamandastron, which is the one I've read the least of the classic (pre-2000) series. I seem to remember a scary white badger? And a super sad island? Let's find out!

Mariel and her friend Dandin go off into mossflower woods to fight the evil vermin that are under the rule of Foxwolf Urgan Nagru and his mate Silvamord. They meet a hedghog Bowly Pintips, a hare that calls himself Field Marshal Meldrum Fallowthorn the Magnificient and his four nephews. So they go onward towards Castle Floret and tries to help free Gael Squirrelking from Foxwolf Urgan Nagru. there they meet Rab Streambattle and his mate Iris Streambattle with their army and attacks Castle Floret but only manages to free Serena and Truffen (the king's mate and child. Meanwhile Joseph the Bellmaker gets a vision and set off with his friends to help his daughter Mariel to defeat Urgan Nagru. So then they all meet together with some other allies to attack and defeat Urgan Nagru.

I didn't remember much about this book before starting, but boy, was it amazing. The story, the characters, the sacrifices. Probably one of my favorites so far, right up there with Martin the Warrior. Also, would read a whole short story about Blaggut making boats.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Bellmaker

As a direct sequel to Mariel of Redwall, Mariel and Dandin’s story continues in The Bellmaker. When Mariel and Dandin come upon endangered creatures in Mossflower Woods, they immediately jump to save them. Upon doing so they discover Gael Squirrel King has been besieged by the foxes Silvamord and Urgan Nagru. Meanwhile, in Redwall Abbey, Mariel’s father Joseph the Bellmaker dreams of Martin the Warrior. Warned of the danger his daughter faces, Joseph gathers a team of Redwall creatures to aid Mariel.

Brian Jacques introduces new twists on villains in The Bellmaker. Foxes are a known adversary of Mossflower creatures, but never before has a Foxwolf appeared. Urgan Nagru thrills in the hunt. His blood-curdling howls he unleashes strike terror into his prey. A chill raced down my spine hearing it on audiobook. The Foxwolf prides himself on tactics and his determination to win. Mariel, Dandin and their companions will be hard pressed to escape Urgan Nagru’s clutches. Readers will be pulled into the challenges Nagru and his mate throw at the heroes.

Another known adversary to the creatures of Mossflower Woods are sea rats. When their pirate ship is stolen, sea rats Slipp and Blaggut find themselves wandering Mossflower Woods. When they stumble on two lost dibbins, they find themselves escorted to Redwall Abbey. No one is happy about their presence, but the creatures of Redwall are willing to give them a chance. While the two plot and plan to steal treasure from Redwall, readers will be surprised by the actual outcome of their endeavors. Brian Jacques deviates in a way I never would have expected.

The Bellmaker is a tale to be enjoyed by all ages. While there are battles, Brian Jacques writes in a way that minimizes the details and yet still engages readers. There is no doubt creatures fall in battle, but the story doesn’t focus on these moments. Instead, Brian Jaques allows readers to understand how the heroes feel about their actions. They do not enjoy the act of violence, but when there is no other choice they must defend themselves.

Each Redwall book explores what it means to be a hero. And each hero finds themselves aided by wonderful creatures they call friends. Despite the hardships that are present within The Bellmaker there is also a healthy dose of humor, friendship, and action. Lives may be lost, but there is always the presence of hope coursing through the story. I enjoyed the new take on different creatures, showing that despite all the lore and worldbuilding present in the Redwall series, there is still much left to discover.

On the most part I am really enjoying this series. There is adventure, sadness, and humor throughout this book. It does get a bit confusing with the multiple locals and points of view and there are a lot of characters to keep track of. But overall, this was a good listen. It was kind of fun to have a full cast present the book.

Not as good as other redwall books, but still a good read. Meldrum and Finnbarr were two fantastic characters.

I'm a little fuzzy on all the details, but I know I adored this book. Mariel, Dandin, and Mariel's father were all so dear to me.

Instead of trying to recall details about the book, I'm gonna write a little something to Mr. Jacques (may he rest in peace.)

Dear Brian Jacques,
I only ever met you once in my lifetime. You came to a book signing at Third Place Books in Seattle a long, long time ago. I remember you saying, "I love book signings: kids waiting in line for you to scribble on their new books! Hahaha!" I've even put that quote up here, on Goodreads, and 33 people have liked it so far.
Mr. Jacques, you were a huge influence on my childhood. For years, I tried and tried to come up with animal stories that would let me feel as thrilled in writing them as I did in reading your stories. Ultimately, I think I've failed, but hey, we all can't be as good as you. And don't worry, I'd never hold that against you. You were and always will be one of my favorite authors ever.
Whenever it is that, Lord willing, I get married and have children, I own most of your books and plan on reading them out loud to my children. Your stories will be counted with The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, the Little House on the Prairie series, and whatever other classic books I may have forgotten.
It makes me incredibly sad that you passed away this year, Mr. Jacques. 2011 already feels a little empty without you.
Honestly, I don't know how you were doing with God, but I dearly hope I will see you in Heaven. I have so much I want to talk to you about! I barely knew you, but I really do miss you. I think I'm always going to cry a little when I read your books or think of your smile.
You have done so much for me without meaning to. Thank you for brightening my childhood with so many amazing stories.
I miss you.
Sincerely,
Amy Lind

This book is one of the only that requires some background reading. I think reading Mariel of Redwall and Slamandastrom would be good to read as it has some of the same characters. Maybe even Martin of Redwall but I can't remember exactly. Most of the other books jump around in the timeline.

Still it is the same formula for the storyline. Nothing new or exciting.

"This book had some of the best characters of any of the Redwall books, but the story was a little hodgepodge whackadoo. The plot kind of put people in places conveniently, instead of the characters driving the story."

3.5 Stars

This was another great installment in the series! It was also great to revisit Mariel and Dandin again- I really love those two. Perhaps the best part of the book was Blaggut's storyline- I enjoyed seeing his character evolve and change. I hope we get to revisit him incasing in later stories. Although I loved following the larger cast of characters, it was a bit hard to keep them straight at times and I didn't develop as deep of an attachment to them as I normally do. Still a great book and I look forward to continuing on in the series.

This is a great book and in my opinion can be enjoyed at many levels for all ages. I have read every one of Brian Jacques books and am now on the second round of reading them. Brian Jacques is sadly no longer with us so no more wonderful tales of Redwall. In this book Joseph the Bellmaker is visited in a dream by Martin the Warrior. He is told to set off and find his missing daughter. The book is full of action and adventure and of course a wicked enemy as always. No spoilers. If you are young at heart do try these delightful books.