Perhaps it's just me getting used to the his style of writing but I felt like this one wove all the different places and people into a more coherent tapestry. And while I understand animals lives are much shorter then our own I do wish he had given us more books with each generation. I feel like each of them is much too short to be satisfying.

It starts off a bit slowly and predictably with all the same components, all the eating and drinking. etc. But the further you read, the more you get swept away by the story. All in all it was enjoyably adventurous.

This book was personally my favorite book in the Redwall series (that I've read lol) but I really like that the series is REALLY LONG! I tried listening to the first book on audio book, but it was, like, 10 HOURS LONG!!!!! So then I just read the second book. But back to this particular book, I really like the character Grath, because she is so tough and has been through so much. I also like how she finally finds her species. This is a great book!!!

This felt like it had a little more plot than some of the other books in the series, maybe because of the continuing scavenger hunt that helped continue the story throughout.

Arven was trying to feed a mousebabe, arguing furiously with him. “Likkle maggit, eatta up all dese scones or grayshuss me I tell badgermum to baff you inna baff wiv lotsa soap uppa nose, ho yes!” The rebellious mousebabe flung a scone at Arven. “No! I h’ain’t got ’nuff teeths to eat ’em, um like rocks, you maked d’scones, you eat ’em!”

Arven held a tiny paw to his lips and whispered furtively, “Us ’idin’ from Sissy Sissly an’ dancin’ bees dances, don’ you tell ’er or she choppa tails off us!”

’tis death to stand before me! Particularly in line for dinner, wot!

A fun elementary chapter book series of good versus evil

The Redwall series is nothing short of amazing. Highly recommended for any youthful reader.
This one left me perhaps the most disappointed that it ended. That I was forced to disengage from this journey, moved, and never able to read it for the first time again.

Pre-Reading: I have very strong memories of this being one of my favourite Redwall books.

During Reading: That funeral song is beautiful ... Maybe I will have it read at mine.

After Reading: This is still one of my favourites. It might even knock Mariel out of the top spot. Though I do want to point out that my two top Redwall picks have badass female warriors. Mariel and in this one, Grath.

I'm not sure why this novel engages me so fully. Like most Redwall novels it has several stories that braid themselves into one. The intersection of this tale is the Pearls of Lutra. A set of pink pearls that the villain murders a holt of otters for. He accidentally leaves one survivor Grath.
Grath is as hard as they come. She is strong, muscular and driven by vengeance. While logic beats out her bloodlust once or twice she is unforgiving. I started to worry that she would be a character who doesn't have a reason to survive once her vengeance was carried out. Thankfully that wasn't her fate and she found a new home at Ruddering.

The pearls had fatefully ended up at Redwall and this is one of the few times where we see the Abbot put in danger. Which set of a series of events that would result with Martin on the high seas travelling with Grath.

Honestly this story had a little bit of everything. Swashbuckling on the high seas, twisted riddles, death, friendship and coming of age. I also found the pacing faster than in previous books.

Only a few stories left to be told of Redwall now.

These books are slowing merging together in my mind, but even so ... I am

Like all good Redwall books, the Pearls of Lutra is full of feasting and sword fights, but I think I enjoyed the riddles in this story the best. The multiple storylines occasionally got confusing but they all converge in the end.

One of the best instalments in Brian Jacques's series. The element of riddles and the treasure hunt for the pearls were so interesting. It's very cool to see Martin II son of Mattimeo son of Matthias. He's a great character and a noble warrior. Tansy carries the book for me. Brave, loyal and sensible, the little hedgehog is a great addition to the cast.

4 Stars