This book was my introduction to the Redwall series, and it's still my favorite. I still have the dog-eared, well-loved copy I bought at my middle school book fair, and I'm pushing 40! It holds up, and though I love so many of his other books, I always come back to this one. You never forget your first love, I suppose ;)

The pacing is almost perfect, beginning to end, hardly any lags in between. It's just action, action, action, from the first chapter to the last. The young heroes are lovable and inspiring, but in my opinion, it's the baddies who make the story. You'd think a family of 7 conniving siblings and their tyrannical "queen" of a mother would be too crowded, but Jacques managed to make each Marlfox have their own personality (some more than others) and motivations. Mokkan was and remains a fascinating look into someone who would literally lie, cheat, and steal to get what he wants, and though he's so slimy and irredeemable, he's *such* a good villain you can't help but love him.

As for the Redwallers themselves, the warriors (current and "semi-retired"), Mossflower denizens, and Abbey-dwellers were all impressively fleshed out. I admit, there's quite a bit of violence and death (but I mean, there *is* a war going on), so if you're planning to introduce a kid to this series, maybe wait until they're a little older and can handle tough topics like death and war.

In a nutshell, I may be a little biased, but Marlfox stands the test of time and is an excellent book! A must-read in this series. It can easily stand on its own, not leaning too heavily on prior books, so references to Martin the Warrior and introducing the larger world of Redwall won't leave someone new to the series completely lost.

I think this is where I stopped reading. Life got in the way. I wish to finish this series one day

Brian Jacques was born to tell stories. He wasn't born to be a writer, per say, but he was definitely born to tell tales. Like traveling story-tellers from long ago, meandering from campfire to campfire sharing tales of legendary heroics in the face of absolute evil, Brian Jacques is a weaver of words. Telling stories of love that triumphs and wickedness that falls, friendships that overcome and betrayals that scar for life, Brian Jacques manages to keep his streak of incredible story telling going in Marlfox.
Do yourself a favor and pick up Redwall. Then, little by little for there is no rush, read through the series. You'll be a better person because of it.

12/18/10 Done
In the book evil foxes called Marlfoxes, take the Martin the Warrior tapestry from the Abbey. Song,Dippler, Burble, and Dann set out to retake it. Along the way they make new allies. In the end, they emancipate slaves at the island which Marlfoxes live on, Dippler becomes Log a Log, Burble becomes chief of the Riverhead water voles, Dann becomes the Abbey's champion, and Song becomes Abbess at the Abbey. A text to text connection is Song is mentioned in Taggerrung.

4.5 stars. Another winner in Redwall! These books are such a great adventure every time, I really look forward to them. I loved the Marlfox clan as villains, they were wily, treacherous, and intelligent.

This was a bit away from the standard Redwall format, and I would have preferred more Redwall history via riddle, but this was still interesting, particularly the siege of Redwall. It was reminiscent of the first book in the best possible way.

I really loved the heroes' quest, and the friends (and foes) they met along the way!

This book is great for all fans of Redwall, fantasy, or those looking for a great adventure read. These books of are the epitome of adventurous reading!

As far as Redwall books go, this one isn't the most memorable. The titular Marlfoxes are cool, but underused. I like the parts between Dann and his dad, but the rest of the book just doesn't stick in my head.

While all of the Redwall books are somewhat formulaic, this one specifically seems to follow ALL the tropes of a RW story which makes it a good, not great addition to the RW compendium. I do enjoy the main trio of characters plus the Marlfoxes are rather unique villains for this universe, but it definitely wouldn't be in my Top 10 of RW novels. I decided to re-read it after about 20 years since my first read because I found it in my childhood bookshelf, still love the world of Redwall and would love to see these books adapted into an animated series or animated films.

Ok, on the second go-round, I love Mattimeo and Pearls a bit better than this one, but it's still in the top ten, if not the top five, for favorite Redwall books. I love Song and Dann and Dippler, and I love the villains (especially when they're making good use of their sneakiness — clarification, this is a conceptual love, not a fangirly thing), and I love the general character dynamics and twists and everything. I don't know. It's just a really good book.

I will say: one of the things that makes me like the book less on the go-round is Dwopple. Eventually I may go through and rank the Precocious Dibbuns of each book, but Dwopple would be near the bottom. He's more annoying than mischievous. (And I feel like he reminds me of a previous Precocious Dibbun? But I can't remember which one.) That aside, this book is excellent.

Normally, I am opposed to series introducing villains who are tied to the world's lore, but we only hear about that lore once those villains show up. It takes you out of the story, and to lose that feeling of being in the story is often the first and biggest nail in the coffin. I do not, however, object to stories like this one, because the execution is just excellent. The characters and world feel distinct and fresh, and the new villains introduced are fantastic, especially in their powers and relationships to each other. The plot is unique even though it does tread some similar ground as books past. This book is made in its execution.

Yet another stellar adventure from the denizens of redwall. More great characters, same old villainous vermin and a plentiful helping of songs and tantalising food descriptions. Exactly what I've come to expect and love in a redwall novel. The marlfoxes were an interesting creation and I liked the fact that they had unique skills, ultimately though like most of the vermin in redwall novels they met their downfall at the hands of their own treachery, greed and malice. Dann, song and dippler were a lovely little trio and when joined by burble made a charming quartet. The guosim and the otters played their standard roles as warriors and the swifteye family were a nice addition to the story. Martin the warrior played his usual role as ghost/dream advisor and cregga the badger provided the brute strength and confidence only a badger can bring. All in all a fairly standard redwall adventure, nothing out of the ordinary for this one. I am very excited about the next one however as its a Martin the warrior adventure and if Mossflower and his self titled novel are anything to go by then The legend of Luke is going to be up there among the cream of the crop.

A lot more on-page murder than I was expecting, lol.

Me: I don't remember what happens in this book, I probably didn't like it that much.
Also me: anyway 5*