Loamhedge

September 1, 2003
Brian Jacques's Redwall carries on with Loamhedge, a deserted abbey that a wheelchair-bound young hare-maid thinks could hold a cure to her lame condition. Two warriors traveling back to Redwall agree to seek out the legendary place, but unwittingly leave Redwall Abbey vulnerable to vermin intruders.

The saga of Redwall continues in this sixteenth installment. Haremaid Martha Braebuck, who cannot walk, is told in a vision of Martin the Warrior that the secret to being able to walk again is in the ruins of the Abby Loamhedge. Two of her Redwall friends set off thither, and the fur starts flying almost immediately. This full-cast production of the brave critters and evil vermin is, like all of Jacques's other productions, utterly splendid. The narrator's thick brogue sets the tone for the cast to bring all these folks to life. The numerous songs are performed with great animation and verve, being in themselves worth listening to. The musical transitions between sides and chapters are an added special touch to this enchanting tale. M.T.F. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine