Triss

September 30, 2002
Brian Jacques weighs in with Triss, the 15th title in his Redwall series. Here, the enslaved squirrelmaid escapes by sea and a Dibbun duo discovers Brockhall's secret entrance. David Elliot's b&w illustrations introduce each chapter.

Author Brian Jacques hosts the fifteenth of his Redwall series, accompanied by an ensemble cast. Triss is a squirrel-maiden enslaved by an evil ferret king and his family. The action of the story alternates between three plot lines. In the first, Triss and her friends escape from the clutches of King Agarnu. The second follows the hapless crew of the vessel Stop-dog, while the third recounts the events happening at Redwall Abbey. The production and performances are outstanding, but some listeners may be challenged by the thick accents, the complicated story line, and the busy script. Recommended for astute adventurers aged 10 and up. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

June 1, 2003
Gr 5 Up-Redwall fans will be thrilled with this audio version of the latest in Brian Jacques' immensely popular series (Philomel, 2002). Jacques himself is the narrator, and a full cast adept at numerous accents and varied speech patterns helps create every little animal type and disposition in the fabled world he brings to life. Listeners will need to take some time and effort to get used to all those different voices, and even Jacques' British accent underlaid with occasional hints of brogue requires sharp listening at first. Songs are fully integrated in the story, and brief, appropriate folk melodies begin and end each chapter and side. This exceptionally well-produced recording adds a lively and enchanting quality to the story of Triss, the squirrel maid who escapes slavery and takes up the defense of Redwall Abbey with the legendary sword. Three separate plot lines wend along with their own characters and adventures, moving slowly and steadily to an intersection in the defense of Redwall against her envious and bitter enemies. The audio version is lengthy, the characters numerous, and the variety of voices challenging. Yet devoted Jacques fans will be well rewarded with this beguiling recording of an enchanting and adventurous tale. Listeners already familiar with the Redwall series will fare better with this complex audio tale than those new to the series. All libraries serving Redwall fans will find an enthusiastic audience for thisaudiobook.-Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.