The Long Patrol

February 23, 1998
Jacques sticks to the tried-and-true in the latest installment of the Redwall series. In the declining years of the characters previously featured in Pearls of Lutra, a menacing band of raiders again threatens Redwall Abbey. And once again the good animals of Redwall and Mossflower must join together to fight the invader. A new protagonist, the young hare Tammo, joins the Long Patrol, an outfit charged with the protection of all the animals in Mossflower Wood and fabled for its soldiering; he does well in battle but wants no more of it: "No, I'm not all right, sah. I've seen death!" Love, sparked by an attractive female hare, is more important to him. Meanwhile, at the Abbey, excavations lead to a treasure hunt, like the one found in Lutra though not as integral to the plot. These familiar story lines are seasoned with a few other new characters and groups of animals, notably a wandering female squirrel (who, unfortunately, survives only halfway through). The Painted Ones and the Waterhogs, based on what appear to be popular perceptions of African tribesmen and Native American warriors, also make guest appearances. And of course, there is the familiar roster of animal types--royal badgers, officer-class hares, greedy but cowardly rats and the country bumpkin moles, who can always be relied upon for a funny "gem of mole logic." The formula, in other words, still works, and the narrative, as usual, is tightly plotted and--except for the difficult-to-decipher dialects and lengthy descriptions of food--briskly paced. A feast for the faithful. Ages 12-up.

The tales in Jacques's immensely popular Redwall series are set in an abbey populated by talking animals who behave like medieval warriors, scoundrels, peasants, etc. This presentation features the author himself taking all the parts. His voice has shades of his native Liverpool in it--it's gruff, yet expressive, and even friendly.He's delightful, though the effect is, of course, less sweeping than other recordings made with a full cast of voices. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


The celebrated militia of soldiering rabbits known as the Long Patrol has the honor of serving Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, the ruler of Salamandastron. As they set out to defend Redwall Abbey against the Rapscallions and their despicable leader, they're joined by an eager new recruit, a charming young hare named Tamello. Brian Jacques's lavish brogue is appropriate for this enchanting fantasy, but his accent delivered at a fast pace is not easy to follow for listeners unaccustomed to the complex names and whimsical creatures of the Redwall series. A bevy of talented voices adds richness to the colorful animal characters but also can be difficult to understand because of the accents and pace. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine