Salamandastron

Salamandastron is the fifth in Brian Jacques’s Redwall series and is one where the main story takes us away from the Abbey and the many woodland animals that inhabit Mossflower and off to the mountain where a badger Lord and his warrior hares protect the lands. This is different from the previous books in the series, where Redwall is at the centre of the tale but I liked it as a child, and do now, that it really shows just how good Jacques was at creating this fantasy world where adults and children could be swept away into and feel as though the events that take place and the animals it happens to are around you.Redwall is certainly woven into the story, and it feels like coming home as we meet many familiar faces within the Abbey. However, be prepared with some tissues, as a plague affects the residents, and with it we have to face the realities of illness and unfortunately death and grief. I found myself in tears several times despite the fact I still remember from being a child and being read the harrowing events that happen to the sweet mice and other forest animals. The characters in Salamandastron are probably among my favourites, but I feel that way after every time I revisit the series that connected my dad and me for years, so I expect my opinions will keep changing.  We shall see…What I do like is how the leading characters from both Salamandastron and Redwall are some of the younger residents of the respective prominent residences of the series; Mara is a young badger who has been adopted and raised by Urthstripe the Badger Lord but feels frustrated by the rules by which she must abide and Samkin a rather boisterous squirrel who tends to get into trouble with the Abbey residents because he’s drawn more towards the stories of warriors over anything else. Through life and circumstances, the two grow and mature as their idyllic life is forever changed, they shed their childish ways (especially Mara) and in time prove to themselves and others that they are reliable members of their community.I have great respect for how Brian Jacques addresses complex themes in his children’s fantasy novels, and Salamandastron is no different. I also enjoyed seeing how the story serves as a coming-of-age journey for its two young main characters.As always, Jacques’s writing style draws you in and you become so invested in the two adventures taking place, whether it be with Samkin and his friend who are on the hunt for an enemy of the Abbey and the sword of Martin the Warrior, other Abbey inhabitants who have to find a cure for the plague; or with Mara as she flees the control of Urthstripe. All keep you engrossed, and on the edge of your seat waiting for the drama to unfold; but there will be some laughs along the way. Prepare for  adventure, wonderful characters and a plethora of emotions from an author I have loved and recommended for years.