Anyone a Brian Jacques Fan?

[Kilvakar]

I grew up reading the Redwall series by British author Brian Jacques. Has anyone else here read those books? They were (and still are) some of my favorite books.

For those of you who haven't heard of them, here's a link to the wikipedia entry on the series: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redwall

I'd definitely recommend this amazing saga to anyone who enjoys a classic adventurous story, as the Redwall books are fun, clean, and showcase strong moral beliefs and a clear contrast between good and evil.

[radical edward]

I read a few of them, and I'm going back to read the ones I missed.
Have you read the graphic novel of the first book?

[Danderson]

His was one of the first book series I started reading. Though, after a few books I stopped because I realized that every book had the same plot to a certain degree.

I loved the characters, though.

[Davidizer13]

Yep, I read most of them, starting back around fourth grade or so; I probably still have a couple books in the house somewhere, even. A few other friends got into it too, and we got inspired to go out to the woods and swordfight with sticks. I got up to High Rhulain, which is where I realized that the quality had really dropped off since the higher points of the series. (Or maybe that I had outgrown them...) Until then, though, they were pretty enjoyable, and they inspired the more grandiose, less workable ideas I wanted to put into my writing, like big multi-generational continuations of the same world through several stories. But that would imply that I would actually write anything deserving of a second story.

[Kilvakar]

Yeah, I agree that many of the later books failed to live up to the earlier stories, but for someone who clearly used a formulaic writing style I think Brian Jacques managed to (nearly) always draw you in with the interesting and unique characters in each story.

I have read the graphic novel as well as watched the cartoon adaptation of the first couple of books as well. I guess you could say I'm a pretty devoted fan, lol!

[nln_rose]

DUDE!!! i can't believe it i was just about to start a thread like this one!!! i love the Redwall series! I've actually read every single one of his stories and listened to quite a few of the audio books. i even went so far as to watch all 3 seasons of the show (seasons 2+3 were much better than 1 since they actually stuck to the plot line of the books) Yes as previously stated the stories were fairly formulaic, but every time i fell in love with his descriptive style and well fleshed out characters. I was so sad to hear that he'd died. he's probably my favorite author of all time!

[Kilvakar]

Welcome to the club then!

These are definitely some of my favorite childhood stories, the entire Redwall series had a significant impact on me growing up. I plan to re-read all of his books in the near future. Too bad we don't have more children's authors who can write like that anymore...

[ClaecElric4God]

Oh, how did I miss this thread?

Anyhoo. I've read a couple Redwall books. I thought they were very well written and had nice, solid plots, especially considering being about a bunch of rodents. I keep meaning to read more/the rest, but it's hard to find time for things like reading anymore.

But since this is a Brian Jacques thread rather than a Redwall thread, anybody else read Castaways of the Flying Dutchman and/or its sequels? Those books are absolutely fantastic. One of my favorite stories, ever. SPOILER: Highlight text to read: And one of the few that actually manages to pull off a talking dog, in a very unique way.

[Wolfsong]

His was one of the first book series I started reading. Though, after a few books I stopped because I realized that every book had the same plot to a certain degree.

I loved the characters, though.

Yeah, but I read them all anyway, for some strange reason XD
The hares are my favorite.

Claec, I haven't read those yet, but I've been trying to get them from my library. I can't wait.

[Kilvakar]

I also read the Castaways of the Flying Dutchman books. I must say I did like them, but not as much as the Redwall series. I think if he'd been able to do more with the series it would have been better, but who knows.

Wolfsong: Yeah, the hares are pure awesomeness I really liked the badgers and otters as well.