Some fantasy stories begin with a prophecy or a war for the throne. Redwall by Brian Jacques begins somewhere warmer: a peaceful abbey, a close-knit community of woodland creatures, and a world where friendship, hospitality and a good feast matter just as much as a sword.
Then danger arrives.
The Redwall series became a classic of children’s and young adult fantasy, with mice, badgers, hares, otters and other animals living in a fully imagined adventure world of journeys, battles, legends and heroic deeds. The first novel was published in 1986, and Brian Jacques eventually wrote 22 books in the main series.
The Ukrainian editions are published by Nebo BookLab Publishing. Readers can currently begin with Redwall and continue with Mossflower.
What is Redwall about?
The first book is set around Redwall Abbey, a peaceful home for woodland creatures.
Young Matthias lives there quietly, although he dreams of adventure and heroic deeds. When the ruthless rat Cluny the Scourge and his army threaten the abbey, Matthias is forced to discover what courage really means.
His search for the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior becomes the heart of the story.
The novel has everything readers expect from classic adventure fantasy: a siege, riddles, journeys, old legends, dangerous enemies and a very clear struggle between good and evil.
Why does Redwall feel so memorable?
One of the series’ greatest strengths is contrast.
There are real battles and real danger, but there is always a home worth protecting.
Redwall Abbey is a place of gardens, shared meals, songs, traditions and friendship. Brian Jacques spends a remarkable amount of time describing food, celebrations and everyday life, which makes the world feel warm and lived-in.
That warmth is exactly what gives the danger weight.
The characters are not fighting for an abstract kingdom.
They are fighting for home.
Mossflower: Book Two, but a Story from the Past
Mossflower is the second book in publication order, but its story takes place long before the events of Redwall.
It is a prequel centred on Martin the Warrior, the legendary hero whose name already carries great importance in the first novel.
The land of Mossflower is ruled by the cruel wildcat Tsarmina Greeneyes, and Martin joins the woodland creatures who are trying to free themselves from her rule.
If Redwall is about defending an established home, Mossflower is about the world that existed before that home was built.
That makes the second novel especially satisfying after reading the first.
What order should you read the books in?
For a first read, publication order works best:
- Redwall
- Mossflower
Chronologically, Mossflower takes place earlier, but Redwall gives readers the best introduction to the world, its legends and the importance of Martin the Warrior.
Reading about the legend first makes the prequel stronger.
Is Redwall only for children?
Redwall is often classified as children’s or young adult fantasy, but its audience has always been broader.
For younger readers, the appeal is adventure.
For adults, it can feel like classic, comforting fantasy with the scale of an old legend.
The series is not completely gentle, however. There are wars, deaths and genuinely threatening villains. Jacques does not make the world harmless simply because the characters are animals.
That balance is part of what keeps the books engaging.
Who will enjoy Redwall?
The series is a strong choice for readers who enjoy:
- classic fantasy;
- large-scale adventures and quests;
- stories about friendship and courage;
- anthropomorphic animal characters;
- cosy settings with real danger;
- legends about heroes from the past;
- books that can appeal to both younger and adult readers.
If you like the idea of small heroes in a very large world, Redwall is an excellent place to start.
