Introduction
Redwall. The very name conjures images of brave woodland creatures, epic battles against vermin hordes, and of course, the legendary feasts of Redwall Abbey. For decades, Brian Jacques’ Redwall series has captivated readers of all ages with its tales of courage, loyalty, and the enduring struggle between good and evil. But with over twenty books in the series, many often wonder: where should I even begin? Is it important to experience the stories in a particular way? This article will serve as your definitive guide to the Redwall books, exploring both publication order and chronological order, and offering suggestions on the best way to dive into the world of Mossflower.
The question of reading the “Redwall Books in Order” comes up often. Should you experience them as Brian Jacques intended by following their release, or should you immerse yourself in the historical tapestry of Mossflower by going chronologically? The choice depends on your reading preference, and we’ll explore the benefits of each approach so you can decide what is best for you.
Redwall Books as They Were Published
One of the most straightforward ways to enjoy the Redwall saga is by reading the books in publication order – the order in which they were originally released to the public. This allows you to experience the Redwall universe as Brian Jacques gradually unveiled it, encountering recurring characters and expanding lore in a manner consistent with his creative vision. This approach captures the spirit of discovery that many original readers experienced. Here’s a guide to all the books in the order they were published, allowing you to see how the series progressed:
Redwall. Published first, it established the whole world, characters and overall themes. It set a strong base for every book that would follow. Matthias the mouse must rise to the occassion to defend Redwall Abbey from the evil rat Cluny the Scourge.
Mossflower. Published next, it’s a prequel that tells the story of the creation of Redwall Abbey and the defeat of the wildcat Verdauga Greeneyes. It lays a lot of foundational groundwork.
Mattimeo. This is a direct sequel to Redwall. The son of Matthias goes missing and a rescue mission must be formed to bring him back safely.
Mariel of Redwall. A shipwrecked mouse maiden, Mariel, washes ashore and must reclaim her stolen birthright. She leads a ragtag group of friends to bring down the evil pirate Gabool the Wild.
Salamandastron. This features the badger Lord Brocktree and his battles against the weasel Ferahgo the Assassin. Expect mountains, tunnels and an evil weasel!
Martin the Warrior. This is another prequel to Redwall that explores the early life of Martin the Warrior and his fight against the tyrannical stoat Badrang the Tyrant.
The Bellmaker. Mariel returns in this sequel to her adventure. She, Dandin and Joseph the Bellmaker go on a quest.
Outcast of Redwall. A badger cub, Sunflash the Mace, is exiled and must fight his way back to reclaim his place.
Pearls of Lutra. A quest is launched to retrieve the sacred pearls of Lutra from the clutches of the evil ferret warlord Ublaz Mad Eyes.
The Long Patrol. A young hare, Tammo, joins the Long Patrol and must help defend Salamandastron from the fox Swartt Sixclaw.
Marlfox. Evil fox sisters plot to steal the tapestry of Martin the Warrior.
The Legend of Luke. A prequel to Martin the Warrior. It tells the story of Martin’s father, Luke the Warrior.
Lord Brocktree. A prequel to Salamandastron. It tells the story of the badger Lord Brocktree’s rise to power.
The Taggerung. A ferret, Gruven, is raised by badgers and becomes a fearsome warrior.
Triss. A squirrelmaid named Triss is enslaved by pirates and must find a way to escape and return to Redwall.
Loamhedge. A young mouse, Martha Braebuck, goes on a quest to find the lost abbey of Loamhedge.
Rakkety Tam. A squirrel warrior, Rakkety Tam MacBurl, must defend Redwall from the rat warlord Gulo the Savage.
High Rhulain. A water shrew, Tiria Wildlough, must unite the shrews of the north to fight against the stoat Riggu Felis.
Eulalia! A young badger, Deyna, must lead a rebellion against the evil fox Vizka Longtooth.
Doomwyte. A dark secret is uncovered beneath Redwall Abbey.
The Sable Quean. A ferret named Sula is on a mission to avenge her father’s death.
The Rogue Crew. Set on the ocean, a water rat and other creatures set out to defend their homes.
This publication list gives one a solid idea of the series’ growth.
The Redwall Books in Chronological Sequence
For those who crave a more immersive experience within the world’s timeline, reading the Redwall books in chronological order – the order in which the events occur within the fictional history of Mossflower – offers a unique perspective. However, doing so can be slightly more complex, as the books jump around in time. Some consider this the truest “Redwall Books in Order”. This approach allows you to witness the unfolding saga of Redwall Abbey and its surrounding lands in a linear fashion, tracing the lineage of heroes and villains across generations. It is important to note that placing these books perfectly in time is an inexact science, as there are overlapping events and vague historical markers. Still, the following list provides a good sense of the chronological flow:
Lord Brocktree. As it establishes Salamandastron, it’s a good book to start the timeline.
Mossflower. As the book establishing Redwall Abbey, it is the second to take place in chronological order.
Martin the Warrior. The origin story of a key figure in Redwall’s history.
The Legend of Luke. Further details on Martin’s family history.
Redwall. The original tale of Matthias and Cluny.
Mattimeo. The sequel to Redwall. It follows Matthias’ son as he goes on his own adventure.
Mariel of Redwall. A fierce warrior maiden makes her debut.
The Bellmaker. Mariel, Dandin and Joseph go on a new adventure.
Outcast of Redwall. A badger cub finds himself exiled from his home.
Pearls of Lutra. A quest unfolds for the sacred pearls.
The Long Patrol. The hares of the Long Patrol defend Salamandastron.
Marlfox. Evil fox sisters seek to steal the tapestry of Martin the Warrior.
The Taggerung. The ferret Gruven is raised by badgers, resulting in complex issues.
Loamhedge. The young mouse Martha goes in search of the lost Abbey.
Triss. A squirrelmaid finds herself enslaved.
Rakkety Tam. Squirrel warrior Rakkety Tam must defend Redwall.
High Rhulain. Tiria is out to unite shrews to fight stoats.
Eulalia! Young Deyna must fight the fox Vizka.
Salamandastron. Lord Brocktree battles the weasel Ferahgo.
Doomwyte. Dark secrets are brought to light beneath the Abbey.
The Sable Quean. The ferret Sula seeks revenge.
The Rogue Crew. Set on the ocean, a water rat and friends seek to defend their home.
Finding Your Perfect Redwall Journey: Recommendations
Now that you’ve explored both the publication and chronological orders, the next logical question is: which approach is best for you? There is no single right answer, as the ideal reading order depends entirely on your individual preferences and reading goals. Here are some suggestions to assist you in choosing the ideal “Redwall Books in Order” for you:
For New Readers: If you’re completely new to the Redwall series, starting with Redwall is highly recommended. This book serves as an excellent introduction to the world, characters, and themes that define the series. Alternatively, Mariel of Redwall is another popular starting point, known for its strong female protagonist and engaging adventure.
For Completionists: If you’re determined to experience the Redwall saga in the most historically accurate way possible, chronological order is the way to go. However, even for completionists, it’s still advisable to read Redwall first, as it provides the foundational context for understanding the rest of the series. After that initial plunge, it would be a good idea to delve into Mossflower and then Martin the Warrior.
For Theme-Oriented Readers: Do you have a specific type of story you particularly enjoy? The Redwall series offers a diverse range of narratives, so you can tailor your reading experience to your preferences.
Strong Female Leads
For tales of courageous and independent female characters, Mariel of Redwall and Pearls of Lutra are excellent choices.
Sea Adventures
If you’re drawn to nautical adventures, Salamandastron and The Sea Rogues offer thrilling voyages and battles on the high seas.
Focus on Redwall Abbey
For stories that center around the abbey itself and its inhabitants, Redwall and Mattimeo provide a cozy and intimate experience.
More to Explore in the World of Redwall
The Redwall world is more than just its book series. Consider exploring these other areas:
A Redwall TV series brought the beloved characters and their stories to life in a new format. It allowed many fans to see the adventures of their favorite characters on screen.
The Redwall Cookbook allows you to experience the famous feasts in your own home. Recipes are given to create dishes eaten by Redwall creatures.
Redwall fans have built communities and online forums to talk about theories, characters and experiences. These forums offer more ways to experience the series.
Embark on Your Redwall Adventure
Whether you choose to follow the publication order, delve into the chronological timeline, or tailor your reading experience to your specific interests, the Redwall books offer a timeless adventure filled with memorable characters, thrilling battles, and heartwarming moments of camaraderie. The best “Redwall Books in Order” is the order that you want to read them in. Dive in, explore the world of Mossflower, and discover why the Redwall series has captivated readers for generations.
What are your favorite Redwall books? What order did you read them in? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below! Perhaps you’ll even inspire someone else to embark on their own Redwall journey. The enduring legacy of Redwall lies not only in its captivating stories but also in the sense of community it fosters among its devoted readers.
