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artistsallie's review against another edition
2.0
I might have just been distracted the entire time I was reading this one, but I was completely lost by the end of the audiobook. I remember liking Blaggut, and I have vague memories of the shark scene from when I was little, but I think there were just a few too many characters in too many places to keep me on track for an audio-reading. (My guess is that I would give this 3 stars if I was reading it on paper and had a better understanding of the names and location.)
Also, for a book called "The Bellmaker," I learned nothing new about Joseph and why he was chosen as the title character.
Not a bad book, but rather forgettable in the overall Redwall Lineup
Also, for a book called "The Bellmaker," I learned nothing new about Joseph and why he was chosen as the title character.
Not a bad book, but rather forgettable in the overall Redwall Lineup
snugshelf's review against another edition
3.0
All of these are pretty entertaining, and more of a high fantasy feel than you would usually get from a children's fantasy series.
freddikb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I so enjoyed coming back to visit my friends of Redwall. This story was filled with searats, Abbey dwellers, a librarian that I had fun reading about, and many other characters. My favorite parts were the oatcakes (what a resourceful way to use them!), the Dibbuns (they were always up to something, lol), and, of course, the picnics and meals. Mr. Jacques writes the food scenes so well they make me hungry! I am looking forward to continuing the series.
*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Death, Physical abuse, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Confinement, Death, Slavery, and Murder
littlemissinkdrinker's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a good follow-up for Marial of Redwall. I adore the audiobooks and it has been making an already enjoyable reread even better.
erundlett's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
hors3girl's review against another edition
5.0
I love the Redwall series. <3 It's the perfect mix of cozy and adventure. I loved Redwall as a child but never read all the books. I picked this one up on a whim because I found it in a thrift store and now I've decided to read the whole series because I can't get enough of the lovable characters, bucolic scenery descriptions or the FOOD. Brian Jacques really knew how to make a reader's mouth water with his descriptions of cordials and tarts and pastries. I get hungry every time the Abbey residents have a feast.
theatticreader02's review against another edition
2.0
*2.75 stars
I think my favorite thing about this story was Blaggut. It was nice to see Jacques break away from his vermin stereo-type and create a "good" vermin, even if there are implications that Blaggut is good because he isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch.
I actually didn't get a lot of interest out of the rest of the story, and I think much of that had to do with the fact that I have residual dislike of Mariel from Mariel of Redwall. Although the title is The Bellmaker, implying that there should be a focus on Joseph the Bellmaker, it wasn't a strong enough connection for me. I think if there had been more for the father x daughter connection between Mariel and Joseph, and a larger focus on Joseph's journey, it would possibly have made the story more interesting.
I still believe that I need a solely Dandin focused story, as I love this warrior mouse.
I think my favorite thing about this story was Blaggut. It was nice to see Jacques break away from his vermin stereo-type and create a "good" vermin, even if there are implications that Blaggut is good because he isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch.
I actually didn't get a lot of interest out of the rest of the story, and I think much of that had to do with the fact that I have residual dislike of Mariel from Mariel of Redwall. Although the title is The Bellmaker, implying that there should be a focus on Joseph the Bellmaker, it wasn't a strong enough connection for me. I think if there had been more for the father x daughter connection between Mariel and Joseph, and a larger focus on Joseph's journey, it would possibly have made the story more interesting.
I still believe that I need a solely Dandin focused story, as I love this warrior mouse.
jessiphia's review against another edition
4.5
So....Rufe Brush and Durry Quill are together, right? That's the vibes? Rufe was wholly uninterested in Tree Rose (the prettiest squirrel in Redwall), then when Durry almost dies Rufe is literally like "I'll never let you out of my sight again, we'll be together forever", and THEN we find out HE WAS RIGHT because instead of adventuring, Rufe stayed with Durry at the abbey and they grew old together! LIKE????? They're in love, your honor!!
Also, honorable mention for Blaggut, the ONLY good vermin in this entire series. He's babygirl.
Also, honorable mention for Blaggut, the ONLY good vermin in this entire series. He's babygirl.
sarah_taleweaver's review against another edition
5.0
Wasn't quite as enthralled with this one as I remembered being, but it's a difference of 1-2%. Finnbar Galedeep is absolutely one of the best otters in the series. This one has a different vibe than a lot of Redwall books I remember, but I can't say why; any explanation I give (main focus on returning a rightful ruler to the throne, much of the action takes place inside an actual castle, the tragedy of certain characters' deaths, etc.) are true of other books as well. I don't know. Maybe it's just the characters. Maybe it's just Finnbar. I will note that this is the only Redwall book I know of to have an actual villain-turns-good character arc. (Granted, Blaggus isn't an especially evil villain even at the start; his turn is more learning to think and weigh good and bad for himself and choosing what he will ally with. IDK. I think it's significant.) Still one of my faves in the series, I think.
shynes's review against another edition
4.0
This series was one of my childhood favourites. There’s something so cosy and soothing about medieval woodland creatures. I realised however I’d only read 9/22 of them so I thought this time of year might be a good opportunity to read those I had missed.
This wasn’t one of my personal favourites (3.5), and the characters didn’t endear themselves to me as much as those in previous books. Perhaps it had a few too many battles for my taste - I prefer the myths, storytelling, and sumptuous meal descriptions.
This wasn’t one of my personal favourites (3.5), and the characters didn’t endear themselves to me as much as those in previous books. Perhaps it had a few too many battles for my taste - I prefer the myths, storytelling, and sumptuous meal descriptions.