Loamhedge

Number sixteen in the esteemed Redwall animal fantasy series, young readers will find Loamhedge just as wild and woolly as its predecessors. In this chapter of the seemingly endless history of the woodland abbey, adventure is sparked by the sad plight of the haremaid, Martha Braebuck. Due to a terrible event that befell her when she was just an abbey Dibbun, Martha has lost the ability to walk. But when legendary mouse Martin the Warrior comes to her in a dream and explains that the secret to winning back her legs lies within the cursed walls of the ancient abbey Loamhedge, Martha hopes for a hero who will travel to the ruins on her behalf. Enter world-class adventurers Braggon the otter and Sarobando the squirrel. The best friends have come for a visit, and decide to undertake Martha’s quest. Yet, just as soon as the two tricksters leave, the peaceful abbey folk fervently wish them back, as Redwall is suddenly under siege from the dread searat Raga Bol and his motley crew of vermin. But even as he endeavors to force the Redwall folk from their cozy nest, Raga Bol is plagued by nightmares of the massive badger archer Lonna Bowstripe, who is coming to end his reign of terror. But will Lonna get to Redwall in time to save the forest folk? And will Martha ever walk again? The only thing that’s certain is that the fur will fly and numerous feasts will be noisily consumed in yet another fur-tastic tale from beloved British storyteller Brian Jacques. (Ages 10 and older) --Jennifer Hubert

Grade 5 Up–_Loamhedge_(Philomel, 2003), Book 16 in Brian Jacques Redwall series, is populated with the usual cast of furry friends and foes. Adventuring otter Braggon and his companion, Sarobando, return to Redwall Abbey briefly before heading off on a quest to help young hare, Martha Braebuck, regain the use of her legs. At the same time, Lonna Bowstripe, an archer/badger has set out to avenge a friend's death, and two bands of rats, stoats, foxes, and other vermin have laid siege to the Abbey. There's even an eerie pack of nighttime worshippers who remind listeners that Loamhedge sounds a lot like Stonehedge. Jacques narrates the story with a versatile and enthusiastic cast of 14 actors whose authentic accents are occasionally hard to understand. Lively songs throughout add to the recording, but it's mildly disconcerting that their instrumental accompaniment is rarely based on the text. The popularity of the Redwall series makes this a logical purchase for all school and public libraries.–_Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT_
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