The Legend of Luke (Redwall, Book 12) (Hardcover)

by Brian Jacques (Author) "Summer's first morn was like no other!..." (more)
Key Phrases: pirate stoat, northland shore, damson crumble, Vilu Daskar, Sea Rogues, Abbess Germaine (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Brian Jacques and his tremendous Redwall books never cease to amaze: this is the 12th book in a series that just gets better and better. This time, the interweaving story of a father and a son is told in three parts, starting with a visit to Redwall Abbey by a young hedgehog maid who, by singing a half-remembered song recounting the adventures of a warrior called Luke, begins to unlock some of the mysteries behind the Abbey's early years.

As deftly executed as all the other Redwall books, The Legend of Luke is a truly magnificent, rampaging, rip-roaring adventure story that gives the heart and mind the kind of aerobic workout normally reserved for a sprint round a playing field. From the very first page the readers know they're in for a treat, and as Jacques skillfully builds his story, cleverly interweaving intricate, imaginative detail with a vast cast of incredible characters who each play a vital role in the unfurling of the tale, there can be no doubt that he is still the true master of his genre.

Excellent as a stand-alone read for anyone new to Redwall, and even better as part of the amazing saga that has captured the imagination of millions since its inception, The Legend of Luke is an absolute must-read for anyone--young or old--who likes their fiction fast and fantastical. This story will certainly leave them breathless for more. --Susan Harrison

From Publishers Weekly
Author Jacques reads his latest work with an assured and enthusiastic tone that demonstrates his familiarity with and passion for his subject matter. In this 12th story about the woodland creatures who inhabit and defend Redwall Abbey, listeners are treated to a prequel of sorts. In the early days of Redwall, Martin the warrior leaves the still-growing abbey and travels to the Northland shore where his father, the warrior Luke, had abandoned him as a child. Along the way, Martin and his companions must fight off weasels and other evil vermin. But once Martin reaches his destination, the answers to many of his lifelong questions are answered. He discovers the real reason his father was forced to leave him behind. As always, Jacques peppers his storytelling with humor, sumptuous descriptions and abundant adventure. Some listeners may find that Jacques's heavy Liverpool accent takes a bit of getting used to, but once acclimated, will be captivated by this colorful tale. Ages 9-up.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; First American Edition edition (January 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039923490X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399234903
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (148 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #518,730 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 12 in The Redwall Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book!, January 30, 2000

By	Jinn Resso (Ohio) - See all my reviews

In the beginning of The Legend of Luke, Martin the Warrior, Gonff Prince of Mousethieves, Dinny Foremole, and Trimp the Hedgehog travel to the Northland Cliffs in search of anything that would help Martin discover what happened to his father, Luke. Along the way they find many friends and foes, including an otter named Folgrim, the Guosim Shrews, a tribe of Dunehogs (Hedgehogs), a small squirrel named Chugger, and a funny group of vermin lead by a fox.

After Martin finds members of his fathers old crew, the story really begins. Vilu Daskar has just smashed Luke's tribe on the Cliffs, and has killed Luke's wife, Sayna. Luke vows to get revenge, and to settle the score with his arch enemie, Vilu. Luke evenually gets his paws on a ship, and with a small crew, takes off after Vilu and his slaveship, the Goreleech. To make a long and great story short, Vilu Daskar and his vermin die, unfortunatly, as does Luke. But knowing that his father was ever the warrior, and that he stood true to his promise and got revenge, Martin travels home to Redwall with a great weight lifted from his shoulders.

The Legend of Luke really deserves more than 5 stars, and is the best Redwall book (in my humble oppinion). Brian Jacques really is a great writer, and deserving of every bit of praise that he gets.

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So your kids have read all the Harry Potter books..., January 12, 2000

By	David Benioff (Otisville, NY) - See all my reviews

... now try Brian Jacques. The Redwall series combines exquisite writing, memorable characters, and suspenseful story-lines. Like Mr. Ostby (see below), I read this novel to my children and wow, were they entertained. I kept pushing back their bedtime because I didn't want to stop reading!

The best compliment I can pay Mr. Jacques is to relay a comment my five year-old, Elizabeth, made after I read the final sentence: "Start over!"

52 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome! Truly AWESOME!, January 24, 2000

By A Customer

This book is a must-read! It's about how Martin travels to the northlands to find out what happened to his father, Luke the Warrior.

Vilu Daskar is not a very nice stoat! He abused his crew, once having some of them whipped then doused in salt water. Ouch!

Luke is always after Daskar in his tiny vessel, the Sayna, named after Martin's mother. Beau the hare is so funny, his whole crew is. This book is filled with the usual action, adventure, and sadness that is in all the other Redwall books. It has a very sad ending. Sad, but extremely heroic. To those of you that have read it, you know what I mean! And Ranguvar Foeseeker the squirrel warrior, whoa... she's cool! She's one of the most savage warriors in the whole series!

You learn lots of secrets too, like about how Saint Ninian's was built, how the tapestry was made, and all that stuff!