Product Description

Joined by Trimp the Hedgehog, Dinny Foremole, and Gonff—the ever- mischievous Prince of Mousethieves—Martin embarks on a perilous journey to the northland shore, where Luke, his father, abandoned him as a child. There, within the carcass of a great red ship, he finally uncovers what he has been searching for: the true story of the evil pirate stoat, Vilu Deskar, and the valiant warrior who pursued him relentlessly over the high seas, seeking to destroy Vilu at all costs, even if it meant deserting his only son. The legend of Luke and his son, Martin, is a glorious tale from Redwall’s history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #115790 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780142501092
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

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.

From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up-The saga continues as Martin, the warrior mouse, leaves Redwall Abbey on a quest to find out what happened to his parents, whom he can barely remember. He adds to his original party of Gonff, the mouse; Dinny, the mole; and Trimp, the hedgehog as he travels along. Among the most memorable characters on the journey are an outspoken baby squirrel and a half-crazed renegade otter who is redeemed by the young squirrel's innocent friendship. Eventually, Martin finds two elderly friends, the mouse, Vurg, and the rabbit, Beau, who sailed with his father on his final journey. These old shipmates share the story of how Luke the Warrior and the brave squirrel Ranguvar Foeseeker gave their lives to avenge the death of Martin's mother and rid the seas of the wicked pirate stoat, Vilu Daskar. Readers who have enjoyed the series on land will find this seafaring addition equally fast paced. The action is interspersed with the broad humor, rustic speech, and delicious vegetarian meals shared by the good-natured animal friends. Be aware, however, that the story of Luke the Warrior, told as a tale within a tale, is one of cruelty, revenge, and the ultimate self-sacrifice. Phonetic spelling of the various animals' dialects, used both in conversation and in the many songs, may act as a barrier to some readers. This 12th title in the series will have the most appeal where the previous books have a following.
Valerie Diamond, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

What a great book!
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.

Awesome! Truly AWESOME!
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!

Newest Redwall Novel a legend in the making
The Legend of Luke by Brian Jacques

On a misty summer morning, a stranger arrives at the Redwall Abbey. However, as soon as Trimp the Hedgehog enters the Abbey, she immediately causes a commotion. As she works in the fields, she sings the song of her homeland, little does she know she sings of Luke the Warrior, father of the Redwall hero Martin. Martin, having never known his warrior father, is filled with curiosity and wonder. He must know more, and eventually he, Gonff the prince of mouse thieves, and Trimp, travel to the North shores to uncover the secret of Luke the Warrior. Little do they know what legend they will uncover.

In this thrilling saga of the Redwall Series ( It takes place chronologically after Mossflower and before Redwall ), Brian Jacques once again mixes animal life into a medieval fairy tale. He descriptively paints a tapestry into your mind to make you feel every as if you were actually there. He holds you in suspense and wonder until it's over.

In my personal opinion I enjoyed the book. After a slow start, it immediately picks up. The vivid description lets you use your imagination to no end. The battle strategy and plot was astounding, and the character development was terrific. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys adventure, and anyone who has an imagination.