A band of vermin are stealing children from Mossflower Wood under the command of Zwilt the Shade and the mysterious Sable Quean.  Two young hares from the mountain stronghold of Salamandastron are sent to the peaceful Redwall Abbey and along the way they encounter the vermin band.  Once again in the Redwall series, the defenders of Redwall must defend the peace of Mossflower Wood.  Can the hares of Salmandastron and the inhabitants of the Redwall Abbey save the captured children?

This book could be read as a stand-alone although reading the series in sequence would enhance the reader’s background knowledge of the characters.  Jacques once again brings his descriptive writing to put the reader into the powerful adventure of the exciting plot.  Readers will feel the emotions of all the characters – good and bad.  The vivid writing captures puts the reader immediately into the setting.  If you have read this series, you are guaranteed satisfication.  If this is your first read at the Redwall series, you will definitely want to read more of this series.

Mike S.