In this twelfth book in the masterful Redwall epic, storyteller Brian Jacques goes back in time to the days before Redwall, revealing with dramatic poignancy the legend of the first of the magnificent Redwall warriors -- Luke, father of Martin. It is that legend Martin hopes to discover when he embarks on a perilous journey to the Northland shore, where his father abandoned him as a child.

Gr 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 Cahners Business Information.