Mossflower

The thrilling prequel to "Redwall". The clever and greedy wildcat Tsarmina becomes ruler of all Mossflower Woods and is determined to govern the peaceful woodlanders with an iron paw. The brave mouse Martin and quick-talking mouse thief Gonff meet in the depths of Kotir Castle's dungeon. The two escape and resolve to end Tsarmina's tyrannical rule. Joined by Kinny the mole, Martin and Gonff set off on a dangerous quest for Salamandastron, where they are convinced that their only hope, Boar the Fighter, still lives.

Brian Jacques is a masterful storyteller known first and foremost as the creator of the bestselling Redwall series, which features creatures from the medieval red-stoned abbey of Mossflower Wood. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman is his first novel outside the Redwall series. Born in Liverpool and raised near the docks, Mr. Jacques, a man of many talents, has lived a life both varied and adventuresome. He has at different times been a sailor, truck driver, longshoreman, comedian, folk singer, and radio host, and each of these pursuits has colored his rich tapestry of stories. He now lives in his hometown of Liverpool, where he enjoys a coterie of friends and family.