Salamandastron

The inhabitants of Redwall relax in the haze of summer-but as they do, the neighboring stronghold of Salamandastron lies besieged by the evil weasel army of Ferhago the Assassin. Worse still, Mara, beloved daughter of Urthstripe, Badger Lord of the Fire Mountain, is in terrible danger. Then a lightning bolt uncovers the sword of Martin the Warrior, and young Samkin embarks on an adventure that leads him to Mara. Can the good creatures triumph over the villainous Assassin? Illustrated by Gary Chalk

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.