Title: Taggerung
Author: Brian Jacques
First published January 1, 2001
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780142501542 (ISBN10: 0142501549)
Rating: 4.14
Overview
Are you a fan of the Redwall series? Get ready for more adventure in Taggerung! When Sawney Rath’s vermin clan kidnapped a baby otter from Redwall, they had plans to make him their “Taggerung,” a legendary warrior hero.
But as Tagg grows up, he rebels against his fate and sets out to find his true home. However, Sawney’s clan is always near, seeking to destroy the deserter.
With the help of the brave mouse Nimbalo, Tagg must fend off the avenging vermin and find his way back to the family he was separated from so long ago. This thrilling tale is a must-read for fans of T.
A. Barron’s Merlin saga, John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series, and J.
R. R.
Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. Plus, don’t forget that the Redwall series is coming to Netflix as an original movie!
About the Author
Brian Jacques was born on June 15th, 1939 in Liverpool, England. Like many others from Liverpool, his family hails from County Cork, Ireland.
Brian grew up in the area around the Liverpool docks and attended St. John’s School, which had a unique playground on its roof.
At the age of ten, Brian’s teacher assigned the class to write a story about animals. Brian wrote a short story about a bird that cleaned a crocodile’s teeth.
His teacher accused him of lying and caned him when he refused to admit he copied the story. This experience made Brian realize he had a talent for writing.
Brian wrote his first book, Redwall, for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool, where he worked as a truck driver delivering milk. He made his writing style descriptive so that the children could imagine the story in their minds.
Brian remained a patron of the school until he passed away.
Brian’s two grown sons, Marc and David, still live in Liverpool. David is a professor of art and a muralist whose works can be seen all over the world.
Brian also ran a weekly radio show on BBC Radio Merseyside until 2006, where he shared his love of opera and his witty humor.
In his free time, Brian enjoyed walking his dog Teddy, a white West Highland Terrier, and completing crossword puzzles. He was an avid reader of authors such as Mario Puzo, Damon Runyon, Richard Condon, Larry McMurtry, and P.G. Wodehouse.
Brian was also known for his impressive spaghetti and meatball recipe.
Sadly, Brian passed away on February 5th, 2011, leaving behind a legacy as a talented author and beloved member of the Liverpool community.
Editoral Review
Taggerung, written by Brian Jacques, is another masterpiece in the Redwall series. This book was first published on January 1, 2001, and it has once again captured the hearts of readers as they follow the adventures of its main protagonist, a young otter named Deyna.
Jacques, who passed away in 2011, cemented his name as one of the greatest children’s writers of all time with his descriptive and detailed storytelling. Taggerung is a book that can be classified as an epic fantasy novel.
The story is set in the world of Redwall Abbey, a place inhabited by woodland creatures, such as otters, mice, and badgers. The book is filled with themes of heroism, loyalty, and the importance of family.
It is also a story about revenge and forgiveness, making it a truly immersive experience for readers of all ages. The story follows Deyna, a young otter who is separated from his family and must survive in a world full of danger.
Along the way, he meets various characters, including Log-a-Log, a fierce shrew, and the book’s namesake, Taggerung, a legendary warrior. Together, they must navigate several obstacles to become the best warriors they can be and take revenge against their enemies.
Jacques’ descriptions in Taggerung are vivid, giving readers the perfect picture of the world he has created. He has also mastered pacing, allowing the story to flow seamlessly from one scene to the next without ever losing the reader’s interest.
The dialogue between characters is witty and engaging, making the book a joy to read. While some readers might criticize Taggerung for its lack of character development, it is important to note that this book is part of a series that spans several decades.
The characters in the book have all had their stories told, and while Deyna is the protagonist, Jacques has done a great job of creating well-rounded characters that are each unique in their own way. The book’s strength lies in its ability to make readers care about the characters and their journey.
Jacques’ world is like a warm hug that readers can retreat into, and he does not disappoint in Taggerung. The story is filled with action, adventure, and heart, making it a book that is hard to put down.
Overall, Taggerung is a great addition to the Redwall series and a must-read for both children and adults. Those who love epic fantasy novels will find themselves transported to a world unlike any other, filled with memorable characters and exciting adventures.
With its strong themes and incredible storytelling, Taggerung deserves a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
