Mattimeo (1990) by Brian Jacques is the thrilling third installment in the beloved Redwall series, transporting readers back to the medieval-inspired world of anthropomorphic animals where bravery, friendship, and epic battles unfold. This time, the focus shifts to Matthias the Warrior’s young son, Mattimeo, who is kidnapped—along with other woodland children—by the cunning slaver Slagar the Cruel, a masked fox bent on vengeance against Redwall Abbey.
The novel weaves two parallel quests: Mattimeo’s harrowing journey south as a captive, and Matthias’s desperate rescue mission with a band of Redwallers, including the boisterous Basil Stag Hare and the wise Orlando the Axe. Set against lush landscapes of moss-covered forests and treacherous volcanic terrain, Jacques’ signature feast-filled interludes, riddles, and lyrical battle scenes shine.
A tale of inherited courage and identity, Mattimeo deepens the Redwall lore while standing as a classic adventure about resilience in the face of darkness.
