The Redwall series, penned by the late Brian Jacques, is set to receive its final installment in 2027. Titled "Orphans of Mossflower," the 23rd book in the beloved fantasy saga will launch on September 7, 2027, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the series' original publication. A new boxed set containing all 22 previous novels will also be released at the same time.
Jacques wrote the Redwall series from 1986 until his death in 2011. The final book released during his lifetime was "The Rogue Crew," published just three months after his passing. For 15 years, "The Rogue Crew" has stood as the concluding chapter in the Redwall universe.
Fans have long speculated about the existence of further Redwall stories. Over a decade ago, in 2010, publisher Penguin ran a contest allowing a fan to name a character for an upcoming novel. When details emerged in 2015 about the character created, it became clear they did not appear in "The Rogue Crew," fueling theories of an unreleased book. "Orphans of Mossflower" is now advertised as being written by Jacques, though official plot details remain scarce.
Given that Jacques' later novels were chronologically sequential, "Orphans of Mossflower" is expected to serve as a direct sequel to "The Rogue Crew." The Mossflower Woods, a recurring setting that notably includes Redwall Abbey, is central to the series. The title suggests a potential displacement or evacuation of the Abbey's inhabitants.
Further hints regarding the plot were shared by the contest winner, who revealed the character they named, Reisa Kartwell, is a cartographer. Her maps prove vital for Redwallers needing to reach Salamandastron while Redwall itself is under attack. More information is anticipated as the publication date approaches. A planned adaptation of the series for Netflix by "Over the Garden Wall" creator Patrick McHale was canceled earlier this year.