The Redwall series, a fantasy saga featuring anthropomorphic woodland creatures, first captivated readers in 1986. Spanning 22 books, the series continued until a surprise announcement in September 2026 revealed a 23rd novel, "Orphans of Mossflower," set for release in September 2027. This posthumous work by author Brian Jacques, who passed away in 2011, will conclude the 41-year-old saga.
For those looking to revisit or discover the world of Redwall, understanding the order of the books is key. While the series is often compared to "The Chronicles of Narnia" for its rich world-building, the chronological order of events within Redwall differs significantly from the publication order. The general consensus among fans suggests that reading the books in publication order is the best approach for a first-time reader, as it preserves plot revelations and the natural evolution of the narrative. Subsequent readings, however, can offer a deeper appreciation by following the chronological timeline.
Reading Order
The chronological order of the Redwall series is as follows:
- Lord Brocktree
- Martin the Warrior
- Mossflower
- The Legend of Luke
- Outcast of Redwall
- Mariel of Redwall
- The Bellmaker
- Salamandastron
- Redwall
- Mattimeo
- Pearls of Lutra
- The Long Patrol
- Marlfox
- Taggerung
- Triss
- Loamhedge
- Rakkety Tam
- High Rhulain
- Eulalia!
- Doomwyte
- The Sable Quean
- The Rogue Crew
- Orphans of Mossflower
The publication order, beginning with the first book in 1986, is:
- Redwall (1986)
- Mossflower (1988)
- Mattimeo (1989)
- Mariel of Redwall (1991)
- Salamandastron (1992)
- Martin the Warrior (1993)
- The Bellmaker (1994)
- Outcast of Redwall (1995)
- Pearls of Lutra (1996)
- The Long Patrol (1997)
- Marlfox (1998)
- The Legend of Luke (1999)
- Lord Brocktree (2000)
- Taggerung (2001)
- Triss (2002)
- Loamhedge (2003)
- Rakkety Tam (2004)
- High Rhulain (2005)
- Eulalia! (2007)
- Doomwyte (2008)
- The Sable Quean (2010)
- The Rogue Crew (2011)
- Orphans of Mossflower (2027)
The Book Timeline
Lord Brocktree: This story centers on Brocktree of Brockhole, a Badger Lord who rallies allies to reclaim his father's fortress from Ungatt Trun and the Blue Hordes.
Martin the Warrior: Serving as an origin story for the series' iconic hero, this book details Martin's journey from captivity by sea rats to the founding of Redwall Abbey.
Mossflower: Continuing Martin's story, this novel further explores the origins of Redwall Abbey and Martin's sword, as he and his allies defend the Mossflower Woods from the tyrannical wildcat Verdauga Greeneyes.
The Legend of Luke: Martin embarks on a quest to uncover details about his father, Luke the Warrior, through a story-within-a-story format.
Outcast of Redwall: This tale follows the badger Sunflash and the abandoned ferret Veil as they confront their destinies and Veil grapples with the meaning of family.
Mariel of Redwall: Washed ashore after being cast adrift by the searat King Gabool, Mariel seeks revenge on Gabool at his fortress, Terramort.
The Bellmaker: Four years after "Mariel of Redwall," Joseph the Bellmaker receives a premonition of his daughter Mariel's danger, leading him on a perilous journey south.
Salamandastron: The mountain fortress of Salamandastron is besieged by an army led by Ferahgo the Assassin. Meanwhile, Redwall Abbey suffers from a deadly illness, prompting a search for a cure.
Redwall: The inaugural novel follows Matthias, a young mouse orphan, as he seeks Martin's sword to defend Redwall Abbey from the siege led by Cluny the Scourge.
Mattimeo: When Mattimeo, son of Matthias, is kidnapped along with other children, Matthias and his allies set out on a rescue mission while the Abbey faces its own siege.
Pearls of Lutra: The quest to find six legendary pearls hidden around Redwall Abbey begins, with the Abbot held hostage, raising the stakes for the hedgehog Tansy and squirrel Arven.
The Long Patrol: Young Tamello dreams of joining the elite Long Patrol and finds his path colliding with ruthless pirates.
Marlfox: A group of young heroes must recover a stolen treasure from the stealthy marlfoxes, while the Abbey faces an assault.
Taggerung: Tagg, an otter who fled his violent clan, finds allies and safety at Redwall Abbey while being pursued by his former clan leader.
Triss: This novel follows three distinct narratives: Triss's escape from pirates, the badger Sagax and hare Scarum's adventure, and the discovery of the badgers' ancestral home.
Loamhedge: Multiple storylines converge, including a search for a legendary abbey rumored to hold a cure and the defense of Redwall Abbey against an assault by Raga Bol and his sea rats.
Rakkety Tam: The mercenary squirrel Rakkety Tam MacBurl and the Long Patrol face Gulo the Savage, who seeks a relic to claim control.
High Rhulain: Otter Tiria Wildlough embarks on a mission to aid otters on Green Isle, confronting the warlord Riggu Felis.
Eulalia!: After escaping captivity by the sea raider Vizka Longtooh, badger Gorath seeks revenge for the death of his family.
Doomwyte: A young mouse named Bisky embarks on a quest for four legendary gemstones, unaware that the jewels were stolen from a dangerous group known as the Doomwytes.
The Sable Quean: Hare Buckler's trip to Redwall is interrupted when the Sable Quean and Zwilt the Shade capture Redwall children, demanding the Abbey's surrender.
The Rogue Crew: Redwall Abbey must defend itself against a unique land-and-sea vessel captained by Razzid Wearat, the Greenshroud, with help from the Long Patrol and an otter crew.
Beyond the Books
Brian Jacques also authored two picture books, "The Great Redwall Feast" (1996) and "A Redwall Winter’s Tale" (2001), and "The Redwall Cookbook" (2005), featuring over 30 recipes.
The Redwall series has also been adapted into other media. An animated series aired from 1999 to 2002, covering "Redwall," "Mattimeo," and "Martin the Warrior." A planned Netflix adaptation did not materialize. Interactive adaptations include "The Lost Legends of Redwall" game series by Soma Games.