• I became a Brian Jacques fan when my kids had to do a report on him for school. He quickly became my favorite author. I will truly miss him. His wit and his style. God bless him.

• Unfortunate in the extreme! While I was not a fan of his, myself, he was widely and ardently followed, and it feels like literature for the young loses a lot by losing him.

• A hare is a perilous animal who you feed for a day but not for a month. Eulalia.

• Very sad news. I got hooked on these in the early 90s with Martin the Warrior (easily my favourite book) and then had to go back and read the lot! Remember being obsessed with these amazing adventures. Shame they went downhill after Marlfox and also remember being let down by Loamhedge. Still these books are the reason I love reading and I still re-read Mossflower on occasion as well as my collectors edition Redwall. A truly fantastic guy. Even made my own Redwall page... never took off mind

• I just discovered his Redwall series as an adult this past summer. While I have not read a single book, the audiobooks productions of the series are truly fun to listen to. Very sad to see this.

• I cried when I read the headline in public. That's how much I loved him.

• Aww this made a shitty day even shittier. I looved his books as a kid. I still have them all, I was saving them for my kids and my nephew. I seriously will miss his books.

• My wife and I have been reading his books since middle school and have begun reading them to our son. There can be no greater tribute to such a wonderful human being than the joy his tales have brought him and countless other young readers. Fare thee well, warrior of Redwall.

• Ok, so I read Mossflower, way back... what, 15 years ago? and pretty much nothing since. What other books should I snag? I likey pirates :D Not too formulaic, please...

• I'm sure many people have said this already, but I grew up with his books and continued catching up with his newest books even as an adult. Being in the Marine Corps, I have my own battle cries now, but thanks to this amazing man, I'll always remember my first battle cry- EULALIA!!!

• I'm sure many people have said this already, but I grew up with his books and continued catching up with his newest books even as an adult. Being in the Marine Corps, I have my own battle cries now, but thanks to this amazing man, I'll always remember my first battle cry- EULALIA!!!

• I think everyone should talk in molespeech for a day to honor this amazing man.

• This actually made me cry a little. Thank you.

• I found out he died from Twitter today, and had I not been in the library I would have started crying. I was -obsessed- with the books, and have read them many times. But I really hope he finished Rogue Crew! I never got to meet him, and I always very much wanted to. His writing was fantastic and he created an amazing world. Eulalia! BJ. :')

• Actually there were 3 books (Castaways, Angel's Command, Flying Dutchman), do you mean a 4th one?

• DAM IT!!! I was looking forward to the last book in the castaway of the flying Dutchman series now it looks like book three is not gonna happen

• Like many other kids, I grew up on the Redwall books. I was obsessed with them so much. I still am to a degree. When I read this and learned of his death, it really hit me. I am incredibly sad. His writings truly held a magical quality to it that inspired me to read when I was young, and to cement that quality for the future. Goodbye, Mr. Jacques, you kindhearted fellow.

• I remember I had an assignment in grade school where we had to write a famous person and I wrote Brian Jacques as well. I also got a letter back and I remember getting it in the mail and it made my week. I wish I would have kept that. His series taught me the joy of reading when before I never read because I hated it. If it wasn't for him, I probably would have never even read LOTR or The Wheel of Time. His was the first books that ever made me cry. I think it was Mattimeo(Sp?) that just broke my heart when my favorite character died. Truly an indispensable part of my youth.

• the redwall books were a huge part of my childhood :(

• Wow... just wow. I don't think I ever really got much into his books when I was little... maybe read the first Redwall, and definitely most of the first book in the Castaways of the Flying Dutchman (don't think I even finished it, though). My older sister was definitely more familiar with his works than I was, but it's been years since she read anything by him... wonder what her reaction will be. Still, seeing the interviews with him on the Redwall PBS show, he really did seem like a genuine, kind-hearted man. Looking at that above photo of him now with that cap of his, he reminds me a bit of this almost surrogate grandfather of mine that passed away less than two years ago.... Apparently, there was another Redwall-related book scheduled to be published in May of this year, called "The Rogue Crew"... which is apparently about "sea otters that are like pirates." Wonder what will become of that, now...

• I LOVED the Redwall books in middle school. I remember I read Martin the Warrior and was immediately hooked. Then I remember winning a free book from the school book fair and getting Salamadastron. I eventually stopped reading them, but now I have the urge to grab one of my old worn paperbacks and give it another go. RIP Brian Jacques

• Brian Jacques (remember, it's pronounced "Jakes," contrary to common sense) made me fall in love with reading as a child. He was MY Tolkein. When I read Mossflower for the first time, I must've turned it right back to page one and re-read it again. Mossflower is his masterpiece, but really, they are all incredibly superb. I always wanted to meet him one day and thank him for enriching my childhood. He will be missed. I stopped reading them after the first ten or so. This is as good a time as any to catch up I suppose. It's fantastic storytelling at any age, and my God, aren't those descriptions of the big dinner feasts just the best?

• Dude! Now I remember him saying that he always wondered what the characters in books ate, and this inspired him to make those long, detailed, mouth-watering descriptions of impossible-sounding food!

• I loved Mattemeo! I think a re-read of my battered old copy from middle school is in order.

• God DAMMIT. This is the second author that I thought was already dead and then found out died. The first was Kurt Vonnegut. And the worse part is it is really sad twice now.

• I was fortunate enough to meet him at a book signing, too! Right at a time when I was very much a fan. He did the best voices for all of his characters. I remember him saying that Disney should never make movies out of his books because they would put "rappin rats" in it. God bless you Mr. Jaques, you will be terribly missed!

• Holy shit! I loved Redwall back in the day. And by back in the day I mean I just got Doomwyte from the library this weekend. If The Sable Quean gets released on time this month, it'll be a nice farewell tribute. I do remember being heftily offended by Redwall's paperback edition billing itself as being "in the stunning tradition of Watership Down" but that didn't stop me from devouring them all. RIP, Mr. Jacques.

• Formulaic after a while, but the first Redwall book is an absolute classic.

• Oh man, that really sucks. I never read the books, but I loved the animated series based on them that was shown on PBS fairly often. Does anyone know how true to the series they were? I sort of got the vibe that they were supposed to be 'untold adventures'.

• Redwall was the first series I remember marathoning. I think I was 10 and spent an entire weekend on the couch. I read 4 books in two days. Jacques' ability to use a mature plot in a tale meant for children, and communicate it so beautifully, was a thing of wonder. PBS made it into a cartoon series a few years back and I randomly caught a few episodes. The nostalgia was overwhelming. Working in a bookstore during college, I was often approached by parents looking for books. Redwall was one I always mentioned, and those that bought it would come back surprised at how voraciously their children became about reading. I know he loved that and I'm thankful to have played a small part.

• Sad to hear it, the man wrote some amazing books. All always have fond memories of reading the Redwall series as a kid. To this day they remain some of the best fantasy literature i've ever read.

• This man is the reason I am a writer. I remember laying in bed reading Redwall by night-light when I was 9. It was amazing. The first time I really felt transported to another world. After that, I couldn't get enough books, enough epic yarns. I remember being amazed by how much he had done in his life, or how many lives he must have touched. He will be sorely missed.

• This makes me sad. Very sad. Some of the VERY few books I was actually allowed to read. He made up wonderful stories and had amazing characters. He will be missed. Here's to you *doffs hat*, and may you always heed the mountain's call.

• You forgot the October Ale.

• Wow, thats like my childhood dying right there. I really loved the shit out of those books

• Hell, I've been dying for someone to make a movie of the first book for years now. John Cleese would make the perfect voice for Basil Stag Hare. Ralph Fiennes would need to be one of the villains, naturally. And I always imagined Miriam Margoyles would be perfect as Constance.

• Now who is RObert Stanek going to photoshop himself into?

• Mr. Jacques did a book signing at my bookstore where I worked for a few years back. Like you said he was just wonderful with the children and his audience. I've met some nasty arrogant writers in my 12yrs in the book business, but Mr. Jacques was genuinely a good-hearted delightful man. I feel blessed to have met him and he was kind enough to sign my copy of Redwall. Mr. Jacques speaks to children in Austin,TX. http://tiny.cc/9v69z

• This has been a rather shitty weekend Tura Satana----Cult Bombshell Gary Moore----Irish Blues/Rock guitarist Brian Jacques----Brilliant Author

• Thank you Brian. You touched my life in so many ways... You spurred me into reading and filled my imagination with your fanciful tales. You will be dearly missed.

• This is sad news. I've only read about ten of Jacques' Redwall books, but they're some of the most cherished books from my childhood. He had an incredible talent for storytelling, and even if his novels eventually became formulaic there was always something familiar and endearing about them. His colourful characters, his vile villains, and larger-than-life heroes populated my imagination for many a year. His descriptions of the Redwall feasts still make my mouth water. His books taught of friendship, loyalty, and bravery in the face of darkness, without ever patronizing his readers. He will be sorely missed...

• I agree. It would be a fine choice.

• patrick stewart as brian jacques in the imminent biopic?

• That's beautiful.

• I'm quite partial to badgers, hares (don't dare call them rabbits), squirrels and otters myself.

• I remember sitting in the library one day in elementary school and the librarian was talking about the books that would be available at the book fair. One of them was <i>Martin the Warrior</i>, and just based on the description I was in love with the idea of the book. However, I didn't get the book then and it would be years before I even read one of the Redwall tales (<i>The Long Patrol</i>, to be exact.) I read one or two others over my high school career, and a few years ago I won the majority of the books published up to that time on eBay. Since then, I've bought and read every single one, including the two picture books, the graphic novel, and the cookbook. They do get a bit samey after awhile, and there's one book that's really almost a cheat in how poorly written it is (the aforementioned <i>Loamhedge</i>), but they're fun, for the most part well-written, and are just comforting in their familiarity, like returning to old friends. Jacques will truly be missed, I must say, and while I think there's another book or two waiting to be published, I will gladly read these books to my kids when I become a father and pass them on to them.

• Pity, I was looking forward to a continuation of that story about the immortal boy and his dog.

• Mr. Jacques was a huge inspiration on my own writing... I quite simply wouldn't be where I am without the Redwall series. I always hoped I would meet him someday to thank him in person. Instead, I'll say it here: Thank you, Brian.

• We bought them for our kids but loved them ourselves and kept buying them even after the kids had gone off to college. Loved them all, but the badgers had a special place in my heart. A wonderful and warm storyteller, who felt like a close, personal friend.

• Mr. Jacques was an incredible story teller who brought the world of Mossflower Woods, Salamandastron, and the rest of the Redwall universe to life with such warmth and love. I have all of his books. They have been such an enjoyable part of my reading experience. He will be missed by his fans worldwide.

• This man's books were my childhood. I spent countless hours running around in the back yard as a kid pretending to be the characters, even went for Halloween as Martin the Warrior once. What sad news... he will be missed. RIP.

• Hnnn. It's been years since I read his books, but my dad bought me the latest three that had come out when I moved into college last fall. I still haven't read them, and I hope that I won't be sad when I do, just knowing that there won't be anymore. My friends and I memorized the code in Triss and wrote messages in it. Sometimes I still find the notes with letters I can't read anymore on them. Damn it.

• At least he's up there with you, Martin. You guys can both protect Redwall now. :')

• Initially I thought that any levity at this time would be inappropriate. You, sir, have proved me wrong.

• No weasels, ferrets, or stoats either.

• Such an amazingly talented storyteller. He will be missed.

• After Brian Jacques's funeral, there will be a catered lunch. It will have candied walnuts of all types, tarts covered in the richest strawberry jams and jellies, and acorn brandy. The table will be piled high with sweet yams and sugar coated pecans, and the berry cordial will flow. As we feast on pickled herring, fresh summer squash, and succulent leek pie, we'll remember this man who touched our lives so much. Unless you're a goddamn rat, then you stay the hell away.

• I only read a few of his books, but they were well-written and clearly came from someone of great talent and imagination. RIP.

• I have all of his books & have read them 3 or 4 times. I love the Long Patrol. I love the way he wrote the way the animals spoke, I could hear them in my imagination. I can't believe there will be no more Redwall series. He will be missed by people of all ages. R I P Brian

• My mom used to read these to me when I was a kid. She did voices and everything. It's one of my best memories. Jacques was wonderful.

• I read a bunch of his books when I was a kid! They were cool. Mattimeo was probably my favorite cuz of the scene with the bats! Rest in peace, buddy! You'll be missed!

• wow. So sad, I loved his books as a kid, even re-read the first one fairly recently. RIP peace sir.

• God, I was obsessed with these books as a kid. I would say that the first ten or so are really good, but after that they declined and eventually I just couldn't read them anymore. They became incredibly formulaic and almost nonsensical sometimes. I remember reading "Loamhedge" and being so pissed off at it. But regardless, this is sad news. *Goes off to read "Mossflower" for the 50th time*

• A few years ago I had the privileged of attending a local book signing he did. Surrounded by children, he regaled the room with tales from his childhood, imitating the voices of people he knew. He will be missed.

• I'm crying right now. He was my favorite author. I haveever book he's ever written, including the cookbook. I can't believe I never got to meet him. :'( This might just be the worst day of my life.

• He was an amazing author who was able to create characters who could reach into each and every reader and show them their own strengths and weakenesses. He will be truly missed.

• NOOOOOOO! I still vividly remember getting the 1st book as a birthday gift from a family friend. I looked at it, scoffed and thought "Ha, this looks terrible!" Later that night I was finishing it, and starting it again.

• He put so much heart into his stories. When you read them he never treated you like a child. It was all about adventure,friendship and loyalty. Never read a book series as Much as I have read His work. It will be read for the generations to come in my family. RIP a true legend.

• Only read the first two, but the kids I teach all love them...such sad news....

• I remember the Redwall animated series on PBS would have interviews with him at the end of the episode, and he always came off as warm hearted and gentle, and someone who was genuinely delighted by his own stories.

• I was near obsessed with these books when I was around 9-10. So much so that I wrote a long letter to Brian Jacques telling him so. And he wrote back! He wrote a personal letter to me and also sent me lots of Redwall based goodies like stickers, posters, etc. Thank you for the stories Mr.Jacques. And thanks for being a top bloke. Next time I bake I'll make sure it is a true Redwall Feast style cake.

• I almost made a nerdy reference, but that would be tasteless. This man's death is a saddening thing; he will be missed.

• Agreed. Much sadness

• Wow. I grew up on this guys books. They began to get a little formulaic after a while but the first six or seven redwall books were very near and dear to me. What crummy news.

TotalComments: 74