Redwall fans, the wait is over!

TAGGERUNG is the 14th Redwall adventure, by bestselling author Brian Jacques, and it's got everything a Redwall lover could want.

The story begins in Redwall Abbey with the birth of a baby otter named Deyna. But the celebration of this happy event is short lived: the young otter is kidnapped! And who steals the baby? None other than Sawney Rath, a savage ferret who leads a murderous band of rats, weasels, and foxes.

Sawney Rath and his crew have not just stolen the baby to be mean or to get ransom; this baby is very important to them. The clan believes the baby is destined to become a warrior hero. All the signs and prophecies point to this otter baby. He will be their Taggerung --- a mythic leader of ancient legend. To fulfill this important prophecy, the evil clan whisks the otter away from his devastated parents and the kind folk of the Redwall community.

Deyna, now known as Tagg (short for Taggerung), is raised by the clan and never knows he was not born to them. He is treated as if he were Sawney Rath's own blood son. But he is nothing like his adopted family. Taggerung has the moral mark of Redwall on him. A gap develops between him and Sawney because Tagg will not do anything to harm or kill an enemy. That's no way for a warrior to act!

Tagg grows and matures, rebelling against the prophecy that says he is to be a fearless warrior. He realizes he is not meant to be a part of the violent Sawney Rath clan and takes off on his own, hoping to find a place where he truly belongs.

The young otter journeys to many lands with a feisty mouse named Nimbalo as a traveling companion. But there is danger on his heels. Another member of the Sawney Rath clan wants to be the clan leader and the only way to do that is to kill Tagg. Other evildoers want to get rid of Tagg because he knows too much about them and because he is a deserter. Can Tagg find a place for himself? Will he make his way back to Redwall? Will he ever be reunited with the family from whom he was separated so long ago?

TAGGERUNG will thrill loyal Jacques readers. It can be a little confusing for those who are new to the series and don't know the history of the Redwall Abbey and its colorful characters. But if you like adventure and fantasy books, check it out. You'll be glad you did. TAGGERUNG delivers a suspenseful tale of good versus evil.

   --- Reviewed by Addelaide Hayes