ALA Booklist (Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 1998)

The eleventh book in the epic Redwall saga, by a master of the animal fantasy genre, retains all the charm, verve, humor, and conflict of its predecessors. With Redwall Abbey under siege by evil Marlfoxes and their vermin minions, three young heroes steal out of the abbey and are joined by a third youngster in their attempt to recover the tapestry depicting Martin the Warrior, the abbey's founder, which has been stolen by the Marlfoxes. The plot threads weave between the hazardous adventures of the four, the battle at the abbey, and the goings-on at the secret island where the vicious Marlfox family has cruelly enslaved many beasts. All pieces of the story come together in the end, as the four young heroes, helped by various friendly beasts, not only successfully rescue the tapestry but also free the Marlfoxes' slaves, many of whom return to the abbey with them. As expected, the various kinds of animals--squirrels, otters, mice, hares, shrews, etc.--are true to the characterizations that have been sustained throughout the series. The legion of Redwall fans will revel in this latest episode. (Reviewed December 15, 1998)

Horn Book

When woodland creatures spot Marlfoxes leading a large company of water rats along the river, they gather at Redwall Abbey to mount a defense. In the meantime, two young squirrels and a Guosim shrew, who believe they failed their friends during a crucial battle, set off to recover the stolen tapestry of Martin the Warrior. The rousing tale will please avid fans as well as readers new to the series.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

"Once again a band of evil 'vermin'—this time mysterious Marlfoxes, aided by water rats and ferrets—seeks to capture the Abbey of Redwall, in the 11th in the Redwall series," noted <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">PW. Ages 10-up. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Jan.)

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Marlfox! The name brings a chill to all of the good woodland creatures who hear it. From their silver white coats mottled with patches of black and bluish gray, to the axes they carry on their cloaked backs and their inexplicable ability to vanish into thin air, the Marlfoxes are creatures of superstition and legend. On a mission to procure treasure for their dangerously addled queen and mother, these crafty creatures lay siege to Redwall Abbey. Defended by a hodgepodge of creatures from old friends and proven fighters like Badgermum Cregga, to a traveling troupe of performers led by a flamboyant hare with delusions of grandeur, the abbey creatures hold their own-until the greatest treasure of all is stolen: the tapestry of Martin the Warrior. It is up to the next generation of warriors to "win their spurs" on an epic quest to recover the heart of the abbey. Guided by visions of the legendary Martin, the young squirrel Dann, hoping to live up to his brave father's expectations, leads his friends toward the castle fortress of the Marlfox queen. The four young heroes fight the good fight, and among the happy results are a new abbess, and a new champion for Redwall. Marlfox is a rollicking tale of bravery and honor and derring-do; much laughter, a few tears, lots of love, feasting, reunions, and self-discovery, all brought vividly to life with colorful detail and lively characterizations. "Redwall" fans and newcomers to the series alike will welcome this installment with a cheer.-Jennifer A. Fakolt, Denver Public Library