Thoroughly did not enjoy this second installment in the Redwall series (although it is a prequel to the first book). It felt both uninspired and lazy. With the first novel, Redwall, Jacques keyed into lore and lineage that felt real and passionate. Although the progression of Matthias from stumbling and meek monk-in-training to full-fledged warrior was haphazard and somewhat hurried, there was a still a slight sense of majesty. I think the locale of the Abbey really helped with this. The meetings and decadent meals (which Jacques does best) behind the Abbey walls were quite enjoyable. Mossflower just didnt have that same sense of life that Redwall. did. It was a slog for me and I wanted it to be done. I think it is the worst thing I have read this year. Too much corny dialogue and not enough exposition. Literature directed towards teens doesn't have to feel childish, it can respect the reader. This most certainly did not.