Redwall Series Makes a Comeback with New Book 15 Years After Author’s Passing

For 25 years, from 1986 to 2011, Brian Jacques captivated readers with his beloved Redwall series of fantasy novels. The last installment, The Rogue Crew, was released in 2011, just three months after Jacques passed away, and it has stood as the final chapter in the saga—until now.

Recently, the Redwall fan wiki revealed that a 23rd book in the series has been announced, set to launch next year. Titled Orphans of Mossflower, this new addition will hit shelves on September 7, 2027, alongside a boxed set featuring all 22 previous novels. This release coincides with the 40th anniversary of the series, which first debuted in the U.K. in 1986 and made its way to the U.S. a year later. While specific details are still under wraps, Orphans of Mossflower is being promoted as a work by Jacques.

For over a decade, fans have speculated about the existence of a 23rd book. In 2010, a contest allowed one lucky fan to name a character in the next Redwall novel. When the winner shared details about their character in 2015, it became clear that this character did not appear in The Rogue Crew, further fueling the belief that another book was in the works.

No official plot synopsis for the upcoming novel has been released yet. The last few books Jacques wrote before his passing followed a continuous timeline, unlike earlier entries that jumped around the Redwall universe. This suggests that Orphans of Mossflower will likely serve as a direct sequel to The Rogue Crew. The Mossflower Woods, a recurring setting in the series, prominently features Redwall Abbey, and the title hints that its inhabitants may face a need to evacuate.

This theory is supported by plot details shared by the contest winner with the Redwall wiki. The character, named Reisa Kartwell, is described as a cartographer whose map of efficient travel routes becomes crucial when the Redwallers must swiftly reach Salamandastron during an attack on Redwall. As the release date approaches, more information is expected to emerge. Additionally, an adaptation of the series for Netflix, developed by Patrick McHale, was announced but has since been canceled earlier this year.