Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive…just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: stepping into a solitary life of helping souls meet their destiny.
Clare’s quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare’s efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to find her way out of Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance of the living and the dead. Clare seeks the help of Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation about the badger that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change their fate.
Thank you Hachette Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is an enchanting middle grade fantasy that delves into themes of grief, acceptance, and the delicate balance between life and death. Set in the perpetually autumnal Deadwood Forest, the story follows Clare, an undead fox who serves as an Usher, guiding departed lost souls to their final resting places in one of four afterlife realms. Clare’s routine existence is disrupted when he encounters Gingersnipes, a badger soul unable to transition to the afterlife, prompting a journey that challenges Clare’s understanding of his role and destiny. The story is told from the 3rd-person perspective of a wise-sounding narrator who occasionally speaks directly to the reader with amusing tidbits and intriguing backstory information.
The few characters in this story are extremely memorable, soulful, and well developed. Clare is a complex, witty, and introspective fox who loves his job ushering souls, his solitude, and his mushroom garden—but not much else. His peaceful existence is shattered when Gingersnipes keeps returning after he ushers her to each of the afterlife realms. When Clare realizes that the power granted to him is diminishing and Gingersnipes is there to take his place, he immediately concocts a plan to get rid of her. But as his plan falters, Clare is forced to face some harsh truths about himself, his death, and his mother. Gingersnipes soon becomes the sunshine to Clare’s grumpiness, and an unexpected friendship blooms between them, forcing Clare to reevaluate his plan and potentially accept his fate. The story is both heartwarming and grim, with so many diverse scenes that include adventure, comedy, acts of kindness, and heartbreaking moments, creating a multi-layered tale that resonates with readers of all ages!
Hartman uses atmospheric descriptive prose to bring the “perpetually autumnal” Deadwood Forest to life, with its majestic mushroom gardens, towering old trees, and gorgeous riverbank. The story also features an array of magical creatures, including talking rats, deadly snakes, an obnoxious angry bear, and a prophet that takes on different animal forms. The narrator’s note at the end of the story is definitely worth a listen, as it gives insight into the book’s central themes, its exploration of loss and letting go, and its profound spiritual messages—there’s also a surprise twist that readers will enjoy!
In summary, The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a beautifully crafted story with unforgettable characters and important messages. Fans of Tim Burton’s films and TJ Klune’s Under The Whispering Door will really enjoy this book! Narrator Marisa Calin does an exceptional job bringing the characters and Deadwood Forest vividly to life, using a wide vocal range to capture all the heartfelt emotions, drama, and adventure. Readers who enjoy beautiful tales about life, love, loss, death, and letting go should add this book to their immediate reading lists!
