Enjoyment rating: 5 stars 

Quality rating: 5 stars 

 

Ohhh this book! 

 

I very rarely cry because of a book. This book not only made me cry, but I read some of the final passages to my husband so he could cry too. This is the kind of book that cements my belief that middle grade is where the best books are being published. 

 

That all said, this isn’t a book for every kid. It’s about death, grief, and loss — but also about friendship, unselfishness, and love. It’s about our deepest fears and the greatest parts of life. That might sound like hyperbole for a book about an undead fox, but I promise it’s not. 

 

The characters are far from perfect, but they’re lifelike and lovable. Every side character and even the narrator have complex, memorable things about them. The characters had more depth than many characters I read from books for older audiences. Clare has a lot of insecurities and worries in a way that makes him so lovable and someone you want to root for, even when those traits are causing problems for him and the characters around him. He has a lot of growth that develops in a natural, gentle way that feels like getting a warm hug after processing your own feelings of inadequacy. 

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The writing was also poetic and beautiful. The setting comes to life with vibrant descriptions and creative elements. There is humor and sparkle throughout. 

 

I don’t think I can truly write a review that captures how beautiful and special this book is. Just go read it. It’s magical, and I hope people will be reading this book one hundred years from now. 

 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.