A Monk’s Tail by Kyle Spencer

If you’re looking for a wondrous escape into a whimsical new world, A Monk’s Tail by Kyle Spencer should sit firmly at the top of your reading list. The world-building alone in this action-packed novel makes it worthy of a read, while the unique characters will leave you hungry for a sequel.

Bow is far your typical hero, but beneath his gruff exterior is a noble and loyal protagonist with recognizable character traits, despite being a firefox. The fact that all the characters are animals makes this novel initially seem childlike, but the themes being explored by Spencer – oppression, universal morality, and honor – are decidedly more mature. The anthropomorphic element of the novel makes these ideas more accessible and enjoyable, while still being impactful.

There are some weak points, particularly plot lines that don’t seem tied up by the end, as well as some peripheral characters who seem to enter solely for plot progression purposes. While this serves to glue disparate parts of the story together, it also leaves readers wondering about a few too many unanswered questions – even as a set up for a possible series.

Making up for these points is the strength of the story and characters. The language is creative, fluid and well-tuned to each unique character, particularly Susi, who acts as an amusing lightning bolt in every scene. While the overall plot arc could use some work, the heroic moments, sharp dialogue, and unusual personalities make this a memorable adventure for all ages.