After reading the House Cerulean Sea last year - and it becoming my favorite book ever! - Klune’s next novel, Under the Whispering Door, had a lot to live up to.

Klune again stuns me with the use of found family, the fact “our people” can be found in the most unlikely place and time. The cast of characters in this book are funny, heartwarming, quirky, and kind. Just like Cerulean Sea, it took me a while to get into, but once I was in, I was hooked. I also got the same warm feeling while reading UTWD, when our MC finds themselves unloveable until they finally find their place.

Now this book will not be for everyone. It is highly focused on dying, death, and grieving. It’s not a light read. There were lots of tears shed while reading this one - both happy and sad.

Thanks to NetGalley, Tor Books, and Macmilliam Audio for both the ARC and ALC of this book. Under the Whispering Door is 9/21.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced audiobook copy.

I thought the audio for this book was great. The story was ok for me. I did feel bored at sometimes.

Thank you so so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an AudioARC in exchange for an honest review.

Under The Whispering Door weaves a tale of ghosts, reapers, ferryman, grief, and acceptance. When Wallace Price dies suddenly, he is taken by a reaper to meet with his ferryman, Hugo, in order to move on. How will this journey unfold and will we ever be truly ready to move on?

Usually I give a much bigger summary into a plot, but to do so with this book would do a disservice to the reader. The beginning of this novel feels very much like Wallace was taylored after Ebonezir Scrooge. He is completely heartless and has no compassion. Upon his death, Wallace feels he can strongarm the universe to bring him back to life. It's interesting to see how the stages of grief make their way into the very being of this tale. Mei and Hugo make a great dynamic duo into the afterlife; and Nelson and Apollo make the best spirit teachers. This book is everything. It has wit, humor, harsh realities; it explores death through many avenues and even has some love peppered in. The author is an absolute artist with the world they created and the supporting cast they weave. I love this world, even with all the pain and heartache. This is unlike anything I have read before and will probably ever find again. I have zero complaints, and for a good reason. The writing is second to none, there are no questions unanswered, and everything fits together in one cohesive storyline.

Five bright and beaming stars for what is by far my favorite read of the year. I recommend this for anyone 14+ as the subject matter is heavy and can influence mood. Don't let this one pass you by, you'll be talking about it for years to come. I know I will.