“Audition for the Fox” is an exploration of hope against all odds in a magical world. “Audition for the Fox” is Martin Cahill’s debut novella. Cahill has penned a number of short stories and written for established IPs including Critical Role. Cahill has been tinkering with this story since 2019 as it evolved into this novella.
“Audition for the Fox” follows Nesi, who hopes to become an acolyte of one of the ninety-nine Pillars of Heaven. After failing ninety-six of the trials, she only has three options left. Desperate, she turns to the trickster god, the Fox. However, a trickster at heart, the Fox’s trial is not what Nesi expects. Sent back in time three hundred years, Nesi is taught an important lesson about the true nature of trickery, rebellion, and hope. The novella brings this world to life through Nesi’s story as well as tales about the Fox and the other Pillars of Heaven.
“Audition for the Fox” drops the reader into the action immediately, which, while disorienting, is meant to mirror Nesi’s own confusion. Cahill’s prose is clean and beautiful. It draws the reader in while weaving a story of hope through characters with hidden depths. As the story progresses, the world becomes more tangible with Nesi and the Fox at the heart of it. The interludes that shed light on the Fox feel like timeless fables in a way that can be difficult to capture.
Audition For The Fox Is Reminiscent Of A More Magical Doctor Who Adventure
Nesi is an engaging protagonist. She focuses on her weaknesses, like many real people do, while her strengths shine through with nuance and subtlety. Her arc throughout highlights a quiet strength as her insecurities fall away in the face of a larger purpose and the mentorship of the Fox. The Fox, aka T’sidaan, is complex, initially seeming cheeky in his cunning and trickster nature. However, a caring and deeply hurt soul shines through as his true motivation is revealed.
“Audition for the Fox” plays in many genres. The novella is in some ways reminiscent of
“Doctor Who” through the time travel element. Although in this case it would be as if the Doctor actively meddled in history and left his companions to solve the puzzle with minimal help. The overarching story focuses on the challenges of finding and sparking hope in the face of horrors such as tyranny, war, and torture.
Nesi and the Fox are well-rounded characters that feel genuine. While the Fox feels real they are clearly a god even as their humanity is revealed. However, Cahill does an impressive job at bringing the smaller characters to life. The minor characters have depth and complexities that make them intriguing. Each character feels lived in with more potential for stories.
A Message Of Hope, Kindness, & Rebellion Is Needed Now More Than Ever
The concept of the Pillars of Heaven is based on animals, with the creation myth of this world slowly revealed. Truths about the magic and history of the world of “Audition for the Fox” are uncovered slowly. Each detail is carefully revealed through the story without feeling like an exposition dump. The organic way in which Nesi uncovers the reality of the time she has been dropped in is the perfect way to explain the world. While the fables are an excellent way to show the beliefs and lessons surrounding the Fox.
This is the perfect time for “Audition for the Fox.” In the face of the tyranny and horrors of the world, hope, kindness, and cunning are the best ways to fight back. Rebellion begins through small acts of helping others and building a community. This can grow to a force that stands against the oppressors. This is a lesson more important than ever, and Nesi is the perfect protagonist to learn it with.
“Audition for the Fox” introduces an exciting world worthy of further exploration. The chemistry between the Fox and Nesi is dynamic and ever-evolving. Nesi slowly learns more about her mentor as the Fox proves an impressive teacher. The possibility of exploring this world through the Fox’s time travel ability, more fables, and delving further into the relationship between the Pillars of Heaven opens the door to endless possibilities. Hopefully Cahill has the opportunity to share more of the Fox’s trick-filled tales.
“Audition for the Fox” is available for purchase now.
