I had a great time with this book. It only has one review on NetGalley which surprised me because the title immediately drew me in when I saw it. I have never seen another book title quite like it. The plot and characters are exactly what you'd expect: idiosyncratic, hilarious, and absurd. It features an array of incredibly unique characters. I had so much fun! I will say that it was more plot-heavy than is generally my preference, and I would have appreciated tighter character development for almost everyone. However, the characterisation still felt distinct and entertaining, particularly that of Yonder, the "mixed animal" who has a delightfully vivid personality. The plot was also interesting, though not especially robust, but this is a common characteristic of more humorous and lighthearted books, and not necessarily a flaw, just another personal preference.

The greatest feature of the book, however, was its writing style. It really solidified my overall experience and enjoyment. I have to use the word "distinct" again, because that is what this book is. Our protagonist, Lemuel, has a clear narrative voice that shines through the whole time and colours his every interaction and thought. There are deliberate misspellings and grammatical errors that reflect his accent and dialect, as well as his understanding of what is happening around him. He is such a fascinating hero with his misguided arrogance and simple joys. I would love to see if I can find any more of this author's work.

“That Unconscious Forest was the very picture of uncivilization…but who could say anything for sure about going-ons…where strange wonders congregate and conspire against all of human so-called common sense?” Uncle Leonard “Unc” was a mad scientist, a hermit dwelling in the Unconscious Forest. A fire and explosion signaled his demise and decimated his woodland cottage. Unc’s creation, a frankensteinian-like critter, was bequeathed to his nephew, Lemuel, a resident of the village of Hmm. Why oh why, was Lem gifted “a creature” while his younger sister, Shane scored Unc’s life savings of $74.25?

Yonder, created by Unc, “disarranged your entire deductive facility.” He was about one and two-thirds the height of an emperor penguin. His appearance was baffling; “imagine Unc in his lab, splooshing genes up in a blender, or slapping mismatched rutting species together.”

Let’s introduce Yonder to his new family and visit his digs in Hmm. Lemuel was an unauthorized fix-it man who often traveled from job to job by railroad hand-car. What was he to do with a “hazardous uncultured…mal-discontent animal,” this veritable lifestyle changer? Lemuel’s sister Shane, a fortune teller with an office in the garage, was keen on using her new found wealth to finance her run for mayor of Hmm. The reader’s visit to Hmm, with its eccentric characters, is packed with realistic themes that emerge through laugh out loud and madcap dialogue. References to our human frailties come to light and cannot be denied.

-Readers beware! Yonder has knocked all of Lem’s books to the floor choosing to sleep on his large bookcase. Unfortunately, books to Yonder’s taste might be eaten. What dietary whims this beast possesses!.

-Yonder, a shy outsider, might disappear without a trace. When he became nervous, he was chameleon-like. He might turn into a grassy bump on a hill. His fur might camouflage itself into “the same colors and layout as the tulip wallpaper” in Shane’s bedroom. “His fur at times had the quality of shredded sponges and could retain oodles of dampidity.” With his gamey odor he really needed to be shaved and scrubbed down with an SOS pad.

-As campaign advisor to mayoral candidate Shane Washington, Yonder’s presence on the campaign trail was deemed a “voter magnet”. Shane claimed she was expanding everyone’s opportunity for happiness by running. She claimed that if elected, Lem would be required to pay an Inheritance Tax for Yonder.

-A visitor, wearing a seedy blue cape shadowed Yonder, appearing everywhere the creature was seen. The stranger/ visitor was nicknamed “The Strangitor” by Lem. Was the Strangitor kin? Lem’s protective instinct kicked in. After all, he was Yonder’s owner and was developing a fondness for his pet.

Yonder, the unique mixed beast inhabiting Hmm, as imagined by author Richard Martin, allows the reader to embark upon a magical journey that playfully and humorously touches on themes such as morality, medical ethics, politics, and delves into the intricacies of family. This reader couldn’t help but seek membership into Yonder’s posse! Kudos to author Martin for writing this unique, one of a kind, hilarious read peppered with popular culture fun references.

Thank you Apprentice House Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review