The Too-Clever Fox

"The Too-Clever Fox" is a short story written by Leigh Bardugo. It is part of her Grishaverse series, set in the same universe as her other novels.

The story follows a fox named Koja who lives in the woods and is known for his cunning and intelligence. However, when he hears rumors of a farmer with a particularly bountiful crop, he cannot resist the temptation and decides to steal from him. Despite his cleverness, Koja underestimates the farmer's guard dog and is injured in the process of stealing the food.

Determined not to give up, Koja devises a plan to outsmart the dog by using his intelligence to manipulate the other animals in the woods. He lures a group of crows to the farmer's fields and convinces them to distract the guard dog while he steals the food. The plan works, and Koja manages to get away with the stolen goods.

However, Koja soon realizes that his actions have put the other animals in danger, as the farmer may retaliate against them for the damage to his crops. Overcome with guilt, Koja decides to take responsibility for his actions and sacrifices himself to save the other animals from the farmer's wrath.

The story is a fable about the dangers of greed and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. It also explores themes of intelligence and cunning, and how they can be both a blessing and a curse. The character of Koja is complex, as he is both a lovable rogue and a cautionary tale, making the story a thought-provoking read.

Overall, "The Too-Clever Fox" is a well-written and engaging short story that will appeal to fans of Bardugo's Grishaverse series, as well as readers who enjoy fables and stories with animal protagonists. It is a quick and satisfying read, with a memorable and poignant ending.