Publishing date: 11.02.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY) 

Thank you to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own. 

TLDR: A family of foxes face difficulties with a pack of coyotes in their territory

We follow a family of foxes living near a farmstead. One day, a coyote pack moves in near their territory and strikes a deal which is beneficial to the coyotes, but not the foxes. Now they need to figure out how to drive them away without compromising their home. 

There are a few different characters in the book, but none of them stuck out to me. They felt like the same character in different skins, playing a role. Like the same actor acting multiple people in a movie. 

Somewhat slow pacing. Lots of domestic scenarios mixed with tension about the future. 

I had a very hard time getting into the story. I didn't find the premise that interesting. On the blurb it was, but as I read I realized I may have set my expectations a little high. The coyote parts were slightly more boring than the foxes. I think their story would work better in a standalone novel. 

Mood and atmosphere here is good. It felt cozy, and reminded me of exploring around the farm where I lived as a child. And looking through the eyes of the foxes gave a glimpse of what was so enticing about books like warrior cats. 

I was not a fan of the writing, sadly. It felt a little stilted, it didn't flow like I wanted it to, and it might need a little "tightening" and refocusing. 

Intended audience for this one is young. Middle grade to early young adult. Definitely a lot lower than my age, that was a misstep on my part. 

I give this 2 stars. Even if I am not the intended audience, I think a lot of younger kids would also find this hard to read because of the writing.