i thought i’d enjoy this a lot more considering it’s about faeries and curses, fighting for the throne. but i had a hard time connecting with the characters. the pacing also felt too slow for me and only picked up in the last 25% imo. and even that seemed to be an info dump for convenience.

the cover got me (again lol)

aside from my feelings about the plot, the writing was easy enough to follow. the world is simple,
cozy.

ty netgalley for the arc ¨̮

3.5 stars. I found this to be an incredible magical read, one in which I could really immerse myself. It had everything: an enjoyable plot, curses, a lovely heroine, more curses and of course magic! This book is perfect to read during a slow weekend, and it is definitely one I can recommend.

I was swept up in the whimsy and magic of Call Forth A Fox. Grabo has built a lush, enchanting wood brimming with faerie magic and cozy winter vibes.

This sapphic Snow White and Rose Red retelling follows Ro who fights a bear to save a fox’s life, only to see the bear turn into a boy after her sister shoots him with an arrow. As she begins to realize the faeries from her father’s stories may be real after all, she’ll need to remember everything her father taught her in order to extract herself from this deadly game and keep her precious fox out of harm’s way.

The mystery was intriguing with well-paced reveals, and I enjoyed the tender relationships between the characters. I loved the self-discovery journey and family dynamics represented throughout the story. Altogether charming and whimsical, I recommend this for fans of young adult fantasy and fairytale retellings.

I definitely was not disappointed by Call Forth a Fox, a queer retelling of classic fairytale “Snow White and Rose Red”. It’s got everything I could ever want from a fantasy novel: queer characters, hard to break curses, and a vivid landscape.

There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding the curse of the Fox and the Bear, the identities of whom I’ll keep under wraps just so there’s a bit of fun mystery waiting for you at the beginning of the novel. Their conflict is framed as inevitably fatal, a fact Ro cannot bear and thus makes it her mission to intervene, at the displeasure of most of those around her. Throughout the book, there is this inherent tension between the human characters and the nature around them, only fueled by the nearby village’s fear of the fae in the wood.

I really enjoyed the pacing of Call Forth a Fox, as it’s quick, but not too much so. There is the opportunity to sit in some of the larger conflicts of the story, and I found myself unable to put the book down, even when I really should have been focusing on something else. Ro develops wonderfully as a character through the course of the story. The best word I can think for this growth is simple maturity, as Ro gains the ability to look beyond herself in the conflicts she has with other characters, taking into consideration their wants and needs (something she struggled with or flat out didn’t do in the beginning of the story).

This was a sweet read that, though fairly simple in its messaging, left me feeling good by the time I set it down. It’s a quick read, with compelling characters and world(s) and draws you in through both of these elements. Call Forth a Fox is perfect for fans of fantasy, fae, and witty, if occasionally whingy, characters.

On a cold winters night, on the way home from foraging in the snowy woodlands, Ro stumbles onto a distressful scene; a fox being cornered and attacked by a large, enraged bear. In an attempt to save the fox, Ro engages the bear, but things take a turn as it soon turns his attention to Ro. With the brute chasing her, Ro flees to her home where, thankfully her sister Eirwyn is waiting with a carefully aimed arrow. Both sisters are astonished as the wounded bear transforms into a boy. Ro never believed in the stories her late father would tell of faeries however, she can’t deny the magic that surrounds them.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Page Street Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I had this book on my Amazon Wishlist and was thrilled to see it available to request on Netgalley and was even more thrilled when I saw the approval email come through.

I really enjoyed this read. It delivered that magic you feel when reading folklore as well as the nostalgia of a fairytale. The worldbuilding was wonderous; A snowy wooded forest, a humble and cosy cabin, a town infused with legends of faeries? Yes please.

The characters and their relationships were well rounded and charming. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between sisters Ro and Eirwyn. Whilst being complete opposites they are cut from the same cloth and have shared experiences which bond them.

Warm fuzzies aside, the story delved into deeper topics such as grief as well as navigating same-sex relationships in a society that may not understand. This story had so much depth and was beautifully told.

I unfortunately did not like this book very much but I also am in a terrible reading slump and nothing seems good to me right now. I don't think the book is bad though so I would definitely like to revisit in the future.

The design of the eBook is gorgeous: great type font, great cover, great interior book design. It lended to a feeling of being swallowed by vine and forest.

The floral prose was captivating. However, I feel that the beginning dragged a bit. I noticed more unnecessary descriptions in the first quarter of the book (every step of a tedious process such as making tea.) Finding a balance of what descriptions add to the beauty and liveliness of a world, and which are a distraction to the reader is difficult. That balance is also such a matter of preference that I’m sure for every review that agrees with me you’ll receive several that say the opposite. In my opinion, the ideal balance was achieved in the last three quarters though.

The sibling relationship between Ro and Eirwyn is heartfelt and strained in a way that is both realistic and charming. Ro and Colette’s romantic relationship is well-paced and developed.

My only regret is not reading Call Forth a Fox in the dead of winter in front of my fireplace. Excellent read. I can’t wait to recommend it!

First of all, I’d like to thank Netgalley & Page Street Publishing for providing me with a digital arc of Call Forth a Fox. While I’m super appreciative, I would also like to clarify that I will be sharing my completely honest thoughts about the book below.

Overall, I had an enjoyable experience reading Call Forth a Fox. I was in a bit of a reading slump this past month, and admittedly did struggle to find the motivation to finish the book. However, whenever I did pick it up, I never regretted it. As readers you get to follow the characters as they desperately look for answers (unless they want to suffer dire consequences). The characters were easy to root for, the magic was interesting, and the dynamics between characters kept me engaged. I also adored reading a book that centered around a fmc that had depth, flaws, all while being a character I think a lot of people will be able to see their younger selves in (or at least i did). Additionally, it’s always great to see more queer representation in books. I genuinely think that I would have been obsessed with this book back in middle school. Call Forth a Fox offers coziness, touches on grief & family dynamics, as well as teaches some lessons along the way (without coming across as annoying and obvious). The romance within the book is also incredibly sweet, which is always a bonus. My only real critiques for the book are mostly just personal preference. For instance, I don’t usually gravitate towards books written from a first person point of view and I think because of that it took me longer to connect with the book (and I wasn’t as invested in the characters as I would have liked). Also it’s important to note that this book is marketed as young adult and it definitely reads like it (which is not a bad thing- just something to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to pick it up). Is this a perfect book? No, but there is something very endearing about Call Forth a Fox and I can definitely see myself recommending it to a few people. I mean, this book has faeries! If you’re in the mood for an atmospheric coming of age fantasy book with some coziness, this might be great for you!

It's cute, amazing, lyrical, fantastic... lovely story. 5 star rating from me. Glad I read it and found this amazing book.

Call Forth a Fox tells the story of Ro, a young woman grappling with an impending (and unwanted) move to a different town. When she comes across a bear who turns into a boy, it sets off a series of events leading to some unexpected discoveries and tough choices.

The story felt very much like a fairy tale, but with wonderful depth and warmth to the characters. I loved reading the descriptions of the forest and its inhabitants - it felt vivid and lush. Overall, I enjoyed both the plot and the worldbuilding.

Thanks to NetGalley, Page Street Publishing, and Colored Pages Book Tours for the eARC!

Read this for:
🦊 a folkloric, sapphic fairytale retelling with immaculate vibes
🐻 beautiful, atmospheric prose, wonderful queer representation, and interesting sibling dynamics
❄️ an interesting twist on faefolk set in a cozy cottage in a snowy wood

With lovely, satisfyingly slow storytelling and a cottagecore setting that feels like a cozy, snowy, whimsical Switch game where our characters are roaming and foraging in the forest (or maybe I’m just obsessed with my Switch rn), Call Forth a Fox is a lovely retelling of an unfamiliar fairytale that feels transportive and surreal.

At first, I was worried the characters were childish (though this is YA) and possibly even flat, but by the end of the story, I was swept up in their saga and totally invested in their personal development and complex interpersonal dynamics.

If you loved Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, you’ll eat this up!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Page Street Publishing and Page Street YA for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book but it dragged in places and the reveal fell short in the middle because of that. Still a very cozy fantasy novel that I do recommend!

This was such a cute YA sapphic romantasy! I really enjoyed all of the main characters (Roisin, Eirwyn, Brend, and Colette) and how their friendships and relationships grew throughout the story. Ro discovering herself in so many different ways was phenomenally scripted and written. She was someone you could root for throughout the story as a bit of a hero, but also as just a girl trying to find her place.

I love the secrets hiding within the Western Woods and all of the things that are discovered about the faeries including, how they are linked to a bear and a fox that are not quite what they seem, or how they are linked to Ro and her sister Eirwyn. The pacing of this story is perfect - we get a good mix of nonstop action and lulls where the characters are able to grow and become something more.

Also, the metaphors are so well done, keeping them set very in the world. One of my favorites is “The sudden shift in perspective is a sobering weight upon my shoulders.”

I highly recommend checking this one out!

Thank you to Page Street YA, Netgalley, and Storygram tours for my ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Ever since Ro was an infant, her father has told her stories of faeries in the western wood next to their home. He taught her to forage and find peace within the dense, magical forest. After her father passes away, Ro’s mother leaves to try and find other opportunities in the town across the river. Once winter is over, Ro and Eirwyn are expected to join their mother in a town called Poppy. Ro is vehemently against leaving the western wood, while her sister refuses to even enter the forest since their father’s death. One afternoon while foraging, Ro comes across a bear attempting to catch and kill a fox. Without thinking, Ro steps in to save the fox, only to become the focus of the bear. As Ro frantically tries to make it back to their cottage, the bear pounces, and she’s only saved by her sister’s bow and arrow. However, the bear morphs into a boy, and Eirwyn rushes to save his life. The boy has zero memories but knew he needed to find Ro, making her suspicious of him and desperate to locate the fox and uncover the human within.

Call Forth a Fox is a retelling of a fairytale I haven’t heard of prior to picking this book up. I really liked the overall vibes the author created with her descriptive story telling. I did, unfortunately, find the story a little boring at times and I wasn’t completely engrossed. I enjoyed the reveals regarding Ro’s heritage and the way every character grew in their own way. Overall, this is a decent YA fantasy with a unique premise and a fantastic setting.

Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours and Page Street YA for the free early copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

Sapphics, curses, and faeries, oh my!

To Call Forth a Fox is a gripping fairytale-inspired read about Ro's adventures into the western wood, and the complicated politics that come with it, that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next. The reader is treated to sisterly bond, found family, and fighting your selfishness for the good of others. The villain is the stuff of YA nightmares, and the power of good wins out in the end.

The characters in this story are diverse and complex, each with their own flaws and opportunities for growth. The sapphic love story is as accurate as first love at 15 can get: intense, emotional, endearing, and flawed.

The beginning was a bit slow as the world building was set up, but when the faeries come into play, things really picked up! I'm hoping a sequel is in the future. I would love to hear more about Ro, Brend, and Colette, and where they go next.


Also, love the bisexual representation!!

This is an excellent debut novel!

First of all, I have to say that, within just a few pages, I was incredibly taken with Markelle Grabo's beautiful writing, even before the story really got going. The word choice and dialogue were really good and felt so natural.

The story was captivating and kept me really intrigued until the last couple of chapters! I was curious to find out what would happen to the lovable characters that fill the pages of the book - how they would solve the issue of the curses and how their relationships would evolve. The novel was filled with lots of innovative ideas on faery realms and fun references to fairytales.

I really enjoyed the characters, too, especially the two sisters and Colette, who were really nicely developed! Brend felt sometimes a little too flat, but that might also be due to him lacking his memories?

One little thing that I wasn't sold on was a part towards the end in which Ro spends a couple of pages purely listing everything that happens after a certain event. It felt like a quick "flash-forward" summary that I didn't necessarily need... or not quite like that.

Thank you to the Booksta Tour company, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!

Call Forth a Fox is the perfect dark yet whimsical fairytale. I really enjoyed the prose and the worldbuilding. The writing style was super easy to get into and it kept me engaged throughout the entire book. The characters do read a bit younger but this is a good thing since we need more true young adult books to bridge the gap between middle grade and older YA. Overall, I recommend Call Forth a Fox for readers who are looking for a story with fairies, queer representation, exploration of family dynamics, and a gorgeous setting.

What a journey this book was! I absolutely loved it. The characters are so well rounded and the prose is stunning. All of the characters felt so complete and whole. Though I think I thought this would be more similar to Snow White for some reason, and I'm really not completely sure why I thought that. Either way I really enjoyed! It kept me on my toes the whole time.

I thought this novel was really enjoyable; the plot was constantly moving forward, and each new revelation Ro had was enthralling. I loved how the ending turned out as well! However, I found the worldbuilding a bit lackluster, particular an element that seemed to imply homosexuality was accepted in this book's society but bisexuality wasn't. It was only mentioned a couple of times, and it felt like something that needed a lot more exploring and fleshing out because throwing it in there was very appalling to me. I should note that I'm not the target audience for romantasy and fiction about faefolk; however, I did find the book pretty fun besides the few worldbuilding choices that were a bit bizarre.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

The classic story of Rose Red and Snow White gets a sapphic twist in this novel. While I am unfamiliar with the fairy tale so looking into it was very interesting.

Ro is someone you can understand even if it seems she is childish, especially as the story progresses. The fantasy aspects of the story were also very weird and interesting. Faeries as well as cursed individuals forced to turn into bears and foxes and fight to the death. When things started getting explained it made so much sense. There were also so many good twists here! Like I didn’t see a few things coming at all.

The characters here were very lovable and easy to root for. While I didn’t know how I felt about Brend and Colette in the beginning, they grow on you. And Ro and her sister just seemed like a normal sister relationship with ups and downs.

One of the only things I wish we had gotten to see was their mother. She’s mentioned so much and is such a key part of the story and yet she’s gone the entire book. I wanted to hear her side of the story when things were going wrong.

All in all this was a very atmospheric story that felt like a wintry hug. There’s a lot of nature and magic and plenty of story to keep you interested.