Intro: If the title of the book didn’t grab you as soon as you saw it, don’t go yet! This is one of the greatest animal fantasy series of all time! It has foxes! Who doesn't like foxes??
Author: Inbali Iserles
Illustrator: None
Published: 2016
Series: The Foxcraft Trilogy
Synopsis: Isla and her brother Pirie are young siblings living with their parents among the human cities called the Graylands. Their life had always been ordinary, but one day Isla comes home to find her den ablaze, and her brother missing. Determined to find her brother, and the cause of his disappearance, she must journey far beyond the Graylands. She must travel to the Wildlands, a place where foxes run free and danger is abroad. But sheer will is not enough for a young fox like her to make the journey. To find her brother, and survive in a dangerous realm, she must learn the secrets of cunning and guile known only to her kind. She must learn the secrets of Foxcraft.
The Foxcraft Trilogy is a middle-grade fantasy series written by Inbali Iserles. Her book, the Tygrine Cat won the 2008 Calderdale Children’s Book of the Year Award, and its sequel, the Tygrine Cat: On the Run, was listed among The Independent’s, “50 books every child should read.” She was also one of the author’s that, under the pen name, “Erin Hunter”, helped write the bestselling Survivors series! So this series is perfect for fans of Warriors, Survivors, Bravelands, Wolves of the Beyond, Guardians of Ga’Hoole, and more!
Although the title, “Foxcraft”, makes it sound like a series brimming with magic, the “foxcraft” is more like special abilities than magic. So there is no need to worry about any witchcraft-esque content. This book, The Taken, while not as action packed as the other two, is incredibly well written and the story moves at a good pace. The plot is incredibly complex, and the author uses well written characters and incredible lore and worldbuilding to make the story very interesting.
One thing I love about this series is how the author switches between what is happening now, and Isla’s past. It makes the story very interesting as you read about what Isla and Pirie’s life was like when they were younger. You will get to see her family and also get to know Pirie as you read! Which is nice, because it takes awhile for him to come into the series.
This series is full of messages of freedom. In Foxcraft, the foxes are free. No ranks or rulers, no overlord or king to bow down to. It is truly inspiring. You will watch the foxes fight for their freedom, and be rooting for them all the while.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for your next action packed read, or simply trying to find an inspiring, yet interesting read. Foxcraft: The Taken is the perfect book for you.