Foxcraft: The Taken

THE FOXCRAFT: THE TAKEN by Inbali Iserles Isla is a young fox whose world changes when she becomes separated from her family during an attack on their den. She must survive alone in the dangerous city while searching for her missing brother Pirie, navigating threats from both humans and other animals. The story follows Isla as she develops her foxcraft abilities - ancient fox magic that grants powers like invisibility and mind control. She encounters other foxes who may help or harm her quest, all while uncovering secrets about a mysterious group called the Taken. This middle-grade novel blends survival adventure with fantasy elements in an urban setting. Through Isla's journey, the story explores themes of family loyalty, self-discovery, and the sometimes blurry line between friend and foe in a world where nothing is quite what it seems.

Readers consistently rate Foxcraft: The Taken between 3.5-4 stars across review platforms. Many young readers connect with the main character Isla and appreciate the detailed fox behavior and mythology. Parents note it works well as a read-aloud book for ages 8-12. Liked: - Fox-eye view perspective and accurate animal behaviors - World-building and fox magic system - Fast-paced action scenes - Educational elements about real fox habits Disliked: - Some found the fox terminology confusing without the glossary - Middle sections drag for some readers - Several note it's darker than expected for middle-grade Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (25+ ratings) "The fox perspective feels authentic rather than just humans in fox form" - Goodreads reviewer "Too scary for sensitive readers under 10" - Parent reviewer on Amazon

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🦊 The author, Inbali Iserles, is one of the team of authors who write under the pen name Erin Hunter, known for the bestselling Warriors series about wild cats. 🌟 The fox magic ("foxcraft") in the book is based on real fox behaviors and abilities, such as their keen sense of direction and skill at hiding in plain sight. 🐺 Though set in modern times, the story incorporates elements of ancient fox folklore from various cultures, particularly Japanese mythology where foxes are powerful shapeshifters. 🌲 The book's setting switches between urban landscapes and wild forests, reflecting the real-life adaptability of foxes as one of the few wild animals that successfully inhabit both environments. 📚 This book is the first in a trilogy, followed by "The Elders" and "The Mage," and has been translated into 13 languages worldwide.