A sapphic twist on the classic fairytale of Snow White and Rose Red with fae, curses, and romance. Ro and her sister live together in a house that their father built in the woods. Growing up her father taught her to forage and gave her stories about faeries, from how to summon them to how to protect herself. Yet now that her father has passed and her mother has gone in search of a job, Ro and her sister live together just trying to survive the cold woods. One night Ro encounters a bear attacking a fox and she fights the bear to save the fox's life only to discover that the bear has turned into a boy after her sister shoots him with an arrow. The Bear boy has no memory ofwho he is or where he's come from, only that he knows Ro's name and that he has to kill the fox. Ro keeps finding herself drawn to the fox and to her surprise the fox turns into a girl named Colette. The closer Colette and Ro get the closer Ro begins to discover more secrets about the fae and the fact that Ro is the only person who can stop the deadly game between her precious fox and the strange bear that has come into her home. This is definitely a cozy fantasy that I think would make a great middle grade read. It's an easy read and it feels pretty young. I went into this thinking it would be a bit older and was hoping for a bit more, but it's a fairly simple story with an easy read and pace and I think younger readers would have a nice time with it. The story itself isn't bad it's just young and feels okay at best. I as hoping for a bit more magic and whimsy but overall it's just a cozy fairytale read, and the protagonist Ro might be a bit naive and kind of insufferable at points but I want to chalk it up to her being young and I feel like that's fine. Some things felt underdeveloped and aren't as fleshed out as I'd like but that's just me hoping for something more.

*Thanks Netgalley and Page Street Publishing, Page Street YA for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

a wonderful fairytale retelling with a sweet lesbian romance!

it is a really nice book to read, full of creatures and mysteries and twists. the worldbuilding is amazing, i loved everything from the beginning to the end.

all the characters are awesome and so interesting. their bonds, relationships, dynamic.

I’m starting off by giving this a 3.5.

“Call Forth a Fox” was a whimsical story covered in snow and faerie magic. I personally have not heard of the Red Rose story so I couldn’t really relate to how this was a retelling. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable story to read. I loved the relationship between Ro and her sister Erywin. Usually in books the sisters are just side characters that don’t have any depth and are just there in name, but with Erywin, I loved all of the aspects that her character brought to the story.

The story it’s self, I found personally very well paced, with a few plot twists here and there to keep you engaged (although in retrospect if I was actively trying to think of how the plot would play out maybe some plot twist might have been more obvious, but I just wanted to read and see where the story would take me). In regards to the pacing, I liked how things were going on throughout the book and not just during the last 15% as many other books typically do.

The romance between Ro and Collette was sweet but at many times during the book I felt there was very obvious potential between her and Brend.

I felt that this story was halfway told through Ro’s memories and there was always a memory to explain what was going on or how she was feeling a certain way, which I didn’t really like.

Overall it was a nice read with caring characters that learn to grow and overcome their challenges throughout the book!

I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this E-ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Call Forth a Fox is a beautiful, atmospheric YA fantasy with queer characters that take you on a lovely journey.

Call Forth a Fox was such a fun read. I appreciated that the FMC was 15, filling the age gap between many MG and YA books. The romance was sweet and heartwarming, and the character development was splendid to experience. I loved the inclusion of fairytale aspects and fae and the sapphic retelling and collage of stories like Rose Red. The story was cozy and snowy, and I felt like I was right there with the characters. I enjoyed the writing style, though some parts felt stiff and repetitive. I will be recommending this gem of a book!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!

I think this is a really lovely concept but the writing let it down for me. I couldn’t connect with the characters or the plot. There were a lot of things that felt over-explained and it felt like there was more telling than showing. I also found the dialogue really stilted.

There’s clearly an audience for this based on other reviews, but it unfortunately didn’t work for me

I loved this book. Do you like to read about Faeries, Curse, bargain and different realms? If Yes, this book is definitely for you.

Roisin and Eirwyn are two sisters. They are living in a cottage and they’re oblivion to secrets their parents kept from them. Going to forest is Ro’s hobby. She was out foraging and she saw a bear is attacking a red fox, she tried to protect the fox but the bear attacked her then and in an attempt to protect Ro, Eirwyn wounded Brent on shoulder with an arrow. As soon as her arrow reached to its destination, the bear turned into a boy. But when he was awake and his wound was nearly healed, he couldn’t remember anything about his transformation while the mystery of red fox made Ro curious. She went in search for her in the forest and from her command, she shown herself but a faerie appeared and warned her about crossing the realm twice without releasing. To solve the mystery of Brent’s transformation and red fox, Ro agrees to help him break the curse but as soon as she summons a faerie, the secrets from the past also unveils and maybe present cannot be changed. Will Ro be able to break Brent’s curse?

So many unthinkable things happens in plot and the plot twists were unpredictable. The writing is lyrical and engrossing. I liked the narrative. The characters are so good. The ending was jaw dropping. I loved the world building and the book has one trope, Found Family. If you had like to read about faerie realm, rituals, magic, blood, bargain, curse, sacrifice and family secrets, read this book.

Many Thanks to Author, Publisher and Netgalley.

For all my queer Holly Black fans, this one is for you. If you ever wanted a Sapphic retelling of the fairytale that predates snow white, Call Forth a Fox might melt your heart; it was a cozy read good for a fall night or rainstorm.

I had quite high hopes for this book, but it just didn't hit the mark for me. The cover of the book is beautiful, and the synopsis was very intriguing, but the characters didn't have the sense of connection that I was hoping for. I was so exited for the sapphic romance but it was lacklustre to say the least. I didn’t care for any of the characters, and it left me wishing for more depth and chemistry between them, which ultimately affected my overall enjoyment of the story and their fates.

This book touches on themes of grief and the grieving process, but alas, they are oversimplified. The characters' reactions to grief, and the impact of their grief on their relationship feels forced - as a way to make the plot make more sense.

The faeries and curses failed to intrigue me, the magic system felt uninspired and the author's take on faeries wasn’t for me at all. I struggled to maintain interest in the story and found the plot to be dull and slow. Many things were repeated throughout, spoon feeding me clues and making me feel like a child. When in fact I had the plot figured out within the first third of the book - further depleting my enjoyment of this book. Now knowing what’s going to happen to the characters and at the same time not caring at all.

While I didn’t necessarily enjoy this book, I did like the writing style, albeit a bit dull and over explanatory sometimes. For example, when the author decided to write about one of the characters practising sitting on a chair - “first, I try both legs side by side, hands in my lap. Then the left leg over the right. Then the right leg over the left. Then both legs tucked beneath me. When nothing satisfies, I try standing, but that feels strange too. I can’t decide what works best”. This didn’t surmount to anything at all, and there’s many more instances like this, making me skip over them entirely.

However, if you enjoy Holly Blacks books then you might like this one too! That’s why I’ve decided to give it three stars, as I genuinely believe it was just not for me, rather than it being an awful story.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I'm not familiar with the story of Rose Red, so I can't speak to the retelling aspect of it, but I enjoyed the magic in the book and, of course, the forest. I love a good forest in a novel.
I appreciated that the MC was still figuring out her own sexuality in the story, and she never truly states a conclusion. Some interactions between the MC and love interested did sometimes feel a wee bit forced. Or perhaps rushed is a better word? But overall, I think it was a good love story.
I think the ending mostly happened organically, which is always a good thing!

A beautiful, cozy fairytale retelling! I loved this world and the dynamic between Ro and her sister. The cottage in the woods makes for the perfect snowy day read. It gave me Once Upon a Time vibes (when the show was good!)

Utterly delightful! A sweet, sapphic fairytale sure to steal the heart of Holly Black fans, cottagecore pinterest princesses, goblin girls, and all who long for more wlw representation in the romantasy scene. I absolutely adore this book!

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

First of all, the cover is absolutely stunning! I applied for the ARC once I read there's a red fox shape-shifter character in a sapphic book??? Please sign me up!

However, I'm a little confused about the blurb. I remember reading a version that said, "Ro fights a bear to save a fox's life, only to see the fox turn into a girl." But the new version of the blurb says, "Ro 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."


I was excited about the sapphic romance in the book, but it didn't feel sapphic overall, despite the main character being sapphic. One thing that annoyed me was the bear-boy character, who took up a significant portion of the book. He's annoying as hell and I didn't care about him at all. And Ro's choice to pick the bear boy over the fox girl in some of her decisions baffled me. I hate to say this, but this book almost feels like it was originally about Ro and the bear-boy romance, but then they suddenly decide: <i>Hey! Let's make it sapphic!</i> and then change a few settings in the book.

I really like the fairytale setting in the book, Markelle Grabo is a brilliant writer, but as an avid sapphic reader, I just didn't like the book

Call Forth a Fox is a beautiful fairytale retelling featuring lovable queer characters. This read is great for lovers of cozy fantasy and puts empathy and love at the forefront of the story. I see many of the teen readers at our high school being very excited to read this.

gorgeously sapphic tale with intriguing characters. rose red is a fav of mine and this one was put together so smoothly from it!

A wonderful wintery fairytale retelling full of a sweet, sapphic romance.

Call Forth a Fox follows Ro, a girl who was taught to forage and stories of faeries by her father growing up in a cottage in the forest. But her father has passed and her mother is setting up a new life for them in a city – something Ro doesn’t want at all. Her life turns upside down when she comes across a Fox being hunted by a bear when she’s out foraging. Ro defends the fox only to watch the bear transform into a boy before her eyes, and to her shock, he knows her name and claims he must kill the Fox.

Ro is thrust into a mystery of faeries and curses that has delicious twists and turns you don’t expect! The magic system was so unique and I loved the authors twist on faeries. I was captivated while reading and found the plot to be engaging and fast-paced.

I really loved the cast of characters. Ro was such a strong lead and her sister was so sweet and supportive. Brenda was so interesting and I was so curious to see where his story ended. Same with Colette! The romance between Ro and Colette was really sweet, though a tad quick for my tastes. Overall though, the characters were well rounded and easy to root for!

This is the perfect read for winter or when it’s snowy! The vibes of the snowy forest were immaculate and I’d definitely recommend checking this book out!

A gorgeous retelling of a classic fairytale with exquisite prose, lovely characters, and wonderful queer representation that readers of all ages will connect with. I will definitely be selling this to young readers looking for an atmospheric, romantic story fit for a new generation of fairytale lovers. Markelle Grabo is a gifted author, and I can't wait to read and sell her future books!

Thank you Page Street YA for the digital ARC!

CALL FORTH A FOX is a sweet, sapphic, gorgeously written fairytale. I was swept away by the author's style, and I loved the queer representation in a folktale setting.