Page Street Publishing is set to release Call Forth a Fox by Markelle Grabo on April 2nd, a young adult fantasy novel that promises a compelling twist on classic fairy tales. The book introduces readers to Roisin, a determined fifteen-year-old living on the edge of a foreboding western wood, a place whispered to be inhabited by malevolent faeries. Grabo’s narrative, as evidenced by an exclusive excerpt, plunges into a world where the line between human and creature blurs, and ancient curses hold sway over unsuspecting lives.
The excerpt details a pivotal night for Roisin. While foraging, she intervenes to save a red fox from a brutal attack by a bear. This act of bravery, however, draws the attention of a far more sinister force. The narrative quickly reveals that the seemingly ordinary bear is, in fact, a young boy ensnared by a faerie curse, compelled to participate in a deadly competition. Simultaneously, the red fox Roisin encountered is not an animal but a girl from her own village, with whom Roisin harbors secret feelings. The ensuing events are set to test Roisin and her sister, Eirwyn, as they navigate a treacherous magical landscape in a desperate bid to break the curse and avert tragedy.
The Unveiling of a Faerie Curse
The narrative begins with Roisin, seemingly alone in the darkening western wood, drawn by the lingering presence of a red fox. Her internal monologue reveals a deep connection to this creature, a yearning for its company that overrides her mother’s strict rule about remaining in the forest after dusk. The looming presence of her sister, Eirwyn, awaiting her return to their cottage, serves as a grounding force, yet Roisin’s thoughts are consumed by the fox and the allure of the wild. This internal struggle between duty and a burgeoning, almost instinctual, desire foreshadows the extraordinary events to come.
The tranquil solitude is shattered by the sudden appearance of the red fox, bounding across Roisin’s path. This fleeting glimpse of the fox is immediately followed by a far more terrifying encounter: a massive bear emerges from the trees, its imposing presence radiating raw power and menace. The excerpt vividly describes Roisin’s paralyzing fear, her body’s instinctual freeze response as she confronts the creature. Her mother’s lessons on how to handle dangerous animals are recalled, a desperate attempt to regain control amidst overwhelming terror.
In a moment of desperate courage, Roisin employs the survival tactics she learned, slowly backing away from the bear. The animal’s initial pursuit is halted, leading Roisin to believe she has successfully navigated the immediate danger. However, the night’s true peril is only beginning. A piercing wail from the direction the fox fled ignites a fierce protectiveness within Roisin, eclipsing her fear. This surge of emotion compels her to abandon her safe retreat and rush towards the sound, determined to intervene.
A Desperate Rescue and a Shocking Revelation
Arriving at the scene, Roisin witnesses the bear cornering the fox against an oak tree. The vulnerability of the fox, coupled with the bear’s aggressive posture, fuels Roisin’s rage. In a moment of impulsive defiance, she resorts to hurling her boots at the bear, an act of desperation to distract and deter the predator. These unconventional projectiles manage to draw the bear’s attention, turning its focus from the fox to Roisin herself. The situation escalates rapidly as the bear, now perceiving Roisin as a threat, charges.
Roisin’s attempt to flee towards the safety of her cottage is fraught with peril. The narrative emphasizes her desperate struggle for breath and her limited speed in socked feet, highlighting the overwhelming power of the charging bear. The inevitable collision results in Roisin being thrown to the ground, the impact jarring and painful. As she braces for further assault, an unexpected intervention occurs. An arrow pierces the bear’s shoulder, causing it to stumble and fall.
Emerging from the cottage doorway, bow in hand, is Roisin’s sister, Eirwyn. The sight of Eirwyn, a figure of strength and protection, provides immediate relief. The sisters share a tearful reunion, Roisin expressing her apology for being out so late, and Eirwyn offering reassurance and comfort. This moment of sisterly solace, however, is short-lived. Eirwyn’s gaze drifts past Roisin, her expression shifting from relief to shock and disbelief.
The Transformed Bear: A Victim of Faerie Magic
Following Eirwyn’s pointed finger, Roisin turns to see not a fallen bear, but a young boy lying in the snow, an arrow protruding from his shoulder. The stark transformation from beast to human is profoundly unsettling. The boy, described as pale with messy brown hair and long limbs, groans, his voice bearing a disturbing resemblance to the bear’s earlier sounds. The realization dawns that this boy is the cursed individual, the victim of the faerie magic that had manifested as a bear. His plea for help, "Help, Please," underscores his dire predicament and the unintended consequences of Eirwyn’s protective actions. Eirwyn’s anguished cry, "What have I done?" encapsulates the immediate horror and moral dilemma that now confronts them.
Background Context and Supporting Data
The narrative of Call Forth a Fox taps into a rich vein of folklore and mythology, particularly the concept of shapeshifting and faerie curses. Tales of individuals transformed into animals, often as punishment or due to pacts with magical beings, are prevalent across various cultures. These stories frequently explore themes of identity, consequence, and the struggle against malevolent supernatural forces.
In the context of young adult fantasy, the inclusion of faerie lore often serves to create an otherworldly atmosphere and introduce complex magical systems. Faeries in folklore are often depicted as capricious, powerful, and amoral beings, capable of bestowing both boons and curses with equal disinterest in human suffering. The "deadly competition" mentioned in the book’s synopsis suggests a larger, possibly ongoing, magical contest orchestrated by these fae, adding a layer of political intrigue and high stakes to the narrative.
While specific data on the prevalence of faerie-related curses in fictional narratives is not readily quantifiable, the enduring popularity of such themes in literature and media indicates a consistent reader interest in these archetypal struggles. The success of novels and films featuring magical transformations and battles against supernatural entities underscores the genre’s appeal.
Broader Impact and Implications
The immediate implication of the excerpt is the profound moral quandary faced by Roisin and Eirwyn. Eirwyn, acting in defense of her sister, has inadvertently harmed a human being who was under a curse. This raises questions about justice, intent, and the complex nature of magic. The discovery that the bear was a cursed boy shifts the narrative from a simple tale of survival against a wild animal to a much more intricate story involving magical manipulation and the potential for redemption.
Furthermore, the revelation that the red fox is a girl from Roisin’s village introduces a romantic subplot and adds another layer of complexity to Roisin’s motivations. Her desire to save the fox is now intertwined with her feelings for the girl, potentially making her more invested in uncovering the truth behind the curse and seeking a resolution.
The impact of this event will likely extend beyond the immediate rescue. The interaction with the cursed boy and the faerie’s involvement suggest that Roisin and Eirwyn have become entangled in a larger conflict. Their actions may have drawn the attention of the fae, potentially placing them in greater danger. The "deadly competition" itself could be a central plot point, with Roisin and her sister perhaps becoming unwilling participants or key figures in its resolution. The excerpt also hints at the transformation of their relationship with the western wood, suggesting that their encounter with these magical forces will fundamentally alter their connection to their home and to each other. The excerpt promises a narrative that explores themes of courage, sacrifice, the blurred lines between good and evil, and the enduring power of familial bonds in the face of supernatural adversity.
The story, scheduled for release on April 2nd, offers a fresh perspective on classic fairy tale elements, weaving them into a contemporary young adult narrative. Markelle Grabo’s Call Forth a Fox appears poised to deliver a captivating and emotionally resonant story for its target audience.
