THE RED FOX RAN https://ift.tt/TIlDHme

On his first day at a new high school, sophomore Bay Haven hits it off with Abby. Actually, she’s the outgoing one who strikes up a conversation, roping Bay into her tiny clique, which includes Sasha and Felix. While they’re all close, Bay and Abby’s relationship verges on something deeper, even if they try convincing themselves and others that they’re “just friends.” But Bay harbors a secret he’s too afraid to tell his pals. He and his older brother, Blaze, have escaped a homeland that rendered them orphans and are now unquestionably hiding from others. When Bay gets an inkling that “they” have found the brothers, Blaze insists the two pack their bags and go on the run again. Bay would rather stay with his treasured friends, despite the risks, for as long as the siblings possibly can. Although Knight drops big hints as to where Bay comes from, his backstory remains a mystery for much of the novel. Readers may wonder if he’s supernatural in origin or a mere human, albeit complicated. Still, the author’s powerful narrative themes drive this tale. Bay’s fabrications saddle him with guilt; he’s worried he won’t be accepted by Abby once the truth about his past comes out (“What would she think of him if he told her so much of what she knew about him was a lie”). There’s also a Christian theme that is at times more overt than other strands. Answers roll out in the final act, which puts Bay and his loved ones in potential danger. Nevertheless, friendship and romance are what truly ignite the engaging story. The four chums’ banter delights and invigorates, thanks in large part to Knight’s nimble dialogue. Perhaps best of all, Bay and Abby’s shared scenes overflow with romance, whether they suppress their feelings or not.

from Kirkus Reviews https://ift.tt/wtnsJ6l