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The Different World
460 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 9, 2024
I haven't read a book aimed at kids in a very long time. Most of what I read is either upper YA or adult, and most of those books have heavier, darker themes. The Different World didn't just bring me a breath of fresh air; it was the most emotional experience I've had reading a book in a very long time.
Reading this book was a rollercoaster. At one point while reading, I turned to my roommate and said: "This book is awakening a ton of nostalgia in me. It's bringing me back to my childhood, when I read Harry Potter and The Land of Stories." There were moments when I had a huge grin on my face, feeling that childlike wonder I'd missed for so long.
The main characters are all likable (one of my favorite parts of this book was how Stargazer and Skyblade interacted; I found myself grinning every time they argued), and even though Valerie struggles quite a bit throughout the book, it's easy to root for her. The villains are truly intimidating, and the allegory present in each of them is done masterfully. One of the things I'm most often disappointed by in modern books and movies are forgettable villains (looking at you, MCU), but this book takes concepts like Fear and Envy and turns them into terrifying, memorable antagonists.
But this book isn't just a nostalgia-filled piece of entertainment; its messages are profound. It boils down difficult, complex, and dark topics into age-appropriate lessons while still having an incredible emotional impact. It doesn't shy away from the darkness in the world but always maintains the truth that light can overcome darkness in any scenario. In many ways, The Different World reminded me of CS Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. There's so much Christian allegory and moral teaching woven throughout the pages, and it has been quite a while since I've read a book that was truly as enriching as this one.
I want to thank Byron for sending me an ARC of this book. He's truly got an incredible road ahead of him, and I can't wait to see where he takes the story in The Toymaker. Great job bro!
Reading this book was a rollercoaster. At one point while reading, I turned to my roommate and said: "This book is awakening a ton of nostalgia in me. It's bringing me back to my childhood, when I read Harry Potter and The Land of Stories." There were moments when I had a huge grin on my face, feeling that childlike wonder I'd missed for so long.
The main characters are all likable (one of my favorite parts of this book was how Stargazer and Skyblade interacted; I found myself grinning every time they argued), and even though Valerie struggles quite a bit throughout the book, it's easy to root for her. The villains are truly intimidating, and the allegory present in each of them is done masterfully. One of the things I'm most often disappointed by in modern books and movies are forgettable villains (looking at you, MCU), but this book takes concepts like Fear and Envy and turns them into terrifying, memorable antagonists.
But this book isn't just a nostalgia-filled piece of entertainment; its messages are profound. It boils down difficult, complex, and dark topics into age-appropriate lessons while still having an incredible emotional impact. It doesn't shy away from the darkness in the world but always maintains the truth that light can overcome darkness in any scenario. In many ways, The Different World reminded me of CS Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. There's so much Christian allegory and moral teaching woven throughout the pages, and it has been quite a while since I've read a book that was truly as enriching as this one.
I want to thank Byron for sending me an ARC of this book. He's truly got an incredible road ahead of him, and I can't wait to see where he takes the story in The Toymaker. Great job bro!
October 19, 2024
This was a fantastical read! I would definitely recommend as a read-aloud for the whole family as it has something everyone can enjoy!
Characters:
Stargazer was one of my favorites! With his unique coloring and firecracker personality, he was just loads of fun!
Dreamer was such a sweetheart and tender soul! I loved her and her heart for others!
Princess Moonfrost was sooooooo cool! She was a wise and fun character!
Skyblade was awesome! The Sheild of the Princess and I loved his occasional grumpiness and the way he played with and took care of Leo!
Wish had my heart from his first moment on page, and I hope to see more of him in the next book!
Valerie's struggle with her problem felt genuine and real, and I loved her whole journey through the story!
Leo was adorable!
Themes:
Overcoming envy and jealousy and the importance of realizing we have a problem in order to break its hold on us. I loved how important protecting the innocence of children was to the Foxlings and how seriously they took their roles. I also loved the mentions of parents being the guardians of innocence, too. That was such a nice touch.
Language:
One use of h*ck, which I don't see as a bad word, but I know some parents like to be careful with what words they let their kids say and read.
Romance:
N/A
Violence/Gore/Scary Stuff:
There was some fighting and battles, but nothing was described in great detail. Just mentions of fighting and Foxlings falling. Death is mentioned, but again, everything is handled nicely.
The Vile Ones are scary, but not overly. They wear snake skull helmets and have long claws and green eyes, and that is all the description we are given besides sometimes it's said they were horrible beyond description
One more scary note below in spoilers for parents.
Magic:
Have to add this section. :)
The Foxlings have 'magic' crystal necklaces that can make weapons amoung of other things when they think about what they want. The crystals themselves are grown, but the original was given to them the Man in the Sky (or God).
Moonfrost also a crystal staff that is pretty awesome but also used to blast people back or make lightning and such. Skyblade can also recite a rhyme to use her staff to make a shield to protect Moonfrost and others. So, it's kind of magical but nothing creepy.
The Corrupters also have staffs, but without the crystals and there's seem to mostly make fire and use a force sort of thing.
The main villain is never seen on page in this book but is referred to as the Great Witch.
Overall:
I know this review is getting long but since I have so many homeschool moms that follow my account I wanted to make sure they knew a)the good points of this book and b) things they might not be comfortable with since everyone's standards for magic are different. I would put this at a LotR level of magic.
I recommend this as a read-aloud because I think any MG kids under 10 would have a hard time reading the book on their own, merely because of its length and the length of the chapters. The book is a 9x6 page size with 460 pages and only has 23 chapters. Not a bad thing, but younger readers might find it discouraging. (For reference, most YA books I read are 5x8 page size with 360 pages and usually over 30 chapters, so this is a big book.)
There are some illustrations which are beautiful! And the cover is gorgeous! I love it!
For read-aloud ages 6+ could enjoy this adventure!
For solo reading 10+ because of the length of the book, an advanced 8-year-old reader could handle the book alone but might need to be talked through some of the content.
If you have any questions, let me know!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
⚠️SPOILER FOR PARENT CONSIDERATION⚠️
.
.
.
One thing that might be scary and that I wasn't sure how I felt about was the fact that the 4 Corruptors were once children. The thought of that creeped me out a bit. The Foxlings do try to reach out to the children in the Corruptors some, but I would have preferred if they had just been the Corruptors. That's just me, though, and a fyi for parents to maybe discuss with their kids.
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I was not required to leave a review.
Characters:
Stargazer was one of my favorites! With his unique coloring and firecracker personality, he was just loads of fun!
Dreamer was such a sweetheart and tender soul! I loved her and her heart for others!
Princess Moonfrost was sooooooo cool! She was a wise and fun character!
Skyblade was awesome! The Sheild of the Princess and I loved his occasional grumpiness and the way he played with and took care of Leo!
Wish had my heart from his first moment on page, and I hope to see more of him in the next book!
Valerie's struggle with her problem felt genuine and real, and I loved her whole journey through the story!
Leo was adorable!
Themes:
Overcoming envy and jealousy and the importance of realizing we have a problem in order to break its hold on us. I loved how important protecting the innocence of children was to the Foxlings and how seriously they took their roles. I also loved the mentions of parents being the guardians of innocence, too. That was such a nice touch.
Language:
One use of h*ck, which I don't see as a bad word, but I know some parents like to be careful with what words they let their kids say and read.
Romance:
N/A
Violence/Gore/Scary Stuff:
There was some fighting and battles, but nothing was described in great detail. Just mentions of fighting and Foxlings falling. Death is mentioned, but again, everything is handled nicely.
The Vile Ones are scary, but not overly. They wear snake skull helmets and have long claws and green eyes, and that is all the description we are given besides sometimes it's said they were horrible beyond description
One more scary note below in spoilers for parents.
Magic:
Have to add this section. :)
The Foxlings have 'magic' crystal necklaces that can make weapons amoung of other things when they think about what they want. The crystals themselves are grown, but the original was given to them the Man in the Sky (or God).
Moonfrost also a crystal staff that is pretty awesome but also used to blast people back or make lightning and such. Skyblade can also recite a rhyme to use her staff to make a shield to protect Moonfrost and others. So, it's kind of magical but nothing creepy.
The Corrupters also have staffs, but without the crystals and there's seem to mostly make fire and use a force sort of thing.
The main villain is never seen on page in this book but is referred to as the Great Witch.
Overall:
I know this review is getting long but since I have so many homeschool moms that follow my account I wanted to make sure they knew a)the good points of this book and b) things they might not be comfortable with since everyone's standards for magic are different. I would put this at a LotR level of magic.
I recommend this as a read-aloud because I think any MG kids under 10 would have a hard time reading the book on their own, merely because of its length and the length of the chapters. The book is a 9x6 page size with 460 pages and only has 23 chapters. Not a bad thing, but younger readers might find it discouraging. (For reference, most YA books I read are 5x8 page size with 360 pages and usually over 30 chapters, so this is a big book.)
There are some illustrations which are beautiful! And the cover is gorgeous! I love it!
For read-aloud ages 6+ could enjoy this adventure!
For solo reading 10+ because of the length of the book, an advanced 8-year-old reader could handle the book alone but might need to be talked through some of the content.
If you have any questions, let me know!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
⚠️SPOILER FOR PARENT CONSIDERATION⚠️
.
.
.
One thing that might be scary and that I wasn't sure how I felt about was the fact that the 4 Corruptors were once children. The thought of that creeped me out a bit. The Foxlings do try to reach out to the children in the Corruptors some, but I would have preferred if they had just been the Corruptors. That's just me, though, and a fyi for parents to maybe discuss with their kids.
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I was not required to leave a review.
Read
January 9, 2025The Foxling was both cozy and epic. In a lot of ways, it reminded me of Narnia and some other stories I read growing up, which was an added bonus! I love when middle grade novels tie in adventuring with Biblical truths/principles.
Luby shows incredible promise and heart as a writer. This debut novel was delightful and one I think boys and girls of all ages will enjoy.
Luby shows incredible promise and heart as a writer. This debut novel was delightful and one I think boys and girls of all ages will enjoy.
October 22, 2024
“No matter how hopeless and dark it seems, you are not alone. I am with you, I surround you, just as these lights are with and surround the moon.”
—B.W. Luby
Rating: ★★★★★
Cleanness: ★★★★*
This book is amazing! I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I felt all the emotions. I love this book! The characters and the world are incredible. It reminds me of stories I grew up reading. Books that are sweet, wholesome, full of adventure, siblings bonds, magical creatures, life changing themes and have a Christian perspective. For this alone, it is a five star read.
This is an incredible book for all ages but especially for children. I feel like this is one of those life changing books that will impact and mark a lot of children’s lives.
The lessons and themes in this book are amazing. I love that Luby is able to take things like Fear and Envy and give them form so that you are able to fight against them. No longer are you just jealous and it’s bad so you shouldn’t do it but you have a “vile one” to fight against. There is a reason to fight. I think this is really valuable, especially for kids. My youngest brother (4yo) will sometimes have an attitude about something but when told that’s not right usually responds with, “But, why?” Just saying it’s bad or wrong is oftentimes not enough. But showing it’s a “bad guy” or “vile one” changes his response because he is a little superhero and wants to fight bad guys. The bad attitude becomes a “villain” for the child and they know to fight against it. I don’t know if that all makes sense, but that’s something I’ve noticed with my brother that I feel like this book does really good.
The characters! The characters are all so good!
Valerie is such a wonderfully written character. Her struggles feel so real. She (and all the other characters) feel like real people with real dreams and struggles.
Valerie is a girl with a dream and a problem though she doesn’t think has a problem (I love how this was written because it felt very human and relatable). The fate of her and the Foxlings rests on her beating her struggle and finding victory or else she will be lost to the war that is looming over the horizon of the Different World that threatens to destroy her and all human children.
“Not all wars are fought on a battlefield. And not all monsters are vanquished there. Some of the worst ones, both wars and monsters, are fought inside the human mind.”
Dreamer is such a sweet Foxling with a big heart. You instantly fall in love with her character. I loved getting to see her again after reading The Foxling.
Stargazer is so fun! He is the lovable jokester of the group who loves fireworks and making things explode and be dangerous. I laughed so many times when he was around. I think he will be my brother’s favorite character.
Moonfrost and Skyblade’s relationship was my FAVORITE! They are precious together! I love how they are each other's strength and how they do everything together. I love their marriage.
Wish is my favorite Foxling! Something about his character, even though he was only there for a little while, just has my heart.
Leo is adorable! Sweet little soldier boy!
If you love The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Little Engine Who Could, dragons, foxes, monsters and books with biblical themes, then you will LOVE this book!
Quotes I love:
“His maker believed in him. The Man in the Sky, creator of the first fireworks, the greatest being and mind to ever exist, saw that he, a young firework maker as loud and wild as his firecrackers, had something powerful in his soul.”
“Abandon fea, envy, anger. Whatever it is that you have caged in your heart, whatever it is you're letting feed on your thoughts, let it go. Leave it behind. Life is better without it."
“The Man in the Sky promised, and He always keeps His word."
*Cleanness:
This is a wonderfully clean book!
The only things to note are battle scenes as well as possibly intense/frightening scenes for younger readers. There is some fighting (never graphic) and the story deals with war and deaths of loved ones. There are monsters that corrupt children and harm them which could be scary for younger children. One of the children lies and does naughty things but this is shown as wrong. There is a kidnapping. These are the only things to note. Otherwise I’d say this is completely clean!
I cannot recommend this book enough! It is perfect for readers of all ages and I think this would be wonderful as a read aloud book.
——Thank you so much to the author for sending me this ARC of The Different World! I did not have to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
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Read the review on my blog: https://fablerosemc.blogspot.com/2024...
October 8, 2024
This is a fantastic debut novel for what I hope will continue to be an exciting series for middle grade kids and their families.
It includes foxes, fireworks, funny and charming characters you won’t forget!
It is very obvious the author loves epic fantasy novels because he has written one young and old, girls and boys will thoroughly enjoy.
I think it was very smart to include a diverse cast of foxes and a brother/sister for the children main characters. I can see a lot of people being able to relate to different characters.
My book is full of tabs and sticky notes because there were so many conversations and moments I loved!
For parents-
Good Vs Evil battle with a clear outside evil force but also discusses our choices and how that feeds into our circumstances. Envy and fear is discussed mostly which I think every kid struggles with from time to time. A lot of depth to this book so I would highly recommend reading it with your kids 8+ or even better preview yourself first. There should be lots of discussions with this book.
For educators-
Readability and interest- 5th to middle school range
It’s fast, lots of characters, world building and excitement to keep anyone interested all the way to the end. This would be great for a struggling or reluctant reader.
It includes foxes, fireworks, funny and charming characters you won’t forget!
It is very obvious the author loves epic fantasy novels because he has written one young and old, girls and boys will thoroughly enjoy.
I think it was very smart to include a diverse cast of foxes and a brother/sister for the children main characters. I can see a lot of people being able to relate to different characters.
My book is full of tabs and sticky notes because there were so many conversations and moments I loved!
For parents-
Good Vs Evil battle with a clear outside evil force but also discusses our choices and how that feeds into our circumstances. Envy and fear is discussed mostly which I think every kid struggles with from time to time. A lot of depth to this book so I would highly recommend reading it with your kids 8+ or even better preview yourself first. There should be lots of discussions with this book.
For educators-
Readability and interest- 5th to middle school range
It’s fast, lots of characters, world building and excitement to keep anyone interested all the way to the end. This would be great for a struggling or reluctant reader.
October 8, 2024
This book was wonderful. The world building was so fun. I also enjoyed the lessons that can be learned through the book while enjoying an exciting adventure. I’m excited for the next books in the series to be written. This would be a wonderful book as a read aloud or for middle grade kids that you don’t want to worry about the content they’re reading.
Also a plus it was a great fall read!
Also a plus it was a great fall read!
October 23, 2024
RECOMENDED FOR: 8+
SIMILAR BOOKS/STORIES: Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, How to Train Your Dragon, The Tale of Despereaux
Some books have this odd quality about them. They seem to call to you, beckon you. As though they know you already and own a part of you in some future self.
This book was like that.
From the very beginning, this story captivated my heart. It’s at once funny and poetic, deep and light. The sort of book you can curl up with before bed and beg to read just one more page of (as indeed, I totally did!). But also the book, that, even as an adult, turned a mirror to my gaze so I could see myself in a hundred new ways.
The Foxling characters are an absolute joy. I found in Dreamer a delightful kindred spirit. Her energy and vivacity light up the page and it was so lovely to see someone portrayed with such depths of kindness. And yet she never feels like a goody-two-shoes. She’s an authentic, girlish character with flaws and doubts and quirks.
Stargazer, too, is just incredible. He’s fun and hilarious, and sparkling with wit. He felt incredibly real. Like the sort of person you could actually imagine living next door or sending a wacky meme over text. And his glorious banter with Skyblade, the Shield/husband of the Foxling Princess, always had me grinning ear to ear. And speaking of Skyblade and the Foxling Princess Moonfrost (what an absolutely delightful name!), these characters brought so much maturity and nobility and wisdom to the table. So many of Moonfrost and Skyblade’s lines are quote-worthy!
I also love the respect that this story inspires. True, it pays tribute to the whimsical fun of being a kid. But there’s also a reverence for all things good and noble and true that I adore. A love for respect, tradition, wisdom, and honor that imbues every chapter.
The human children were so delightfully realistic, too! In Valerie, I often saw the shades of grey within my own heart I sometimes hide away from – the envy, the fear, the shame — and but also the innocence and purity. Leo was adorable and real. Sweet, and brave and boyish as your heart could wish.
Something else I love is how the author doesn’t disparage all the things that make up childhood. The silliness, the innocence. The toys you sleep with at night. The toy swords and the little dolls. In fact, I think he celebrates it. And in a world that tells us all to grow up, I love the books that remind us that some doors can only be unlocked by the heart of a child.
Yet, don’t get me wrong. This book is deep. I would even dare say that it’s deeper than most of the books I’ve read this year. You see, no matter how old you are –whether five or fifteen or a hundred and five — we all fight the battle of the mind. But few know how to win it. Few understand that the battles we face outside are only the reflection of the world within. And stories like this help us picture it better. To see the fight a little clearer, a little sharper, so that we know how to win.
I could say so, so much more about this book. I could tell you about the symbolism which is impeccable, or the prose which is in itself a delight, or the gorgeous illustrations that Lorraine Luby so lovingly and tastefully and artfully sketched (you’re so talented, Lorraine!! Thank you for those beautiful illustrations!), but I’d rather you tasted The Different World for yourself. Stepped into it with all its glorious magic.
I promise you, you won’t leave the same.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
——Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author for sending me this ARC of The Different World! I was not required e to write a positive review and all thoughts expressed above are my own.
SIMILAR BOOKS/STORIES: Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, How to Train Your Dragon, The Tale of Despereaux
Some books have this odd quality about them. They seem to call to you, beckon you. As though they know you already and own a part of you in some future self.
This book was like that.
From the very beginning, this story captivated my heart. It’s at once funny and poetic, deep and light. The sort of book you can curl up with before bed and beg to read just one more page of (as indeed, I totally did!). But also the book, that, even as an adult, turned a mirror to my gaze so I could see myself in a hundred new ways.
The Foxling characters are an absolute joy. I found in Dreamer a delightful kindred spirit. Her energy and vivacity light up the page and it was so lovely to see someone portrayed with such depths of kindness. And yet she never feels like a goody-two-shoes. She’s an authentic, girlish character with flaws and doubts and quirks.
Stargazer, too, is just incredible. He’s fun and hilarious, and sparkling with wit. He felt incredibly real. Like the sort of person you could actually imagine living next door or sending a wacky meme over text. And his glorious banter with Skyblade, the Shield/husband of the Foxling Princess, always had me grinning ear to ear. And speaking of Skyblade and the Foxling Princess Moonfrost (what an absolutely delightful name!), these characters brought so much maturity and nobility and wisdom to the table. So many of Moonfrost and Skyblade’s lines are quote-worthy!
I also love the respect that this story inspires. True, it pays tribute to the whimsical fun of being a kid. But there’s also a reverence for all things good and noble and true that I adore. A love for respect, tradition, wisdom, and honor that imbues every chapter.
The human children were so delightfully realistic, too! In Valerie, I often saw the shades of grey within my own heart I sometimes hide away from – the envy, the fear, the shame — and but also the innocence and purity. Leo was adorable and real. Sweet, and brave and boyish as your heart could wish.
Something else I love is how the author doesn’t disparage all the things that make up childhood. The silliness, the innocence. The toys you sleep with at night. The toy swords and the little dolls. In fact, I think he celebrates it. And in a world that tells us all to grow up, I love the books that remind us that some doors can only be unlocked by the heart of a child.
Yet, don’t get me wrong. This book is deep. I would even dare say that it’s deeper than most of the books I’ve read this year. You see, no matter how old you are –whether five or fifteen or a hundred and five — we all fight the battle of the mind. But few know how to win it. Few understand that the battles we face outside are only the reflection of the world within. And stories like this help us picture it better. To see the fight a little clearer, a little sharper, so that we know how to win.
I could say so, so much more about this book. I could tell you about the symbolism which is impeccable, or the prose which is in itself a delight, or the gorgeous illustrations that Lorraine Luby so lovingly and tastefully and artfully sketched (you’re so talented, Lorraine!! Thank you for those beautiful illustrations!), but I’d rather you tasted The Different World for yourself. Stepped into it with all its glorious magic.
I promise you, you won’t leave the same.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
“What if the darkness takes your nightlight and your candle? What would you do then?”
Dreamer spoke softly. “I would fight even harder, Valerie. I would march right up to the darkness, whispering a prayer for the Man in the Sky to make me brave, even without my nightlight or candle, and I would wag my finger under its nose and shout, ‘You don’t scare me! I’m not afraid of you! I am brave and you are nothing! You have no power over me and I have all power over you.’ That’s what I would do Valerie. I would defy it. I would do everything I can to fix the problem, and I would face everything it throws at me, fighting it until it was no more. Until everything was alright. If you don’t give up, you can’t lose. Don’t give up. That’s the key. Do not give up. Keep on fighting.”
——Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author for sending me this ARC of The Different World! I was not required e to write a positive review and all thoughts expressed above are my own.
October 21, 2024
There is so much I could say about this book!! It was amazing! It is the type of story that can be enjoyed by all ages.
First of all, a huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy of the book!
I started reading this and was like "hey, my siblings would love this," so I started reading it to them. And they DID love it. They started naming their stuffed animals after the characters, talking about it throughout the day, and eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
I, personally, enjoyed every second of this book as well. It has a deep, beautiful allegory and biblical themes woven into a gorgeous world and story. I was absolutely enthralled in The Different World and it's characters. Dreamer, Stargazer, Moonfrost, and all the other Foxlings have my heart. They are so unique. I've never read a story quite like this before.
Definitely on my list of "Favorite Books Ever Read!" I eagerly await the next one in the series!
First of all, a huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy of the book!
I started reading this and was like "hey, my siblings would love this," so I started reading it to them. And they DID love it. They started naming their stuffed animals after the characters, talking about it throughout the day, and eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
I, personally, enjoyed every second of this book as well. It has a deep, beautiful allegory and biblical themes woven into a gorgeous world and story. I was absolutely enthralled in The Different World and it's characters. Dreamer, Stargazer, Moonfrost, and all the other Foxlings have my heart. They are so unique. I've never read a story quite like this before.
Definitely on my list of "Favorite Books Ever Read!" I eagerly await the next one in the series!
December 11, 2024
10/10!! My goodness what a wonderfully refreshing story this was! I read it out loud to my 7 year old daughter, knowing full well I could trust the content—that alone is worth a rave review!! There were moments I had a hard time reading out loud because it caught my heart so strong with the truth and I was overwhelmed with emotion for my daughter to hear a story like this.
The Foxling is creative, heartwarming and genuine. It’s filled with laughter, bravery and hope.
To the author: YOU DID IT!! Thank you for writing a story that promotes goodness and protects innocence. You did an absolutely brilliant job weaving in a strong Biblical theme and values and… dare I say… right on par with CS Lewis and Tolkien. We will be [im]patiently waiting for the next part of the story!
The Foxling is creative, heartwarming and genuine. It’s filled with laughter, bravery and hope.
To the author: YOU DID IT!! Thank you for writing a story that promotes goodness and protects innocence. You did an absolutely brilliant job weaving in a strong Biblical theme and values and… dare I say… right on par with CS Lewis and Tolkien. We will be [im]patiently waiting for the next part of the story!
November 20, 2024
As someone who grew up reading Tolkien and Lewis, this was a breath of fresh air in fantasy literature! A kids' story about fighting against the darkness that can turn humans into monsters can be so profound. And is a perfect example of how C. S. Lewis was right when he talked about the importance of "fairy tales" and why everyone should read them. I'm so glad I read this and can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes!
October 21, 2024
Fall couldn’t have been a better time to read this book. It was cozy and epic all in one great story. The journey of each character keeps you turning the pages. I love the biblical themes and the similarities to Narnia. The magic and friendship really keep you hooked. This is an incredible debut and I cannot wait so see where the journey goes in the second book.
November 9, 2025
Fresh, wholesome, exciting!
I’ve seen this book referred to as a second Narnia, and while I wouldn’t go that far, it has the same medley of ingredients to be an effortless success with children and parents alike: fun characters, charming world, exciting story, and thoughtful messages.
Many of my mom-friends are selective about the stories their kids consume, and I’m excited to have a new recommendation that is delightfully swashbuckling while simultaneously filled with truth, beauty, and goodness.
My only nit-pick is there were a few stylistic flaws that seemed like a more thorough line edit should have caught—most notably, the story would benefit from tighter dialogue (especially in the first half, conversations meandered without accomplishing much) and word choice. There are also many instances of “head-hopping,” where the point-of-view changes but there’s no section break to signify the change. I think this was an intentional style choice, following the manner of C.S. Lewis and similar classic authors, but unlike Lewis, the prose/plot isn’t simplistic enough to make it work without feeling disorienting.
That said, I doubt children will pick up on the same prosaic pet-peeves I did. The Foxling: The Different World is a lovely story for the targeted age-demographic, and I expect most kids will be thrilled to immerse themselves in the magical world of Dreamer and Co.
Finally, I can’t write this review without mentioning the absolutely STUNNING illustrations! I’m a visual gal, and Lorraine Luby filled this book with a gorgeous portfolio of sketches. The sheer number of illustrations was a hugely unexpected bonus, and one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, this is a cozy fantasy adventure akin to Redwall, and sure to delight young readers.
I’ve seen this book referred to as a second Narnia, and while I wouldn’t go that far, it has the same medley of ingredients to be an effortless success with children and parents alike: fun characters, charming world, exciting story, and thoughtful messages.
Many of my mom-friends are selective about the stories their kids consume, and I’m excited to have a new recommendation that is delightfully swashbuckling while simultaneously filled with truth, beauty, and goodness.
My only nit-pick is there were a few stylistic flaws that seemed like a more thorough line edit should have caught—most notably, the story would benefit from tighter dialogue (especially in the first half, conversations meandered without accomplishing much) and word choice. There are also many instances of “head-hopping,” where the point-of-view changes but there’s no section break to signify the change. I think this was an intentional style choice, following the manner of C.S. Lewis and similar classic authors, but unlike Lewis, the prose/plot isn’t simplistic enough to make it work without feeling disorienting.
That said, I doubt children will pick up on the same prosaic pet-peeves I did. The Foxling: The Different World is a lovely story for the targeted age-demographic, and I expect most kids will be thrilled to immerse themselves in the magical world of Dreamer and Co.
Finally, I can’t write this review without mentioning the absolutely STUNNING illustrations! I’m a visual gal, and Lorraine Luby filled this book with a gorgeous portfolio of sketches. The sheer number of illustrations was a hugely unexpected bonus, and one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, this is a cozy fantasy adventure akin to Redwall, and sure to delight young readers.
October 23, 2024
From the back cover:
Not all wars are fought on a battlefield. Not all monsters are vanquished there.
What starts as a delightful adventure to make a human child’s dream come true, transforms into the catalyst of an ancient war renewed.
The Great Witch moves. Her claws seek the minds of human children. After 10,000 years of peace, hordes of her Vile Ones threaten to break through the seal into the Different World. They are coming for the portal to the human world.
And the Foxlings will rise to meet them once again.
The Foxlings need to save this human girl from the Vile Ones. They need to save her from herself.
I thought this book was absolutely amazing—definitely a page turner. I love both the Foxlings: Stargazer, for his funny personality and his love for fire works, and his dream of becoming a warrior who battles the Vile Ones to defend human children, and Dreamer, for her love of music and wanting to help others and helping their dreams come true.
The world building is beautifully crafted, and B.W. Luby has painted a wonderful picture of this world through his writing. The characters are all amazing and well written, making it hard to choose a favorite character. This is a book you’ll definitely want to read, with wonderful illustrations, too!
As this is first book in the series, I can’t wait for the story to continue! Clear themes of good vs. evil shine throughout. Overall, I think B.W. Luby did a fantastic job and would highly recommend for boys or girls middle grade and up!
Releases October 22, 2024🦊
Content: no language, battles (not graphic)
Not all wars are fought on a battlefield. Not all monsters are vanquished there.
What starts as a delightful adventure to make a human child’s dream come true, transforms into the catalyst of an ancient war renewed.
The Great Witch moves. Her claws seek the minds of human children. After 10,000 years of peace, hordes of her Vile Ones threaten to break through the seal into the Different World. They are coming for the portal to the human world.
And the Foxlings will rise to meet them once again.
The Foxlings need to save this human girl from the Vile Ones. They need to save her from herself.
I thought this book was absolutely amazing—definitely a page turner. I love both the Foxlings: Stargazer, for his funny personality and his love for fire works, and his dream of becoming a warrior who battles the Vile Ones to defend human children, and Dreamer, for her love of music and wanting to help others and helping their dreams come true.
The world building is beautifully crafted, and B.W. Luby has painted a wonderful picture of this world through his writing. The characters are all amazing and well written, making it hard to choose a favorite character. This is a book you’ll definitely want to read, with wonderful illustrations, too!
As this is first book in the series, I can’t wait for the story to continue! Clear themes of good vs. evil shine throughout. Overall, I think B.W. Luby did a fantastic job and would highly recommend for boys or girls middle grade and up!
Releases October 22, 2024🦊
Content: no language, battles (not graphic)
October 22, 2024
Overall: An enriching, exciting tale. A Masterpiece. One that will quickly become a timeless classic for everyone, young and old, to cherish.
“Fear is a liar.”
✨🗡️✨
“If you don’t give up, you can’t lose.”
I am in AWE. So many things I want to say about this book, I don’t know if words can give it justice. This blew all expectations away. I’ve been excited for this book series since the author showed up on my feed a few years back.
Just wow.. This was beautiful, just absolutely wonderful and wholesome. Vibrant, full of life, visual storytelling with adorable artwork woven through.
It was so sweet and so much fun. The passion and heart poured into this story is evident on every page.
You can just tell so much thought and care went into this lovely story.
The characters are all lovable, it was difficult to choose who as a favorite, lol.
Wish & Skyblade are definitely at the top besides Stargazer though. 🤣
I read this twice—aloud with my three children (ages 9,5 and 3, thought the 3 year old mainly just snuggled haha) and to myself.
They loved it as much as I did and it was such a joy to read it to them. Many giggling sessions took place and asking me to reread them passages.
✨🦊(Edited to add in)
In their own words, from my 9yo son: “It was hilarious how Skyblade acted! The red pandas act just like my littlest sister (3yo)! I wonder what that honey tastes like. This is a cool book and I had fun finding the Bible stuff.”
As a parent, I cannot tell you how much I am thankful for this story today. To find one that has everything good in it, so many good lessons for children and really—anyone. To help one overcome their struggles. Parents should definitely take care to have discussions of the lessons learned throughout this story with their children—it does it in such a good way I was impressed.
This book may have some Narnia vibes, (my humble opinion, I think this one is far more fun) but it is unique with a lot of interesting world building that I look forward to seeing more of in the future books!
It’s rare to find one like this and I know I am probably coming off as just over the top, but it’s just THAT great. It brings tears of joy to my eyes to bring this blessing home to share with my little ones after hunting and searching for a story for years and not worry about what’s in it. It’s a story for all to enjoy. And I will be cherishing it and reading it for years to come.
“Fear is a liar.”
✨🗡️✨
“If you don’t give up, you can’t lose.”
I am in AWE. So many things I want to say about this book, I don’t know if words can give it justice. This blew all expectations away. I’ve been excited for this book series since the author showed up on my feed a few years back.
Just wow.. This was beautiful, just absolutely wonderful and wholesome. Vibrant, full of life, visual storytelling with adorable artwork woven through.
It was so sweet and so much fun. The passion and heart poured into this story is evident on every page.
You can just tell so much thought and care went into this lovely story.
The characters are all lovable, it was difficult to choose who as a favorite, lol.
Wish & Skyblade are definitely at the top besides Stargazer though. 🤣
I read this twice—aloud with my three children (ages 9,5 and 3, thought the 3 year old mainly just snuggled haha) and to myself.
They loved it as much as I did and it was such a joy to read it to them. Many giggling sessions took place and asking me to reread them passages.
✨🦊(Edited to add in)
In their own words, from my 9yo son: “It was hilarious how Skyblade acted! The red pandas act just like my littlest sister (3yo)! I wonder what that honey tastes like. This is a cool book and I had fun finding the Bible stuff.”
As a parent, I cannot tell you how much I am thankful for this story today. To find one that has everything good in it, so many good lessons for children and really—anyone. To help one overcome their struggles. Parents should definitely take care to have discussions of the lessons learned throughout this story with their children—it does it in such a good way I was impressed.
This book may have some Narnia vibes, (my humble opinion, I think this one is far more fun) but it is unique with a lot of interesting world building that I look forward to seeing more of in the future books!
It’s rare to find one like this and I know I am probably coming off as just over the top, but it’s just THAT great. It brings tears of joy to my eyes to bring this blessing home to share with my little ones after hunting and searching for a story for years and not worry about what’s in it. It’s a story for all to enjoy. And I will be cherishing it and reading it for years to come.
November 4, 2024
This book is adventurous and creative! It tackles tough subjects in a way that encourages kids to believe in the possibility of confronting struggles they might have. This book highlights the importance of protecting innocence, to keep hoping, and to lean on God during hard times. It encourages team work, faith, responsibility, positivity, and never giving up.
My favorite quotes:
"She could have refused and settled for a crystal that was less beautiful, but one did not settle when it came to the Sky Festival or the Man in the Sky. He deserved the best."
"Opening up to someone you loved, showing them all the wounds and dark splotches of your heart was not an easy thing. Even when you wanted healing they wanted to help cure you."
"May they display for you what price the Guardians of Childhood are willing to pay to protect children."
"I had to face myself, face my fears, my lies, what I was and what I could be. And I had to choose."
My favorite quotes:
"She could have refused and settled for a crystal that was less beautiful, but one did not settle when it came to the Sky Festival or the Man in the Sky. He deserved the best."
"Opening up to someone you loved, showing them all the wounds and dark splotches of your heart was not an easy thing. Even when you wanted healing they wanted to help cure you."
"May they display for you what price the Guardians of Childhood are willing to pay to protect children."
"I had to face myself, face my fears, my lies, what I was and what I could be. And I had to choose."
February 18, 2025
This book is absolutely phenomenal. 100% would recommend to any reader of any age. If your a fan of epic battles, exploring a magical world, hilarious and lovable characters, or FOXES then there is no question about it. You need a copy of this book NOW! I love the character development. And the internal conflict of the main female human character, it is super real and relatable, as well as being well written.
Also a little shout out to the illustrator Lorraine Luby who designed the cover and did all of the illustrations. These are amazing and add a fun atmosphere to the reading experience
Seriously love this book and the world it is built in. Can't wait to read book 2!!
Also a little shout out to the illustrator Lorraine Luby who designed the cover and did all of the illustrations. These are amazing and add a fun atmosphere to the reading experience
Seriously love this book and the world it is built in. Can't wait to read book 2!!
October 22, 2024
The Different World was amazing. I know it is probably geared towards a younger reader, but it kept my attention to the very end, even as an adult. It was nice to read a book that showed hope even in the trials that the group went through. I personally really enjoyed how I was able to see things throughout the book that I had been studying in the Bible, though you don’t have to be Christian to enjoy reading about the Foxlings.
In addition to the story itself, I also like the illustrations on the cover and throughout the book. B.W. Luby definitely is descriptive to the point that you can imagine the places and characters, but the illustrations by Lorraine Luby help those of us that may not always see the pictures in our heads clearly.
I can’t wait to read more of this series and see if some of my predictions come true!
In addition to the story itself, I also like the illustrations on the cover and throughout the book. B.W. Luby definitely is descriptive to the point that you can imagine the places and characters, but the illustrations by Lorraine Luby help those of us that may not always see the pictures in our heads clearly.
I can’t wait to read more of this series and see if some of my predictions come true!
October 22, 2024
I was so excited to read this book from the minute I found B. W. Luby’s account and began following his author’s journey and let me tell you, the book did not disappoint. With strong Christian themes running through the story it was heartwarming and so much fun to read. It has classic themes and beautiful world building. With characters that everyone can find themselves in this book truly has something for everyone in it.
I can’t wait to share it with the children in my life, and I look forward to reading more from this author as he continues his career.
11/10 recommend!
I can’t wait to share it with the children in my life, and I look forward to reading more from this author as he continues his career.
11/10 recommend!
October 23, 2024
I got this as an ARC and I really enjoyed getting the chance to read it! It's different than my usual reads but that's what drew me to it. The biblical themes merged with an adventure was well crafted. I like that each character added something new in their own way. It's great all ages and is a pretty special book!
October 23, 2024
The Different World is a powerful story about good verses evil. It gave me chills and made me cry. This is book I'd recommend for people of all ages. It is a book I'd let my future children read. I can't wait for book 2!
October 21, 2024
I came upon this book when I was looking for books for my children, and i’m glad I got the chance to read this!
I immediately liked the foxling characters and the world that they live in. It took longer for me to like the girl, Valerie, but in the end, I liked her character too. You get to see how she matures throughout the book, with many thoughts that kids have and how she works through them.
I think that this book will be a great one for middle school-aged children. The plot keeps moving forward through the whole book and never felt stagnant to me. I was worried by the cover that my boys wouldn’t want to try this book, but there is definitely enough action to keep their interest. I also enjoyed the illustrations through the book, and that is also something that has peeked my kids' interest.
I look forward to the next books and seeing where the story will go in the future!
I immediately liked the foxling characters and the world that they live in. It took longer for me to like the girl, Valerie, but in the end, I liked her character too. You get to see how she matures throughout the book, with many thoughts that kids have and how she works through them.
I think that this book will be a great one for middle school-aged children. The plot keeps moving forward through the whole book and never felt stagnant to me. I was worried by the cover that my boys wouldn’t want to try this book, but there is definitely enough action to keep their interest. I also enjoyed the illustrations through the book, and that is also something that has peeked my kids' interest.
I look forward to the next books and seeing where the story will go in the future!
May 28, 2025
I've considered A LOT on how I should write this review. As a lover of the middle -grade genre, this book fell flat for me. I want to recognize that this is the author's first published work so there is a lot of finesse and growth to be had just in general, because no one starts out perfect. I read some other reviews that compared it to the Chronicles of Narnia which I find to be very inaccurate. And also an unfair comparison to be queued up with because Lewis' works are renowned and beloved so anything compared to it will fall short imo. But I digress...
I applaud the vivid descriptions and was drawn in by the premise. The plot covers quite a grand scope and tries to tell it through the eyes of at least 7 different characters. The perspective changes would happen sometimes every paragraph, sometimes even mid paragraph and it was distracting and confusing. The tension between making a book for kids while not making it overly childish is so tough, and I think the author got it right sometimes. But there were just too many scenes focused solely on cake/chocolate/pizza/unicorns/giggles/mermaids/magic creatures for my taste (especially when those scenes rarely deepened the readers connection or understanding of the characters). With so many good ideas, and told from so many perspectives it left little room for the reader to build authentic connections and conclusions about the world and characters. I think if the author followed the "show me, don't tell me" rule then the characters would feel less in-authentically self-actualized. My understanding of the God-figure also feels both confused and lacking. The man in the sky was mentioned frequently but with no substance or context other than people praying to him. I wish the author had the space in the book to actually make an deeper connection there.
So in conclusion, I liked the descriptions, the premise and the ideas of the characters. I wish the story were told through fewer perspectives so I can discover for myself who the characters are. And that the moments of conflict and resolution were more genuine, rather than feeling forced to tell a good story.
I applaud the vivid descriptions and was drawn in by the premise. The plot covers quite a grand scope and tries to tell it through the eyes of at least 7 different characters. The perspective changes would happen sometimes every paragraph, sometimes even mid paragraph and it was distracting and confusing. The tension between making a book for kids while not making it overly childish is so tough, and I think the author got it right sometimes. But there were just too many scenes focused solely on cake/chocolate/pizza/unicorns/giggles/mermaids/magic creatures for my taste (especially when those scenes rarely deepened the readers connection or understanding of the characters). With so many good ideas, and told from so many perspectives it left little room for the reader to build authentic connections and conclusions about the world and characters. I think if the author followed the "show me, don't tell me" rule then the characters would feel less in-authentically self-actualized. My understanding of the God-figure also feels both confused and lacking. The man in the sky was mentioned frequently but with no substance or context other than people praying to him. I wish the author had the space in the book to actually make an deeper connection there.
So in conclusion, I liked the descriptions, the premise and the ideas of the characters. I wish the story were told through fewer perspectives so I can discover for myself who the characters are. And that the moments of conflict and resolution were more genuine, rather than feeling forced to tell a good story.
October 19, 2024
This story gripped me tighter as I turned each page, thrusting me into the colorful world of the foxlings. The story was exciting and became deeper and deeper as the story progressed. Following four foxlings and two young children, Valerie and her younger brother Leo. Throughout the story the girl struggles with one of four corrupters, Envy. It’s a beautiful story showing the inner turmoil and temptation of evil and how small, seemingly innocent thoughts and actions can dig deeper and deeper into your heart until you’re consumed. Valerie has more inner problems then she realizes inside her mind. She must learn to face herself and see all that she is and can become, or run away from it and risk a greater danger. The four foxlings have come to help Valerie, the noble princess of the foxlings, her husband, shield and warrior, a wild firecracker of a foxling, and one who is emphatic and kind with more to her than meets the eye.
B.W Luby created a magical world filled with faith, hope and perseverance. This is the next great childrens series, with beautiful Christian allegories and Biblical themes that any Narnia lover should read! There was clear good and evil with the righteous cause of protecting children and their innocence from the Great Witch and her Vile Ones. It was cozy and magical and left me feeling light and happy knowing I was reading something of quality and substance. I’m looking forward to any future books written by B.W Luby, I’ll read anything he comes out with!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
B.W Luby created a magical world filled with faith, hope and perseverance. This is the next great childrens series, with beautiful Christian allegories and Biblical themes that any Narnia lover should read! There was clear good and evil with the righteous cause of protecting children and their innocence from the Great Witch and her Vile Ones. It was cozy and magical and left me feeling light and happy knowing I was reading something of quality and substance. I’m looking forward to any future books written by B.W Luby, I’ll read anything he comes out with!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
This was a beautiful, fun children’s book. 447 pages of pure adventure and fun with a mix of coziness yet spookiness. The author’s sister also made gorgeous anime-styled art through out the book that compliments it greatly.
Plot: It follows the story of a young girl, Valerie, who’s brought to a different world called the “different world.” In the Different world lives the Foxlings, creatures who's purpose is to protect human children from evil. They come to Valerie’s aid in a fight between good vs evil, while also preparing for a fight against a great witch and her army, the Vile Ones.
This is a cozy fantasy book, a tale of wonder and friendship, envy and fear, of family and foxes. It’s listed as a children’s book for the 9-12 year old age bracket, but I’m 23 and thoroughly enjoyed this too. The first half of the book definitely leaned toward a younger audience, and then the second half changed tones quite a bit and pushed this up a grade or two.
The tone is very glittery and fun at first, with cuddly bears and foxes, and love and magic, until it shifts to a more spooky tone of witches and creatures, and protecting children from evil.
Also the pacing is perfect. The author hits all the right story beats and kept me reading without any rough patches or bumps.
Themes: This book hits on a lot of great topics, but mainly envy. It’s both simple but in profound. The emotional arc through out this book, especially Valerie’s (but multiple characters too) really made this novel stand out. There was just enough characters at play with their own distinct desires and needs that drew me in to this world immediately and made me root for them.
There were also Christian undertones which I believe helped make the messages in this book more personal and powerful. They weren’t overbearing which I also appreciated, and nothing is stated explicitly. The message of overcoming fear and envy felt timely (especially in this age of social media) and well thought out.
I’m giving this 4.5 stars because overall this was a great book, and anything I didn’t like was just minor details. Perhaps the only real reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is because there’s still a few too many grammatical errors (and the words ‘smile/frown’ were used liberally which annoyed me mores at the start of the book) but this could also be the editor in my brain that never shuts off. In the end, it didn’t impact my experience of the book that much, and I still felt completely engrossed in the story and characters and had a great time.
If you’re looking for a cozy, fantasy, children’s book, then I recommend this for you.
This was a beautiful, fun children’s book. 447 pages of pure adventure and fun with a mix of coziness yet spookiness. The author’s sister also made gorgeous anime-styled art through out the book that compliments it greatly.
Plot: It follows the story of a young girl, Valerie, who’s brought to a different world called the “different world.” In the Different world lives the Foxlings, creatures who's purpose is to protect human children from evil. They come to Valerie’s aid in a fight between good vs evil, while also preparing for a fight against a great witch and her army, the Vile Ones.
This is a cozy fantasy book, a tale of wonder and friendship, envy and fear, of family and foxes. It’s listed as a children’s book for the 9-12 year old age bracket, but I’m 23 and thoroughly enjoyed this too. The first half of the book definitely leaned toward a younger audience, and then the second half changed tones quite a bit and pushed this up a grade or two.
The tone is very glittery and fun at first, with cuddly bears and foxes, and love and magic, until it shifts to a more spooky tone of witches and creatures, and protecting children from evil.
Also the pacing is perfect. The author hits all the right story beats and kept me reading without any rough patches or bumps.
Themes: This book hits on a lot of great topics, but mainly envy. It’s both simple but in profound. The emotional arc through out this book, especially Valerie’s (but multiple characters too) really made this novel stand out. There was just enough characters at play with their own distinct desires and needs that drew me in to this world immediately and made me root for them.
There were also Christian undertones which I believe helped make the messages in this book more personal and powerful. They weren’t overbearing which I also appreciated, and nothing is stated explicitly. The message of overcoming fear and envy felt timely (especially in this age of social media) and well thought out.
I’m giving this 4.5 stars because overall this was a great book, and anything I didn’t like was just minor details. Perhaps the only real reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is because there’s still a few too many grammatical errors (and the words ‘smile/frown’ were used liberally which annoyed me mores at the start of the book) but this could also be the editor in my brain that never shuts off. In the end, it didn’t impact my experience of the book that much, and I still felt completely engrossed in the story and characters and had a great time.
If you’re looking for a cozy, fantasy, children’s book, then I recommend this for you.
October 22, 2024
This is the kind of Children’s Fantasy we need more of.
“The Different World” (The Foxling- Book 1) by B.W. Luby follows Dreamer and Stargazer as they join Princess Moonfrost on a quest to help the girl, Valerie, resist the Vile Ones. When the Foxlings bring Valerie to their world, the reader witnesses the immense, colorful world that Luby has crafted through the eyes of the girl. This children’s adventure introduces the reader to giant Golden Bears, glowing flower fields, and (my favorite) Sky Dragons that deliver dreams. As the story progresses the history of the Different World and the background of the ancient war with the Great Witch and her henchmen, the Corrupters prove that Luby has a rich world with plenty of room for in-depth stories.
Like C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, Luby weaves biblical themes into his fantastical story. Luby writes of the insidious nature of sin and its corruption of the heart, the affect our sin has on those around us, and the Christian hope that no one is beyond redemption.
As I was reading the story, my 10 year-old niece was drawn to the story because of the enchanting cover and wanted constant update on my progression. She can’t wait to start reading it, and I am grateful to pass on to her a book, which will both encourage her love of reading and reinforce biblical truths.
Not only is this a great story, but a book you definitely want on your shelf. As I said, the charming cover draws you to the story, and the illustrations by Lorraine Luby breathe further life into the tale. Each copy comes with a QR code that accesses a soundtrack Luby, himself, composed to accompany his story. It is clear, Luby intends the reader to become fully immersed in the world of the Foxlings!
“The Different World” (The Foxling- Book 1) by B.W. Luby follows Dreamer and Stargazer as they join Princess Moonfrost on a quest to help the girl, Valerie, resist the Vile Ones. When the Foxlings bring Valerie to their world, the reader witnesses the immense, colorful world that Luby has crafted through the eyes of the girl. This children’s adventure introduces the reader to giant Golden Bears, glowing flower fields, and (my favorite) Sky Dragons that deliver dreams. As the story progresses the history of the Different World and the background of the ancient war with the Great Witch and her henchmen, the Corrupters prove that Luby has a rich world with plenty of room for in-depth stories.
Like C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, Luby weaves biblical themes into his fantastical story. Luby writes of the insidious nature of sin and its corruption of the heart, the affect our sin has on those around us, and the Christian hope that no one is beyond redemption.
As I was reading the story, my 10 year-old niece was drawn to the story because of the enchanting cover and wanted constant update on my progression. She can’t wait to start reading it, and I am grateful to pass on to her a book, which will both encourage her love of reading and reinforce biblical truths.
Not only is this a great story, but a book you definitely want on your shelf. As I said, the charming cover draws you to the story, and the illustrations by Lorraine Luby breathe further life into the tale. Each copy comes with a QR code that accesses a soundtrack Luby, himself, composed to accompany his story. It is clear, Luby intends the reader to become fully immersed in the world of the Foxlings!
October 22, 2024
One of my favorite quotes in the book is “So you have fallen. That is no excuse to lie in the pit of your misery. Seize its edges by your fingertips and rise.”
This story is so simple, pure, and true in the teachings of how we can truly find happiness in our life. The journey of Valerie and the Foxlings is one of bravery, kindness, compassion, friendship, and of course growth. There are so many lessons to be learned from this book and so many reminders of how we need to act toward others but most importantly to ourselves.
The story brings forward memories of making up stories with friends, family, and other loved ones while letting the imagination run wild to whisk the listeners away to worlds of awe and wonder. B.W. Luby has a beautiful way with descriptive words to paint the picture of the Different World and I could feel myself being drawn in to experience the magic.
I highly recommend this book for older readers who want a nice break from the terrors and monster of the world and for young readers who want a chance to experience the magic of the Foxlings.
“Fear was someone you roared at as you drew your sword against him; you could never listen to his whispers, not even for a moment.”
This story is so simple, pure, and true in the teachings of how we can truly find happiness in our life. The journey of Valerie and the Foxlings is one of bravery, kindness, compassion, friendship, and of course growth. There are so many lessons to be learned from this book and so many reminders of how we need to act toward others but most importantly to ourselves.
The story brings forward memories of making up stories with friends, family, and other loved ones while letting the imagination run wild to whisk the listeners away to worlds of awe and wonder. B.W. Luby has a beautiful way with descriptive words to paint the picture of the Different World and I could feel myself being drawn in to experience the magic.
I highly recommend this book for older readers who want a nice break from the terrors and monster of the world and for young readers who want a chance to experience the magic of the Foxlings.
“Fear was someone you roared at as you drew your sword against him; you could never listen to his whispers, not even for a moment.”
October 23, 2024
“SLAY THE DRAGON OR BECOME IT!”
If only this book had come out 10 years ago when I was a young child. I’m sure this would’ve been one of the stories that shaped my childhood— Christian themes? Fighting physical AND mental battles? Positive, meaningful themes? Sign me up. This cozy tale is going to be a favorite among children. At least, mine will be raised hearing the story of the Foxlings and Valerie’s battle against the Vile Ones and Corrupters. These are the themes children need to hear about. This is the type of story that sticks in your head and will be remembered. Most important, B.W. Luby addresses the hard-to-resist pull of temptation but provides the reassurance that while it can be extremely difficult to overcome, it can be done. And God places people there to help.
When I saw this guy posting on Instagram about the importance of Christian themes in children’s literature, I immediately followed. And when I saw that notification for ARC sign-ups, I was filling out the form immediately, so excited to read this refreshing book. And I was not disappointed.
If only this book had come out 10 years ago when I was a young child. I’m sure this would’ve been one of the stories that shaped my childhood— Christian themes? Fighting physical AND mental battles? Positive, meaningful themes? Sign me up. This cozy tale is going to be a favorite among children. At least, mine will be raised hearing the story of the Foxlings and Valerie’s battle against the Vile Ones and Corrupters. These are the themes children need to hear about. This is the type of story that sticks in your head and will be remembered. Most important, B.W. Luby addresses the hard-to-resist pull of temptation but provides the reassurance that while it can be extremely difficult to overcome, it can be done. And God places people there to help.
When I saw this guy posting on Instagram about the importance of Christian themes in children’s literature, I immediately followed. And when I saw that notification for ARC sign-ups, I was filling out the form immediately, so excited to read this refreshing book. And I was not disappointed.
November 6, 2024
The story was cute and had some good moments that shared great values. I really liked the idea behind the book and the characters. It was a great idea it just didn’t hit home for me. While I enjoyed pieces, I was not a huge fan of the overall execution of the book.
I felt like the author boxed himself in and wasn’t tapping into the full potential of the story. There were moments when he tried to make specific things profound when they didn’t need to be and it kinda fell flat. It also took a long time to start making the story come to life and to actually like the characters. By the end of the book I didn’t love any characters or the book itself, I felt it was lacking in the overall story and world/character building.
I would caution parents who are considering this book for their children, while the book does share the story of not being afraid, overcoming envy and shares some good values there are some themes in it that may be scary for some kid.
The villain in the story is a witch who is building an army called the vile ones who are corruptors which included fear, envy, and two others. These were creepy villains who haunt children both in real life and in their dreams. These corrupters kidnap children and convince them to fall prey to their lies. While I understand the thought behind this it can be very scary depending on the child.
BIG Spoiler Alert:
These “corrupters” are actually children who fell prey to the lies of the witch and allowed themselves to be consumed by fear, envy and the other two lies which caused these children to become the monsters.
For some children this may be confusing and scary to think that if someone does not overcome their struggles, then monsters are created.
There are also many moments when the main girl Valerie is yelled at by the foxlings that she is selfish for not overcoming her fear and the feelings of envy. There are many moments when they scream at her that she needs to just face it and not let it hold her back anymore. I totally understand the concept however, telling kids to overcoming their struggles while giving them no real instruction on how to overcome them and then yelling at them for being afraid is wrong.
Toward the end of the book the main girl Valerie is kidnapped by Envy one of the corrupters. While she is being held by them, they verbally and physically abuse her.
I will not be recommending this book to my friends with kids.
Overall the book was not my favorite. The story left a lot to be desired, the characters didn’t have fully laid out arcs and the world building was lacking. I think the author has a wonderful idea, and cute characters however it was the best execution.
I felt like the author boxed himself in and wasn’t tapping into the full potential of the story. There were moments when he tried to make specific things profound when they didn’t need to be and it kinda fell flat. It also took a long time to start making the story come to life and to actually like the characters. By the end of the book I didn’t love any characters or the book itself, I felt it was lacking in the overall story and world/character building.
I would caution parents who are considering this book for their children, while the book does share the story of not being afraid, overcoming envy and shares some good values there are some themes in it that may be scary for some kid.
The villain in the story is a witch who is building an army called the vile ones who are corruptors which included fear, envy, and two others. These were creepy villains who haunt children both in real life and in their dreams. These corrupters kidnap children and convince them to fall prey to their lies. While I understand the thought behind this it can be very scary depending on the child.
BIG Spoiler Alert:
These “corrupters” are actually children who fell prey to the lies of the witch and allowed themselves to be consumed by fear, envy and the other two lies which caused these children to become the monsters.
For some children this may be confusing and scary to think that if someone does not overcome their struggles, then monsters are created.
There are also many moments when the main girl Valerie is yelled at by the foxlings that she is selfish for not overcoming her fear and the feelings of envy. There are many moments when they scream at her that she needs to just face it and not let it hold her back anymore. I totally understand the concept however, telling kids to overcoming their struggles while giving them no real instruction on how to overcome them and then yelling at them for being afraid is wrong.
Toward the end of the book the main girl Valerie is kidnapped by Envy one of the corrupters. While she is being held by them, they verbally and physically abuse her.
I will not be recommending this book to my friends with kids.
Overall the book was not my favorite. The story left a lot to be desired, the characters didn’t have fully laid out arcs and the world building was lacking. I think the author has a wonderful idea, and cute characters however it was the best execution.
October 17, 2024
A wicked witch, a young girl in need of help, and the courageous creatures destined to rescue her. Sound like a Narnia novel? It should. The Foxling: The Different World by B.W. Luby is a new children's fiction novel that is greatly inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia and one I believe C.S. Lewis himself would be proud of. A perfect blend of serious and whimsical, this novel is filled with lessons that I think all children should learn.
Now I know what some of you might be thinking. But it's a kid's fairytale, right? Why would an adult bother to read it? Well, I think C.S. Lewis said it best.
"One day, you will be old enough to read fairytales again."
The power of stories to teach a new generation is one that has existed for millenia. Even Jesus knew the power of a story as He would teach valuable lessons in the form of parables, stories that we still use to this day. It is a unique gift to be able to take a difficult topic and explain it so that children can understand, but B.W. Luby has done just that. Not only that, but these hard lessons are shown in such a way that it also speaks to adults. I believe that is why the stories penned by C.S. Lewis so long ago still resonate with both adults and children to this day. The Different World has a similar feel to it.
Now, I suppose I should explain just what about this novel makes it worth every single page, every single word. First off, it's the characters. For the entire novel, I couldn't decide who I related to more: Dreamer's desire to help others or Stargazer's special kind of mischief. From the moment you meet these two adorable Foxlings, you are immediately rooting for them, their sweet personalities make you want them to succeed in everything they do. I enjoyed seeing how these two young Foxlings grew over the course of the book, facing their fears and overcoming them, and how we got glimpses into the past of Moonfrost and Skyblade that made them into who they are today. Each character had their own motivations and reservations that fleshed them out well.
This book also does what so many books in today's times fail to do: show a clear distinction between good and evil. Today, it's so common to read books where walking the thin line between good and evil is acceptable, and often portrayed as "cool". In this book, it is black and white, light and dark. There are no "morally grey" characters to muddy up the waters. You know exactly who to root for. This book takes emotions that children struggle with and gives them flesh, gives children something physical to fight while also giving them the weapons required to defeat their inner monsters. And these tools are timeless, no matter how old you are. It perfectly illustrates that sometimes the most dangerous thing that we face in this life is ourselves. It's not always outward issues that we need to tackle, but our inner demons, as it were. And once again, these lessons are not just for children alone. These struggles are felt by adults as well. The only difference is that we are better able to identify what it is that we struggle with. The only choice that remains is what we do about it. Even as I read about Valerie's struggles, I felt them. I know what it is to struggle with the exact problem that she faces and how hard it is to break free from it. I could relate to her.
Yet, even as this book tackles difficult topics, a message of hope and light remains, reminding us of the light that shines even in the darkest nights. It continually points toward the One who gives us strength to overcome any problem and dispel any darkness. It reveals the shadows and then gives us a candle to illuminate our path. It shows us the enemy and then gives us a sword and shield to defend ourselves.
The descriptions in this book are very vivid and immerse you wholly in the story, whether it's a voice "rasping like a firecracker set to launch" or hills that "rolled and stumbled". This is, of course, accompanied by beautiful illustrations scattered throughout the pages of this heartwarming novel. But you'll have to read the book yourself to discover those.
So, what are you waiting for? Go! Read this amazing book and don't forget to tell others about it so they can enjoy as well!
Now I know what some of you might be thinking. But it's a kid's fairytale, right? Why would an adult bother to read it? Well, I think C.S. Lewis said it best.
"One day, you will be old enough to read fairytales again."
The power of stories to teach a new generation is one that has existed for millenia. Even Jesus knew the power of a story as He would teach valuable lessons in the form of parables, stories that we still use to this day. It is a unique gift to be able to take a difficult topic and explain it so that children can understand, but B.W. Luby has done just that. Not only that, but these hard lessons are shown in such a way that it also speaks to adults. I believe that is why the stories penned by C.S. Lewis so long ago still resonate with both adults and children to this day. The Different World has a similar feel to it.
Now, I suppose I should explain just what about this novel makes it worth every single page, every single word. First off, it's the characters. For the entire novel, I couldn't decide who I related to more: Dreamer's desire to help others or Stargazer's special kind of mischief. From the moment you meet these two adorable Foxlings, you are immediately rooting for them, their sweet personalities make you want them to succeed in everything they do. I enjoyed seeing how these two young Foxlings grew over the course of the book, facing their fears and overcoming them, and how we got glimpses into the past of Moonfrost and Skyblade that made them into who they are today. Each character had their own motivations and reservations that fleshed them out well.
This book also does what so many books in today's times fail to do: show a clear distinction between good and evil. Today, it's so common to read books where walking the thin line between good and evil is acceptable, and often portrayed as "cool". In this book, it is black and white, light and dark. There are no "morally grey" characters to muddy up the waters. You know exactly who to root for. This book takes emotions that children struggle with and gives them flesh, gives children something physical to fight while also giving them the weapons required to defeat their inner monsters. And these tools are timeless, no matter how old you are. It perfectly illustrates that sometimes the most dangerous thing that we face in this life is ourselves. It's not always outward issues that we need to tackle, but our inner demons, as it were. And once again, these lessons are not just for children alone. These struggles are felt by adults as well. The only difference is that we are better able to identify what it is that we struggle with. The only choice that remains is what we do about it. Even as I read about Valerie's struggles, I felt them. I know what it is to struggle with the exact problem that she faces and how hard it is to break free from it. I could relate to her.
Yet, even as this book tackles difficult topics, a message of hope and light remains, reminding us of the light that shines even in the darkest nights. It continually points toward the One who gives us strength to overcome any problem and dispel any darkness. It reveals the shadows and then gives us a candle to illuminate our path. It shows us the enemy and then gives us a sword and shield to defend ourselves.
The descriptions in this book are very vivid and immerse you wholly in the story, whether it's a voice "rasping like a firecracker set to launch" or hills that "rolled and stumbled". This is, of course, accompanied by beautiful illustrations scattered throughout the pages of this heartwarming novel. But you'll have to read the book yourself to discover those.
So, what are you waiting for? Go! Read this amazing book and don't forget to tell others about it so they can enjoy as well!
October 22, 2024
I definitely wasn’t tearing up at the end, it was just my allergies… yeah, stupid pollen… Okay, some of the tears were my own. But I couldn’t help it and you can not shame me for them. What do you expect me to do when meet with such expressive and poignant writing?
I truly believe that the best kind of stories are the ones that make you feel and experience what the characters are feeling. And that’s exactly what Luby’s done with his story. He takes you an adventure. Makes you feel like you’re taking the journey right along with the Foxlings and Wonder siblings.
His writing is so immersive and musically detailed. I know that might seem strange, but it’s true. I’m not much of a musician, but you can tell Luby is. His understanding of music shows in his writing, how he describes how scenes sound in ways you wouldn’t have thought of. It’s beautiful and I love it. It’s like I can hear the book and I haven’t even heard the soundtrack yet. Which, yeah, there’s a soundtrack! I know, it’s so cool!
Another way this book is so beautifully immersive is the illustrations. The drawings are soft and somewhat dreamlike and look like they’re sketched directly on to the pages. They are truly lovely and add such a uniqueness to this book. Some of my favorites are pages: 98, 147, 148, 184, 245, 417, also the drawing in the beginning of the Wonder kids and, of course, the cover. The cover is really beautiful and the colors are, ahh, they’re so dreamy!
Maybe I should talk about some of the characters and moments I loved.
The crystal butterflies are seriously cool! I fully agree that the best part of making cookies is eating them. “Well, would you look at that cow. Wow. That’s a nice cow.” Leo is so adorable, the personalities of 5yr olds are always so interesting. The banter and just silliness of Skyblade and Stargazer. Skyblade wants to believe he’s above it, yet he still argues over sausages. I love how alive everything in The Different World feels, it’s so magical. “Pockets. A dress with pockets. It was a piece of treasure.” Moonfrost is such strong, powerful warrior, but also such a kind and loving princess.
The big battle is very dramatic. Not in a, oh you’re being so dramatic, kinda way. But, in a passionate and emotionally gripping kinda way. It’s full of declarations and deaths, small victories and terrors. It’s that kind of dramatic.
There’s so much more that I could say about this book, so much more that I loved and want to tell you about. These were just a few moments that remembered to pause while reading and write down. If I were to tell you all my favorites, I’d just end up writing you the whole book. So, obviously, I’m telling you to go and read this book for yourself. I can’t spoil everything for you.
I can’t wait to read this story to my little brothers. It’s a story that’s fit for any and all ages, which is also one of my favorite parts! Oh gosh, I feel like I have sooo many favorite parts…you should see how many little tabs and highlights there are.
Thank you so much, B. W. Luby, for trusting me to give this a review. And thank you for putting your everything into crafting such a wonderful story.
Hopefully this review was helpful to you and not super weird and confusing. This review is clearly my own words and chalked full of my own opinions and ramblings. I received an advanced copy of this book for free. Thank you for reading. :)
I truly believe that the best kind of stories are the ones that make you feel and experience what the characters are feeling. And that’s exactly what Luby’s done with his story. He takes you an adventure. Makes you feel like you’re taking the journey right along with the Foxlings and Wonder siblings.
His writing is so immersive and musically detailed. I know that might seem strange, but it’s true. I’m not much of a musician, but you can tell Luby is. His understanding of music shows in his writing, how he describes how scenes sound in ways you wouldn’t have thought of. It’s beautiful and I love it. It’s like I can hear the book and I haven’t even heard the soundtrack yet. Which, yeah, there’s a soundtrack! I know, it’s so cool!
Another way this book is so beautifully immersive is the illustrations. The drawings are soft and somewhat dreamlike and look like they’re sketched directly on to the pages. They are truly lovely and add such a uniqueness to this book. Some of my favorites are pages: 98, 147, 148, 184, 245, 417, also the drawing in the beginning of the Wonder kids and, of course, the cover. The cover is really beautiful and the colors are, ahh, they’re so dreamy!
Maybe I should talk about some of the characters and moments I loved.
The crystal butterflies are seriously cool! I fully agree that the best part of making cookies is eating them. “Well, would you look at that cow. Wow. That’s a nice cow.” Leo is so adorable, the personalities of 5yr olds are always so interesting. The banter and just silliness of Skyblade and Stargazer. Skyblade wants to believe he’s above it, yet he still argues over sausages. I love how alive everything in The Different World feels, it’s so magical. “Pockets. A dress with pockets. It was a piece of treasure.” Moonfrost is such strong, powerful warrior, but also such a kind and loving princess.
The big battle is very dramatic. Not in a, oh you’re being so dramatic, kinda way. But, in a passionate and emotionally gripping kinda way. It’s full of declarations and deaths, small victories and terrors. It’s that kind of dramatic.
There’s so much more that I could say about this book, so much more that I loved and want to tell you about. These were just a few moments that remembered to pause while reading and write down. If I were to tell you all my favorites, I’d just end up writing you the whole book. So, obviously, I’m telling you to go and read this book for yourself. I can’t spoil everything for you.
I can’t wait to read this story to my little brothers. It’s a story that’s fit for any and all ages, which is also one of my favorite parts! Oh gosh, I feel like I have sooo many favorite parts…you should see how many little tabs and highlights there are.
Thank you so much, B. W. Luby, for trusting me to give this a review. And thank you for putting your everything into crafting such a wonderful story.
Hopefully this review was helpful to you and not super weird and confusing. This review is clearly my own words and chalked full of my own opinions and ramblings. I received an advanced copy of this book for free. Thank you for reading. :)
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