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The Night Fox
This luminous, haunting debut, alternating between now and then, reality and magic, tells the story of a girl confronting heartbreak while at a mysterious recovery program in the wilderness.
When seventeen-year-old Eli arrives at Raeth, a remote mountain retreat for teens with mental health issues, her mind is made up—she is not interested in participating, and she doesn’t need to “heal.” Still reeling from a breakup that left both her heart and faith shattered, she is determined to fake being “fine” so that the program’s warden will clear her to return home.
But the retreat itself has other ideas. The valley’s magical surroundings transform each time she ventures out, playing with her mind and dredging up her grief-laden memories. Despite the warning signs, Eli explores more of the area than she had ever planned, even venturing into the dangerous night realm.
This spellbinding novel mixes prose and poetry into an exquisite and evocative portrait of love, grief, depression, and the slow path toward healing.
When seventeen-year-old Eli arrives at Raeth, a remote mountain retreat for teens with mental health issues, her mind is made up—she is not interested in participating, and she doesn’t need to “heal.” Still reeling from a breakup that left both her heart and faith shattered, she is determined to fake being “fine” so that the program’s warden will clear her to return home.
But the retreat itself has other ideas. The valley’s magical surroundings transform each time she ventures out, playing with her mind and dredging up her grief-laden memories. Despite the warning signs, Eli explores more of the area than she had ever planned, even venturing into the dangerous night realm.
This spellbinding novel mixes prose and poetry into an exquisite and evocative portrait of love, grief, depression, and the slow path toward healing.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
10 people are currently reading
3218 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Wilda
1 book36 followersAshley Wilda has an MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. In addition to writing, she loves painting, making ceramics, playing music, rock climbing, and hiking with her husband, Ethan, and rescue pup, Phoenix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 12, 2023
DNF at 73´%
This book sounded so promising and I was so excited to read an early copy. And it lived up to all my expectations in the beginning. The prose was beautiful, I loved the poems that started each chapter and how these poems were flashbacks of the time the main character, Eli, spent with the boy she’s in love with. I loved how even when these poems depicted happy moments, they were laced with sadness.
But then I got to the halfway point and simly stopped enjoying it. It felt like there had been zero progress yet and nothing major had happened so far.
But the biggest thing I struggled with was how big of a role religion played in it. To sum up the plot, Eli is very depressed because she can’t be together with the boy she’s super in love with because he does not share her faith. I’m not a religious person so I don’t claim to know all the customs of whatever religion Eli follows but it irked me that that was the line she couldn’t cross. I thought religion was supposed to be about acceptance and “loving thy neighbor” and all that. So it irked me that Eli set a clear line she refused to cross with the boy she’s in love with because he does not share her faith. She claims to love him so much that she feels like she’s dying without him (hence the depression for which she is sent to treatment) but if she loved him so much, wouldn’t she just accept him for who he is and love him anyway?
At times, Eli also becomes arrogant and believes that her opinion about her feelings and the healing process thereof is the only correct one. She refuses to open up to different options in letting go. She refuses to accept different intakes or advice. I can understand not wanting to hear other people's advice at first because when you're depressed, you're sometimes in so deep that your mind can't open up to help. But this is a story and I expected some progress. 73% in and there was still no progress in the healing department.
And really, getting suicidally depressed over a boy? You'd think he died from the way she loses herself in her grief. I'm guessing she's around 17-ish. Your first love isn't going to be your forever love and that naitivité got a little eye-rolling after a while.
I recognize that this review is very biased, especially concerning the religious aspect. Other (religious) people might relate differently to Eli's struggle but it was a struggling block I could not get over. I personally couldn't. I don't think religion should stand in the way of loving someone.
This book sounded so promising and I was so excited to read an early copy. And it lived up to all my expectations in the beginning. The prose was beautiful, I loved the poems that started each chapter and how these poems were flashbacks of the time the main character, Eli, spent with the boy she’s in love with. I loved how even when these poems depicted happy moments, they were laced with sadness.
But then I got to the halfway point and simly stopped enjoying it. It felt like there had been zero progress yet and nothing major had happened so far.
But the biggest thing I struggled with was how big of a role religion played in it. To sum up the plot, Eli is very depressed because she can’t be together with the boy she’s super in love with because he does not share her faith. I’m not a religious person so I don’t claim to know all the customs of whatever religion Eli follows but it irked me that that was the line she couldn’t cross. I thought religion was supposed to be about acceptance and “loving thy neighbor” and all that. So it irked me that Eli set a clear line she refused to cross with the boy she’s in love with because he does not share her faith. She claims to love him so much that she feels like she’s dying without him (hence the depression for which she is sent to treatment) but if she loved him so much, wouldn’t she just accept him for who he is and love him anyway?
At times, Eli also becomes arrogant and believes that her opinion about her feelings and the healing process thereof is the only correct one. She refuses to open up to different options in letting go. She refuses to accept different intakes or advice. I can understand not wanting to hear other people's advice at first because when you're depressed, you're sometimes in so deep that your mind can't open up to help. But this is a story and I expected some progress. 73% in and there was still no progress in the healing department.
And really, getting suicidally depressed over a boy? You'd think he died from the way she loses herself in her grief. I'm guessing she's around 17-ish. Your first love isn't going to be your forever love and that naitivité got a little eye-rolling after a while.
I recognize that this review is very biased, especially concerning the religious aspect. Other (religious) people might relate differently to Eli's struggle but it was a struggling block I could not get over. I personally couldn't. I don't think religion should stand in the way of loving someone.
June 20, 2023
This is a story focused on the main girls religious selfishness and the ways it gets in the way of their love for a boy to the point where she becomes suicidal and lands herself in a wilderness camp. Idk what is going on with this weird increase in wilderness camp books (see also: Sarah stusek) but I think we should stay away from this setting until we figure out what is going on.
This book has a dozen red flags including her mother blaming her fathers death on his lack of religion and eli blaming her inability to pray enough as being the reason. So yeah toxic religious views right in the first chapter that continued to prevail throughout the books plot.
This would be fine if christianity wasnt being used as an excuse and scapegoat for all of the main characters actions. This did not have the effect it thinks it has and instead leans into culty vibes without the end being a realization of this. I did enjoy the poetry so this isnt a one star
This summary was also very misleading. I really did not see this as being so religious and it should’ve been stated more. This is now the second time I’ve been duped into reading Christian publishing. As a raised catholic I think I’m good for a lifetime of knowledge.
This book has a dozen red flags including her mother blaming her fathers death on his lack of religion and eli blaming her inability to pray enough as being the reason. So yeah toxic religious views right in the first chapter that continued to prevail throughout the books plot.
This would be fine if christianity wasnt being used as an excuse and scapegoat for all of the main characters actions. This did not have the effect it thinks it has and instead leans into culty vibes without the end being a realization of this. I did enjoy the poetry so this isnt a one star
This summary was also very misleading. I really did not see this as being so religious and it should’ve been stated more. This is now the second time I’ve been duped into reading Christian publishing. As a raised catholic I think I’m good for a lifetime of knowledge.
October 30, 2023
Wow, this book had absolutely blown me away and I think the Author's Note at the end made me tear up most. This book was truely so magical and beautiful and I found it hard to find the right words to speak about this book.
Eli and Gale have found their ways to my heart from the very beginning. Eli is dealing with a huge heartbreak and that has cost het her mental health. She is not in a good place, so her mom decides to bring her to Raeth. And this place changes everything for her. On a wonderful journey, wandering through the magical landschapes of Raeth, Eli discovers herself again- sometimes even in a literal way. There are tough challenges, but bit by bit she figures that there are still people out there who care for her and that she must hold on to that - but mostly to herself.
Ashley's writing style is magnificent. I've never seen a book before that starts with a little poetry before every chapter, and it fits Eli and the story so well. Through the poems, we get to know her past - what happened to her and 'you'. Through the chapters, we travel with her through Raeth and her journey to... I don't know, forgiving and living with herself again, I would say.
This is a book I would have wanted to read during my heartbreaks, but also at tough moments - like I do have now and then. It gives the hope we need and speaks about mental health in the most beautiful and accepting way. I love Eli and her story and journey back to herself, and I was also so happy with the ending and getting to know Gale. I wish I could learn more about him too. He deserves his story too (who knows? hint hint, please? haha).
Please do read this, get to know the Night Fox, get to know Eli. I hope you will pick up this book and let it find a way to your heart, the way it did to mine.
Eli and Gale have found their ways to my heart from the very beginning. Eli is dealing with a huge heartbreak and that has cost het her mental health. She is not in a good place, so her mom decides to bring her to Raeth. And this place changes everything for her. On a wonderful journey, wandering through the magical landschapes of Raeth, Eli discovers herself again- sometimes even in a literal way. There are tough challenges, but bit by bit she figures that there are still people out there who care for her and that she must hold on to that - but mostly to herself.
Ashley's writing style is magnificent. I've never seen a book before that starts with a little poetry before every chapter, and it fits Eli and the story so well. Through the poems, we get to know her past - what happened to her and 'you'. Through the chapters, we travel with her through Raeth and her journey to... I don't know, forgiving and living with herself again, I would say.
This is a book I would have wanted to read during my heartbreaks, but also at tough moments - like I do have now and then. It gives the hope we need and speaks about mental health in the most beautiful and accepting way. I love Eli and her story and journey back to herself, and I was also so happy with the ending and getting to know Gale. I wish I could learn more about him too. He deserves his story too (who knows? hint hint, please? haha).
Please do read this, get to know the Night Fox, get to know Eli. I hope you will pick up this book and let it find a way to your heart, the way it did to mine.
Read
December 22, 2023DNF ~75-76%
I tried really hard to enjoy this book, but I think the synopsis of the book is misleading. Had I known about the religious overtones of the novel, I probably would have been more hesitant to request it, given my own history with religion and how it had a hand in my mental health/the discussions surrounding it.
That being said, I’ll only really discuss this from a technical standpoint just to avoid getting too personal with the text/my potential lack of knowledge with this specific branch of Christianity (I grew up Catholic for reference).
The message with the book being “the right person will come along and love you for who you are regardless of your religion” felt a little heavy-handed. It definitely feels aimed for the younger YA rather than reaching the end of high school and has a little more perspective part. While she is still young, and losing first love is painful, the way she really had me thinking that he had died and she was upset he was going to hell because he did not believe in God, was a little… much. Part of me started to wonder if there were some mental health issues with their partner and the discussions of them going to hell because of the religion thing took a toll on them and… well, you can piece together where my assumptions went.
Then there was the whole Gale could be Jesus with the whole “shepherding lost souls” bit. But that’s a revelation for a different time.
The other big portion is that Eli doesn’t do much growing. By 76% she was still selfish and unwilling to accept other perspectives about her situation and it just became frustrating to watch. And it also gave me A Christmas Carol vibes where Scrooge refuses to listen to the voices around him only to be changed at the very last minute.
I’m sure this book could be enjoyed by someone who it is definitely meant for. Unfortunately, I am not that person.
I tried really hard to enjoy this book, but I think the synopsis of the book is misleading. Had I known about the religious overtones of the novel, I probably would have been more hesitant to request it, given my own history with religion and how it had a hand in my mental health/the discussions surrounding it.
That being said, I’ll only really discuss this from a technical standpoint just to avoid getting too personal with the text/my potential lack of knowledge with this specific branch of Christianity (I grew up Catholic for reference).
The message with the book being “the right person will come along and love you for who you are regardless of your religion” felt a little heavy-handed. It definitely feels aimed for the younger YA rather than reaching the end of high school and has a little more perspective part. While she is still young, and losing first love is painful, the way she really had me thinking that he had died and she was upset he was going to hell because he did not believe in God, was a little… much. Part of me started to wonder if there were some mental health issues with their partner and the discussions of them going to hell because of the religion thing took a toll on them and… well, you can piece together where my assumptions went.
Then there was the whole Gale could be Jesus with the whole “shepherding lost souls” bit. But that’s a revelation for a different time.
The other big portion is that Eli doesn’t do much growing. By 76% she was still selfish and unwilling to accept other perspectives about her situation and it just became frustrating to watch. And it also gave me A Christmas Carol vibes where Scrooge refuses to listen to the voices around him only to be changed at the very last minute.
I’m sure this book could be enjoyed by someone who it is definitely meant for. Unfortunately, I am not that person.
October 21, 2023
4.5 heartfelt stars.
Where do I start with this one. I feel like my review isn't going to feel traditional, because this one didn't seem like a traditional type of read to me. Anyone remember those Goosebumps books that allowed you to pick your ending, so you always kind of ended up with something different, or someone else reading ended up taking away something different from it than you did? That's The Night Fox.
As much as I would love to say that I recommend every person read this, or that I recommend lovers of a specific genre should read this, I can't. But, that isn't a negative thing, because this one is more for those looking for something to take away from it. Something intangible, something figurative, something emotional. Something healing.
So, what I feel like doing is laying out my thoughts in bullet style rather than trying to force them all in to full sentences or paragraphs. I will say that this one deals with heartache, depression, anxiety attacks, suicidal thoughts, and sadness and grief. But it deals with them in a hopeful, healing, beautiful way, because none of those things should make you feel ashamed, and mental health issues are never your fault, and always matter.
- Unique with switching from verse and traditional style story telling.
- Fox symbolism - invoke to avoid confrontation (emotional?) -> Protection - analytical - loyal
- Dreamy writing.
- A metaphor for how your mind can play tricks on you.
- Depression/anxiety can change how you perceive things.
- Recovering/or going in to remission from depression/heartache can feel magical
- Sometimes you have to dig deep to heal, sometimes it takes outside forces or influences, rarely does it involve going back exactly the way you came.
- More talk about god/christianity than I expected.
- Hope
- All journeys are different.
-Sometimes some things need to be let go to heal.
- Good to have faith in something, but only if it's not forced and doesn't stand in the way of your happiness.
- Sometimes too much faith in the intangible/religions/etc. can get in the way.
So, this was my take away from this beautiful story. I would have loved to have had this book during my few hard break ups in life, and during my struggle with depression in high school. I couldn't relate to the faith aspect in this one, but in kind of skimming over those bits, I was still able to take away the beautiful, fantastical story of heartache and healing.
So, this one is for those who are struggling, or have struggled in the past. This is for those who need hope, believe in hope, and can either sympathize or empathize with others who have felt lost or felt like giving up. The Night Fox will take you on your own personal journey while letting you know that you matter. <3
Thank you to Penguin Teen for my gifted copy.
Where do I start with this one. I feel like my review isn't going to feel traditional, because this one didn't seem like a traditional type of read to me. Anyone remember those Goosebumps books that allowed you to pick your ending, so you always kind of ended up with something different, or someone else reading ended up taking away something different from it than you did? That's The Night Fox.
As much as I would love to say that I recommend every person read this, or that I recommend lovers of a specific genre should read this, I can't. But, that isn't a negative thing, because this one is more for those looking for something to take away from it. Something intangible, something figurative, something emotional. Something healing.
So, what I feel like doing is laying out my thoughts in bullet style rather than trying to force them all in to full sentences or paragraphs. I will say that this one deals with heartache, depression, anxiety attacks, suicidal thoughts, and sadness and grief. But it deals with them in a hopeful, healing, beautiful way, because none of those things should make you feel ashamed, and mental health issues are never your fault, and always matter.
- Unique with switching from verse and traditional style story telling.
- Fox symbolism - invoke to avoid confrontation (emotional?) -> Protection - analytical - loyal
- Dreamy writing.
- A metaphor for how your mind can play tricks on you.
- Depression/anxiety can change how you perceive things.
- Recovering/or going in to remission from depression/heartache can feel magical
- Sometimes you have to dig deep to heal, sometimes it takes outside forces or influences, rarely does it involve going back exactly the way you came.
- More talk about god/christianity than I expected.
- Hope
- All journeys are different.
-Sometimes some things need to be let go to heal.
- Good to have faith in something, but only if it's not forced and doesn't stand in the way of your happiness.
- Sometimes too much faith in the intangible/religions/etc. can get in the way.
So, this was my take away from this beautiful story. I would have loved to have had this book during my few hard break ups in life, and during my struggle with depression in high school. I couldn't relate to the faith aspect in this one, but in kind of skimming over those bits, I was still able to take away the beautiful, fantastical story of heartache and healing.
So, this one is for those who are struggling, or have struggled in the past. This is for those who need hope, believe in hope, and can either sympathize or empathize with others who have felt lost or felt like giving up. The Night Fox will take you on your own personal journey while letting you know that you matter. <3
Thank you to Penguin Teen for my gifted copy.
October 1, 2023
The Night Fox is a brilliantly written story about first love lost, grief, depression, suicidal ideation, and most importantly, healing. It explores a magical realm that helps people come to terms with their experience and start the healing process.
I adore this story. It's raw, sometimes dark, sometimes funny, slightly awkward, just like me. I believe this story will help so many people feel seen and valued right where they are. Healing from a traumatic past is first and foremost a choice. Time doesn't necessarily heal wounds, but making an effort to do the work will.
I adore this story. It's raw, sometimes dark, sometimes funny, slightly awkward, just like me. I believe this story will help so many people feel seen and valued right where they are. Healing from a traumatic past is first and foremost a choice. Time doesn't necessarily heal wounds, but making an effort to do the work will.
Read
October 12, 2023TLDR; DNF, not for me.
I know when a book isn’t for me, and this is one of those times. I grew up in the Christian church and I left it as soon as I was able, so I am VERY MUCH not the intended audience. DNF at page 20.
Rating: DNF
Would I recommend? *EDIT* No. After seeing it blow up on TikTok and reading other reviews of the book, nope. I dodged a bullet being an ex-Christian gal with depression. If you want magical realism, look quite literally anywhere else.
I know when a book isn’t for me, and this is one of those times. I grew up in the Christian church and I left it as soon as I was able, so I am VERY MUCH not the intended audience. DNF at page 20.
Rating: DNF
Would I recommend? *EDIT* No. After seeing it blow up on TikTok and reading other reviews of the book, nope. I dodged a bullet being an ex-Christian gal with depression. If you want magical realism, look quite literally anywhere else.
October 17, 2023
I would give this negative stars if I could. WHY THE FUCK IS IT MARKETED AS MAGICAL REALISM?! It's blatant Christian propaganda trying to market itself to secular people. Don't trick people into reading your book - be honest and upfront about the bullshit you're peddling. If you need to trick people into accepting and learning about your values maybe you should examine those values more.
December 11, 2023
I loved the way it was written. I completely agree with the integrity of the main character in separating herself from someone who will not follow in the faith. I am religious, and if you know, then you know. In any case, the story starts off brilliantly. I had no idea what was in store for me. About 3/4 in, the story started breaking apart and by the end, although it made sense, I was just reading to finish the book.
Eli fell in love and couldn't get back up again . First love hits hard for some, and when they come apart, Eli wants to follow God and her heart even if it costs her everything. Worried, her mom takes her to Raeth. This is a place of healing. Eli would have to get over her pain and herself in order to be whole again.
Eli fell in love and couldn't get back up again . First love hits hard for some, and when they come apart, Eli wants to follow God and her heart even if it costs her everything. Worried, her mom takes her to Raeth. This is a place of healing. Eli would have to get over her pain and herself in order to be whole again.
October 6, 2023
This books will absolutely tug on your heart strings, I loved reading it. It also made me think about my own experiences. An absolute must read
Read
June 11, 2025I am DNFing this at 10%
I am a non religious individual, and so far it has been a very strong theme in the book, and it wasn't at all what I was expecting and it was really off-putting in my opinion. It wasn't advertised to be religious, but it was in fact, religious.
not for me. Won't rate it based on my aversion to any sort of religious...stuff. But I think people should know its there.
I am a non religious individual, and so far it has been a very strong theme in the book, and it wasn't at all what I was expecting and it was really off-putting in my opinion. It wasn't advertised to be religious, but it was in fact, religious.
not for me. Won't rate it based on my aversion to any sort of religious...stuff. But I think people should know its there.
August 10, 2024
Could not get invested into the story and the main character was unbearable. Additionally, the description didn’t make it clear just how much religion is in the book and that was largely disappointing.
October 10, 2023
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
This is NOT magical realism this is CHRISTIAN FICTION.
This is a common tactic done to appeal to secular audiences, try to market the media as something else and not disclose the fact it is religious. (Also a very popular Evangelist tactic too!)
God is mentioned 69 times in this book which is a mix of poetry and writing. 69 TIMES.
I am all for reading different faiths and culture, it's important to be exposed to such things, but in a book like this where the narrative is one belief or nothing.
Main character Eli is sent away to a cabin in the woods to process her grief and mourn and goes through VERY heavy handed religious symbolism thinly disguised (and poorly disguised) as magical realism. (Guys just say it's religious or are you afraid no one would read it if you did?) Over the course of the book we have lovely rhetoric and harm shoved down our throats every other chapter.
Would you like to know the "big reveal?" Turns out I'm not even joking! The book made is seem like he was
Behold THIS HARMFUL QUOTE FOR THE REVEAL:
This is easily the most harmful and problematic book I've ever read in my lifetime.
Don't worry we also get some lovely purity culture and abstinence only education mentioned too!
I worry what happens if a kid reads this and receives the message this book is trying to shove down people's throats. All you have to do is "accept God's love" and your depression will be magically cured.
That's not how that works, it's ableist and is going to cause lasting harm! You can't pray away depression or mental health LITERALLY THAT'S NOT HOW THAT WORKS! The number of mutuals who have trauma from this rhetoric (as do I) is numerous. Mental health and depression is NOT a choice.
Even in the author's note they say
Lastly, at the end of the day- there is Someone out there who loves you. Who doesn't want to fix you. Who doesn't think you need fixing. ..And if you listen you can hear it"
I am incredibly disappointed that this book is being marketed falsely, and incredibly angry in everyone involved in getting this harmful book published. Any child or teenager who reads this and believes if they just can hear God or believe enough or accept God's love, that they will be happy and then wonders why that doesn't happen? That's on y'all. You should be ASHAMED.
Any quotes come from an ARC and are subject to change before the book is released and finalized.
This is NOT magical realism this is CHRISTIAN FICTION.
This is a common tactic done to appeal to secular audiences, try to market the media as something else and not disclose the fact it is religious. (Also a very popular Evangelist tactic too!)
God is mentioned 69 times in this book which is a mix of poetry and writing. 69 TIMES.
I am all for reading different faiths and culture, it's important to be exposed to such things, but in a book like this where the narrative is one belief or nothing.
Main character Eli is sent away to a cabin in the woods to process her grief and mourn and goes through VERY heavy handed religious symbolism thinly disguised (and poorly disguised) as magical realism. (Guys just say it's religious or are you afraid no one would read it if you did?) Over the course of the book we have lovely rhetoric and harm shoved down our throats every other chapter.
Would you like to know the "big reveal?" Turns out I'm not even joking! The book made is seem like he was
Behold THIS HARMFUL QUOTE FOR THE REVEAL:
This is easily the most harmful and problematic book I've ever read in my lifetime.
Don't worry we also get some lovely purity culture and abstinence only education mentioned too!
I worry what happens if a kid reads this and receives the message this book is trying to shove down people's throats. All you have to do is "accept God's love" and your depression will be magically cured.
That's not how that works, it's ableist and is going to cause lasting harm! You can't pray away depression or mental health LITERALLY THAT'S NOT HOW THAT WORKS! The number of mutuals who have trauma from this rhetoric (as do I) is numerous. Mental health and depression is NOT a choice.
Even in the author's note they say
Lastly, at the end of the day- there is Someone out there who loves you. Who doesn't want to fix you. Who doesn't think you need fixing. ..And if you listen you can hear it"
I am incredibly disappointed that this book is being marketed falsely, and incredibly angry in everyone involved in getting this harmful book published. Any child or teenager who reads this and believes if they just can hear God or believe enough or accept God's love, that they will be happy and then wonders why that doesn't happen? That's on y'all. You should be ASHAMED.
Any quotes come from an ARC and are subject to change before the book is released and finalized.
August 27, 2023
Note: spoilers ahead!!
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So the general synopsis is that this girl, Eli, gets heartbroken by this guy who didn't share the same faith as her. She becomes depressed because of that and gets sent to this magical place, Raeth, in order to heal and learn to let go of her lover. The bulk of the story is her time in Raeth while she struggles to overcome her grief.
I'm going to start with the writing craft--it's BEAUTIFUL. The prose is amazing, and I love the insertions of Eli's poetry between chapters to give the reader context of her prior relationship. It's written so beautifully that I can FEEL the affection between the two and the loneliness Eli holds after her lover left. The physical descriptions of Raeth are also wonderfully written (if only Raeth were a real place!)
I know a lot of other reviewers disliked how there was little to no progress in Eli learning to let go of her lover until the very end of the novel, but I personally didn't mind it. It shows that Eli is flawed, heavily flawed, and I like that: her refusing to move on proves her stubbornness and her hope in believing that there IS something she can do to mend her relationship with her lover. Yeah, yeah, it was annoying at times when she was so adamant in following what she believed was best for her (when it wasn't), but when you love someone that much, you're bound to become blinded by desire to bring back your relationship.
The thing that made me give 4 stars instead of 5 was the religion aspect. I don't mind reading about religion but the fact that Eli and her lover couldn't get together because the former believed in God and the latter didn't just... felt really iffy to me. Like, seriously Eli, you couldn't just accept the fact that your lover didn't share the same faith as you?? What makes it worse is that Eli was essentially trying to force her lover to believe in God (making him "search for God" or something like that). The book didn't address this flaw either. At the end, Eli learns that she can let go of her lover while still loving him, which is cute and all, but she never learned that it was HER mistake in trying to force him to believe in her faith. Like, I love it when characters are stubborn and cling onto their personality flaws and whatever--it makes them feel more real--but she never acknowledged her selfishness.
So overall: Writing craft is beautiful. Characters are realistic (to an extent). The overarching theme of healing from heartbreak and grief is beautiful. But Eli trying to force her lover to believe in God and then getting depressed because he didn't is NOT it.
- Eva Lam
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So the general synopsis is that this girl, Eli, gets heartbroken by this guy who didn't share the same faith as her. She becomes depressed because of that and gets sent to this magical place, Raeth, in order to heal and learn to let go of her lover. The bulk of the story is her time in Raeth while she struggles to overcome her grief.
I'm going to start with the writing craft--it's BEAUTIFUL. The prose is amazing, and I love the insertions of Eli's poetry between chapters to give the reader context of her prior relationship. It's written so beautifully that I can FEEL the affection between the two and the loneliness Eli holds after her lover left. The physical descriptions of Raeth are also wonderfully written (if only Raeth were a real place!)
I know a lot of other reviewers disliked how there was little to no progress in Eli learning to let go of her lover until the very end of the novel, but I personally didn't mind it. It shows that Eli is flawed, heavily flawed, and I like that: her refusing to move on proves her stubbornness and her hope in believing that there IS something she can do to mend her relationship with her lover. Yeah, yeah, it was annoying at times when she was so adamant in following what she believed was best for her (when it wasn't), but when you love someone that much, you're bound to become blinded by desire to bring back your relationship.
The thing that made me give 4 stars instead of 5 was the religion aspect. I don't mind reading about religion but the fact that Eli and her lover couldn't get together because the former believed in God and the latter didn't just... felt really iffy to me. Like, seriously Eli, you couldn't just accept the fact that your lover didn't share the same faith as you?? What makes it worse is that Eli was essentially trying to force her lover to believe in God (making him "search for God" or something like that). The book didn't address this flaw either. At the end, Eli learns that she can let go of her lover while still loving him, which is cute and all, but she never learned that it was HER mistake in trying to force him to believe in her faith. Like, I love it when characters are stubborn and cling onto their personality flaws and whatever--it makes them feel more real--but she never acknowledged her selfishness.
So overall: Writing craft is beautiful. Characters are realistic (to an extent). The overarching theme of healing from heartbreak and grief is beautiful. But Eli trying to force her lover to believe in God and then getting depressed because he didn't is NOT it.
- Eva Lam
October 22, 2023
I thought I was the right audience for this novel about teenage depression, but after reading it, it definitely wasn't what I thought it'd be.
A lot of it is focused on a breakup with Eli's ex. I understand that this is from the POV of a teenager, so the obsession with the ex isn't really out of the norm, but as an adult reader who's aromantic, it just really wasn't for me. It became exhausting pretty quickly.
Other reviewers mentioned that it was shitty of Eli to pressure her ex (when they were dating) to believe in God. Yeah, I agree to an extent. But then again, when I was a teenager, I remember doing cringey shit, so this seemed on point.
I actually didn't really mind the religious aspect in the beginning though. Finding God was a relatable issue for me, but at the end it became a lot.
I also didn't really understand the point of the FMC's mom just dumping her at this retreat in the woods where she barely meets anyone else in the program other than the guy in charge. With no reception. Or wifi. Seems shady af, lbr.
Is it all supposed to be metaphorical? (Like the retreat and the finding nature and the whole magical realism aspect.) Honestly, I'm not sure. I just can't get over the fact that Eli's mother left her at a cabin in the middle of the woods with a random dude.
This book would've been so much better if Eli had other housemates going through the same journey, instead of just Gale being the only one there. If Eli had other people her age working out their mental health issues or were on a journey to find God or something, then it would've been a lot more relatable and would've made a lot more sense.
A lot of it is focused on a breakup with Eli's ex. I understand that this is from the POV of a teenager, so the obsession with the ex isn't really out of the norm, but as an adult reader who's aromantic, it just really wasn't for me. It became exhausting pretty quickly.
Other reviewers mentioned that it was shitty of Eli to pressure her ex (when they were dating) to believe in God. Yeah, I agree to an extent. But then again, when I was a teenager, I remember doing cringey shit, so this seemed on point.
I actually didn't really mind the religious aspect in the beginning though. Finding God was a relatable issue for me, but at the end it became a lot.
I also didn't really understand the point of the FMC's mom just dumping her at this retreat in the woods where she barely meets anyone else in the program other than the guy in charge. With no reception. Or wifi. Seems shady af, lbr.
Is it all supposed to be metaphorical? (Like the retreat and the finding nature and the whole magical realism aspect.) Honestly, I'm not sure. I just can't get over the fact that Eli's mother left her at a cabin in the middle of the woods with a random dude.
This book would've been so much better if Eli had other housemates going through the same journey, instead of just Gale being the only one there. If Eli had other people her age working out their mental health issues or were on a journey to find God or something, then it would've been a lot more relatable and would've made a lot more sense.
January 7, 2024
After a really bad breakup, Eli shuts down and doesn't even want to leave her room. She doesn't talk to anyway either and no longer has friends. Not knowing what else to do, Eli's mother brings her to a teenage retreat called Raeth. They specialize in mental health issues and give teens the support they need to heal. But Eli doesn't want to heal. She feels like nobody understands her and how hard she loves. It isn't something she can just forget.
At Raeth, Eli faces the challenges of meeting new people, like the sweet Gale, when she no longer feels like herself. She questions her religion and blames God for the reason her relationship ended. She didn't pray enough or want it enough, even though she did everything she could. To others, her relationship was just her first love, but to Eli, it was the very breath in her lungs. While she doesn't see it, Raeth is her path to healing and opens her eyes to the other things life has to offer even when she would rather just end hers.
THE NIGHT FOX is a contemporary read that delves into the raw feelings of grief and the impact religion can have in life. Eli uses poetry to help cope and explain to others how she feels. In her text, she often uses a fox as a symbol and I like those metaphors. While I love the idea of this story, I feel like religion played the biggest role in her life instead of the grief. It's like religion was the root of everything.
Final Verdict: There are a lot of trigger warnings for this book that involve mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicide. I would recommend this to fans of Christian fiction, emotional contemporaries, and sensitive themes involving mental health.
At Raeth, Eli faces the challenges of meeting new people, like the sweet Gale, when she no longer feels like herself. She questions her religion and blames God for the reason her relationship ended. She didn't pray enough or want it enough, even though she did everything she could. To others, her relationship was just her first love, but to Eli, it was the very breath in her lungs. While she doesn't see it, Raeth is her path to healing and opens her eyes to the other things life has to offer even when she would rather just end hers.
THE NIGHT FOX is a contemporary read that delves into the raw feelings of grief and the impact religion can have in life. Eli uses poetry to help cope and explain to others how she feels. In her text, she often uses a fox as a symbol and I like those metaphors. While I love the idea of this story, I feel like religion played the biggest role in her life instead of the grief. It's like religion was the root of everything.
Final Verdict: There are a lot of trigger warnings for this book that involve mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicide. I would recommend this to fans of Christian fiction, emotional contemporaries, and sensitive themes involving mental health.
June 23, 2023
4.75/5⭐️ Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for an e-ARC of this! I requested this because I struggle with my mental health myself and I really enjoy reading books with that rep, and I have to say that this is one of the best books I’ve ever read with depression rep. This story and writing was absolutely beautiful and it felt so poetic while still being raw and real. This is just my personal experience, but Eli’s journey with depression felt very relatable to my own. Seeing her go through her own hard times really hit me hard, but in the best way. Besides the mental health rep: this story is so unique and whimsical: it follows Eli’s stay at a “mental health/recovery” facility that is actually a magical house and surrounding land here to help people on their own mental health journeys. This is definitely a book and story that will stick with me, and I’m so grateful that I got the opportunity to read this! I definitely recommend, especially to those looking for depression rep or who have depression.
Also a disclaimer: I am not religious, but this book does have a fairly significant religious aspect. Personally, I was not offended by any religious mentions in the story, but seeing other reviews, some people did, so just please keep this in mind if you’re thinking of reading!
Also a disclaimer: I am not religious, but this book does have a fairly significant religious aspect. Personally, I was not offended by any religious mentions in the story, but seeing other reviews, some people did, so just please keep this in mind if you’re thinking of reading!
April 17, 2024
I maintain the belief that sometimes you look for books, but the best books should come to find you. At your worst. At your best. At 7 p.m. on a Tuesday. Also, sometimes books hurt. Like, sit and think and mourn for something kind of hurt. My last belief about books is that they aren't for everyone, but that truly good books shouldn't have to be to be considered "good."
So, by all those definitions of what a book -- and what a *good* book -- should be, this is a very excellent book.
Not crucial to a good book status, but instead acts as extra bonus points, is a poetic cadence to the writing style. There's a good number of books I've read that attempt to reach this type of flow, and few do it well without being junked up by meaningless repetition and distracting details. However, The Night Fox manages to blend a lilting, somewhat haunting voice with grounding details that suck you into the narrative and make all the hurt feel just a little more real. I'd ask for an encore, but I think I need to sit with this one for a bit before breaking my heart all over again.
So, by all those definitions of what a book -- and what a *good* book -- should be, this is a very excellent book.
Not crucial to a good book status, but instead acts as extra bonus points, is a poetic cadence to the writing style. There's a good number of books I've read that attempt to reach this type of flow, and few do it well without being junked up by meaningless repetition and distracting details. However, The Night Fox manages to blend a lilting, somewhat haunting voice with grounding details that suck you into the narrative and make all the hurt feel just a little more real. I'd ask for an encore, but I think I need to sit with this one for a bit before breaking my heart all over again.
April 20, 2025
I agree with most reviews, I was blindsided with the religious aspect of this book as the marketing did not allude to that at all. To be honest, at the end I was confused what the message was to really be taken away from that aspect. After reading about the author and how she identifies as queer I thought perhaps the "you" Eli always alluded to was female and that was making her question her grounding in religion which really piqued my interest. However, that theory was wrong as later with gender pronouns he/his. Once that idea was tabled, the story lost its footing and my interest. Also, the relationship with Gale got weird. I can say the author has such a lovely poetic tone in her writing. I just got uncomfortable to think I got tricked into reading a religious YA novel.
September 6, 2025
I love the way Wilda blends poetry, prose, and story telling in this collection, how prose tells Eli's present story and poetry tells her past story. I also love the magical world of Raeth and so badly wish it existed in real life. I don't think I'd ever want to leave!
This is a great book for anyone (especially young readers) struggling with heartbreak, grief, loss, and/or depression. Reading this made me remember what it's like to be a teen and young adult and how all those emotions are heightened and everything feels so all or nothing. I like that this book exists for teens today.
SPOILER AHEAD. Is part of why I'd never want to leave Raeth because of Gale? Hell yes! Part of me was hoping Eli would stay, but maybe she'll come back. Or maybe he'll leave and find her.
This is a great book for anyone (especially young readers) struggling with heartbreak, grief, loss, and/or depression. Reading this made me remember what it's like to be a teen and young adult and how all those emotions are heightened and everything feels so all or nothing. I like that this book exists for teens today.
SPOILER AHEAD. Is part of why I'd never want to leave Raeth because of Gale? Hell yes! Part of me was hoping Eli would stay, but maybe she'll come back. Or maybe he'll leave and find her.
February 3, 2024
Thought this would be something else but it's heavily about religion and depression. The way that her ex was described, I was so sure he got in an accident and/or died. No, the relationship was called off because he didn't want to be forced into religion.
It's ridiculous that a lot of reflection and nothing had happened in this book. I really struggled to continue. By the end, she's suddenly cured of her depression because she starts to believe in god again. The entire book she was set in her ways and didn't budge... at the very last minute something just clicks? Nope doesn't make sense.
I was more interested in Gale's story than Eli.
It's ridiculous that a lot of reflection and nothing had happened in this book. I really struggled to continue. By the end, she's suddenly cured of her depression because she starts to believe in god again. The entire book she was set in her ways and didn't budge... at the very last minute something just clicks? Nope doesn't make sense.
I was more interested in Gale's story than Eli.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
I picked this book up because it was recommended as a solid mental health book for tweens. Actually, I think it is more appropriate for tweens and teens even though I wanted it to be appropriate for my 3rd grade niece. But, this book took me awhile to get through as I struggle with mental health, depression and anxiety myself, and found myself relating to this book too. Afterwards, I learned this is a debut novel and well worth a read and totally appropriate for any middle school or high school library collection. Well done and so authentically told! Thank you Ashley. I look forward to more from your writing and relating talents!
October 10, 2023
Thank you Author Ashley Wilda and @penguinteen for having me be a part of the "Night Fox Street Team". Elizabeth's mom takes her somewhere to "heal" when she sees signs of depression. The mysterious place is hidden away and Elizabeth doesn't understand why she is being dropped off and left there. She's been depressed but this place can't help her,can it? How did her mom find out about this place anyway? This book is filled with poetry,self-reflection and also hope. Trigger warnings: depression,panic attacks and thoughts of suicide. Be gentle with yourself.
August 1, 2024
I had much more trouble than normal putting myself into this story, and I'm not sure I ever really identified with the character like I'm usually able to. So on that level it was disappointing. Yet I couldn't help but be intrigued by the story and engaged by the writing, so on another level I enjoyed it. Most importantly, I think there are readers for this book who will intimately identify with Eli, and for them it will be a powerful experience.
August 31, 2024
I just finished reading this book and I am so confused. For the most part, nothing actually happens. Just her sitting in a field saying “oh woe is me my first boyfriend dumped me and he’s a dirty sinner who doesn’t believe in god”. The poem every other chapter would be an interesting premise in any other book. According to this book, you can pray the depression away. Decide god is good and all that and suddenly no mental illness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2024
A poetic (half the time, literally!) and moving narrative by Wilda that paints many vivid pictures and emotions. There are a lot of questions posed about God, healing, hope, and choices, and there is the unfolding of the mystery surrounding Raeth. Other characters like Gale are likable, too.
It’s overall very ethereal, depicting a special kind of grief as well as mental health issues.
It’s overall very ethereal, depicting a special kind of grief as well as mental health issues.
September 10, 2024
DNF’d at 23%. I just could NOT get into this.
I also think the synopsis would have been more helpful to readers if it’d included some piece about the character’s questions/feelings/struggles regarding her faith in conjunction with her romantic relationship as that is very obviously a huge theme, even from the portion I read.
I also think the synopsis would have been more helpful to readers if it’d included some piece about the character’s questions/feelings/struggles regarding her faith in conjunction with her romantic relationship as that is very obviously a huge theme, even from the portion I read.
May 31, 2025
This is one of my favorite books ever. It shows the impact of grief and how painful break ups that are not really anyone's fault can be, especially when you are young. And even more so, it shows the healing powers of nature.
September 23, 2025
The Night Fox is fresh, luminous, and poetic. It is beautifully written and authentically felt. The tension keeps you moving swiftly through the story yet the details make you want to stop, savor, and reread them. More please!
November 27, 2023
I could not Finnish this book.
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