Here’s a blurb that called to me right away. I was a little wary of the high page number, but in this case, it turned out to be a good thing. Danny, aka Loki, is a young man living on the streets, or, in his case, in an abandoned swimming pool/center that he shares with a homeless vet, Milo. They have created quite the safe haven there, but out on the streets, it’s another story. When Danny isn’t fixing electronics and cell phones in exchange for supplies, he spends his time hunting for sharks (the predators) in order to help keep the other street kids safe. He is searching for one shark in particular – the one he believes killed Dashiel, Danny’s best friend and the only person he’s ever been close to. Until Micky.

Micky is another homeless boy who sells himself to survive. Danny is a bit overwhelmed by his reactions and instant attraction to Micky, and as he has a problem with becoming obsessed with things, he forces himself to keep things in check. Or, he does it in private when he is asked to fix Micky’s phone. In the process of nosing for pictures of Micky, the phone breaks completely. Ashamed, Danny keeps it a secret. Micky is beautiful, and Danny believes he is not due to scars on his face and torso. Danny spends most of his time hiding from people so as not to have to deal with their reactions to him. Micky, however, is different. He sees past the scars and pushes Danny to become friends.

What happens is a beautiful friendship. In a world very few of us thankfully have to experience, they find trust and safety in each other. They eke through life with the basest of needs, mostly thankful for a safe (and hopefully warm) place to sleep. Food is a big issue and really comes into play in this story. I just wanted to wrap these guys up in warm blankets and hugs, heat up some food, and make everything better for them. Danny has a pretty “cozy” setup at the pool he calls his shell. I could almost hear the echo of their voices on the tiled walls and feel the cold seeping in. I could picture the foxes Danny used to watch and see them all snuggled in Danny’s nest. I loved the connection of the book title to the foxes in Danny’s current situation and the irony that foxes played such an important role in who he became.

This story pulled me in and didn’t want to let go. I don’t normally enjoy first person narrative, but I was so entranced by the characters that I hardly noticed it here. Danny and Micky’s stories were heartbreaking and raw, yet beautiful and inspiring. I loved watching their love grow without them realizing it, loved seeing what they meant to each other and how they would do anything just to see each other smile. This is my first time reading this author, but if their other books are as well written and engaging as this one, I’m going to be one happy camper. Highly recommend.