A wonderfully conceived fantasy land.
“Monsters don’t exist, they thrive.” Specifically, genetically engineered monsters, Gems for short, created long ago for gamers but used in the real world. As time passed, people tired of their custom made Gems and the abandoned monster population exploded. The only way to combat the untamed monsters is with professionals trained to harness the power of these creatures. Sam is aspiring to be one such Gem handler, or Prime. Sam and her best friend Callum set off on an exciting career path promising a comfortable life and fulfilling work.
The world Sam lives in is bright and fun-filled, with a delightful array of Gems ranging from terrifying gargantuan spiders to cuddly baby bunnies. MacLeod tells the story with such rich detail that it feels like I could spot a shimmering fire colored fox or a fluffy pink chinchilla with super powers bounding down my street. Sarcastic and witty, especially under pressure, Sam cares for her monsters more than she cares for her appearance. She also loves hot chocolate with lots of sprinkles and is an incredibly genuine person that readers will find enchanting and relatable.
The Carnelian Fox is a wonderfully conceived fantasy land that would be a delight to live in. Kay MacLeod paints with vivid strokes a story that will completely immerse you!