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The Huxian Fox

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A sassy fast-paced super fun space opera with loads of adventure and a sapphic subplot.

Two girls team up—despite their differences—on an Indiana Jones style treasure hunt across space, following clues left by an ancient race.

Captain Fan Sung has blown it this time. Not only was she caught stealing from a drug lord, she was also caught kissing his young wife. She needs to get to her ship, the Huxian Fox, and get off the planet—fast.

Princess Eshan’ya is running from The Quain. They have attacked the palace and if they find her, they'll kill her. There’s no hiding on this planet, especially not when the royal guards are also looking for her, and she refuses to return to the palace. Her best chance is to sneak aboard the Huxian Fox and hope it leaves before she’s found.

As the ship enters space, Fan thinks she’s made a clean getaway. But she's not impressed when she finds her stowaway—even if she is beautiful. She’s even less impressed when the Huxian Fox is attacked by the Quain and the Royal Fleet.

The Quain are intent on taking over the galaxy, but Eshan’ya plans on stopping them—if only she can convince Fan Sung to help her.


Shortlisted for Adaptable by Queensland Writers Centre
Finalist in Launch Pad Prose
Semifinalist in Screencraft Cinematic Book Writing Competition
#1 Sci-fi Book/Manuscript on Coverfly’s Red List

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2025

2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Brooke

6 books23 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Miriam English.
2 reviews
July 3, 2025
This was great fun to read. Don't let the mention of "young adult" mislead you. This is great entertainment no matter what age you are. The Huxian Fox is a wild romp that doesn't let up -- lots of action, adventure, danger, some humor, and a hint of future romance. Nikki Brooke gives Edgar Rice Burroughs a run for his money. It's been a while since I've read his John Carter of Mars series of books, but I don't remember them sustaining the level of action that The Huxian Fox does. I love Keith Laumer's stories about action-adventuring diplomat Retief, but he never seemed to be able to sustain the action over a novel. The Huxian Fox is action-adventure from beginning to end.

Nikki Brooke does a great job of giving each character distinctive personalities -- something that can be surprisingly difficult to do well. Her writing is clear and gives the reader a feeling for their surroundings without descriptions intruding into the storytelling. Both make this story very easy to read, and the action makes it difficult to put down, causing me to read the book much more quickly than I expected. It joins that small list of books I will enjoy reading more than once. When she releases her next book in the series I will happily re-read The Huxian Fox before I start the new one.

I recommend The Huxian Fox. It is a great romping adventure.
Profile Image for KMart Vet.
1,576 reviews85 followers
September 3, 2025
Happy Sapphic September!

If you loved Han Solo and Princess Leia, but wished it was sapphic, this book absolutely nails that vibe. The banter, the bickering, the simmering attraction... It’s all there, and it’s a blast to watch start to unfold. This is a slow burn, people! But don’t get me wrong: beyond those echoes, this is wholly its own story, and it doesn’t waste time carving out a distinct corner of the galaxy.

I had such a good time with this crew. Every member feels unique, and I genuinely cared about them (even THAT one. You’ll know when you read it. I see the setup for a redemption arc.) The found family element shines here, balancing nicely against the nonstop chaos and action of treasure hunts, galactic threats, and all the danger chasing Fan and Eshan’ya across the stars.

There’s plenty of action, snappy humor, and just enough romance threaded in to keep things moving. Honestly, it feels like the kickoff to a much bigger adventure, and I’m already eager to see how the world (and the relationships) expand in the next book.

If you want a fast-moving, sapphic space romp with heart, this one’s a must-pick.

Thanks so much to the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for the complimentary copy. And thanks to QP booktours for nudging it up my TBR with another tour!! This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
1,129 reviews54 followers
July 14, 2025
This was an addictive read….fun and fast moving, lots of action, lots of found family heart! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the world they were inhabiting. Excellent story….but come on, there had better be a sequel!!!! That would be my only complaint….a “cliffhanger” ending….but if another book is coming then I can live with it! I definitely want more story in this world with these characters! Very entertaining book and one that I would recommend for a “summer” read!
I received this ePub ARC from the author-and I thank her very much-and ask her to hurry on a sequel!!!!

From the book blurb: “Two girls team up—despite their differences—on an Indiana Jones style treasure hunt across space, following clues left by an ancient race.
Captain Fan Sung has blown it this time. Not only was she caught stealing from a drug lord, she was also caught kissing his young wife. She needs to get to her ship, the Huxian Fox, and get off the planet—fast.
Princess Eshan’ya is running from The Quain. They have attacked the palace and if they find her, they'll kill her. There’s no hiding on this planet, especially not when the royal guards are also looking for her, and she refuses to return to the palace. Her best chance is to sneak aboard the Huxian Fox and hope it leaves before she’s found.
As the ship enters space, Fan thinks she’s made a clean getaway. But she's not impressed when she finds her stowaway—even if she is beautiful. She’s even less impressed when the Huxian Fox is attacked by the Quain and the Royal Fleet.
The Quain are intent on taking over the galaxy, but Eshan’ya plans on stopping them—if only she can convince Fan Sung to help her.”
Profile Image for Leanne  Tempest.
142 reviews9 followers
July 22, 2025
What a fantastic sci-fi adventure ride. The story is told from the points of view of the 2 female main characters. Both had great well rounded personalities and there is a hint of romance brewing between them in the later part of the book.

The Huxian Fox refers to the ship captain by Fan, one of the main characters as the crew travel around the galaxy searching for keys and trying to find them before the Quain do.

There is non-stop action, a hero’s quest worthy of any adventure book (or movie), humour and a nice touch of romance.

It finished with a bit of a cliff hanger ending so I’m excited to see what Nikki Brooke takes us with these characters.

Thank you to Nikki Brooke and The Novel Assistant for the ARC.
2 reviews
July 11, 2025
The Huxian Fox is such an entertaining and exciting novel! The fast paced storyline had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning. The main character, Fan, is snarky, fierce, and a little infuriating in the most delightful way. Then in comes the love interest, Eshan'ya, with her stubborn but charming personality, turning Fan's world upside-down. It's so much fun!

I've always been a fan of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, and this novel had many of the great aspects of those movies. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Morgan Rae.
504 reviews26 followers
July 7, 2025
4.25🌟 This was such a fun fast paced Dark YA Sci-Fi read! I loved the quest vibes and getting to see the different worlds. I also love how Brooke's worlds are all queer normative and we love a fiesty female space captain! The banter and found family vibes were excellent! Excited to continue this series! Thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity!
1 review
June 26, 2025
Fast paced, exciting and a includes a bit of romance as well.
I read this book in a day, in between work and being a mom..I couldn't put it down!
I hope Nikki finishes the sequel soon!
Profile Image for ImyReads.
153 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2025
I beta read this book 3 years ago, in a time where there were so many things going on in life and so many things I was learning. And yet, I was completely absorbed. The story, characters, relationships, and writing style just sucks you in. A book you can get lost in and one that will not leave your mind.
Profile Image for Rhianne.
82 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2025
I absolutely loved Nikki Brooke's dystopian "Plagued Lands" last year, so was eager to sign up for her next ARC.

The Huxian Fox is a space-themed adventure, taking a lot of inspiration from "Guardians of the Galaxy" and the Avengers quests for the Infinity Stones.

It has great LGBTQ+ representation, with two feisty FMCs whose viewpoints are shown in alternating chapters. There is an obvious attraction between the two of them, which both of them admit in their own thoughts ... but sadly not out loud, which was a bit disappointing.

Nikki Brooke always writes fantastic leads, and these two characters are equally as well-rounded. With tragic backstories, dark secrets and strong personalities, you can't help but love them. I especially loved that Fan was the captain of her ship, as men are often depicted as the captains in most stories. She is a great "tomboy" character, who can command her crew with authority while also being a flirt with both men & women alike.

Overall, the plot was well-paced and fun to read. I liked the riddles and the treasure hunt style mission, trying to acquire the mysterious gems before the enemy got there first.

I didn't expect the story to end as abruptly as it did. It leaves a lot of unanswered questions, unresolved situations and a romance that hasn't gone beyond lingering looks yet. I guess that there is another book coming that we must read to find the answers and solutions, and hopefully the romance will pick up more too!
23 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2025
This book gave me all the nostalgic feels of movies and cartoons I used to watch growing up and it was so much fun to read. All the characters have their own very distinct personalities which I thoroughly enjoyed, it just made the dynamics between everyone give you the full range of emotions through the book. So much laughter came out of me while reading chapters especially from one of the main characters Fan. 

The story is so much fun and unpredictable at times and I did not see that ending happening at all! I can't wait for book 2.

While it does deal with some serious topics it's done in such a light way which is so hard to do and I give the author absolute props. Having had to deal with some of these themes in my life I wish I had a book like this growing up to express it. 

Basically to sum it all up if you want a fun, fast paced story that will have you laughing and caring about all the characters this book is for you.
Profile Image for Chloe.
48 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2025
We raced through this book. It's a tonne of fun and jam-packed full of action from start to finish. It gave us Star Wars and Cowboy Bebop vibes, with our main gal Fan Sung resembling the child of Han Solo and Spike.

We enjoyed getting to know the rag-tag crew of The Huxian Fox as the adventure unfolded and more about our surprise crew member who had jawdropping secrets up her sleeve. The world building and character development were seamless as we learned more about the mission and stakes at hand. There were plenty of unexpected moments, and we dont want to give too much away, but these choices made the story more believable in a fantastical world. We really appreciate this. And most of all, we loved the comraderie and banter between the crew. By the end of the book, we felt like we were on a ship with friends.

This is a YA book but we recommend to anyone who enjoys a good old space adventure. The nostalgia was high throughout this read.
Profile Image for Samantha Fox.
277 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2025
I am always little anxious to read a book that has a high concentration in science fiction, a lot of it usually goes over my head and I lose interest quickly. However, I could not pass this one up with its Indiana Jones inspired plot line and I am so glad that I gave it a chance. With its fast pacing, witty and sarcastic banter between the characters I was immediately invested. The growth of the characters and seeing how they fit in that little found family was a great additive to the story line. The adventure that the crew finds themselves is action packed and will keep your attention from start to finish. I would not necessarily say the that it ends on a cliffhanger, but it is left open to allow for the sequel to pick up where this one left off.

I look forward to reading the rest of this trilogy as it comes out.
Profile Image for Heidi H..
248 reviews8 followers
August 30, 2025
Huxian Fox is a fast-paced sci fi adventure where the captain of the ship, Fan Sung, is a strong bisexual, Asian woman who knows how to lead. She's a flawed human as we all are, but she's surrounded herself with found family. Enter Eshan’ya, who flees the royal family and stows away on the Huxian Fox. She has had a tough life but has bravely decided to take initiative and save the galaxy. She can't do it alone and readers go along for this exciting adventure. Nikki has written a variety of interesting characters in this engaging story. There are many types of representation such as queer, mental health, and addiction. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from Nikki in the future!

Spice level: 🌶️ (1/5)
Profile Image for Leigha Lennon.
279 reviews9 followers
September 8, 2025
Wild, Witty, and Wonderfully Queer—A Space Opera That Delivers Adventure and Heart

Nikki Brooke’s The Huxian Fox is a rollicking, laugh-out-loud space opera packed with sass, danger, and charm. With its fast-paced adventure, sharp humor, and sapphic subplot, it’s the perfect pick for readers who love found-family hijinks, cinematic action, and a dash of romance wrapped in star-dusted chaos.

The story kicks off with Captain Fan Sung, a roguish smuggler with a knack for trouble—and women. After getting caught stealing from a drug lord and kissing his wife, Fan needs to get her ship, The Huxian Fox, off-world before her luck runs out. She’s every bit the lovable scoundrel, full of swagger and sarcasm, but layered with just enough vulnerability to make her more than just comic relief.

Enter Princess Eshan’ya, a runaway royal fleeing both an invading force—the Quain—and the suffocating chains of palace life. Resourceful, determined, and not at all prepared to be shoved into Fan’s world of chaos, she makes the perfect foil for the scrappy captain. Their reluctant partnership—complete with barbed banter, stolen glances, and growing trust—is a highlight of the novel, striking the perfect balance between sass and sincerity.

The plot is pure space opera gold: Indiana Jones-style treasure hunts across the stars, ancient clues from a lost race, daring escapes, and battles that bring both the Royal Fleet and the Quain hot on their heels. Every chapter brims with kinetic energy, moving effortlessly from danger to comedy to moments of surprising intimacy. Brooke’s prose captures that pulpy, swashbuckling spirit without ever losing emotional depth.

And then there’s the romantic subplot—a slow-burn sapphic tension that sparkles beneath all the action. It’s playful, tender, and charged with chemistry, adding heart without overshadowing the central adventure. Watching two wildly different women find common ground (and more) while the galaxy burns around them is deeply satisfying.

What elevates The Huxian Fox beyond pure fun is its themes of agency, rebellion, and choosing your own path. Both Fan and Eshan’ya are women running from cages of different kinds—criminal debts, palace walls—and their journey isn’t just about saving the galaxy, but about claiming freedom, connection, and purpose on their own terms.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooke.
Author 6 books23 followers
Read
February 5, 2026
The Huxian Fox is one of my favourite books of all time. And yeah, I'm the author, but I'm still allowed to love it! I enjoyed reading (and writing) this book so much that I reckon it would be a favourite of mine regardless of whether or not I wrote it!

I love how sassy and fast-paced it is, while still delving into some pretty deep issues (trigger warnings: contains drug abuse and dealing with SA after the event). This book has so much heart, because even after all the crap these characters go through, they're still there for each other and they strive to do the right thing!

Captain Fan Sung is hot, sassy, confident, bisexual and a kicka** spaceship pilot, even if she does say so herself. Eshan'ya thinks she's arrogant, impulsive, and a scoundrel. And she is all those things, but she's still hot!

Princess Eshan'ya is bold, brave, and intelligent. But Fan thinks she's bossy and a pain in the neck! And absolutely drop dead gorgeous. Not that it matters because she must be crazy asking Fan to go on a mission that will be their death sentence!

And then there's Pedders who I just want to cuddle, Tika who is overly chatty and a little misunderstood, Luchlon the broody tough guy, and RAN-8 the droid with perfect comedic timing to break up tensions. They form the most amazing lovable found family, and if you don't fall for at least one of them, do you even have a heart?!

The cherry on top is that they're on an epic mission to save the galaxy from the evil lord, Braxt, which becomes a sort of treasure hunt through space, reminiscent of Indiana Jones!! Their might not be any massive boulders (you know, because of plagiarism is bad!!) but there are some cool puzzles and challenges they need to work out. Throw in a few one liners, and you'll be on the edge of your seat for the entire ride!

Plus, it has mythology!! Both Chinese and Greek mythology!!

So yeah, I love it! It makes me smile! I hope it makes you smile too!

Nikki Brooke
Profile Image for Hope Everly.
Author 4 books12 followers
August 24, 2025
First off — I’m not usually a sci-fi reader. It’s a genre I’ve always struggled to get into… but this story completely surprised me. 🙌

Told in first person from Eshan’ya and Fan’s POVs, this isn’t your typical sci-fi. You’re pulled into the journey of a crew racing through space, chasing a powerful device that, in the wrong hands, could turn an already imperfect world into something far worse. Along the way, they’re decoding clues, facing challenges, and fighting to stay one step ahead. But is it smooth sailing? Or does everything go to plan? You’ll have to read to find out. 👀🚀

What I loved most was how Nikki built up her characters, the banter, the humor, the relationships. That spark of personality made the story come alive and had me enjoying a sci-fi book in a way I didn’t think I could.

Well done, Nikki — you might’ve just converted me. 👏
Profile Image for Crystal .
283 reviews16 followers
October 10, 2025
4.5
Okay, this one? Pure space chaos in the best way possible. 🚀💫
Think Indiana Jones in space, but make it sassier, gayer, and way more fun than it has any right to be.

Captain Fan Sung is a hot mess in the most lovable way...thief, flirt, disaster extraordinaire....and Princess Eshan’ya is her total opposite.... elegant, brave, and slightly unhinged when it comes to saving the galaxy. The two of them crashing into each other (literally and emotionally) made this book an absolute ride.

There’s action, sarcasm, banter that crackles like laser fire, and just enough slow-burn sapphic tension to keep you grinning like an idiot. It’s fast-paced, punchy, and bursting with adventure from start to finish.

thank you QP Book Tours & Nikki Brooke for the #gifted e copy

all opinions are my own ♥️
3 reviews
July 11, 2025
I was so excited to read this novel, and it did not disappoint! The exciting fast-paced action made it a page turner that I couldn't put down.

I love the main character, Fan, with her sassy personality and fierce loyalty to her crew. Knowing the novel was inspired by Star Wars made it so fun to work out which characters in the novel were inspired by Star Wars characters. It was like having secret insight into their personalities. The love interest was intriguing with a mysterious background I can't wait to learn more about.

The novel is so well written and has such great world-building that I was easily able to visualise characters, the Huxian Fox ship, and all the locations they visited.

Definitely recommend giving this book a read!!!
Profile Image for Hannah.
262 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2025
If you are looking for a fast-paced, edge of your seat, non-stop adventure of a story, then man, do I have a recommendation for you. The Huxian Fox by Nikki Brooke starts out with a bang and doesn’t stop for 300 pages of straight up fun. I honestly loved every minute of it. This ragtag crew is so easy to fall in love with.

In these pages you will find:

-Sapphic, Guardian of the Galaxy vibes
-A treasure hunt but in space
-Found family (I fell in love with every member of this space crew!)
-A high stakes adventure with end of the world consequences
-A loveable droid
-Shocking reveals and hidden secrets
-A pink planet

And so much more! I flew through this and am SO excited to see where this story goes!
Profile Image for Ashisha Sewpal.
114 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2025
The Huxian Fox is a novel based in space.

It follows Fan Sung, captain of the spaceship, Huxian Fox.

Eshan'ya is a stowaway aboard the Huxian Fox. Running from the Kings palace to escape the Quain, she hides aboard the spaceship.

Fan and Eshan'ya have to work together to find clues that leads to a device that can destroy the universe.

The novel was beautifully written by Nikki Brooke. It is action-packed with a few twists that I never saw coming. Her world building in incredible and it feels as if the reader is transported into the world she created. There is a bit of romance and some funny moments. The characters are well developed and are found family.

I can't wait for the next installment of this book.
1 review
August 1, 2025
What a fantastic book. Very exciting and fast moving from the first page. The characters are all so different yet constantly reveal the meaning of close friendships and also that family doesn’t necessarily need to have blood ties. It is hard to put this book down as each page delivers more thrills and adventures. This is a book that will appeal to all readers aged 14 years onwards and any gender, not just lovers of Dystopian Science Fiction. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves easy to read novels that get you hooked from page one. I can’t wait for the next book to be released so I can find out what exciting adventures are in store for the Huxian Fox and crew. Well done to the author Nikki Brooke.
Profile Image for Liv Nicholson.
Author 2 books4 followers
July 5, 2025
Another epic adventure from the creative world of Nikki Brooke. If you are looking for an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones, this is a book for you.

I was honored to receive an advanced readers copy and I couldn't put it down. There is just the right amount of suspense to keep you wonder what will happen next.

Nikki has a way of developing characters and world that are relatable and fun. She develops relationships that readers can see themselves in. Her representation of the LGBTQ+ community gives a feel good vibe. If you need a new read that is lighthearted, fun, and the unexpected; this is that book!
2 reviews
July 13, 2025
What a fun ride through a beautiful world created by Nikki! This fast paced action/adventure is a must for anyone who loves a treasure hunt. It's told from two alternating viewpoints which keeps you intrigued because each chapter ending essentially becomes a mini cliff hanger which you can't wait to get back to. Witty characters make for some great laughs along the way and the world described is rich and intriguing. Strong female characters give this story a fantastic edge and it was so enjoyable being on their ride and getting to know them. A fantastic second novel from Nikki, I can't wait for this story to continue.
8 reviews
July 4, 2025
Seriously such a great book. I had so much fun reading this that I finished it in one sitting. I already want to reread it.

How can a book touch on such serious subjects but still concur such joy? Must be some kind of writing genius. I need to get all other books by this author.

I'm completely in love with Fan, but I wouldn't mind a date with Ethan'ya either. Can't wait to see what happens with them next.
1 review
July 9, 2025
This is a great fast-paced YA sci-fi novel with loveable, fully-realised and diverse characters.
The story is packed with action from the get-go, which I love, but also backs it up with some meaningful history and character growth.
The world building is easy to pick up, and the FMC is strong, sassy and smart.
It has twists and turns and leaves you wanting more - bring me another adventure aboard the Huxian Fox!
3 reviews
July 18, 2025
From start to finish, this book is an absolute thrill ride! The action is relentless, and I thoroughly enjoyed the travelling aspects and the diverse cast of characters. I was completely absorbed in the story, swept up in the author's gripping and vivid writing style that made for a truly unputdownable read. What a wonderful adventure – I felt like I was right there with them! If you like Legends of Tomorrow, Tomb Raider, and Brandon Sanderson kinda works, this is a must-read!
Profile Image for Grace .
96 reviews11 followers
July 22, 2025
This was fast-paced and a continuous adventure of a story with many lovable characters, space vibes and treasure hunts, found family, some twists and turns, and some very cool moments!

I honestly loved every minute of it and enjoyed every character brought to the pages. This author was new to me and I look forward to more from them!
Profile Image for K Huskić.
2,225 reviews39 followers
July 26, 2025
I flew through this one. It was an intriguing story, and so easy to get pulled into.

Both main characters were great - sassy, feisty and the banter between them was excellent. They were so different but equally as fun to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Action, suspense, and plenty of drama.
12 reviews
August 19, 2025
A delightfully fun Sci-Fi romp through the galaxy. I really enjoyed the fun The Mummy x Indie Jones vibes- nothing like a swashbuckling space quest! Fan gave me strong Han Solo vibes which I adored. The sapphic sub-plot was just the cherry on top!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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