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Though I found the essence of the story, the one between a boy and his fox to be beautiful, the rest of it was lacking for me. I got that the moral of the story was how destructive and far reaching war is, but the setting and time were so vague it actually lessened the impact some. The characterization was great, the prose well rendered, and I loved the story told from Pax's point of view. But I think the moral behind the story would have been stronger if the reader, especially a middle grade reader, knew when or where this story was taking place. Yes, war generates death and atrocity, and it is better if diplomacy can win over force. Unfortunately, as long as there are extremists intent on forcing their ideas of world order on everyone, or intent on building some super race and destroying everyone who doesn't fit their idea of perfection, there will always be a war. I appreciate the efforts the author took to illuminate the costs that war takes on nature, and the psyche of soldiers called to serve. It is important not to glorify war and battle as someting it's not. But it also shouldn't be glossed over why some battles have been fought in the past despite efforts to avoid them.