"You smell like candy canes and pinecones and epic and awesome."

My first introduction to TJ Klune was The House in the Cerulean Sea and I was blown away by the writing and he can make you giggle uncontrollably in one minute and bawl your eyes out the next. So I am slowly working my way through his backlist. I was thrilled when I received a NetGalley copy of Wolfsong due to the reprinting this year.

Wolfsong is utter emotional damage. The things Ox and Joe and the Bennetts have been through is just awful but this book is filled with so much love and so much heart. The concept of found family is so well done and enhanced with with werewolf pack bonds. It is told in the POV of Ox, who so perfectly embodies the gentle giant, a man of few words, who sees the world so simply that others mistake him for simple. That is the furthest thing from the truth. The writing is so perfectly reflective of Ox and who he is is. It's just so - Ox. You will now what I mean once you've read it. His growth in this book from a 12 year old boy to 26 year old man is amazing as a well as for Joe from 10 to 20 years old.

I do have this categorized as a romance because the romance is definitely a major plot theme however the focus is really on the families and pack bonds, protecting those you love and trusting those you consider family. I have to address the negative reviews for the sole reason of the romance between Joe & Ox. Yes they meet when Joe is 10 and Ox is 16. <spoiler> And yes, Joe claims Ox as his future mate at just 10. And yes, Ox feels a special connection with Joe (and the Bennetts), however he never once thinks of Joe that way until Joe is a few months away from being 18 and clearly very much no longer a boy. And Ox, when he realizes his attraction to Joe, is extremely uncomfortable with it at first. Once it is in the open and acknowledged that Joe choses him as his mate, Ox makes it clear that nothing romantic (sexual) will happen until after Joe is 18. And nothing does. Except for a very chaste kiss before Joe leaves Ox. All sexual acts occur after Joe returns home at 20 years old. At no point in this story is Ox lusting after a small child or grooming Joe. It would have been "better", as in making less people upset, for Ox to have feelings for Joe a few months AFTER he turned 18 rather than before. But it is what it is and I personally feel it was handled well and not predatory at all.</spoiler>

I am immediately jumping into the next books.

T.J. Klune does it AGAIN. I'm so mad I hopped on the TJK train this late.

It's been a while since I've picked up a book that I could not stop thinking about between reads. I DREAMED about this book. This is what Twighlight was trying to be. These are the werewolves we deserved. This is the coming of age story we needed. And I'm LIVING for gay werewolves!

The writing style is unlike anything I've read before. Something about the prose is almost poetic, almost slam. I don't know that anyone else could have pulled it off.

My only gripe with the book was a bit of an ick. I love a good friends to lovers trope, but when the POV character, Ox, and the love interest, Joe, start out as (friends) 10 and 16 respectively, it feels a little uncomfortable. And when Ox has his "oh" moment with Joe, Joe is still only 17... I wonder if I needed them closer in age, or the same years apart but starting older? I'm not sure. I'll have to sit on that.

All and all, I already cannot stop talking about this book. It's a fantastic read, especially for fantasy and werewolf lovers.

Every time I pick up a TJ Klune book I have to prepare to have my heart ripped open (in the best way that only a book can do) and Wolfsong was no exception.
Wolfsong takes place over ten years (give or take) and follows Ox and the relationship he forms with the Bennett family when they move into the house down the road in Green Creek. He has an instant connection with the youngest Bennett boy, Joe, and their relationship develops and evolves into one of mates in their werewolf shifter pack. Together they take on a big bad from Joe's past and Ox's present. The relationships that Ox develops not only with the Bennett's, but others in Green Creek who learn the secrets of their pack, are a focal point in the story as Ox learns that family can be what you make it and to have confidence in himself and his role in the pack.
This book is gorgeously written and the way Klune weaves the information readers need to understand the pack dynamic and magic system doesn't overwhelm the characters and the journey they take through love, loss, and healing.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to dive into Ravensong for the continuation of the Green Creek pack's story.

DNF. Honestly, the summaries I read on GoodReads scared me away from it. I'll try and come back at some point.

I’m sorry, but I just wasn’t able to finish this. I don’t know if it’s me just going in with the wrong expectations, or if it’s the book just not living up to what I hoped from it. I love TJ Klune. I loved the 2 books that I read from him. There were a few things about this that I just could not move past however. The age gap (5 years) between the love interests wouldn’t usually bother me too much, but knowing they met at 10 and 17 and basically twilight style imprinted on each other just rubs me the wrong way. And then at 17 and 23 they were starting a relationship and the 23 year old even mentions how the other isn’t 18 yet. He’s a minor. And yet he still talked about getting a boner for him. That is when I stopped. The writing also just wasn’t on par with his other novels. I refuse to believe that the man who wrote The Heart in the Cerulean Sea is the same man who wrote “and then once he agrees to be mine I’ll mount him and then bite him”.

I just love TJ Klune. Every book has such unique groups and relationships. The underlying theme always seems to come back to the family you choose. I was a little scared by the length of this one. If you are, don’t be. Once you get into this world, it will just carry you along with it. That is what has been missing in so many of the books I’ve read lately. Immersion. I became immersed in the world and read most of it waiting out thunderstorms in a hotel room all the way across the country from my home. There is something about doing that in a strange place. I think it helps with the experience. Darkening skies. Rumbling thunder. Lightning. Pattering rain.

I absolutely felt everything for Ox. My students are so often damaged by the words and actions of those meant to love them. I always hope they can find a family that will allow them to believe in themselves again.

TJ Klune takes you up and down but you always feel the heart.

TJ Klune is by far one of my most favorite authors, so when I was approved for this ARC I was ecstatic! To me, this book is very different from Klune’s other recent releases (Under the Whispering Door, House in the Cerulean Sea, and In the Lives of Puppets). LGBTQIA+ representation is in Wolfsong, just like in Klune’s other books, but this one definitely had more spice than the others. I loved the story. Loved the characters. Loved it all. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

I am a fan of everything I have read by TJ Klune was extremely excited to get approved for this galley. Our main character Ox is a teenager who doesn't really fit in. His father left and the kids at school bully him but things begin to change when the Bennett family moves to town. Ox becomes fast friends with the youngest Bennett, Joe, and the story becomes one of found family. The Bennett's have a secret, they are shapeshifters and are quite influential amongst the wolves. As a result, they are major targets. The characters are so heartwarming and the writing style is brilliant.

Spoilers ahead! I have the most mixed feelings ever on this book because I liked it so much more retrospectively than I did while reading it? I actually did like most of the characters, but it didn't feel that way during the book because some of my favorites were absent for half of the book. I hated Joe, so the romance felt weaker sometimes in that regard, but I still shipped Ox and Joe and wanted them to get together.
My favorite characters were Carter and Elizabeth because I like chaos and nice people respectively, but I didn't dislike most of the others. In terms of plot, I compared the time in which Joe, Carter, and Gordo were gone to looking at a desert and just feeling bad. Their absence felt tangible in a bad way, and I thought it was crazy that side characters and main characters getting their own book later would be gone for three years. I despised this one scene, but the rest of the book besides that and the so-called desert without the others was fun for me. I actually felt like this book had too MUCH plot at some times for the overall setting and vibe if that makes any sense.
While I was texting my friend about this book and binging it (I read it in a day), I felt worse about it than I did later on. At first, I was going to give it 2.5 stars or something, but then I realized I totally want to read the rest of the series and that counts for something. I'd recommend this for people that want a werewolf book with high stakes and some romance, but not people thinking it'll just be romance or fun. That's only the first half.

My complicated past with werewolves began back in 2008 when I first read Eclipse and decided that Jacob was absolute trash. With the exception of Remus Lupin, I can’t think of any wolf in literature that I have loved. (No, I didn’t love Danika in CC, and my feelings on Kieran in FBAA are well-documented - dude is toxic.) So you can imagine my hesitancy in beginning this book. I requested it from NetGalley simply because it was by the genius who is TJ Klune, and I didn’t really pay too much attention to the premise of the book. For about the first 30 pages, I felt sad because I didn’t want to have to write a negative review.

AND THEN I FELL IN LOVE. Y’all, this book is everything. The main characters, the supporting characters, the plot, the humor, the tenderness, the writing style… and yes, the spice. I loved it all.

Ox is a teen who doesn’t fit in and has been abandoned by his dad as a child. He lives a pretty lonely life despite having a wonderful mother who loves him a lot and a surrogate father/brother named Gordo who owns a mechanic shop and gives him a job. He’s walking home one day when he runs into a kid he’s never seen before, and the kid latches onto him and becomes his best friend. What he doesn’t know is that this kid, Joe Bennett, is a werewolf and has basically imprinted on Ox. Yes, there’s a major age gap, and I can see how that would bother some readers, but the way it was handled worked for me. Things don’t get romantic until they’re both of age.

The romance is amazing, but it’s everything else that puts this story over the top for me. The Bennett family is a pillar in the wolf community, and as a result, they are targeted by evil wolves wanting that power and authority. Ox finds himself fighting alongside his found family through some seriously traumatic events to secure peace for their pack. The supporting characters are SO strong, and I’m thrilled that this book is the first in a series that explores different members of the pack. I have to say that I might have developed a little crush on Rico, one of the mechanics who continually cracked me up with his comments about Twilight. I am going to dive into the next book, because I can’t wait to see what happens next in my wolf family!

I did have a couple small things that irked me about the story. I could have done with more female representation, although that did improve as the story developed. Also, this is a fantasy story told in the present-day, but it was jarring to have characters named Mark, Carter, Rico, and Chris. I mean, the villain’s name was Richard Collins, not exactly a terrifying moniker!

If you love fantasy, found family, touch-him-and-die, childhood friends to lovers, and cracks about Twilight, definitely give this book a try! I hope it touches your heart like it has mine!

This was out of my normal comfort zone, but I loved it. Klune is becoming one of my favorite author's. The characters and family are so heartwarming, and the writing style is brilliant. Very easy to get stuck in the world of whimsy and magic. I thought there were explicit scenes and a bit too long. Can't wait to read the next of the series.
Thank you to Tor Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars

I couldn’t put it down. It had me in a trance but I can’t even pin point when I decided I absolutely loved it.

Interesting premise! TJ Klune always has such unique characters and his stories unfold in such a different way. This one was a little long, but Ox was such a good main character.

I've heard nothing but positive reviews about TJ Klune's books. So many of my friends adore Klune's books, so when I saw that this title was available as an arc, I jumped at the opportunity. I wish I had not. For starters, this book is so unnecessarily long and boring. My theory is that if you remove all of the repetitive elements, then this book would be about 300 pages, which is more reasonable. I have read lots of boring books this year, but I try to give them a fair shake. What ruined this book for me is the age gap "romance." I put romance in quotes because somewhere along the way we started excusing toxic, possessive behavior as romantic instead of the abuse that it actually is. I digress. I understand that Ox and Joe were adults when they got together, but they had feelings for each other since day one. When they met Ox was 17 and Joe was 10 and the entire family treated Ox, from day 1, that he was meant for Joe. When you couple the age gap with the explicit sex scenes, it was just too much for me.

I received a digital copy from NetGalley and voluntarily leave an honest review.

Klune's writing is nothing short of extraordinary. The author's ability to craft vivid and immersive scenes brings the story to life, allowing readers to effortlessly lose themselves in the richly detailed world he has created. The pacing is masterfully executed, with moments of intense action seamlessly blending with heartfelt and introspective moments, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

At the core of Wolfsong are its deeply complex and relatable characters. Ox, the main protagonist, is a beautifully developed character who undergoes a transformative journey throughout the narrative. His emotional depth and resilience make him instantly likable and easy to connect with. The supporting cast is equally captivating, each character adding layers of depth and dynamics to the story.

The exploration of themes such as love, found family, and self-acceptance is masterfully done. Klune skillfully depicts the intricacies of relationships, delving into the different forms of love and the sacrifices people are willing to make for those they care about. The profound emotional connections between the characters evoke a range of feelings, from heartache to joy, making Wolfsong an emotionally resonant read.

The supernatural elements, particularly the werewolf lore, are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Klune adds his own unique twists to the werewolf mythology, creating a fresh and captivating take on the supernatural. The world-building is robust, providing readers with a rich tapestry of history and mythology that adds depth and complexity to the story.

TJ Klune, in my opinion, is an incredible storyteller and writer. And this book did not disappoint. Everything about this book was stunning, from the characters to the story itself, to the messages conveyed by it. It's been two days since I finished and I am still thinking about how astonishing this book is.

Part of what I love about Klune as an author is his ability to create a world filled with complex characters that seems unique and special in every one of his books. Wolfsong is no different. Here, we see Ox, an individual who has never felt like he belonged, come into his own when he meets Joe, who happens to belong to a pack of werewolves. The story follows these characters on a decade long adventure. These characters, every one of them, both main and side, are complex and individual. I felt for all of them and each of them has their own stories and backgrounds that are explored.

In Wolfsong, there is a perfect balance between the story, emotion, and beautiful writing. The story is well done. I often had no idea where it would take me with a perfect balance of action and character building.. Parts made me laugh out loud and then cry the next. This story made me feel a gamut of emotions: angst, happiness, sadness, hope, all one right after another. There are distinct writing styles throughout which are poetic in some places.

And, the love story between Ox and Joe is perfection. The journey we go on with both of these characters is incredible and one that I find important and honest. It, to me, is one of the best parts of this book.

Overall, this is probably one of my favorite books of the year and I think you should read it. Thank you to Tor Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you like:
✅ Coming of age
✅ Werewolves, witches, and magic
✅ Found family
✅ Fated mates with age gap
✅ SPICE
✅ LGBTQIA+ representation

I’ve been in love with TJ Klune’s writing style since stumbling upon “Under the Whispering Door” and steadily working through his books. This is unfortunately the first one that I didn’t absolutely love. The narration style on this book missed the mark for me and the multiple time jumps and foreshadowing wasn’t for me. The book felt very long.
However, the characters were built well. I worried about them and sympathized with them. I cried when certain events happened and cursed at characters when they made (in my opinion) stupid decisions. The take on werwolves and alphas was refreshingly different. It was nice to have some spice in this book as most of Klune’s other books have excluded that. I don’t need spice to enjoy a book but I enjoyed seeing Klune’s take on more adult themes.
The book wrapped up well and didn’t leave any loose ends. I know there are more books in the series and perhaps I’ll pick them up but the story feels complete.

3.5 stars. After hearing so many amazing things about this book and this series, I decided to pick it up after receiving an arc of the rerelease. I did not read that version, however. The rerelease is nearly 100 pages longer than the original. I read the original version and still thought it was too long. There was so much repetition, I felt like it took away from the story and the plot.

I’m no stranger to werewolf stories. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many I’ve read. I can tell you that I’ve read other non-traditionally published stories that I’ve enjoyed more than this one.

I do also have an arc for the rerelease of the sequel, so many I’ll enjoy that one more. I saw that it was about Mark and Gordo, whose relationship and background piqued my interest.

Also, I couldn’t get over the age gap. Why have Joe be ten years old when we meet him? I could understand him being a couple years younger but six years difference? I know nothing happened between him and Ox until he was an adult but still.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. (I read the original version because it was shorter.)

Story: 4.5/5 ⭐

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TJ Klune does not fail to make me ugly cry once again! Wolfsong is a coming of age/found family story. It follows the life of Ox, a simple and endearing boy who's been told by his father all his life that he's dumb. Father of the year am I right? Well his dad up and leaves him to take care of his mom so good riddance, but the damage has already been done. One day the empty house down the road is suddenly occupied. He meets a boy who doesn't stop talking, he learns that something terrible had happened to the boy to render him essentially mute for a year...until he met Ox. Ox soon learns their secrets and not soon after tragedy strikes, splitting up the pack.

Every time, TJ Klune, EVERYTIME. I always end up ugly crying for at least 50% of his books, this one not to be excluded! Ox's history is already sad enough with how he was brought up to believe that he would amount to nothing, but his journey to becoming a bigger (psychosocially, not physically-he's described to be as big as an ox) is heart warming and endearing. You can't help but want to coddle him and protect him from the world, as the Bennett's did. I love that it encompasses the coming of age and found family tropes. They can be tricky to incorporate but TJ Klune does a great job of developing the characters and their relationships. Of course he takes them away and leaves you bawling, but that's besides the point. My only issue is the ending, to me it felt just a tad bit rushed and underdeveloped, but only a tad.

***I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to the author/publishing company and netgalley for this opportunity!

Having read and adored Klune's previous works "The House in the Cerulean Sea" and "Under the Whispering Door," when I saw this one was available, I had to give it a try. Despite the fact that it's a little out of my wheelhouse - I don't often go for the supernatural-creatures vibe insofar as werewolves - I was just as charmed by the cast of lovable characters as I was in "Cerulean Sea" and "Whispering Door," and it is absolutely in the creation of his characters that Klune shines here. The fact that they're werewolves is sort of just tangential for a lot of the book; it's their everyday interpersonal experiences that are the forefront, they just happen to be werewolves dealing with them. Even the more wolf-y moments are crisply done, and realistically so. There's an eventual foray into explicitly sexual scenes, which, honestly, adds absolutely nothing to the book; the rest of the book is so lovely that there was a real disconnect for me. If the narrative is served by sex scenes, they're fine to have, and frankly, I don't care how graphic they are. But with these ones, they just felt like they were there because they could be, and even the dialogue/description/language used felt completely out of place in regards to the rest of the book. Overall, the world of Green Creek, and these wonderful characters, will have me returning for more of their stories, but I might end up just skimming any future sex scenes - "Wolfsong" was a better book without them.