Member Reviews
Just some gay werewolves they said. (They being the author)
It will be fun they said.
...yeah real fun crying over these fucking idiots. (obviously I mean that in the best way possible).
I adored this book! Ox Matheson is one of the best characters I've ever known. The unique writing style of existing in Ox's head, and the slow reveal of the things we the reader already know to be true are perfection. I love the entire Bennett family, but really and truly, my entire heart is Ox's, his personal growth is incredible to see happen. I know this is the goal of a lot of stories, but the Ox at the beginning of the story wouldn't even recognize the Ox at the end, and yet all of the most important elements and the whys of who he becomes are preserved. So excited to follow the Bennetts for more stories.
Thank you so much @TorBooks for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 04 Jul 2023)
SYNOPSIS | Ox's father walked out when he was 12 years old telling him that he would never amount to anything in life which left him with very low self esteem. 5 years later he meets Joe when walking home, a 10 year old whirlwind of a boy who immediately pulls Ox into his world & claims him as family.
WHAT I LIKED:
- big heartwarming found family vibes
- the inner monologue chock full of conflicting emotions, desires & fears
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- the choppy, repetitive writing style sadly repeatedly pulled me out of the story
- we saw very little of the magical world beyond werewolves and witches
- I didn't mind the age gap (6 years), but I didn't like how Joe "claims" Ox at 10 years old as his mate
- also wasn't the biggest fan of the possessive alpha energy from both of them
"Candy Canes and Pine Cones and Epic and Awesome"
This story follows Ox Matheson as he grows up in his small town community of Green Creek. As a teenager he meets The well respected Bennett Pack when they move in down the road. We watch has Ox meets Joe Bennett and the family and grows and heals from past traumas.
This is a heartwarming story with fate, love, loyalty and found family.
Thank you Netgalley for an arc for the new release.
This about-to-be-reissued book is a story about community, self-esteem, and personal growth carefully hidden within a big action story about Werewolves and a special human who manages to join the pack in a surprising way.
The story is interesting and the writing good (I absolutely loved Klune’s "In the Lives of Puppets" which was just released). Wolfsong could be simply summed up as a gay “Twilight,” with more emotional depth. It's action and gay romance (with a capital R). At first I felt like it was more of a YA book, but about 80% of the way in began some seriously explicit homosexual sex scenes. More explicit than I really needed — frankly I would have liked a little warning! The book was also (for my taste), too long and quite repetitive. On the other hand, if you love action and enjoy a little gay romance / porn, this might be a great book for you!
I did actually love the stereotype busting world of he-men (mechanics, warriors, werewolves) who like to cuddle like puppies in a pack, love ferociously, and explore their feelings — sometimes out loud. I enjoyed the characters a lot — I just wish they had managed to figure out a few pretty obvious things a little earlier.
At first, I wasn’t sure where this story was going to go (forgive me, I have Twilight ptsd with werewolves and age gaps). But Klune fixes this for us straight away! Phew… anyways, Klune combines sensory imagery with a beautiful love story with elements of found family, loyalty, and such sweet sweet hot angst. Dear Lordy. Haha
Ox and joe have such beautiful chemistry and I enjoyed seeing their love develop and flourish over the years and morph into something wild and absolutely mesmerizing to read. I definitely would recommend and now excuse me while I continue with the rest of the series! Oh also side characters were so fabulously written. I didn’t want the book to end!
I haven't loved a werewolf story so much since Maggie Steifvater's Shiver series.
This book is poignant in a way that only T.J. Klune knows how to write.
There is such a kindness and soft light about his writing. This book is poetic and observant.
It about coming of age and finding yourself. It's about family, and love, and trust.
I cannot get enough of T.J. Klune's writing. This one is so very different than his "popular" books, but in a good way.
Klune writes with such a level of empathy, it is honestly staggering at times, and it brings the reader to tears, at least this reader.
I enjoyed the format of this novel as well, like the unique chapter names and the rambling narrative. It felt natural to be in Ox's head.
I love Ox. He is kind, he is observant, and he is soft in a world that is unforgiving and unkind. I adore that people rise up around him to protect him.
This book is also hot as hell. I was a little put off with age difference, not the years but that fact that the MCS meet when one of them is 10. It gives slight grooming vibes but because Ox doesn’t even think about Joe sexually until he’s almost 18 and has major reservations about, I forgave it. They also don’t act on their desire until Joe is almost 21; so for forgiveness.
The magical realism blends in so well the the "real" world that you could almost imagine this story happening in real life.
The relationships are complex and the characters' devotion to each other is amazing.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking to read a fantasy novel without having the whole High Fantasy experience. Also anyone who love character driven novels with a lot of harsh observations about the world
I am going to read all of T.J. Klune's books now. Im obsessed. . Before Wolfsong, Cerulean Sea was the only one I'd read.
Five brilliant and wonderful candy canes and pinecones and epic and awesome BRILLIANT five stars!!!!
I have never devoured a five hundred page book so fast in my life.
Thank you so much to Tor for the advanced copy of this beautiful read. I will be thinking of it for years to come.
*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*
This is a slightly self-aware, hella gay & explicit "Twilight" werewolf fanfiction-ish novel that follows Ox, a young man whose alcohol addicted father has just abandoned him and Ox's mother. Ox befriends the new boy from next door and soon finds out that the supernatural is real.
I liked Ox as a character, especially at the beginning when he is struggling to speak and people tell him he's stupid, while he has such a vivid inner live and just cannot form and find the right words fast enough.
I would've given the novel 4 stars but the shift from "oh he's my best friend and like a brother" to "I wanna bang him so hard" was a bit weird for me as well as Joe was introduced as a vulnerable, heavy traumatised child. Reading it was a bit disgusting.
The other thing I also dislike a lot (looking at you "Twilight", ACOTAR...) is this animalistic sexual bit that always disgusts me slightly and the idea of "imprinting" a "mate". Yes, the novel tries to problematise this a bit but not enough for my taste.
And the last thing: if you've read other Klune books, especially the Verania ones, you'll notice strong similarities in terms of writing relationships, this kind of magic, and gay sex. It's a bit annoying but this novel is also old and I started reading newer Klune books.
Another last thing: Klune cannot write women and it shows again. In this one we've got the annoying girlfriend and the perfect mother (two times!). Everybody else are men. And the entire patriarchal alpha business annoyed me. Hardcore.
3.5 stars because I was very invested in the characters and the book was very hard to put down!
This book was a bit of a departure from the other TJ Klune books I have read in that there was less humor involved throughout the book. It still had Klune’s gift for beautifully written prose, queer representation, found family, and wonderful portrayals of different types of love. Werewolves are not really a thrill for me, but I still enjoyed the story and especially the way Klune had the pack interacting and hearing each other. My only complaint is that it felt too long - about halfway through I kind of sighed and settled in for the rest. I am glad that I read the book and the pacing probably works well for the scope of the story. I cared deeply for the characters. I am not sure I would seek out sequels, just due to personal preference.
Oxnard "Ox" Matheson keeps to himself and tries not to make trouble. His father left when he was twelve and told Ox that he was worthless. He and his mom have been trying to make it day by day since then. When the Bennett family moves in next door, Ox's world shifts. He finds himself seamlessly becoming part of their family until he discovers their family secret and he has to recalibrate everything he knows about them. Trouble comes looking for the Bennett family and Ox has to decide how far he is willing to go to be part of their world.
I liked this book. I found the writing style a little slow for the first half, but then it was worth the payoff. It felt like a lot of the slow part was world-building so I'm hopeful that the future books in the series will move a little faster now that we know the main story. I'm excited to start Ravensong soon!
I fell in love with TK Klune’s writing. Poetic, unique and it manages to immerse the reader deep into the characters’ lives.
I loved every single second of Wolfsong.
I'm having a hard time with this one because I can see elements of what I enjoy about T.J. Klune's writing: quips, found family, (some) good parental figures. But man oh man why does there have to be an age gap and why oh why do we all have to act like a 12 year old dedicating himself to a stranger is cool?
TJ Klune will rip your heart out, shred it, and put it back. You'll cry, thank him, and be happy for the experience.
I just finished Wolfsong today, and you know when you feel like you've just been "through" it? That's how I'm feeling right now. Klune's Wolfsong is intense and heart-breaking and breathtaking and truly just a wonderful story about family, both the family you're born into and the one you build for yourself. You will experience all the emotions while reading about Ox Matheson and the Bennett family - Thomas, Elizabeth, Carter, Kelly, Mark, and Joe. I love them all, but Ox has a special place in my heart. He is such a beautiful soul.
But it's not just about family. There's a love story. There's betrayal. There's fantasy. There's werewolves! To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect with this book. I just saw TJ Klune and thought, "If he wrote, I wanna read it." Wolfsong is Ox's story, but I promise you will love everyone around him. I am so happy there are three more books in the Green Creek series! Wolfsong will be released in hardcover July 4th, and I'll eagerly be waiting to grab my copy!
Read this, if you like:
• Found family
• Fantasy
• Romance
• LGBTQ+ books
• Books that will make you cry
Wolfsong by TJ Klune is a captivating and emotional novel that delves deep into themes of family, love, and identity. It is a story that combines elements of fantasy, mythology, and romance, creating a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
Wolf romance novel.
User
Write a 300 word book review for Wolfsong by TJ Klune
ChatGPT
Wolfsong by TJ Klune is a captivating and emotional novel that delves deep into themes of family, love, and identity. It is a story that combines elements of fantasy, mythology, and romance, creating a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
The story follows the life of Ox, a young man who lives in the small town of Green Creek. Despite his quiet and uneventful life, Ox knows that there is something different about him. He has always felt like an outsider, but he cannot quite put his finger on why. That is, until the day he meets Joe, a strange and mysterious young man who introduces him to a world of werewolves, magic, and danger.
As Ox learns more about his true identity and the world of the werewolves, he also begins to develop feelings for Joe, who seems to be just as drawn to him. Their relationship is at the heart of the novel, and it is a beautiful and touching love story that will tug at your heartstrings.
One of the things that makes Wolfsong such a powerful and engaging read is the depth of the characters. Each one is complex and nuanced, with their own motivations, fears, and desires. TJ Klune does an excellent job of bringing these characters to life, making them feel real and relatable.
Another standout feature of the book is the world-building. The world of Green Creek and the werewolves is richly imagined and filled with detail, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The mythology behind the werewolves is particularly interesting, and it is clear that Klune has put a lot of thought into creating a unique and original world.
Overall, Wolfsong is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and LGBTQ+ literature, and it is a testament to the power of love and acceptance in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving.
A paranormal romance that pulled me in from start to finish!
Ox Matheson is a boy who's daddy left and whose mom is just barely making it. Drowning in his loneliness, he can't help the pull he feels to the Bennett family that just moved in down the street. But this family has a secret that will change Ox's world forever.
First things first, this one will NOT be for everything, but it worked for me.
It feels like a mixture of Archer's Voice and Twilight and I couldn't help but binge it.
What I Loved:
- The main characters. I feel like we got to know each character thoroughly. I enjoyed the banter, love, and interactions between them all. Ox, specifically, got me in all of my feels, and being in his head, I wanted to cry, laugh, shout, and root for him over and over again. He deserves THE WORLD.
-The amazing found family theme. Truly a superior trope. I would like to be adopted by the Bennetts. Please and thank you.
-Action packed. Although sometimes predictable, this one had a good enough big bad and random conflicts to keep me going.
-Very good smut. I wasn't expecting the level of SPICE but here for it!
What I Struggled With:
- The age gap. I can absolutely see people getting queasy over the friendship between 10 year old Joe and 15 year old Ox. I just feel like having them at this age was a...choice, even if things don't escalate until they're adults. I think they both could've been the same age with the same end result.
- Sometimes it did read a little YA.
- Would've loved Dual POVs. It feels like we lose Joe's personality in his adulthood an his own POV would've helped us understand him more especially during certain events in the story.
- The length. This was too long. Everything could've been said and done with 200 less pages especially when the world building wasn't THAT extensive.
I overall enjoyed and loved this read. I can't wait for the next book (justice for mark and gordo!). Definitely pick this one up if spicy paranormal romance is your jam!
Thank you Tor Books and NetGalley for my advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy. This book was just beautiful. I've never read anything by this author before but this was magic and the author is just magic. I laughed, I cried, I yearned. I will be buying this and the rest of the series when they come out. Amazing, fantastic...words are failing me. When i read a book from a new to me author and it's like this, I buy everything they've written. TJ Klune joins the small club of authors whose work I will buy no matter what it is.
Trigger warnings: sexual content, extreme violence, blood/gore, torture (implied and shown), passing threat of SA, murder/death, death of a parent
This is the story of Ox, the family that moved next door to him after his father abandons him, his relationship with a boy/man named Joe, and the story of revenge after his life is torn apart by a great evil.
I admit that I was hesitant to read this book. I’ve read two other books by the author and I loved both of them but this was published before those and I’ve heard what this was about. I didn’t think it would be right for me. However, I heard that it was available on Netgalley and I changed my mind. And I’m so glad I did.
I don’t know if I can put into words how much I loved this book. The writing is downright beautiful. The level of description for the town and the people make you feel like you are a part of the story. I feel felt for all of the characters. Ox and Joe were so good together. I was really rooting for them. I loved every single member of the family/pack. Especially both of the moms and Gordo (friend/boss of Ox). The main villain stepped into cartoon character villainy at points but I still liked how his story played out. The violence is extremely graphic and well written but I can see how it would turn some people off the story.
The main think keeping me from giving this a full five stars is just ironically the relationship between Ox and Joe. I loved how their story was written but at the same time I’m conflicted about it. The actual relationship develops further down the line but when they first meet Ox is 16 and Joe is 10. They grow up together. Even when they do start a kind of relationship Ox is 23/24 and Joe is 17. The fact that every single person in the book calls out that this is weird and uncomfortable doesn’t make it any less weird and uncomfortable. Not sure if the fact that Joe is the one that actively pursues the start of the relationship makes it better or worse. He is also very jealous/protective over Ox and that can be a little off putting at points.
With that said I really did like this and I’m looking forward to reading more in the series in the near future. This story can be very violent, bloody, and intense. Do NOT recommend for young readers.
Are you ready to dive into a beautiful and heartwarming story? Then let me tell you about "Wolfsong" by TJ Klune.
As I read this book, I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters and their connections. The story follows Ox, a young man who never really fit in and found solace working at a mechanic's shop. But when the Bennett family moves into town, Ox's life is forever changed. On his sixteenth birthday, he meets Joe Bennett, and their lives are forever changed.
What I loved most about this book is the way it explores themes of grief and healing. The story also touches on the importance of embracing differences and finding a sense of belonging.
I was completely invested in Ox's relationships with his mom, Gordo, and all the guys at the shop. But most of all, I adored his relationship with Joe. Their love story is built over the course of more than a decade, and it's beautiful to watch it unfold.
I know some readers might be hesitant because there isn't a lot of steamy romance throughout the book, but trust me, you won't miss it. The lack of artificial drama is so refreshing, and it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the characters and their lives.
I highly recommend "Wolfsong" to anyone looking for a heartwarming story about love, family, and healing. The beautiful characters and their connections will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
Don't hesitate, pick up a copy today!
Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝕎𝕠𝕝𝕗𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕘
𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓒𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓴 𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 1
𝐓𝐉 𝐊𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐞
LGBTQ Romantic Fantasy
528 pages
Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs
This is a story about relationships, wolf packs, magic, friendship, and witches.
Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs
Wolfsong is a unique take on shifters. The Bennett family shifts to wolves, and there are other packs out there that do the same. It pushes the pack mentality to a new level. Above all, they watch each other’s backs. The care shown for each other is touching.
I enjoyed the intensity of the story. Ox is the main character, and you can’t help but to like him. His father’s negative words follow him throughout his life, reminding him that he isn’t the brightest bulb, but he eventually finds his own.
The romance portion is between two males and is graphic at times. If that bothers you, you may want to stay away from this book. It does specify that it is for adult readers.
Although the relationship between Ox and Joe is a main point in the story, there are many other things going on. The pack has to protect its territory and find and face the one who is trying to harm them. Wolfsong is full of love, family, tragedy, and secrets. This is the first book in a series, and I already have the next one waiting for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to read and review.