Member Reviews

I didn't really enjoy this one. I loved Klune's standalones but this wasn't a soild first book ij the series. I gave it 5 stars as I liked the writing but the characters were very boring in my opinion.

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Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this advanced copy.

I am a new fan of TJ Klune's books. The first book I read was Cerulean Sea, and I found myself loving TJ Klune's heartwarming wholesome stories. Yet, this book wasn't heartwarming at all. But, the "found family" trope was so good. This book had more angst vibes, and more spicy stuffs. More serious than Cerulean Sea, In The Lives of Puppets, and Whispering Door. Did I hate it? No. TJ Klune proved himself able to write any kind of stories.

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Ox has felt stupid his whole life, and it’s only compounded when his father says as much as he’s walking out on Ox and his mother. A few years later Ox meets Joe and the Bennett family who he can’t help but be drawn too. And the Bennett family seems to see something in him that he doesn’t see in himself. The Bennett family have a secret though, they are werewolves and there is violence and danger headed their way.

I love Ox first of all. He’s such an interesting character and struggles so hard with himself and how he interacts with the other characters. There was so much going on with this story, but it never felt like too much. I want more. I still do. I enjoyed the drama and action, but I was also obsessed with the found family, and themes of acceptance and forgiveness. Definitely recommend to adult readers.

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My experience reading this book was like that of hearing a wolfsong. Unsure at first and then consumed by its beauty. It catches your attention, grips your heart, and doesn't let go. I loved everything about finding your people and what works for your heart.

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When Ox's father leaves the family. He must become the man of the house to help take care of his mother. Working at the mechanic shop his father used to he starts to help contribute. When a family moves down the street into the abandoned house, Ox develops a relationship with them unlike any other.

Klune's writing is great. Story kept my attention for sure, just not really my style.

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It took me a little bit to get into this one. Klune’s writing is fantastic as usual but this story was just difficult for me. I’m not sure if I’ll read the rest of the series, but definitely would recommend to readers if they enjoyed Twilight!

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I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book progressed with a slow-burn, lyrical intensity that sank its claws into me, pulled me in, and still hasn't released me.

The summary doesn't quite do the book justice, mostly because it's difficult to encapsulate over a decade of plot and relationship development into three paragraphs. It's not a book you describe; it's one you experience.

There were so many wonderful soul-deep friendships, groupships, packmateships, and family bonding. It was found family loyalty and strength at its finest, all the more satisfying because of the emphasis on choice throughout. I appreciated that the conflicts between characters, especially the main romance, weren't brushed aside just to get to a happily ever after faster. The reader experiences the same emotions as the characters and works through them together, sometimes over years. Klune paced everything perfectly and included just the exact right details to transport the reader into Ox's mindset.

The writing was simultaneously understated and so full between the lines. Klune used repetition of ideas and thoughts to maximum effect from page one. I lost count how many times my heart soared and ached, how many times I teared up from the beauty and tightness of the writing from the very beginning. The story was both deeply serious and ridiculously funny.

A couple minor issues I had: one, the age difference between the main characters, even though nothing happened until they were both adults. I did appreciate the delicacy the author handled it with, including the cheeky Twilight reference (thanks for acknowledging my exact thoughts, Klune). Two, I'm not sure how, in the end, one of the characters remained at his pack status after it was taken from him. That process wasn't consistent with an earlier one in the story.

Overall, this book was epic and awesome and felt like home. It's going to stay with me for a long time, and I can't wait to return to these characters and lose myself in the rest of the series.

You might like this if you like: the Aud Torvingen series by Nicola Griffith

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I read the first few pages and finished the book in two days. Soon enough, I fell in love with Ox and the rest of the werewolves and humans in Green Creek. Life dealt them both bad cards and left them with no choice but to overcome them. I cried with them and smiled with them and immediately knew I was continuing the rest of the series.

Ox Matheson’s father told him he would get shit his entire life, and the little boy who looked up to his father listened with bated breath. Ox suffered losses that would forever mar him as a person, altering the way he viewed life. But Ox came out of his grief stronger than before. He built new ties and something of himself. Joe Bennett grew up faster than a kid should. He experienced cruel things, shifting his outlook on the world. The Bennett Pack endured tremendous losses, leaving Joe to do something no son would ever wish to do. In return, it left him with a memory that will forever stain his mind. As the alpha, Joe did what he believed he needed to protect his pack and his sanity.

I definitely believe Wolfsong is not a book for everybody, but I enjoyed every moment. The writing is just beautiful. “I thought I could shatter and the pieces would fall amongst the trees and all that would be left would be little fractals of light from the moon as it reflected off the shards that had been my life.” I loved just about everything. Despite not having any expectations, I came out with a new favorite.

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I do not know where to begin with Tj Klune’s Wolfsong. It was genuinely one of the best books I have ever read. I am really picky with books I give five stars - only my absolute favourites of all time. Wolfsong is five stars through and through. The atmosphere of the novel sucked me in immediately. I felt such a strong connection with Ox the minute I started reading. There is something about Klune’s writing that fully immerses you in the story. The characters were so deeply complex and relatable. The drama and plot were so well thought out and heart-racing. The relationships were so well developed, especially Ox and Joe’s. This is a book I would have loved to have read when I was a teenager. I absolutely loved that we started the novel with the characters when they were children, and grew up with them, witnessing all their struggles. Ox’s relationship with his father was difficult to read. I really felt for Ox as he dealt with so much trauma in his life. There are just so many moments I loved and could talk about forever. Joe’s mother Elizabeth was probably my favourite character, I just loved her so much. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough - everyone needs to experience the masterpiece that is Wolfsong!

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‘Wolfsong,’ by TJ Klune— REVIEW

Okay, listen. There are some things that feel a little bit hard to get on board with at first. Eventually, that feels easier…

I LOVE the stream of consciousness writing, as well as how one thought or quote is reflected back on throughout the whole novel.

What REALLY got me was the rest of the pack. I fell in LOVE with the other members of the pack. Carter, Kelly, Gordo, Mark, EVERYONE ELSE! Love.

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This book was tailor made for me with an underdog hero, found families and amazing banter. But... BUT... I struggled soo hard to finish this. I did love Ox, I did love the found family trope and I did love the banter because I found myself chuckling at so many parts but even after all that the reason I struggled was because of the main relationship which forms the backbone of this story. It was too much like insta love atleast for one party involved and it reminded me a little too much of Twilight and imprinting that I found myself not caring at all if they ended up with each other or not. I couldn’t relate to the angst, I couldn’t understand Joe nor emotionally invest in his struggles and that had me having to force myself to finish this. So basically the only negative I can find in this whole book is Joe and because he’s the focal point of this entire story, I have to say this one unfortunately failed to create any kind of lasting impact on me. But I am going with 3/5 stars for all the other elements that worked especially the banter.

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This was a fun and page turning book! Everything you want in a TJ Klune Novel. I can’t wait for the rest in the series!

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"Wolfsong” by TJ Klune

This is an exciting and heartwarming tale that follows the story of a young guy named Ox. The story explores the themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and love, all while taking you on a thrilling adventure.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Wolfsong” is the way in which Klune captures the emotions and experiences of his characters. The novel is filled with heartwarming moments that will make readers laugh, cry, and cheer along with the characters. Klune also does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of identity and the struggles that come with discovering who you are.

Another standout feature of "Wolfsong” is the world-building. Klune creates a rich and vibrant world filled with unique creatures, traditions, and cultures. The wolf aspect is detailed and well thought out, with each pack having its own unique customs and beliefs. The world-building adds depth to the story and helps to immerse the reader in the world of the story.

Overall, "Wolfsong” is a captivating and engaging read that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers. Klune's excellent writing, relatable characters, and vivid world-building make this book a must-read for fans of the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres.

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A sweet, m/m werewolf romance that hits most of the tropes but is enjoyable nonetheless. Ox's father leaves him and his mother with cruel parting words and six months behind on their mortgage. Ox begins working in the local repair shop to help out, and eventually meets Joe Bennet, youngest son of the Bennet family. The Bennets are rich in a poor town, are unusually close, and while they welcome Ox in the are always unavailable on the full moon. As Ox and Joe grow closer, moon magic destiny begins, with Ox stepping into the role of wolf-packmate and "smelling like pinecones and awesome," according to Joe. If you have a Twilight-shaped hole in your heart and want to fill it with something better written and less abusive, this is your book. Found families, destined lovers, and truly evil bad guys.

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3 stars

I didn’t realize that this was a re-release. It didn’t bother me though. I enjoyed the character ms and the story however it did not measure up to Klune’s more recent works. I am glad to have read it though, and to see how far he has come as an author.

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Thank you to @netgalley and @torbooks for sending me an e-ARC of this book.

I really wanted to love this one, but I didn’t 😬

It was really long, and I felt myself getting bored with it. The writing was not doing it for me.

Although, I did enjoy the characters themselves. Ox was super sweet and lovable. The new cover is absolutely stunning.

Even though I didn’t enjoy this book, I suggest giving it a try if you like T.J. Klune or if you like fantasy-romance books.

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In terms of my enjoyment, this is a 5-star. There is something in me that cannot help but love a well-told found family trope. This group of gay werewolves had my heart from hello.

Now let's talk about the drawbacks. This book has plenty of dings to it. Most importantly is that many readers are not going to get along with the age-gap aspect of the story. The leads have a significant age gap and the story starts when they are both quite young. I felt that it was handled well, but I've heard many say that it was not. It's a matter of opinion here. I didn't mind it at all.

What I did mind, was the repetition in the writing. I understand that this is a choice, because of the wolf mind, but it was a little too much for me. I struggled in that department. I think I do not get on well with Klune's style as a writer. I find that he tends to write in a too-sappy tone that doesn't agree with me... and yet, I still couldn't put this down. It was good, soapy fun. I would recommend it.

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Rewriting my review now that this book is being released into the world again.

This is one of my top five comfort read books.

Ox and his mother live a quiet, calm life in a small town in Oregon until the neighbors down the street move back into their home. Ox is surprised by a chatterbox of a ten year old on his way home from work on his sixteenth birthday and this meeting will define the rest of their lives together.

Joe is fated to be the next alpha of the Bennett pack and has gone through something horrific and doesn't speak anymore until he meets Ox on the road. After years together as best friends, they end up facing the worst nightmare from Joe's past and this story will punch you in the face with your own feelings on the other side of it.

The found family in this one is top tier. There's not a single character I would like less of except for Ox's father who is only physically in the book for a single chapter.

For those concerned about the age gap of six years of the characters, don't be.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor for a copy of the rereleased ebook in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

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This was the second book of TJ Klune's that I've read and dang, is this different than Under the Whispering Door. Both very emotional, well written and captivating but Wolfsong was more high energy, high stakes and gritty.

I can't remember the last time a book made me laugh out loud and later make me read through my tears. The first half is indescribable: well paced and written in a way that leads us along with the main character like a slice of life novel, I was never sure where we'd end up. The middle dragged on, some moments and memories are repeated one too many times to be special to me any more but the finale was satisfactory: you can guess the ending by the time you get there, you just never really know how!

Anyway, this book surprised me and I'm excited to see what else will happen to the Bennett Pack. 4.5/5

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This is the first novel by TJ Klune I've read and I found it both interesting and infuriating. The coming of age story of Oxnard (Ox) and Joe Bennett is interesting with the intersecting story lines of werewolves, humans and witches. It conjures images of loyalty, betrayal and belonging well. The fantasy world portrayed and the characters connections to their world was well written . However, I felt the author dwelled excessively long on the personal conflicts within the characters and their struggles to understand themselves and their social interactions. At times I found the storyline and characters fascinating and well portrayed, at others times I wanted the author to just move along, feeling that the novel just kept repeating itself. I also found the sex scenes to be excessive and unnecessary. I'm sure others will disagree but I found them distasteful and skipped reading them. Overall this book and series is not of interest to me.

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