Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for gifting me a digital ARC of the second book in the Green Creek series by TJ Klune - 4 stars!

This is the story of Gordo whom we first met in Wolfsong, as witch of the Bennett pack. Gordo struggles with his relationship with Mark, and with the pack in general after being left behind.

I loved Gordo in Wolfsong, and how he stood up for Ox when he was so sorely needed. This book explores Gordo's past while continuing the story and struggles of the Bennett wolf pack. No one immerses you in a fantasy world quite like TJ Klune and I'm here for whatever he writes.

I love the Green Creek Pack but for some reason I didn't get as invested in these two characters. I loved the development of the story arc and seeing favorite characters again but this one didn't hit as hard as the first book in the series for me. It's very well written and has that same great balance between steamy scenes, believable characters, realistic struggles and a setting that feels like coming home. There's lots to like about this book and it's a solid addition to the series but the first book holds my heart still.

Ravensong by TJ Klune

Ok, that’s it, I’m giving up on this series.

I was curious about this series before I started it. I really enjoyed the Extraordinaries trilogy by TJ Klune (although his strong pro- and anti- police stands in different volumes gave me whiplash), but I didn’t really vibe with Under the Whispering Door. I enjoyed the sentiments of House on a Cerulean Sea but felt the world building was weak in a way that took me out of the book. But I still liked the author enough that I was full of anticipation when NetGalley and Tor gave me an eARC of Wolfsong and Ravensong, reprints of the first and second books of Klune’s Green Creek series in exchange for honest reviews.

Going in to that first book, I thought it was going to be more urban fantasy than paranormal romance. I was wrong. It was totally a paranormal romance, which was interesting because I don’t usually read in that subgenre. The first book was enjoyable but a slog - as I said I’m my review of that volume, there was like a novella’s worth of story here and the book was like 500+ pages. I also didn’t like the age gap between the romantic leads.

Sadly, this sequel was more of the same in the worst ways. There felt like there was barely a short story’s worth of plot in Ravensong and it was so long and boring to get to it. The characters are not interesting enough to spend time with and, once again, the main romantic relationship of this book also starts with an age gap with one of the parties below the age of consent. It’s icky. I was bored and even the cliffhanger epilogue wasn’t enough to get me to pick up volume 3.

I’m not curious enough to try the next one - I’m tapping out here.

There are few writers like TJ Kline and I'm so glad I discovered him accidentally with the House in the Cerulean Sea. I've been lucky enough to read several of his books since, and honestly from first to last page I'm always grateful. These books are a balm and I hope other readers fid the beauty in the pages, enjoy the characters and the story. Definitely get invested in this series. You will not regret it.

TJ Klune is an amazing story teller. Book two of this wonderful series makes us want more.
I love the character development and the creativity of this series.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This series is certainly made up of books! I like them, but at what cost.
Ravensong! I don't usually like spin-off-ish books about side characters, but I did like Gordo and Mark SO much more than Joe and Ox. There was still a small age gap made worse by the temporary illegality (hey TJ what's up with that), but aside from that I didn't dislike a lot. My main issue with this series is just that it's literally Twilight but the vamps are werewolves and the werewolves are witches. Like I'm sorry this is just Twilight. I do like it more than Twilight, though, so points there. If I had to critique one thing I would genuinely change, it would be the fantasy level. I feel like these books would genuinely be better with less external conflict and more focus on urban fantasy romance. Overall, though, I didn't mind this book and it was a solid 3/5. I did request Heartsong immediately after, so that's a plus.

TJ Klune never disappoints. His writing is phenomenal and effortless. This was book 2 of the series and just makes me want to read more and more of it.

Ravensong by TJ Klune is an emotional rollercoaster! Gordo Livingstone's journey is both heart-wrenching and beautifully written. You won't be able to resist the pull of Mark Bennett and the secrets of the Bennett pack. And that ending? Whew! Brace yourself for some intense moments!

I can't wait to read the next in the series. I'm obsessed!

🐦‍⬛ Ravensong 🐦‍⬛

Wow, what an adventure! TJ Klune continued the Green Creek series with Gordon and Mark’s story. Told from Gordo’s perspective, we learn about when they were younger, the years Gordo was gone in Wolfsong and what happens after the end of Wolfsong. A beautiful continuation of the series, with adventure, jokes, love and family.

Check out this series if you enjoy fantasy, Queer romance, and adventure! You do need to read Wolfsong first, this is not a standalone and there’s much back story missing if you begin at book 2.

not my cup of tea personally. i loved this author's other works, however this one just did not do it for me. i am also not sure why this was an arc when the book came out a few years ago.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me with an eARC of Ravensong in exchange for my honest review!

As a fan of TJ Klune's writing, I must say that I didn't vibe as strongly with Ravensong as much as I'd expected to, but it's something that I'm glad I read, with all its engaging character dynamics, familial themes, and paranormal mood. I've especially got appreciation for Gordo and Mark's relationship. But I just wish I could have connected more powerfully with the narrative. It's one of those things where it's compelling enough and you feel like you should be loving it more, but you end up not possessing many strong opinions about it once it's over. Perhaps it doesn't help that I was apparently supposed to read Wolfsong before Ravensong—a fact that I wasn't aware of, leaving me to assume the books in the Green Creek series were standalone entries.

Overall, I'm officially rating Ravensong 3.25 out of 5 stars, which I'm rounding down to 3 stars. I'll continue to be interested in reading more of Klune's work.

I was excited to finally hear Gordo's perspective as essentially the "pack witch." I really enjoy TJ's writing style, and the lyrical way the dialogue and internal monologues flow. He really is a master at his craft. However, I still am having a hard time connecting with this series. For this book in particular, I think it could have been shorter, and that would have captivated me more. I enjoyed the plot line about the omegas. It added a bit of tension to what would have likely been another love story. I still feel that the series is more romance than fantasy, which works well for a lot of readers. TJ is really talented at writing character relationships and character development, and that is evident in this book as well. I genuinely think I just don't like Ox as a character, and I liked Gordo less in this book than I did in book 1. Perhaps I lose my connection to them when they show vulnerability. Again, this is a personal issue with me, and I think a LOT if not most readers will really love the softer side of the characters.

This was the second time reading this book and I loved it so much. Gordo was the one to immediately take in Ox when his father left, and this book tells you why he was so willing to support Ox after he was abandoned. When Gordo was abandoned by those he thought were his family and the person he loved most, he found people to love, but kept them at a distance (until Ox). But as he finally gets to interact with those who were one his family, there are threats to their town. They find they have to keep the town and those they love from danger. With Gordo as the local witch and the Bennets as the local werewolf pack the threats are after, they have to work together to keep the town safe.

These books break your heart into a million pieces. And yet I love the resolution. The deep sorrow and struggle that Mark and Gordo face as they try to save the people they love and rebuild trust and a relationship through the attacks on their town just makes me love them so much as a couple. Also, the continuation of Joe and Ox’s story is just heartbreaking but so good. I do appreciate that in this book they’re a little older and know themselves better before getting into a relationship (one of my only issues with the first book).

Either way this book is heartbreaking and beautiful. If you want all the found family tropes, this series is for you.

I would love a happy life to read everything TJ wrote. There is just a way that TJ writes that is just so enjoyable! The characters and stories are just so magical!!
I loved this follow up to Wolfsong, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! I love the found family aspect of the story, and the bond all the characters have.Also the story was so capturing, it barely felt like I was reading such a long book. It feels like such a new spin on a wolf story! It just flew by because the story was such a page turner!

Ravensong is a stunning, intense addition to the Green Creek series, and once again, I find myself at a loss for words to adequately express the experience of reading one of these books. Klune's unique singsong voice and lyrical style are hypnotic, calling to something within me like a siren - drawing me into this deceptively simple feeling yet complex story and world. His books are raw, gutsy, and oh-so-emotional - an experience that will drain you while leaving you ravenous for more.

Klune has spun another magical tale in this fantasy world of shifters, witches, packs, Alphas, Omegas, and yes, humans. While a lot of backstory is woven into this book through some early flashbacks, do yourself a favor and read Wolfsong before venturing into Ravensong. There's so much world building, story, and character relationship development to be found there. Both books are truly an experience that I promise are unlike anything you've ever read before.

Ravensong defies genres (as did Wolfsong), refusing to be boxed in. It's so full and more and bigger than life and yet so real. It can be labelled fantasy, paranormal, m/m, second-chance romance, but more than anything else . . . I'd call it epic. It's dark and edgy with plotlines growing, creeping, clinging, and intertwining, driving characters and readers to a state of urgent frenzy. Like an out of control train on a collision course, the emotional complications and consequences of family threaten to implode the Bennett pack, taking Gordo and others down with them . . . even as outside forces threaten their homes, lives, and very existence. Broken bonds and promises fester making it difficult for old wounds to heal leaving Gordo and Mark in limbo - unable to stand together and in danger of loosing everything if they don't.

Ravensong is Gordo and Mark's story . . . and so much more. I wouldn't call it a romance as much as a love story with all the heartbreak and pain that can accompany fickle fate and love-gone-wrong. It's not pretty, sweet, or kind. But there is needed comic relief through some awesome support characters. Be warned - Once you enter this world, you'll lose yourself in the story, setting, and characters, burning through pages until the climax and conclusion explode on the final pages bringing resolution to characters and readers with a blockbuster ending . . . and the perfect setup for book 3! Bring it on! An absolutely, without-a-doubt Must Read!

A beautiful continuation of the Green Creek series! I cannot begin to describe the feelings that any book by TJ Klune gives me, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to continue to be amazed by his work with Ravensong!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Unfortunately, this was not for me. I was unable to get into the story and did not finish it. I encourage others to give it a try for themselves!

The Green Creek quartet continues with this second entry from the POV of Gordo, the Bennett pack's witch and the man left behind by the family and mate he loves more than anything (even if he's a bitter and angy man, which, fair).

Ravensong had a much more adult vibe than Wolfsong, and not just because Gordo is much older than Ox was at any point in Wolfsong, but man the guy has been THROUGH it. It's masculine anger and it's grief in so many more ways than only death (although death is ever present). It's needy love and the denial of the things we want because everything hurts too bad until we can't run from it anymore.

We also got a lot of good backstory-- Gordo as a child, Gordo who had magic sewn into his skin too young to consent, Gordo working at and taking over the shop, meeting Mark, getting to know the pack, etc. The villains could have been a little too real and also? Bambi was great?? Love Bambi and Team Human in general, and it was good, I think, for the second book to draw away from Ox and make him a lesser character in this book as his story very fully happened already, though of course he's present and very important.

I'll definitely be buying this guy when I can, and the rest of the series! Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the eARC borrow in exchange for this honest review.

Wasn't a fan of this—found it difficult to get into without having read the previous book and the writing style simply wasn't for me.

From the publisher:
The beloved fantasy romance sensation by New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, about love, loyalty, betrayal, and joy. The Bennett family has a secret: They're not just a family, they're a pack. Ravensong is Gordo Livingstone's story.

Gordo Livingstone never forgot the lessons carved into his skin. Hardened by the betrayal of a pack who left him behind, he sought solace in the garage in his tiny mountain town, vowing never again to involve himself in the affairs of wolves. It should have been enough. And it was, until the wolves came back, and with them, Mark Bennett. In the end, they faced the beast together as a pack… and won.

Now, a year later, Gordo has found himself once again the witch of the Bennett pack. Green Creek has settled after the death of Richard Collins, and Gordo constantly struggles to ignore Mark and the song that howls between them. But time is running out. Something is coming. And this time, it’s crawling from within. Some bonds, no matter how strong, were made to be broken.

The Green Creek Series is for adult readers.
Now available from Tor Books.

My thoughts:

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's a good followup to the first book in the series, Wolfsong. As the synopsis states, this is Gordo Livingstone's story. Some of it is his view of some of the events from Wolfsong. Most of it is about what happened after Wolfsong.

I liked getting to know Gordo and seeing things from his point of view. He is a magic user rather than a werewolf. And he is a tether - he helps hold the wolves together so they don't lose themselves to the wolf within. I liked that Gordo grows and changes as the book goes on.

Green Creek is described again though maybe not as thoroughly as in the first book. Most of the action takes place in and around Green creek. The world building extends to the werewolves and how magic works in their world. There is a lot more about the Omega wolves in this book too.

The book was slow to take off. It repeated some of the events from the first book, but from Gordo's point of view. Things picked up when new events began to happen.

I still had the same nitpicky little things that bothered me about this book that bothered me about Wolfsong. So much happens to these characters, I guess I had too much empathy for them at some point and found it hard to read and a little depressing. Once again I almost DNF'd the book, but I stuck with it and was glad I did so in the end. Also the sex scene was a little too graphic for me. I am more of a fade to black kind of reader. I can understand why the author chose to include the scene, it just wasn't for me.

Overall, Ravensong is worth a read, especially if you've read Wolfsong and wondered what happened next. If you enjoy werewolf stories with some romance, then this might be a good book for you.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This didn't affect my opinion.