I have no idea why it took me so long to get to this book because omg I loved it. I adore found family and this had it in spades. The only thing I didn’t quite like was the romance aspect and how it officially started when joe was underage (17). I am glad it got into motion when they were both adults,

I just really liked Ox and how he developed. I got used to the style of writing just because the plot was so good. I am definitely interested in reading more in this universe.

Huge fan of TJ Klune's work but am slightly ashamed to say how long it took me to read this one even though its been out for ages. It got a revamp and I finally picked it up.
It's a very cute homely read and I've heard people sobbing, yes I did shed a tear but not as much as I was expecting to. I will be reading on in the series though because I thoroughly enjoyed this one. He knocked it out of the park again

I have loved all of the TJ Klune books I have read so far, with the combination of LGBTQIA love stories and magical fantasy worlds producing some wonderful characters and worldbuilding. So, I snapped up a copy of Wolfsong ready for some sexy werewolf action with some beautiful literary style.

Unfortunately, while this book does deliver in theory, in practice the constant repetition of key words and phrases, designed to really hammer home the emotional bonds and unspoken communication methods became wearisome quite quickly. I felt at times like I was reading writing prompts or spelling corrections instead of a story, as the text chanted ‘pack pack pack, brother, son, love’ at me, and the amount of ‘Joe, Ox, Joe, Ox, yeah Joe’ packed into the dialogue felt authentic to the characters as presented, but didn’t make for sparkling banter.

And, of course, there was the huge stumbling block of a child (10) mate-bonding with a teenager (16) at first sight. This threw me so badly that I stopped reading and headed for the reviews to see whether I had missed or misunderstood something. I hadn’t. Of course, there is no romantic consummation until both main characters are of age, but the early start to their emotional attraction still felt innately wrong to me. And the plot device that kept them apart until older just felt completely contrived – Joe goes off on a quest that makes no sense in any way, most people are against, and it turns out to be ultimately pointless. It was very frustrating!

The book contains two graphic sex scenes and two or three action/fighting scenes, but other than these brief blips of activity the story feels like lots and lots of Ox’s self-loathing and self-doubt, held together with lots of repetition (did I mention the repetition? Pack, pack, pack!). Which is a shame because I did really love Ox’s character, and the wolf mythology, and the concept of humans and witches being able to pack bond, so the concepts are really promising. It’s just the writing feeling so drawn out and, you know, repetitive.

So, this one just isn’t for me. Luckily there are plenty of non-Green Creek TJ Klune books to keep me going!

Absolutely loved this book, T J Klune is a mastermind! Cannot wait to read the others in the ser8es! Would definitely recommend!

"Candy canes, pine cones and epic and awesome!"

This was quite different to The House on the Cerulean Sea, primarily because it's a romance at heart, with plenty of adventure mixed in. Despite this several of the themes are familiar, the LGBT representation, the found family, the power of all types of love and friendship. While the majority of Cerulean Sea is like a warm hug, Wolfsong delves deeply into the complexity of relationships, friendship, family, romantic and sexual. Ox, a young boy with poor self-esteem finds new acceptance with the Bennett family, recently returned to his town after a mysterious absence. Ox forms a close friendship with the youngest Bennett, Joe. A boy with a troubled past and old trauma beneath the surface and slowly Ox and his mother are embraced as part of the Bennett pack, because, incidentally, the family are werewolves.

There is some really subtle character development here as, first Ox, then Joe navigate puberty and adulthood alongside the changes that happen to Joe as he comes into his werewolf birthright. This is the heart of the novel, alongside Ox's powerful journey to confidence and self-worth. Both characters are also petty, jealous and occasionally cruel, these are flawed but brilliant characters. But lets not forget that it is a story also crammed with adventure, humour, darkness and a plot that spans decades. There are sections where the action, deliberately, ebbs. It's testament to Klune's control that these are just as engaging.

Hugely enjoyable, heartbreaking, laugh-out loud funny. A joy.

T J Klune has done it again - he’s made me fall in love with a book. This is a bit different to his other works I’ve read but I loved the shifter element! Cannot wait to read more from this author

Ah this book gave me that teenager reading Twilight nostalgia! Except its all werewolves and gay and super cute. Ox is a boy who has always been told he's dumb, stupid and will have a difficult life because of it. But then he meets Joe, a child who brings him back to his family who have moved in next door. Ox is introduced to a whole new life. This book is peak found family and I am here for it. It really pulls at your heartstrings. It covers about a 11 year period of time which I really loved!

It's definitely a different style to the other TJ Klune books I've read but that man definitely knows how to make me emotional through his words no matter the genre. Ox is such a cinnamon roll and I loved his story.

Was I excited to read this? Yes. Have I gone and bought a lovely new hardcover copy of this title? Also Yes!

The Green Creek series has been on my 'to read' list for a couple of years so I knew I wanted to read this new Tor published version. I wasn't sure what it was going to be about, other than werewolves. That's all I knew about it.

I am so glad I went into this not knowing too much, because it was a revelation. I really enjoyed the writing TJ Klune had in this story. The characters are endearing and it was interesting and heartbreaking.

I did go straight out and pick up the nex three books in the series, and I will be picking up lovely hardcover copies as soon as they are on sale. I enjoyed the whole series immensly even though this first book was not my favourite.

There was an element of emotional manipulation but as I saw it coming, I'll forgive Klune. There is also a deal of repetition, so necessary and emotionally powerful and some that I felt made the book overly long and unnecessary.

Overall, a lovely series I was so happy to have read.

This was brilliant again. I hope the other books in the series will be republished in this way soon, I want to know more about the whole family. It should be translated into German as well, so far we only have to books by this author and they are both amazing.

This is a fantasy novel with a strong character/romance element. When our main character is 16 years old, a family of werewolves moves in next door and changes his life forever.

Plotwise, the story has a strong resemblance to the twilight series, only with werewolves.

I really struggled with this book due to the ages of the characters involved. I found it very uncomfortable to have a 10 year old know that a 16 year old is destined to be his mate (although the 16 year old is oblivious for a number of years). Even a 16 year old being best friends with a 10 year old seems odd to me.

When the now 23 year old realises he has feelings for his now 17 year old best friend, we get extremely uncomfortable recollections about how jealous the at the time 12-14 year old was of his 'mate' having sex with other people, to the extent that he wanted to kill him. We have the 17 year old telling his mates mother he wants to mount him. We have the 17 year olds brother commenting that his mate better be prepared for werewolf stamina.

If everyone had been aged up from the start, thw age gap would have been fine. But all the sexual content relating to a minor was not what I was looking for.

And that doesn't even get into how the werewolf family basically groom this poor (possibly slow) human boy, then value him only for what he does for their family. And chide him when he has the nerve to be upset after being abandoned for years without word.

Whole reading experience left me very uncomfortable. Will ntoot be reading any further books in the series

Did it take me a month to read this book? Yes but that's entirely my fault, not the books. Uni and life in general has been hectic.
I'd heard a lot about this book prior it's re-realease and I'm super happy to have now crossed it off my TBR. While it was slow goings at first, for me and the book, as soon as the action (and the traumatising moments) really got going, I was hooked.
Every character felt like they were written with such love, especially Ox who I would now lay down my life for. Now that I'm thinking about it I don't think I've ever actually read a book solely about werewolves so that was a super fun thing for me.
I will definitely be continuing on with this series in 2023.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

TJ Klune is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Every single one of his books is an must-read, combining thought-provoking fantasy storyline with an inclusive and diverse cast. Ox is a great character to explore and his relationship with Joe and the others in the Bennett family unfolds so naturally and realistically it's a joy to read, while Klune also explores a different spin on the werewolf mythology (something I didn't think was possible at this point!). Death, grief, love and family are also explored in this novel, and I'm now going to have to search out the sequel immediately!

I absolutely loved this book! Joe is my favourite character and I loved seeing both Joe and Ox grow up. The shifter dynamic was unique to me and I loved most of the wolves.

I can't wait to read Ravensong!

'Candy canes and pinecone and epic and awesome'

Ask me a few months ago, and I'd have laughed in your face if you told me I'd read and love a book about werewolves. Being told 'it's like Twilight, but gay' would not have immediately appealed but as an avid TJ Klune fan, I was convinced to give it a shot. How does that man do it? I was hooked immediately.

I could talk about the world building, the character development, the pace of the plot, but ultimately, what always brings me back to his books is his portrayal of love. Wolfsong is no exception. This isn't just hearts and flowers and romance, this is deep, lasting, soulmate love, something not many writers do well. It's raw and powerful and he doesn't shy away from the heartache and grief love can also bring. Just like The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under The Whispering Door, Wolfsong is a book you'll keep coming back to, a big fluffy blanket of a book that makes you feel all warm and cosy inside. Truly a masterpiece!

This book is incredible! I don't remember the last time I picked a book up and was completely captivated after the first chapter. The building relationship between Ox and the pack as he finally learns his worth and is accepted by them was beautiful to read, and the romance between Ox and Joe tugged at my heartstrings ruthlessly. My favourite character (aside form Ox) had to be Gordo, and I cannot wait to pick up the second book in this series which follows his story

I have heard so many amazing things about this book, so when I was given the opportunity to read it, I couldn't say no. The writing was absolutely stunning and I was hooked from the very beginning, right up to the very end.

Not your typical werewolf book and not your typical romance. This is a challenging look at all kinds of relationships, at the pushes and pulls within friendships and romances, and the balance or lack thereof between parents and children. It’s gritty and raw. But also compelling and beautifully told. A queer werewolf romance and a family drama.

This was fantastic!

I remember reading the author's house in the cerulean sea and loving it, and this was so good! gorgeous, lyrical writing and strong, viivid imagery that left me thrilled! Highly recommend if you want a wholesome mystery story perfect for autumn!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an e-arc!

If you, like me, are a fan of TJ Klune’s softer work, like The House in the Cerulean Sea, then brace yourself for something very different with Wolfsong. Right from the first page, it’s clear that we’re not in a whimsical, slightly-insulated-from-reality setting, but in a sad, realistic world where fathers leave and bills stack up. There’s something about it that just feels more grounded, though no less compelling: Ox has a distinctive narrative voice, and while he’s (self-admittedly) not a particularly smart kid, the way he describes things is so simple and pithy that it’s impossible not to be dragged along with him. It’s a fine balance, writing a character of limited intelligence without coming across patronising or caricature-ish, but I think Klune’s nailed it here. However, this is a pretty long book, and the writing style does become a little tedious after several hundred pages of similar phrases, so you may find your tolerance for punchy repetition wanes as you read.

Watching Ox grow from twelve to sixteen across the first sixty or so pages of the book is gripping even though it’s fairly mundane; the mysterious arrival of the Bennett family is the obvious hook of the story, but Ox was already interesting on his own. The blurb makes the book sound like it begins when Ox is 26 and that this is a straighforward paranormal romance, but that’s not right – it starts at the beginning, when he’s 12, and combs through his life in detail as he grows. It’s sort of Twilight meets The Outsiders in tone. A coming-of-age tale where the main character feels like an outcast from society, there’s a strong focus on found family and pack dynamics. I can definitely see why people are loving this as a paranormal queer story!

However, I had a few distinct problems with the execution. Firstly, there are so few women in this book, and they are treated as so unimportant to the plot, so emotional and weak compared to the men, that I already had my hackles up by the time the fridging started. This is a book concerned with teenage boys and emotionally immature men, and for me as a female reader, that was just… quite boring. Secondly, I personally really don’t like the ‘fated mates’ trope, and that is very much what this book is – it’s obvious to everyone apart from Ox, including the reader, that Joe has claimed him as his mate while they’re still teenagers. I don’t generally like the trope because I find it very toxic (what chance does someone have to try other partners, to express that they don’t like behaviour, to *leave* if they’re magically yours and not their own?) and this is a particularly egregious example of that, which strips a lot of agency from Ox. However, I think the trope can be done well if the relationship is still shown to be strong and respectful, and I can understand why the characters like each other on top of their magical bond – which brings me to my third problem.

This is the story of Ox falling in love with Joe and building a community of people, both human and wolf, around him. That would be great if I liked a single character apart from Ox. I felt most of the adults manipulated him and most of the kids were annoying or just superfluous, and many characters were both annoying and manipulative. The worst example by far was Joe. It seems like the book really, really thinks you should find Joe adorable as a kid and an adult, that you should think he’s funny, charming, sweet, and in need of protection. He’s traumatised, sure, which explains some of his behaviour, but I just really, really didn’t like him! He’s like a manic pixie dream boy. I didn’t think he and Ox had any chemistry in either their friendship or their love, which made it really hard to root for them.

Overall, this was a shoot and a miss for me. I’m intrigued by the differences in Klune’s body of work – I recently DNFed his The Lightning-Struck Heart, which suffered from a similar lack of women and some characters and humour I truly didn’t click with, so I’ve read two books of his that I’ve loved and two that I’ve really disliked. I’ll certainly keep checking his work out, and I do recommend this if you’re a fan of fated mates, but I don’t think I’ll be coming back to Green Creek. Two out of five cats.

Wolfsong is both similar and very different from other TJ Klune books that I’ve read. The atmosphere is similarly lingering and the prose style is fragmented, with quick glimpses into important—and not so important—events. It’s set in a more realistic world, a small town in rural America. It takes a long time for the supernatural elements to show up and even then they’re such an organic part of the narrative that they don’t jump out or feel glued on.

Much of the book is a coming-of-age story. Ox is a bit slow and larger than kids his age, so he doesn’t fit in, even if he’s not bullied as such. He finds solace in an auto repair shop where his father used to work before he left when Ox was eleven. And then, one day, a boy several years younger than him moves to the house next door with his wealthy family.

Ox and Joe are connected from the start. Since Joe is a child, it’s only friendship, though slightly unbalanced and odd due to their age difference. But as they both grow, Ox is brought into the family secret and his world changes forever. He becomes a part of Joe’s pack, as his protector, and gains a family he’s never had in the bargain. And then things change again. Joe leaves, and Ox is left to handle his life the best he can until Joe returns a few years later and they’re ready for the next phase in their lives.

This was a slow book, and much longer than it needed to be. I wasn’t entirely on board with the author’s decision to give Ox and Joe such a large age gap—especially when the other starts as a preteen—and although the time apart ensured that Joe wasn’t a child anymore when he returned, I struggled to get on board of them. Also, I wasn’t entirely sure I liked Joe much. Ox, however, I loved.

Other characters were a bit fragmented like the narrative, and I had trouble remembering them at times. Only one with a truly meaningful role in Ox’s life was his boss/mentor/father figure Gordo, who had a supernatural secret of his own.

Despite my misgivings, this was one of the best m/m paranormal romances that I’ve read for how real it felt. Well-written, it unfurls slowly and is full of angst and deep emotions. And since the next one is about Gordo, I think I’ll read that too.