What a unique, compelling story that comes at lycanthropy in the most unusual way yet. And I do not mean the M/M aspect, but the possibility of a human becoming an Alpha and the bonds that it creates and sustains. This was my first T.J. Klune book and I get the impression from reviews that his writing style is consistent. I have to admit though, for me, it was a very different style of writing – but it worked- the word poetic comes to mind. As usual, I went between listening and reading and the narrator seems like he was born to read this novel. I would stop reading sometimes just to get the narrated version of some of the scenes – that’s a first for me.
The book delivers an emotional yet sometimes frustrating story that does succeed in pulling the reader completely in. I think there were times that it became repetitive (I mean, how many times do we need to hear what Ox’s dad told him?) and why, really, did Joe need to be gone so long? Also, the main antagonist is built up to almost super hero status. But, the buildup does its job because he is a scary bad guy/wolf.
But, for the most part this story moved me. The MC is a flawed character who longs for family, yet takes a while to realize that he is the one that needs to realize his worth. He succeeds in creating family and bonds in ways that defy commonly held beliefs and it is his journey, along with Joe’s that we traverse.
What an epic and awesome love story.