Date of Reading: 11/07/2024
Author: T. J. Klune
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: August 1, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5
(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)
About the book:
Ravensong is the second book in the Green Creek Series, the beloved fantasy romance sensation by New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, about love, loyalty, betrayal, and family.
“Complex and startling... Green Creek is the perfect setting.” —Charlaine Harris
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 that 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.
It was, until the wolves came back, and with them, Mark Bennett. And when his town is caught in the jaws of a beast, Gordo is summoned back into the life that left him.
“Gordo, you must rise. For your pack. For us. I must ask you to become the witch to the wolves.”
Now, a year later, Gordo has once again found himself 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 coming from within.
Review:
After reading 'Wolfsong', the first book in the series and the huge letdown I felt, I was not that enthusiastic about this second book. So what drew me in you might ask. It is Gordo Livingstone's story. Because when all is said and done, this alpha thing sounds terrible. Especially if that is a hereditary thing and is inborn. Joe was never up to the task. And Gordo was the only one against the wolves (even though he joined the pack later) and I loved him. While the first book mentions his past history with Mark, Ravensong delves deeper into the resolution of their story.
The first part was not that intriguing, since it was the repetition of events from 'Wolfsong' in Gordo's perspective. Once you pass that hurdle, the story starts growing on you. No wonder, I found it more captivating than the first book. Klune's writing has notably improved, seamlessly blending humor and terror. I loved the trio - Rico, Tanner and Chris - the book would have been dull without them.
The love story between Gordo and Mark is almost similar to that of Ox and Joe. Still, I loved that Gordo waited till the last moment to forgive him. Mark definitely needed to do some gruelling for leaving him like that. The book has more action than the previous one culminating in a shocking revelation at the end. The big villain is still out there. But 'Ravensong' proves that together with your chosen family, it is possible to overcome anything.
Meet the author:
TJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.
