Published by St. Martin's Press on November 14th 2017
Pages: 346
Goodreads
Orphaned, raised by wolves, and the proud owner of a horned pig named Merlin, Weylyn Grey knew he wasn’t like other people. But when he single-handedly stopped that tornado on a stormy Christmas day in Oklahoma, he realized just how different he actually was.
That tornado was the first of many strange events that seem to follow Weylyn from town to town, although he doesn’t like to take credit. As amazing as these powers may appear, they tend to manifest themselves at inopportune times and places. From freak storms to trees that appear to grow over night, Weylyn’s unique abilities are a curiosity at best and at worst, a danger to himself and the woman he loves. But Mary doesn’t care. Since Weylyn saved her from an angry wolf on her eleventh birthday, she’s known that a relationship with him isn’t without its risks, but as anyone who’s met Weylyn will tell you, once he wanders into your life, you’ll wish he’d never leave.
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance tells the story of Weylyn Grey’s life from the perspectives of the people who knew him, loved him, and even a few who thought he was just plain weird. Although he doesn’t stay in any of their lives for long, he leaves each of them with a story to tell. Stories about a boy who lives with wolves, great storms that evaporate into thin air, fireflies that make phosphorescent honey, and a house filled with spider webs and the strange man who inhabits it.
There is one story, however, that Weylyn wishes he could change: his own. But first he has to muster enough courage to knock on Mary’s front door.
In this warm debut novel, Ruth Emmie Lang teaches us about adventure and love in a beautifully written story full of nature and wonder.
“My name is Weylen Grey, and I’m near-sighted, allergic to ragweed, and my feet are flat. I can’t cast spells, I don’t grant wishes, and I’m not sure if I can turn a frog into a prince, but I have no intention of finding out. Some people like to think I can affect the weather, but I’d still recommend a a good, old-fashioned umbrella for keeping the rain off. It’s also been said that I can talk to animals, but if you want me to teach your dog to speak English, I’m sorry. You’re out of luck.”
The moment I read Renee’s review, I knew I had to read Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance. Fantasy/magical realism is not one of my usual genres but since reading such beautifully written books as The Bear and The Nightingale, The Girl in the Tower, and When the Moon Was Ours, I’ve been much more open to it.
I’ve always been fascinated by stories of children who are raised by wolves. There’s just something so compelling about the notion of a child being raised without exposure to the often selfish and misguided values of humans. There’s such beauty in the simple and authentic ways of the pack. These stories always conjure somewhat romantic notions of pure family relationships, friendships, and living in harmony with nature.
The story is told from alternating perspectives of the characters central to Weylen’s life from childhood to old age. I loved his supporting cast. They were supporting in the sense that they helped to carry the story but more importantly in the sense they supported Weylen himself. So often in books with gifted or “different” protagonists, we see the character become isolated and lonely as a result of rejection. Though Weylen certainly faced some social obstacles, he had a beautiful support network to nurture and love him.
As for Weylen himself, he was a character to love. There were times when my heart broke as he struggled with living with his own powers and differences. The sense of strength he conveyed tempered with humility and gentleness endeared him to me to no end.
I won’t comment on the plot. The blurb tells you all you need to know. This is a book to begin with as little outside influence as possible. All you need is an open heart and mind.
It’s very difficult to believe Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is Ruth Emmie Lang’s debut. Her writing is both mature and easy to read; sophisticated without being pretentious or overly flowery. It’s rare to find a book that can really tug at your heartstring while being hopeful and refreshing at the same time. That is where this book really shines.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Lang comes out with next. I believe the contact info section on her website indicates that the film/TV rights may have been optioned. I do hope that’s the case because I think this book would translate beautifully.
Okay, Ann Marie…this one is going on my list. Sigh. I really do not need any more books to read, but you’ve sold me on this one! 🙂 I have heard lots of great things about Beasts but really didn’t know much about it; I’m so glad you enjoyed this one!
Yay! I’m so glad your adding it. I do feel your TBR pain though. I hope you’ll find it was worthwhile!
It’s always so exciting to find read a really good debut novel and have all the future books the author will write to look forward to. This sounds like a great book!
Agreed, Angela! This one will be a tough act to follow but I will definitely be first in line for her next book. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I also saw this book on Renee’s book blog and added it to my TBR. Great review Ann!
Thanks, Nikola. I hope you’ll love it as much as we did!
Fantastic review. This is going on my shortlist. I love magical realism. I want to check out the audio narration before deciding what format.
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer recently posted…Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
Thanks, Kimberly. I’m beginning to love the genre again too. I hadn’t read any fantasy type books for many years but now I’m remembering everything I loved about them as a young adult.
Wow! You and Renee both love this one. Like you magical realism scares me off, but I trust you both, so know I need to be more open. The raised by wolves angle does intrigue me and I like the idea of the supporting cast of characters, too.
This is a very “smart” read if you will. It’s not so far out there that it leaves your head spinning. For example (hope this isn’t a spoiler, I don’t think it is) Weylen doesn’t have frank dialog with animals. He sort of communes with them. He had a deep, innate understanding of them, their hierarchy, and their needs. With his wolf family, it’s a state of mutual understanding and dependance. He does draw animals in a more magical way throughout the book but as I came to know Weylen, it made complete sense. (I’m not sure if I’m making sense…)
Fab review! I’m definitely intrigued by this one now. It sounds fantastic!
Thanks, Yvo! It was a darn good read. I’d be surprised if it didn’t end up in my top ten this year.
When I first saw this one on the BOTM selections I thought it was too out there for me. But, the passage you shared is absolutely gorgeous and makes me think I should try it.
It’s really not that far out there. No aliens or totally weird stuff. Just a nice guy living with these powers that are both a blessing and a curse. (okay so maybe that’s a little simplified.)
Ann Marie this was an amazing review and thank you for the shout out! I love your take on the story, especially how you describe it as refreshing and smart. You nailed it. I was also shocked this is a debut. I remember your review of The Bear and The Nightingale and now I must put that one higher on my tbr! I always shy away from magical realism but after this read I’m actually going to seek out those others you mentioned
Thanks, Renee! I meant to mention something more about the refreshing part in my review. (I really need to take notes when I’m reading.) I say that because this book made me feel such a range of emotions without having tons of tragedy and violence. The Bear was lovely and The Girl was even better. These kind of books are reminding me so much of the books (Narnia!) that grew me up as a reader. And they are smart and substantive enough for me to engage with them as an adult. I’m not at a point where I’m seeking them out but if I see a compelling review (like yours) I’m much more open to them.
Sounds like a fascinating read!
Brenda
It really is, Brenda!
This is one book I definitely would like to read next. The review was very intriguing enough to bring the 12yr old out in me.
It really is a beautiful read and I very much enjoyed the bit of whimsy. I hope you’ll love it!
I’ve read other great reviews and I’m thinking of reading it <3 Sounds magical!
Thanks, Annie. It really is magical. I would definitely look forward to hearing what you think of it.
This one sounds different and very interesting!! I am not sure if I’ve heard of it before. I’m going to go make sure it’s on my to read list. Great review! 😀
Thank you!! I’m so happy to hear you’ll consider reading it. I would have never found this one if not for Renee’s review so I love that I can introduce the book to others. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.