Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang –368 pages
Book Blurb:
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.
My Review: 5 stars
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance has been on my radar for a few years. Two years ago, at my book club holiday book exchange, I was able to request three books and the giver would choose which to give me. I wrote this one down three times. Although it has sat for some time, I think I picked up at the just the right time. This magical tale allowed me to believe in the unbelievable and completely suspend my beliefs of reality.
Weylyn is raised by wolves as the premise says, yet he so much more than that. He has some sort of unnamable magic that takes most of the book for him to harness and understand. He is a character that will charm you and leave you wanting more of him. Every person he meets is somehow touched by his candor, honesty and innocence. With no formal education, he’s got a lot to learn.
When he meets Mary, a remarkable friendship is formed. Mary is lodged in his heart forever and they have no idea if they’ll ever see each other again. Their story, as well as the many other relationships he secures, are priceless gems. His foster step-sister, Lydia, plays an instrumental part of his life as well.
Lang is a gifted storyteller who has crafted a novel to be savored. Beautiful and lyrical language, well-constructed characters and spot on pacing. This is Lang’s debut novel and I hope to see more from her. If you’re not sure if you’d enjoy fantasy, this would be the book that will change your mind.
Quotes I liked:
Don’t cry over the same thing twice. Get it all out the first time, even if it’s loud and messy. Then it’s over.”
“The silence in the house was painful, but I had begun to realize that half of it belonged to me.”
“Don’t leave anything you can’t come back to.”
“Why do you do that?” “Do what?” “Take something beautiful and vandalize it with skepticism?”
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