Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance

This was a book I wasn't expecting to love. The premise wasn't grabbing, too quirky to be set in this world, too realistic to take place in a fantasy one.

But Lang made it work beautifully. The plot spans Weylyn's lifetime, introducing and carrying several characters through the story. I have to applaud the author's ability to give each minor character body and emotional complexion.

By the end, I was rooting for the world where animal-telepathic Weylyn and magic-pig Merlin exist.

This is a fascinating story told from the POV of many different characters as they interact with our main character Weylyn. There's something different about Weylyn mysterious things around him...not to mention the part where he's literally raised by wolves. I found this book beautifully written. I love the storyline. Sometimes I got a little overwhelmed by the change of voice that occurs between all these different characters but they come together to create a beautiful story.

Weylyn Grey has always been different. Orphaned at a young age, he lived undiscovered with a wolf pack for years until he befriended a human girl and was later placed with a foster family. His alternative upbringing is not the only unusual thing about Weylyn though - nature appears to behave oddly whenever he's around, whether it's the cluster of animals visiting his room in the night or the storms that appear whenever he's upset. Weaving through time and the perspectives of the people who meet him along the way, Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance tells the story of Weylyn's life.
The unique, well-developed characters and short chapters engage the reader immediately and keeps the story moving until the end. The hint of magic appeals to fantasy fans without putting off those who prefer to stay grounded in reality. A great read for anyone who loves books revolving around interpersonal relationships.