Ravensong by T. J. Klune is the second book in the Green Creek series. These werewolves have gotten under my skin and into my heart. I don't regret it in the least. The series continues to be the best part of this summer. 

Ravensong begins at a key point in Wolfsong, and we get to see a certain time period in that first book from a different perspective. It fills some gaps and explains a few things. More importantly, we finally get a chance to see Ox through someone else's eyes and learn more about the history of the Bennett pack.

But Ravensong is not all rehashing of situations from the first book. In addition to addressing the repercussions of Ox and Joe's actions at the end of Wolfsong, the story progresses with an unusual illness striking werewolves and hitting too close to home. Gordo has to deal with the depths of his anger toward the Bennetts and come to terms with his renewed role as the pack witch. 

I don't know how he does it, but once again, Mr. Klune manages to put you through the emotional wringer. Instead of seeing the story through Ox's eyes (thank goodness - I couldn't handle that pain again), we see the Bennett pack through Gordo's eyes. If Ox's story was all pain -- so much pain -- then Gordo's story embodies anger. The kind of anger that blinds you to reason and has you ignoring everything else. The type of anger that seeps into the very marrow of your soul and leaves you incapable of feeling anything else. It is every bit as visceral and powerful as Ox's pain. These stunning emotions are what make Ravensong and its predecessor so damn compelling. 

Ravensong is every bit as difficult to read as Wolfsong, albeit for different reasons. Gordo is not Ox; he doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve. Instead, Gordo's heart lies under years of betrayal and fury, the depths of which have you wanting to punch something on his behalf. Ox made you want to protect him. Gordo makes you want to hurt something. I can say, with all honesty, that I have never felt so deeply for characters. God, I love this series.