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A review by oknazareth
Wolfsong by TJ Klune
5.0
Sometimes, a story resonates so deeply that it feels almost sacred—impossible to fully capture in words. Wolfsong by TJ Klune is that for me. While it’s often celebrated for its themes of love, found family, and werewolves, my connection to the book was deeply tied to its protagonist, Ox.
The book opens with Ox, as a child, abandoned by his father, who cruelly tells him he’s “slow” and “dumb” and will never amount to much. This moment casts a shadow over Ox’s life, shaping his self-perception and his interactions with the world.
Klune does a masterful job of creating Ox’s voice, writing in a way that reflects his inner world—simple, straightforward, and fixated on the words and actions of others. This style made me question whether Ox has an intellectual disability or a social communication disorder, but it's explicit. Instead, it lets us inhabit Ox’s mind and heart, which are both beautiful.
What struck me most was Ox’s wholesomeness and quiet strength. Despite his father’s words and the hardships of his life, he remains open to love and connection, even if he struggles to see his own worth. This makes his bond with Joe all the more touching.
Joe, a 10-year-old boy who barrels into his life with relentless energy, who carries deep scars. He has selective mutism caused by past trauma, not speaking a single word for over a year. When Joe speaks his first words to Ox, it’s a moment so powerful that it feels like the emotional core of the book.
Joe gives Ox what he values most in the world, though Ox doesn’t even realize it yet. Many reviews of Wolfsong have talk about a potential power imbalance or even grooming in their relationship, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Their story is not built on romance but on a profound connection of their souls. Romance only becomes a part of their journey much later, almost 80% into the book. Even then, their bond feels less like a traditional romance and more like an unshakable partnership built on years of trust, healing, and shared experience.
In fact, I don't think Wolfsong is a romance novel at all. It’s an emotional story about belonging, resilience, and the strength to find your place in the world. While the side characters are golden and the plot is engaging enough to keep you hooked, I don’t think I’ll continue with the rest of the series. Not because I didn’t enjoy it—obviously, but because I’d rather hold on to Ox and Joe’s story as it stands here. For me, their journey feels complete in this book, and I wouldn't change one bit.
The book opens with Ox, as a child, abandoned by his father, who cruelly tells him he’s “slow” and “dumb” and will never amount to much. This moment casts a shadow over Ox’s life, shaping his self-perception and his interactions with the world.
Klune does a masterful job of creating Ox’s voice, writing in a way that reflects his inner world—simple, straightforward, and fixated on the words and actions of others. This style made me question whether Ox has an intellectual disability or a social communication disorder, but it's explicit. Instead, it lets us inhabit Ox’s mind and heart, which are both beautiful.
What struck me most was Ox’s wholesomeness and quiet strength. Despite his father’s words and the hardships of his life, he remains open to love and connection, even if he struggles to see his own worth. This makes his bond with Joe all the more touching.
Joe, a 10-year-old boy who barrels into his life with relentless energy, who carries deep scars. He has selective mutism caused by past trauma, not speaking a single word for over a year. When Joe speaks his first words to Ox, it’s a moment so powerful that it feels like the emotional core of the book.
Joe gives Ox what he values most in the world, though Ox doesn’t even realize it yet. Many reviews of Wolfsong have talk about a potential power imbalance or even grooming in their relationship, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Their story is not built on romance but on a profound connection of their souls. Romance only becomes a part of their journey much later, almost 80% into the book. Even then, their bond feels less like a traditional romance and more like an unshakable partnership built on years of trust, healing, and shared experience.
In fact, I don't think Wolfsong is a romance novel at all. It’s an emotional story about belonging, resilience, and the strength to find your place in the world. While the side characters are golden and the plot is engaging enough to keep you hooked, I don’t think I’ll continue with the rest of the series. Not because I didn’t enjoy it—obviously, but because I’d rather hold on to Ox and Joe’s story as it stands here. For me, their journey feels complete in this book, and I wouldn't change one bit.