Summary by 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.
“…we toasted to not quite fitting in.”
My Thoughts:
I’m back to school so my brain is rebelling and doesn’t wish to form proper sentences, but we’re going to make it through this review anyway about this beautiful book I stumbled upon. Which, by the way, are my favorite kinds of books. There’s just something satisfying about not knowing anything about a book, not hearing anyone’s thoughts on it, and not knowing whether it’s going to turn out great or as not one of your favorites. If you’re ever bored, I suggest just grabbing a random book at the bookstore or downloading a rando from your phone. Let it sweep you away somewhere you weren’t expecting.
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is a book about Weylyn Grey. He was raised by wolves (which, I promise isn’t nearly as cliché as it sounds), can control nature, and is just rather odd compared to the people around him. But I tell you what, Weylyn is my new book boyfriend. He successfully hopped into the boyfriend ranks above Peter Pevensie and Wolf (from Scarlet) and is nearly on the same level as Aragorn. He’s just so kind and odd and apparently “con-man handsome” (according to one of the many characters who are blessed with knowing Weylyn). I’m a fan.
The novel is told in a unique way that worked very well for the story. Each chapter is told by someone who knows Weylyn, so as readers we’re constantly seeing Weylyn from other’s points of view, which I loved. Sometimes I get tired of seeing into the main character’s head or reading from third person POV where I know everything all at once. It was fun to piece together Weylyn’s life bit by bit and see how he impacted everybody he was around–even if it wasn’t for long. But there’s no denying that he changed people’s lives for the better with his odd, sweet personality and desire to help everyone around him. Weylyn isn’t a character that was written to fit in, but was a character written to teach everyone around him (and the readers) to accept everyone for who they are, no matter how strange they may be.
The weather was a huge part of this novel. Not only did it reflect Weylyn and his mood (which becomes obvious as you read) but it was also foreshadowing and reflective upon the plot. I love authors that take their stories a little deeper by adding little effects like this to create more complex meanings without overcomplicating the story itself. Ruth Emmie Lang did a great job with this novel even though it was only her first. To me, it could’ve been her twelfth. She focuses on the story telling of the novel and does it with beautiful words and vivid detail (but not that kind of detail that bores you). You can see everything happening in your mind and can nearly feel the weather around you. It was refreshing to read a novel that told such a magnificent story with characters you fall in love with without cluttering the plot.
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance definitely became a favorite of mine because of the characters, the beautiful storytelling, the unique writing, and the beautiful storyline.
“He had the pained look of a man who had wandered for so long that he had forgotten what he was looking for.”
I recommend this book to…
…anybody who loves a good story telling. Gift this book to your grandmother or your grandfather or your best friend or you mom or dad. I feel like this book will bring satisfaction to anybody who reads it.
Comfort Guide:
No sex. No violence. Around 5 uses of the “F” word. Around 20 uses of other curse words. Content written mostly for adults or teenagers.
Info:
Author – Ruth Emmie Lang
Published – 2017
Page Count – 346
Sounds like a great read! I’m always looking for books with likable characters. I’ll put it on my list. Thanks for the reco!
Thanks for commenting! I hope you enjoy this book.