I received this novel as an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this premise so much that I had to request this ARC. I was so happy to have gotten my request approved and I’m even happier that I got the chance to read this novel because it was just such a fantastic read! Here is my review:
Orphaned, raised by wolves, and the proud owner of a horned pig named Merlin, Weylyn Grey always knew he was different. But when he single-handedly stopped that tornado on a stormy Christmas day in Oklahoma, he realized just how special – and powerful – he really was. That tornado might have been the first event that had every happened to him … but it definitely wasn’t his last. Strange things seemed to follow Weylyn from town to town, although he tries not to take credit for them. While the powers seem amazing, they can also endanger Weylyn’s life and the lives of others. As Weylyn distances himself from his loved ones, those who care about him try to do everything they can to make him stay in their lives.
This story is told from multiple perspectives through various points of time. But every account centers around Weylyn and how he has changed that person’s life. I usually find that this kind of storytelling style can get quite complicated and murky. But the author handled it fantastically and I could not imagine this story being told in any other way. I love Weylyn; he is a sweetheart and someone I wish I could have met in my own life. He is conscientious and caring and always trying to be someone he is not. Every character that is introduced to him gets changed in their own way, and I love how each of these characters had their own unique voice and experience with Weylyn. Now, I usually prefer hearing things from the main character’s point of view but the author managed to give the reader a full appreciation for Weylyn through so many different perspectives that I was just as happy. I would not say that this story is plot-driven; it’s more about Weylyn struggling to deal with his abilities and finding himself. If you are looking for something more plot based, you probably won’t enjoy this story. I loved the simplicity of the motives behind Weylyn’s actions, as well as that of others. This story also pulled at my heartstrings; I didn’t realize how attached to Weylyn I had become as I was reading this book! Overall, this was just a lovely engrossing read that used an interesting style to shed light on a wonderful protagonist. I would definitely recommend this novel to fans of magical realism and sweet character-driven stories! I’m giving this novel 5/5 stars!
Happy reading ~