Ruth Emmie Lang teaches us how to find magic in the ordinary in her magical realism debut Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance.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.As amazing as … was.
As amazing as these powers may appear, they tend to manifest themselves at inopportune times and places, jeopardizing not only his own life, but the life of Mary, the woman he loves.
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: great storms that evaporate into thin air; fireflies that make phosphorescent honey; 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.
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Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances is a whimsical and quirky read. Told by different people involved in Weylyn Grey’s life, the story follows his interesting tale from childhood.
This isn’t an over-the-top fantasy, but it has some unexplainable events that I really enjoyed. There is also a touch of romance that is heartwarming.
This was just the novel I needed after the heavy plot lines of the last few books I’ve read.
To say this book is magical would be an understatement. The awe-inspiring prose and the heart-warming plot make this the perfect fall read. Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is a warm blanket of enchanting characters, which sounds so silly to me as I type that, but I cannot think of another way to describe it. As a reader, one of the most important aspects of a good book lies not only in the plot itself, but also within the character development. What kind of response does this particular character elicit from you? Weylyn Grey is one of those characters that you can’t help but adore. What I loved most about Lang’s writing was how well we were able to get to know Weylyn through the perspective of those who knew him. Not once did we hear Weylyn’s story in his own words, but somehow it doesn’t make you feel like you’re missing something. He’s a character that you can’t help but love and cherish.
I’m so impressed with Lang’s debut novel and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Weylyn was quite a character who was delightful despite tragic circumstances.
This was a wonderful read, funny, heartfelt, quirky, and lovely. One of my favorite reads this year.
Just a sweet heart -warming book. I loved it.
This was a cute, poignant quick read about a boy who is different and his impact on various people in throughout his life. Definitely worth reading.
Fabulous storyline even for adults. Would like to read more from this author. Well done!
If this book is ever turned into a movie, I will definitely be seeing it opening night and buying the DVD copy! Imagine a book made up of the personality of Elsa from Frozen, the action-packed trials of Princess Bride, and the story-telling style of The Lorax. This book is probably one of the top 5 books I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. 10/10 recommend this book to be made into a movie ASAP!
What a surprisingly good story. Very original with interesting characters. Highly recommend this book. Well written, touchingly real without over the top drama. A rare gem.
I laughed, I cried, I cheered. Weylyn’s journey– the people he meets, and the things he does–is the best thing I’ve read this year.
Absolutely Charming! It is reminiscent of Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy”; lyrics:
There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he
And then one day
A magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return
The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return
Songwriters: Freedy Johnston
I am not sure where I heard of this book, but I am glad that I did. What a magical, feel good story. I was completely swept away by the beautiful story. From the synopsis, I was not expecting a love story, but I am so glad it was. Don’t get me wrong, it was so much more than that. I would recommend this to anyone who believes in magic or could use a little in their lives.
Good magical realism novel for teens
I enjoyed this fantasy novel, but it wasn’t perfect. I absolutely loved the first 75% of it, but I think that the quality of the writing and the plot significantly decreased in the final 25%. The last quarter of the book was so underwhelming to me. It became boring, dumb, and the characters became one-dimensional caricatures of what they were before.
Still, I was quite fascinated and enthralled by the first 75% of this fantasy novel. This first part was so good that I am still recommending that people read it. It was everything I hoped for after reading the book cover description. It is a sweet and eccentric coming-of-age story for an unusual orphaned boy named Weylyn and his best friend Mary. Weylyn is literally raised by wolves after his parents die, and it is written in such a way that it seems perfectly believable within the story. Weylyn can communicate with animals and he slowly realized that he has some sort of power over the weather.
I think that this book is suitable for people 12 and up. There is no sex and no cursing. A young woman about 23 years old lives with her boyfriend, but there is no mention of sex. There are a couple of instances where animals are violently and graphically killed. There is also the theme of two marriages failing, including the signs that go along with that. I appreciate the thoughtful and multi-faceted view of relationships, parenting, and life. The magical realism is wondrous and right on target, in my opinion. I also like the author’s choice of the story being told by multiple people other than Weylyn.
I received a free advanced reading copy via Netgalley, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
** spoiler alert ** This was a delightful book, a lot of imagination. I won this book and must of got a bad copy, yes, yes I understand “uncorrected proof”. However there were two parts that were mentioned that I never found in the book. I feel like I missed out on it. Well obviously I did.
Anyway, I loved the characters and laughed out loud a few times. I don’t usually read books like this but I’m glad I entered to win and hey I won it.
I just have one question, who was the guy in the sloshes with Mary at the end? I felt the tornado part could of been longer. All in all it was a good read. I would read more of this author.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and GoodRead Giveaways for the opportunity to read this advanced proof.
Cherie
I have to say I absolutely LOVED this book. So whimsical for us magic lovers and a bit of a love story. What makes it particularly unique is that the story of Weylyn Grey is told from the point of view of other people in his life. I recommend it if you’re ready to get lost in a magical book.
I’m so glad I decided to check this out at the library, I fell in love with it. So interesting, and out of the ordinary, a pleasant surprise. I love the way this author writes, one I will buy for my shelf to read again.