Debut Author Alert!
Ruth Emmie Lang is busting through with Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance–

Who’s excited? I know I am~ haha

I got my book through Book of the Month (it’s a subscription box if you haven’t heard of it) and got around to it a little late. (my bad, life is busy) However, I chose this book back in October due to the reviews I saw early on, it had really high or really low and I figured it’s one I had to read myself.~

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance follows the life of Weylyn Grey and all the many people he’s met along the way. He’s not your usual human and that’s okay~ he’s amazingly likable…..even when he communicates with animals…  😉

“Weylyn smiled. “I was young once, too.” – Ruth Emmie Lang, Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance

First with the initial items: This book is probably the most whimsical I’ve read in a while. I very much read more gritty and adult novels. Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance would be perfect though for a middle schooler to early teen in my opinion. It has growth and struggle that’s good at that age.
The writing is well done. I do see the concern with so many changes in perspective but this book came off very well and also felt very much as if you’re being told a story by Weylyn himself. So rather than being immersed in the book, it felt like I was curled up listening to someone’s grandfather tell me about their life. (I view this as a positive thing!)

“What happened next wasn’t extraordinary in any way. The waves didn’t suddenly rise, and the clouds didn’t magically part. Weylyn Grey simply took my had in his, and we watched the sun melt into the ocean until it was jut the two of us under the great starry purple.”
― Ruth Emmie Lang, Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance

Character Assessment: I adore side characters in general and this one is full of ones to love. For me the one that stands out is Lydia, but we all have our favorites I’m sure. haha~ Weylyn’s character feels very much like life is happening to him, almost like he’s not in control, and that perception lends itself to the story. Even though Weylyn is the main character, we’re seeing his life through others – so we connect more with the side characters.

Weylyn’s story snared me right from the start. As I’ve said previously, this isn’t my usual genre for books but I would recommend it. Maybe not to those interested in high fantasy or straight contemporary, but those that like a little extra with their life. A touch of curiosity and kindness.

Overall Summary:

  • Overall Rating: 4 Stars
  • Plot: 4 Stars
  • Character Development: 4 Stars
  • Dialogue: 4 Stars
  • Writing: 4 Stars

This book seems to fall under the Magical Realism genre, however I’ve seen lots of debate on if it’s true to form. That being said, I thought it was a very honest representation of an extraordinary life.

Happy Reading! 😀

~Ash


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