Endearing and whimsical this book makes for a light read. The story is centered around the life of Weylen. The reader sees Weylen almost purely through the eyes of others, which is an interesting twist and adds some layers to the book that might not have been there told in a more traditional style. The writing is concise and you get a feel of different voices but the transitions between the narrator's are not jarring. I didn't hate or love the book. I wasn't particularly drawn in, and I don't like rotating narrators so maybe some of my frustration with the story line stemmed from that. If you're looking for a light, happy ending read this might be a good book for you.

Weylyn Grey isn’t like other people and he knows it. He’s a kid living with wolves in the woods when Mary first meets him. His parents are dead and his wolf family needs him, but he’s also painfully aware that he doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the kids his age. He wants to try to fit in, but every time he attempts to become a functioning member of human society, there’s always something that goes awry, so he ultimately returns to the wild. And yet, it’s his connection with Mary and a few other people he meets along the way, that reminds him about the power of human relationships.
But it takes him a long time to understand, and we spend the book learning about how different he really is.
The title of Ruth Emmie Lang’s debut novel BEASTS OF EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCE promises big things and perhaps a little whimsy and fun, but ultimately the novel doesn’t quite live up to the title.
Which is too bad, since the story starts out charming enough, with a new baby and strange weather patterns. Turns out that this isn’t coincidence because Weylyn seems to have an inexplicable magic that connects him with nature–specifically animals and weather. We learn this through the eyes of Weylyn and other PoV characters such as Mary, the girl he meets while traveling with his wolf family. There’s his adopted sister Lydia, with whom he has a unique relationship, partly because their parents have expectations of the both of them that don’t quite measure up. There’s Weylyn’s first school teacher, Meg Lowry, a sweet woman who wants to do the right thing, but struggles to figure out what that looks like. Roarke is the boy who finds an older Weylyn and proceeds to pull him out of his shell. Weylyn himself as a character is less understandable than any of these characters, and he’s the main protagonist. It’s like the book was about how other people saw Weylyn and less about what he was for himself, which made him a little bland, which doesn’t make sense because he’s the only character with magic.
The redeeming characters are the interesting Lydia, whose understanding and acceptance of who she is–despite her mother’s displeasure and unpleasant relationship with her sister–makes her able to appreciate Weylyn for who he is and value his unique talents. Mary’s story was also interesting, because it was easy to understand why she was drawn to Weylyn (at least from her point of view), so much that it affects her life choices even when he isn’t around. Their love story is sweet, if sometimes I don’t understand why she seems able to forgive him when he disappears for years at a time.
The novel is told in a fairytale style, which one has to when talking about pigs with horns and bee honey that glows (among others including wolves, spiders, trees, hurricanes, tornadoes, and etc). I’m not so sure what made these beasts extraordinary of circumstance, since it was Weylyn’s magic that changes things, and he’s less a beast and more an aimless boy.  Lang does her best to connect parts of a story than span decades, and does that part well enough that we don’t get completely bored. Although I did find myself putting down the story and having to remind myself to finish it.
The magic isn’t ever really explained, other that Weylyn has a knack with animals, weather, and other bits of nature (insects and trees come to mind). The story is more for fans of ‘magical realism’ than Urban Fantasy, such as those who enjoy Keith Donohue (for example, his THE STOLEN CHILD).

Simply luminous.

I have read only a handful of five-star works of fiction this year and this book was a joy to read. A work of magical realism, Lang gives us a gentle protagonist, his sister, and his dearest friend and builds out the story that finds a marriage of magic and science that works beautifully and flows naturally, without a ridiculous need for contrived conflict. (Alex Can Read knows just what I mean by this statement...)

This book was a delight. I found it in some way reminiscent of Robert McCammon's Boy's Life albeit with more elements of overt magical realism and covering a longer period of adulthood in the protagonist's life.

Can't wait to read it again on audiobook.

Weylyn Grey was orphaned and raised by wolves. He met Mary when she was 11 years old, when he saved her from an angry wolf. Weylyn knows strange things happen around him—like stopping that tornado on Christmas Day—but he prefers to give the credit to his horned pig, Merlin.

Freak storms, trees that grow overnight, hurricanes that mysteriously dissipate; Weylyn has been around them all. Though it all, his love for Mary stays strong, until he realizes that she might come to harm. Then he knows he must move on. Instead of stopping hurricanes, the magic in his life now consists of fireflies who make phosphorescent honey. But, through it all, his love for Mary remains strong. All he needs is the courage to knock on her door.

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is classified as fantasy/sci-fi, but to me, it’s more magical realism. It’s different from anything else I’ve ever read, and different is a very good thing. This is told not only from Weylyn’s point-of-view, but from that of those who know him. There is magic on every page, and wonder hides here as well.

(Galley provided by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is the story of Weylyn Grey - an accidental, unassuming and reluctant wizard who spends most of the novel convinced that it his pig, Merlin, who is magical, rather than himself.

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.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book of magical realism by first-time novelist Ruth Emmie Lang. The first-person narrative passes between the people who are close to Weylyn. It jumps from his childhood friend to his foster-sister, to his school teacher, the mayor of a small town and sometimes back again, when Weylyn catches up with old friends later in the book. So many of the characters walk to the beat of their own drum and have wonderfully dry sense of humour.

The painting of the personalities is sharply entertaining:

"I, remarkably, still had both my eyes despite my impulse to hurl myself off things that were often a generous distance from the ground. Some of my other hobbies included running with sharp objects, lighting fires, and lighting sharp objects on fire and launching them into the sky with my slingshot."

As a reader this feels like a wonderful coming-of-age story where magic could be easily substituted for a number of human traits more based in the real world. Weylyn is that awkward kid who grows into an awkward, loner adult with a big heart who attracts people who want to look after him and those who would bully him in equal numbers. The rest of the world frowns a little, shakes their head benevolently and moves on with their day.

I quite liked this comparison from Mo Daviau, author of Every Anxious Wave:

"Think Charlotte's Web for grown-ups who, like Weylyn Grey, have their own stories of being different, feared, brave, and loved."

I found the opening chapters a little nerve-wracking because it feels like the story might erupt into a Stephen King-style horror at any moment, with the small boy eaten by the terrifying man-spider. To me, it's an unfortunate opening - a) because I really don't like Stephen King-style horrors and b) because the rest of the book isn't really scary at all. So if you also feel a little freaked out - bear with it!

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting. I'm not exactly sure what it was I did expect, but this wasn't it. Don't get me wrong, I actually did enjoy reading it. This is a sweet, if a little slow-moving, story of love, friendship and a little bit of magic.

If you go into this book expecting an exciting magical thriller, full of intrigue and epic battles, you're going to be disappointed. The story moves slowly and at times I wasn't quite sure what the plot actually was. But it had such a sweet innocence to it that most of the time I didn't really mind. While the magic itself was less prominent than your typical fantasy novel, the book still felt incredibly magical on its own. Does that make sense? I hope so because I can't really figure out a better way to describe my feelings.

I think what really sealed the deal for me was the characters. I adored Weylyn so much. Seeing his journey and growth unfold throughout the book was so beautiful. And really, the entire cast of characters was incredibly delightful. At times, though, I felt like there were almost too many characters, especially when they each had their own point of view chapters in first person. I had a little bit of a hard time keeping track of who was speaking and at what point in Weylyn's life we were in. But, I still thoroughly enjoyed meeting these characters.

All in all, this was a sweet, fun read. It pulled at my heartstrings in a good way and was the perfect book for relaxing with a cup of tea. If you like magical realism, or more of the coming of age type of book, I'd say definitely give this a read!

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is the story of Weylyn Grey, whose powers seem to make flowers bloom and hurricane wither, and whose kindness, love, and spirit bring out the best in those he meets on his journey. From a boy living with wolves to a man seeking adventure and his long lost love Mary, Weylyn’s power to help people decide to take the more difficult paths in life, through the use of his magical qualities, brings a satisfying read that captures our own quirks and foibles. Highly recommend this original and heartwarming book.

This one is for fans of magical realism - but it's light on the magic and big on the realism. The tale of Weylyn, who can do things (for want of a better word) with weather, is told by a variety of voices, some of whom are more insightful than others. This spans his life and ends in 2028. Lang has taken elements of some of our best loved fairy tales and animal related kid lit and created an interesting and heartfelt story of a boy who is different. He grows up to be a thoughtful and compassionate man. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A boy hovers on the edge of a clearing in the forest, plucking up the courage to carry out a dare. We return to this boy and his predicament several times during the story, but it is how we meet Weylyn. The author swiftly takes us back to his youth, and the strange things that happen when he’s around, as seen by his step-sister.

I loved the way this story unfolds, travelling from place to place as Weylyn finds new places to be run out of for his strangeness. He also finds friends, and potential enemies who turn into friends as they realise that ‘different’ people are not always dangerous.

The author uses really poetic language, bringing the detail of forests and other wild places into a sparkling clarity. Different narrators (usually a ‘family’ member and a new one) tell each story. My only quibble is that sometimes the local narrator uses that poetic language, which doesn’t really fit his voice. Most of the time, though, the writing is solid. The powers that Weylyn harnesses are beautifully imagined and magically described – especially the firefly lamp.

This book manages to combine charm with hard-hitting raw experience, slimy politics with homespun wisdom. It’s difficult to describe the delight I felt in this book without it sounding cute. It’s more of an epic in its range, something to settle with, to enjoy the ideas and the words, and yet rush eagerly through to see what happens next.

Thoroughly recommended – in fact for most of my friends, who love the outdoors, it’s a must-read. It may end up as my book of the year, despite the competition!

This is an extraordinary tale of an extraordinary boy, who grows into an extraordinary, and rather complicated, man. It stretches belief. It is rather unbelievable actually; be prepared to suspend the 'rules' of nature and man, and go into some magical realism. You see, where ever Weylyn Grey goes, strange weather follows him. His parents are killed in a freak snow storm, leading Weylyn to meet and live with some 'interesting' characters. This story is peopled with humorous, caring, cruel, kind, complex humans, folks from all walks of life. The pivotal relationship is with Mary, who Weylyn meets as a young child. Their lives are meant to be entwined forever as we see these two children grow to be young adults, and beyond. Admittedly, I love magic and fantasy, and I am impressed with how Lang weaves a strong engrossing story together with a beautiful fairy tale. This is a solid debut for a new young writer.

I thought this book was excellent. 4+ but not quite 5 stars.

Highly original, magical fiction.
The setting:
"Orphaned, raised by wolves [for a time], and the proud owner of a horned pig named Merlin...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."

What can I say?! You must read this book to see for yourself.

Weylyn is a loveable oddity--who neither loves nor trusts himself. He can change the weather and the course of peoples' lives. He communes with animals but is uncomfortable around most people. In fact, he fears he can harm them--in particular, Mary, from whom he later keeps his distance. [Read to find out what happens.]

Aside from Weylyn there are other, lovable, quirky characters: Mary, Lydia, Meg Lowry, Merlin,
Micha, even Reverend Kramer.

Many descriptions just struck a chord:
"memories...in some dusty, yellowed volume in the back of my mind..."
"mama looked as sour as month-old milk"
"...a long, salt-and-pepper beartd that he most likely used as a napkin from the amount of food particles that were nestled in it"
"black maw of the VCR"
"my shy rash burned"

I did not want to put this book down as I was entranced--nearly from the start. Not quite sure about the ending [though it was fine] and judging from reviews I've read--it may not be your cup of tea, but it was mine.

Recommend.

Weylyn Grey may just be a wizard. He runs with wild wolves. He has a horned magical pig and can control the elements. This control is erratic and unpredictable however and Welwyn uses this as a tool not to remain close to the ones he loves. The story is told from the perspective of all the people who have been touched by Welwyn in some way. This acts as a perfect and effective device to move the story along and not to get bogged down.
This is a book full of charm and magic without becoming fantasy. Wonderful characters brought to life. It’s beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A magical, loveable, gentle love story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing and ARC in return for an honest review.

It’s really hard to describe this book. BEASTS OF EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES was such an amazing read. The characters are well fleshed out and so easy to love. The story contains magical realism and a boy raised by wolves.

Weylyn Grey is anything but normal. Being orphaned at a young age he wanders into the woods and is raised by wolves. That alone would make this a great story, but that is only the beginning because Weylyn can also effect the weather. He uses all the money his family left him to buy meat for his wolf family from a local butcher. There he meets Mary, the butcher’s daughter, and she runs away with him. She doesn’t stay there long before returning home. There begins the quest for Weylyn to be with Mary again, and Mary’s quest to live a life close to what she and Weylyn had for that short time in the woods.

This story is so well told in lyrical but follow-able prose. The story is told in first person and starts off childish, but the characters grow and become more mature, and so does the writing. This story doesn’t tell the whole story of Weylyn’s life as we have time jumps, but it does tell us all the important parts. This book really explores what it means to life a full life while learning to trust yourself. Weylyn is very sweet and so innocent. Behind his innocence is a power he thinks will hurt or save those around him. Weylyn enters people’s lives and changes their view of the world.

We get a lot of perspectives from people around Weylyn, as he affects everyone he meets in one way or another. His adoptive family struggles as they come to terms with what Weylyn is capable of. His adopted sister, Lydia, understands and trusts him as he showed her the faults in his power. Mary loves everything about it, but her she doesn’t understand his magic. His employer sees a vulnerable guy who just needs a friend. What Weylyn really needs is to learn to trust in himself. His powers make him an outcast and it weighs heavy on him.

Under every magical scene in this story is really sweet love story. When I found out this was the author’s debut book I was blown away. I did have small issues with the story, and they mostly have to do with time jumps and new characters being introduced. I did enjoy this read a whole lot though. The story is multifaceted and full of wonder. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a fantastical love story.

Lately, more of my friends are looking for books they can escape into. Books that offer respite from the issues we are facing today. And, books like Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance give us a world we can disappear into between the pages.

This is a fictional novel with some doses of magical realism with characters you will not soon forget. The premise sounds crazy, but please hear me out. The author makes it work. Basically, this is a story about a boy who grew up with wolves after his human parents died. Upon being discovered, he is sent to a foster home where his unique and magical qualities turn the family upside down. But, his journey doesn’t stop there.

The story centers around this character (Weylyn) and all the people his gifts (such as controlling the weather and making things grow) impact over the years. Readers are introduced to the various people who have been flummoxed by his special abilities, as well as those who love him completely for all that he is. If you saw the movie Powder, it reminded me of it.

I know it sounds bizarre – as I was explaining it to my husband I realized it did not sound like the normal stuff I read. But, it was beautiful and moving and hopeful – and the perfect antidote for a time when the world seems to be in a great state of upheaval. We all need some magic and you might find it in a character like Weylyn.

For example, here’s a quote that I think sums up Weylyn:
“Weylyn’s expression shifted gears. I could tell, even before he spoke, that he had drained his mind of his own sadness and replaced it with empathy for mine. ‘I’m really sorry,’ he said and meant it.”

And there is this hint at how others see Weylyn:
“I wasn’t doing magic, but I was in it, surrounded on all sides by incredible, beautiful things. It made me feel like a wizard even though I wasn’t one, even though I could never be one.”

I just need you all to trust me on this one – Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is a book you need to read. It comes out on November 7th and people are going to be talking about this one for a while.

I wasn't sure I would like this book but I did. I loved the tie ins to some of my favorite stories . This was a fun book!

This debut novel by Ruth Emmie Lang was such fun to read! I had no idea what to expect and every chapter had something new to add to Weylyn’s story.

Readers first meet Weylyn Grey at his birth and have the pleasure of following Weylyn throughout his strange and adventurous life. I loved reading about Weylyn’s relationship with Mary, his half-sister Lydia and most especially his pet pig Merlin.

The chapters are told from the perspective of different people who knew Weylyn and I did find the transition a bit confusing at first, but once I was deeper into the novel, it was not an issue.

Readers who love great characters, nature, wildlife and a little bit of magic will enjoy this debut novel. I’ll be looking forward to the next novel by Ruth Emmie Lang.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.

Been dipping in and out of this for months and it's been a treat each time.

This is magical realism bordering on fantasy and it's incredibly heartwarming. Written in a uniquely lovely way with multiple PoVs, the plot revolves around the absolutely endearing Weylyn Grey, with the beginning set in his childhood. There are wolves, a unicorn headed pig, magical forests, outrageous childhood dares, bees and fireflies, wistfulness for magic and the always relatable yearning for love of all forms.

I'm so happy I chanced upon this book; with a title like that, how can you go wrong? I have found myself a new favourite author. Would definitely recommend to everyone!

I really loved this intriguin new fanTasy read and I can truly recommnd it to everyone. The main character is so lovely and wonderful. I loved him and his family and the people he meets are just so different and real. I really enjoyed this book until the last page and I didn't need more time than 2 days!

This story was a little crazy but simply beautiful! 4/5
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance is the story of Weylyn Grey. An interesting and charming fellow that has a unique bond with animals. Those who knew him may say he could even talk with and understand them. After losing his parents at a young age, being raised by wolves and then thrusts back into the reality of normal society, Weylyn had a an abnormally difficult childhood but never failed to make friends and touch lives throughout his life. Mysterious natural disasters suddenly appear or disperse around Weylyn and at first is seems coincidence but its not long before people begin to speculate and wonder about the magic behind the mysterious, quirky man.

I was in love with the casual ease in which the author was able to get me so involved and invested in Weylyns' life. It started off a bit absurd but so do many of the books that I come to love, especially books with magical realism. The narrative is full of crazy stories that surround Weylyn Grey but it does not diminish the quality of the underlying story of Weylyn and Mary.
I am not a huge fan of love stories... but this story was told in such a way that I had no idea it was a love story until it was too late; I was already in love with the book and its great characters.

I am really interested to see what else this author will come up with over the years and I think this was a fantastic start for her.
Would definitely recommend giving this book a chance. Its an easy read that's thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining.

Magical!