After dnfing this book a first time, I must confess that my opinion hasn't changed.

I don't understand the author's choice as to the age gap. I mean, the age gap in itself is not the problem. My issue is with how the two main characters are at different stages of their lives when certain things are hinted at. Joe is only 10 when he becomes aware of Ox, who is 16, being is mate. That in itself made me super uncomfortable. Even if nothing romantic or sexual happened until Joe is more than 17, I can't fathom how an adult could be in a relationship with someone they've known as a child. I was oscillating between discomfort and disgust.

The plot became redundant and dragged a lot after some point. I was more interested in the found family element, especially in a few characters like Gordo, Carter and Kelly. But, honestly, it became hard to believe in the found familly when too many characters became part of Ox's pack. We didn't get to know them or care about them.