A novel about a young werewolf and his family navigating the American South and its unwelcoming residents. Except this novel isn't about werewolves, not really.

It's about a culture that is ancient, that has been stepped on, cast away and then dismissed as an old wives tale.

It's about a family that only knows its history through its scars.

I loved the way that through the course of this book, more and more lore was slowly divulged through stories and people. It made my heart heavy, knowing how little the family knew of themselves, and how much they knew of survival instead.

At first I found it difficult to connect to the characters. However, by the final half of the book I felt absorbed by characters and their stories, and I felt as though I had been given a glimpse into a life that I'd otherwise never have been able to see.

I think that is the beauty of good storytelling. And why I love to read. I get to live many more lives than just my own. And I am really grateful I got the opportunity to live this one.

Highly recommend.