Why you should read the Green Creek Series by TJ Klune
To the dismay of my followers I’m sure, I recently discovered a book series that spoke to my soul in a way nothing else ever has. It’s a beautiful coming of age story about werewolves and love which, sadly, barely has a fandom. I would like to change that. Below is a comprehensive list of all the reasons I think you will enjoy reading the Green Creek Series:
- No one is straight. It’s been called a “walking pride parade” by the author. And he is not wrong.
- Canon bisexual, asexual, and aromantic characters. All three words are explicitly said.
- So much found family and heart-filling group dynamics. Your heart will be so full you won’t know how to handle it.
- A perfect mixture of plot, fluff, and angst that will leave you feeling satisfied. There is so much plot but somehow he gives you an incredible amount of time to get to know the characters and watch their personal stories play out.
- Beautiful, lyrical writing that truly makes you feel. The writing style is so unique and paced in a way that almost feels like poetry.
- Forgot how to read like me? The audiobook, in my opinion, has unmatched narration. Kirt Graves brings every single character to life. I think this is why I am so in love with them all.
- That being said, every character is so unique and important and real. You really enjoy getting to know every single one of them. There are so many personalities that come together to create something so special.
- The characters, their actions, and the way they react to conflict is also realistic in a way I’ve never seen before. Characters hold grudges and get in arguments that just go in circles because that’s what real people do. You really feel like you know them because they are genuine and true.
- Laugh-out-loud humor. These characters all bring something different to the table and their conversations will have you rolling.
- Unlikely/unexpected main characters. The narrator of the first book is a quiet boy who has a difficult time expressing what he’s thinking. He isn’t good with words and a lot of people think he’s just “big and dumb,” but he’s so so special and full of heart and his journey is so beautiful. This is his coming of age story.
- Gordo Livingstone. Listen when I say if you read these books for no other reason, read them for him. He’s a damaged, angry gay man who swears too much and has a heart of gold. He shows his affection through insults and empty threats and would do just about anything for the people he loves. He is the best character I have ever known.
- TJ Klune is also an incredible, self proclaimed “unapologetically queer” man who truly cares about his audience and giving a voice to his community. Do it for him.
- And oh, did I mention it’s about werewolves, witches, and magic? And everything that comes with that. Pack dynamics written in the best way. Mating and full moons. Territories and family legacies. TJ took everything I love about these concepts and made them into something special.
I also would like to list some warnings/possible triggers:
- Questionable age gap(s). While handled as well as they can be, it doesn’t seem entirely necessary. Nothing sexual happens between or with any underaged characters, but I can understand why the age differences would make people uncomfortable as they do meet when they’re children. (I am happy to elaborate on this if anyone is concerned!)
- Explicit sexual content. There are two full sex scenes in the first book, one in the second, and ~one in the third. There are also multiple references to other sexual encounters.
- References to domestic violence. There are no scenes showing it, just discussing that it had happened.
- The R word is used two or three times in the beginning of the first book. It is used by a bully to insult the narrator.
- Character death. Not as much as you’d think given how many characters there are, but it still needs to be mentioned.
- Excessive swearing. This is actually one of the reasons I adore these books, but it may not be for everyone.
- **Edit**Threats of sexual assault as well as the “villain” stating how he wanted to sexually assault a character when he was a minor.
- **Edit** Mentions of past torture.
- **Edit** General blood/gore/violence.
