The Song of Achilles: A Novel
Madeline Miller
by TJ Klune
Gordo Livingstone has spent years building a fortress of solitude in the quiet town of Green Creek. A powerful witch scarred by the betrayal of the Bennett pack, he wants nothing more than to keep his distance from the wolves who once abandoned him. He maintains his independence within the walls of his garage, nursing old wounds and suppressing the volatile magic that hums beneath his skin.
However, the return of Mark Bennett—the man who shares a soul-deep, agonizing connection with him—shatters Gordo’s carefully constructed defenses. As the pack faces new, encroaching threats, Gordo is forced to reclaim his role as the witch to the wolves, tethering his life to those who once broke his heart. The tension between him and Mark is electric and inescapable, a song that demands to be heard even as Gordo fights to maintain his autonomy.
As an insidious danger begins to manifest from within the pack’s own ranks, Gordo must decide if the price of loyalty is worth the potential destruction of his soul. In this high-stakes dance of destiny and desire, the line between protector and victim blurs, forcing Gordo to confront the haunting truth of his past to ensure a future for the pack.
MeganQuoth the Raven, Nevermore
"When I saw that this book was from Gordo's perspective and not Ox's, I was (admittedly) a little disappointed. I didn't realize each of the four books in this series have a different POV, so I was expecting more Ox. And it's not that I disliked Gordo, but I found myself somewhat frustrated by him in book 1. That being said, getting his perspective in Ravensong was enlightening. He's still stubborn and you just want to shake him at times, but man, oh man, do I understand him better. Gordo didn't have it easy. We get hints of it in the first book, but no where near the full story, and it -hurts-. The angst is high is this one. The entire first third of the book is split between recapping the present from Gordo's perspective (including up to where the first book ended) and also Gordo's childhood. I'm not always a fan of heavily-flashbacked scenes, but in this, it worked phenomenally. And I think a big part of that is because of how TJ Klune wrote it. Especially as we near "current time", everything comes to a head, back and forth and back and forth between times, quicker and quicker. It's brilliant. And it made me -feel-, god did it make me feel for Gordo. Once the recapping reaches that bridge point, we continue on with our heroes journey. New adversaries arise, some old ones resurface, and the whole gang is along for the ride. Mark, of course, is heavily featured. I liked his character, but I will say, I didn't get as firm of a grasp of him as I did for Joe (Ox's counterpart in book 1). I don't think that detracted from the book, as it wasn't even something I thought about until writing this review, but Gordo was definitely the defining character here. The whole lovable gang from book 1 returns, there are some great funny moments yet again, and we do get even greater character development because of Gordo's flashbacks. We also get glimpses into what's going to happen for the older two Bennett brothers in the future, which I'm excited for. I don't quite know what else to say about this one. The action was great. The development of plot was great. And, in fact, I may have even enjoyed the plot more than the first. There are some interesting going-ons with the omegas, and even a twist. Who doesn't love a twist? But Ravensong, to me, was all about emotion. About Gordo's hurt, which wasn't always easy to read. Brutal at times, even. It was about grief and learning to let go. It's about saying enough. Nevermore. And it made me appreciate Gordo more, and that fact that book 2 was his. I told myself I'd spread out these books to make them last, but I don't see that happening anymore. I'm too invested in Green Creek, in this unique story of werewolves and magic and packpackpack, and I need to see where Klune takes us. ["
August 19, 2021 Verified Purchase
CassieAbsolutely Incredible
"This was amazing!! I loved Gordo sooo much in the first book and I was so happy to see the second installment was his and Mark's story. The first part of the book fills in all the missing gaps: Gordo's childhood, what happened between him and Mark, the history between Gordo, Rico, Tanner, and Chris, and what happened to him, Carter, Kelly, and Joe when they were separated from the pack for those 3 years. It sounds like a lot and it is but the author writes so wonderfully, it feels like High Res flash backs for the reader, and you've been dying for this information from this first book so you just soak it all up like a sponge. But then we get to present day...the action is still pushing forward at full throttle! Gordo is my absolute favorite character trope: grumpy/mean but with a heart of gold. We find out his background and his character makes total sense what with what happened to him when he was so young. There are so many times you want to shake Gordo and tell him to stop being so stubborn but it works so well. And Mark...what a perfect match for Gordo. I loved hearing about how they met and how their relationship grew before everything was ripped away from them. The ending is perfect; we get Gordo and Mark's HEA but still are left on a cliff hanger! The plot is sooooo good! This pack has my heart and soul, I love them so so so much!! I cannot wait for books 3 and 4, I'm trying not burn through this series in only a week but I can't help myself. I can't think of anything else except for the Bennett Pack! This series is amazing, you've gotta pick it up! ["
October 7, 2024 Verified Purchase
Leah M. Woods4.25⭐ Gah i love these 2 so much!
"4.25⭐ Book 2 in the Green Creek series is a second chance romance with older MCs in their late 30s & early 40s & was so good. I loved Gordo & Mark. They have a past of love, hurt, resentment, anger & pain. Now that the Bennett family is back, Gordo holds a grudge against Mark for ever leaving in the first place. It has all the longing & pining you could ask for in a slow burn. The plot is great & keeps you engaged. The found family is one of my top favorites and they bring the comedic relief in the tense times. I never expected to laugh as much as I have in this series so far. But don’t worry, you’re going to cry too! It’s such a beautiful story of love, courage, survival & family. ["
March 19, 2026 Verified Purchase
Darcy ThorntonObsessed 🐾🐺🌹
"How in the world am I just NOW reading a TJK book for the first time?? I ran into Wolfsong a few days ago, couldn’t put that down to save my life, and immediately picked up this sequel. Then promptly looked up TJ’s website and read his most recent blogs going back a few months. I LOVE this book, as much as Wolfsong, which is a feat in itself. I remember thinking as I was reading Wolfsong if Gordo and Mark’s history would be revealed at some point. This book puts them front and center, with so much history and angst, love and anger. Wolfsong is lovely and poetic in many ways while Ravensong is more gritty and raw. If I may make a movie analogy (these were among my favorites last year): Wolfsong is to Ravensong what Call Me By Your Name is to God’s Own Country. Both (sets) of works are beautiful but they tell the story of love (romantic, familial, platonic... pack) in very different ways. Gordo intrigued me in WS, and Mark’s quiet longing pulled at me. These two, talk about being put through the wringer. I LOVE how all of it came together in this book. This is a planned four book series (yay!!), with Carter and Kelly getting their own books as well. And finding out who a certain person’s shadow is at the end of this book?? And what may be in store for Robbie?? My only regret about reading these now is that the entire series isn’t done yet. I am not a patient person. At least I have a bunch of TJ’s books to catch up on until Heartsong comes out EONS from now. I also want to say that TJ has a way with dialog- especially funny- that is truly a gift. I love the interactions between all of the characters. And I keep picturing Michael Pena as Rico and Evangeline Lilly as Jessie (they’re recently known for their Ant Man movie roles). I might move on to obsessing about who else I’d cast for these characters. I do have a life... really, I do. Reading in order is an absolute must, and you’ll love doing it. ["
August 18, 2018 Verified Purchase
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