According to Booklist, "Wilson brings the stuff of folklore to life in this novel, as elements of Beowulf, voodoo, and zombie mythos combine with the everyday to fantastic effect.

The story moves at heart-pounding speeds, furthered by magic and mystery and rooted in ideas of familial bonds and self-discovery.

Charlie then meets his step-second cousin, "Cotton" Mack, who tells him strange tales of the sugar cane fields.

The plot thickens when Charlie meets a strange man named Lio, finds out about the mysterious disappearance of Coach Wiz's body, and sees blood markings on the town church.

"[3] Jeremy Larson argues that the connection between Boys of Blur and Beowulf hinges on the theme of "envious warfare".