story craft

Genre: YA Christian fantasy

Format: eArc

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Reasons to Love 

– beautiful redemption story 
– retelling of the book of Ruth (with a magical spin)
– excellent worldbuilding 
– relatable and loveable, imperfect characters

Cautions: a couple of passionate kisses, but not too intense or super descriptive; dark spirits and magic; bullying; loss and grief described

Favorite quote: “Beloved, you are worth more than all the stars in the sky and all the blood in my veins.”

Review: 

A Bond of Briars was such a sweet fantasy retelling of Ruth—one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Caitrin’s and Muireall’s stories of redemption are stunning. I found Caitrin’s questions of whether there truly was another way, a better way, compelling and relatable. Of course, throughout, Phillips weaves a breathtaking, based-on-a-true-story tale of redemption that left me all kinds of weepy and grateful. Callen is a true hero, and I’m grateful that this is the kind of man Phillips’ writing elevates for young women—a man who pursues, forgives, protects, and fights for the woman he loves. Not a man who pressures, dominates, or takes advantage of her. Phillips also crafted an excellent cast of ensemble characters, with their own unique charm and stories. Overall, this story was incredibly enjoyable and an easy read, thanks to the glossary the author provided to help with terms. Although, once I became familiar with them, I found myself needing that glossary less and less. 

Thank you, Erin, for such a delightful, clean, fantasy story that elevates and points to the love of Jesus without being preachy.

**As a note, I received an eARC from the author/publisher, but I wrote the review because I wanted to, not because it was required. All opinions stated here are my own.

This book releases on October 24. Preorder your copy here!