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Woven From Clay
In this fresh and imaginative contemporary fantasy, a golem must master the magic that binds her together and finds an unexpected ally in the mysterious boy sent to ensure her demise.
Terra Slater might not know anything about her birth family or where she comes from, but that’s never stopped her, and she fully intends her senior year to be her best yet. Until the dark and mysterious Thorne Wilder―a magical bounty hunter―moves to town, bringing revelations that wreck all of her plans.
When Terra learns she is a golem, not born but crafted from mud and magic by a warlock, her world is upended. Worse, Cyrus Quill, the warlock who made her, is a fugitive, on the run from the witches who want to hold him accountable for his past crimes. But Quill’s sentence is death, which would unravel the threads of magic that hold Terra―and all of the other golems that he crafted―together.
Desperate to save herself and her friends, Terra strikes a deal with Thorne and his coven to preserve the warlock’s life and his magic. If she can prove her worth to the coven by mastering the magic within her, the golems will survive. If she can’t, they’ll perish along with Cyrus. As Thorne helps her to see and manipulate the tapestry of magic that surrounds them, their unexpected alliance evolves into something more and Terra comes to understand the depths of her magic, her humanity, and her love for the people most important to her.
Terra Slater might not know anything about her birth family or where she comes from, but that’s never stopped her, and she fully intends her senior year to be her best yet. Until the dark and mysterious Thorne Wilder―a magical bounty hunter―moves to town, bringing revelations that wreck all of her plans.
When Terra learns she is a golem, not born but crafted from mud and magic by a warlock, her world is upended. Worse, Cyrus Quill, the warlock who made her, is a fugitive, on the run from the witches who want to hold him accountable for his past crimes. But Quill’s sentence is death, which would unravel the threads of magic that hold Terra―and all of the other golems that he crafted―together.
Desperate to save herself and her friends, Terra strikes a deal with Thorne and his coven to preserve the warlock’s life and his magic. If she can prove her worth to the coven by mastering the magic within her, the golems will survive. If she can’t, they’ll perish along with Cyrus. As Thorne helps her to see and manipulate the tapestry of magic that surrounds them, their unexpected alliance evolves into something more and Terra comes to understand the depths of her magic, her humanity, and her love for the people most important to her.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 2025
34 people are currently reading
16826 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
dnf
July 23, 2025Anyone ever watch the show Legacies? Like the spin-off of the spin-off of TVD? Anyway lol if you have, then you'll understand why the whole golem with magic reminds me of a storyline from the show.
I almost didn't grab this one from Wednesday Books when they reached out - I'm drowning in arcs, BUT Tiffany's enthusiasm and 5 stars had me over her downloading it - can't wait to start it!
₊⊹⁀➴ 🤎Golem ✘ Witch
⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ 🤎Unique Magical System
₊⊹⁀➴ 🤎Slow Burn
⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ 🤎Enemies to Allies
₊⊹⁀➴ 🤎Deep Character Development
⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ 🤎Emotional Journey/Self Discovery
₊⊹⁀➴ 🤎Strong/Fierce FMC
⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ 🤎Overcoming Odds
Expected publication August 12, 2025
✨ Many thanks to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for gifting me with an advanced digital copy via NetGalley - all thoughts are my own. ✨
I almost didn't grab this one from Wednesday Books when they reached out - I'm drowning in arcs, BUT Tiffany's enthusiasm and 5 stars had me over her downloading it - can't wait to start it!
₊⊹⁀➴ 🤎Golem ✘ Witch
⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ 🤎Unique Magical System
₊⊹⁀➴ 🤎Slow Burn
⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ 🤎Enemies to Allies
₊⊹⁀➴ 🤎Deep Character Development
⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ 🤎Emotional Journey/Self Discovery
₊⊹⁀➴ 🤎Strong/Fierce FMC
⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ 🤎Overcoming Odds
Expected publication August 12, 2025
✨ Many thanks to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for gifting me with an advanced digital copy via NetGalley - all thoughts are my own. ✨
November 5, 2024
A golem crafted from mud and magic? Excuse me. ✨
Thank you so much, Wednesday Books, for an ARC of this upcoming release and for bringing this book to my attention. Let me tell you - this did not disappoint. I loved this book so much!
"Woven From Clay" is a captivating story that weaves together elements of pure enchantment—a paranormal fantasy brimming with magic, suspense, strong-willed characters, and a slow-burn romance. The manifestation of magic throughout the narrative is refreshingly unique, breathing life into the story in ways that keep you on the edge of your seat. The premise is intriguing, and the plot unfolds with such precision that I found myself completely engrossed, devouring every page with eagerness. It truly was the most delightful experience!
I especially appreciated how the ending provided a satisfying sense of closure while still leaving the door ajar for the potential continuation of the story. Although I'm unsure whether this will evolve into a series, I would undoubtedly be first in line to read more, as the journey captivated me beyond measure. This author is officially on my radar (and she should be on yours, too!!!)
My only real critique, which is more of a suggestion, would be a POV from Willow towards the end. This would be a great addition; everyone loves the gift of a bonus chapter or two. 😉
The publication date is set for August 12, 2025. Be sure to add this one to your TBR list and preorder once it becomes available. I'm praying it gets picked up for a special edition and that this book gets all the love it deserves.
As always, all thoughts are my own. ✨🖤
Thank you so much, Wednesday Books, for an ARC of this upcoming release and for bringing this book to my attention. Let me tell you - this did not disappoint. I loved this book so much!
"Woven From Clay" is a captivating story that weaves together elements of pure enchantment—a paranormal fantasy brimming with magic, suspense, strong-willed characters, and a slow-burn romance. The manifestation of magic throughout the narrative is refreshingly unique, breathing life into the story in ways that keep you on the edge of your seat. The premise is intriguing, and the plot unfolds with such precision that I found myself completely engrossed, devouring every page with eagerness. It truly was the most delightful experience!
I especially appreciated how the ending provided a satisfying sense of closure while still leaving the door ajar for the potential continuation of the story. Although I'm unsure whether this will evolve into a series, I would undoubtedly be first in line to read more, as the journey captivated me beyond measure. This author is officially on my radar (and she should be on yours, too!!!)
My only real critique, which is more of a suggestion, would be a POV from Willow towards the end. This would be a great addition; everyone loves the gift of a bonus chapter or two. 😉
The publication date is set for August 12, 2025. Be sure to add this one to your TBR list and preorder once it becomes available. I'm praying it gets picked up for a special edition and that this book gets all the love it deserves.
As always, all thoughts are my own. ✨🖤
March 22, 2025
This book reminded me of many Twilight-era young adult paranormal romances. It has many of the same trends, such as a mysterious boy showing up that somehow knows more about her than anyone else. A fmc with untapped powers.
This book is quite Cheesey. These golems were created from the earth, and had no idea they were earth golems, but they all have names such as Clay, Brick, Terra, Gaia, and Adam. Come onnnnn lol
I think this book could be entertaining for the 13-14 age range, but this book ultimately did nothing really than making golems the paranormal creature rather than fae, vampires, or werewolves.
———
Just received an ARC copy of this from Wednesday books. Can't wait to check it out. Never read anything about golems before!
This book is quite Cheesey. These golems were created from the earth, and had no idea they were earth golems, but they all have names such as Clay, Brick, Terra, Gaia, and Adam. Come onnnnn lol
I think this book could be entertaining for the 13-14 age range, but this book ultimately did nothing really than making golems the paranormal creature rather than fae, vampires, or werewolves.
———
Just received an ARC copy of this from Wednesday books. Can't wait to check it out. Never read anything about golems before!
August 9, 2025
(2.75 stars)
I was interested in this book because I’m always interested in a new story revolving around golems. A golem is a mythical creature of Jewish folklore, made from clay, but in Woven From Clay, there was not even a single shred of Jewish content. Hence my big disappointment.
Aimed at teens/young adults, I’m not the intended audience for Woven From Clay, but I have enjoyed several YA books in the past. This one wasn’t one of them, unfortunately.
The world building was pretty good, but confusing. We have golems who don’t know they are golems, existing as if they are normal humans. I didn’t understand how that could be, and it was never explained why suddenly the main female golem, Terra, started exuding mud, as a senior in high school. Also, all the young golems had on-the-nose names: Terra, Brick, Clay, Maia, and so forth. Then there’s a coven of witches who want to kill a “rogue” warlock who created all these golems. They send a handsome young witch to the town, to pose as a new student at Terra’s high school. His appearance coincides with Terra exuding mud all of sudden, so I guess it had something to do with his arrival, but that was never made clear.
I bounced between the ebook and the audiobook. Yael Rizowy did an excellent job with the narration and all the different character voices.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book and to Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I was interested in this book because I’m always interested in a new story revolving around golems. A golem is a mythical creature of Jewish folklore, made from clay, but in Woven From Clay, there was not even a single shred of Jewish content. Hence my big disappointment.
Aimed at teens/young adults, I’m not the intended audience for Woven From Clay, but I have enjoyed several YA books in the past. This one wasn’t one of them, unfortunately.
The world building was pretty good, but confusing. We have golems who don’t know they are golems, existing as if they are normal humans. I didn’t understand how that could be, and it was never explained why suddenly the main female golem, Terra, started exuding mud, as a senior in high school. Also, all the young golems had on-the-nose names: Terra, Brick, Clay, Maia, and so forth. Then there’s a coven of witches who want to kill a “rogue” warlock who created all these golems. They send a handsome young witch to the town, to pose as a new student at Terra’s high school. His appearance coincides with Terra exuding mud all of sudden, so I guess it had something to do with his arrival, but that was never made clear.
I bounced between the ebook and the audiobook. Yael Rizowy did an excellent job with the narration and all the different character voices.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book and to Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2025
This book has a cool, unique magic system; sadly, that’s about it. :/
Read
September 4, 2025This is a dnf for me, unfortunately. I found everything: the plot, writing style and characters too simplistic. It failed to draw me in. I feel like I was reading the same ya story I’ve read hundreds of times. However, I also think this book is targeted to a much younger audience. High school kids would probably get more out of it than I did. YA books need to be very unique with compelling characters for me to enjoy them these days. Thank you Wednesday for sending me this book.
August 4, 2025
I just found myself underwhelmed and disappointed by this book. Maybe it would have worked for me in the golden age of Twilight-esque books, but unfortunately it didn't work for me now.
None of the characters had any complexity-- they were all incredibly one-note (e.g. only good, secretly good all along, secretly evil all along).
Despite my issues with the book, I was still entertained enough to finish the book. It would work well for middle school/middle grade readers looking to take a step into the young adult genre.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
None of the characters had any complexity-- they were all incredibly one-note (e.g. only good, secretly good all along, secretly evil all along).
Despite my issues with the book, I was still entertained enough to finish the book. It would work well for middle school/middle grade readers looking to take a step into the young adult genre.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2025
Honestly, exceeded expectations and I would've ate this up as a middle school-high school kid.
The story follows a girl named Terra who, as far as she knows, is a normal (albeit, very successful, rule following, a-type) high school kid. A boy turns up and breaks the news that she's a golem created by a warlock. Ever wanted to turn into a puddle from embarrassment? WELL, Terra can!!!! Bet you've never read a book like this before! It's great! Ever had to prove your humanity to people who call you an 'it'?? Well, Terra has to!
The first third of the book is a bit slow, the set-up is a bit long, and the miscommunication trope lasts a bit too long as well. There could've been twenty less pages about how Terra is a normal girl and doesn't know anything. But once the plot has been set up, the story really picks up the pace and I was delighted to see how things went. I couldn't have guessed the endings, but I really enjoyed how everything got tied together for a satisfying conclusion. I really felt for these kids and I wanted the best for them.
Real rating of about 4.25 stars, but giving this a 5 because it really needs the boost.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and all thoughts are my own ❤️
The story follows a girl named Terra who, as far as she knows, is a normal (albeit, very successful, rule following, a-type) high school kid. A boy turns up and breaks the news that she's a golem created by a warlock. Ever wanted to turn into a puddle from embarrassment? WELL, Terra can!!!! Bet you've never read a book like this before! It's great! Ever had to prove your humanity to people who call you an 'it'?? Well, Terra has to!
The first third of the book is a bit slow, the set-up is a bit long, and the miscommunication trope lasts a bit too long as well. There could've been twenty less pages about how Terra is a normal girl and doesn't know anything. But once the plot has been set up, the story really picks up the pace and I was delighted to see how things went. I couldn't have guessed the endings, but I really enjoyed how everything got tied together for a satisfying conclusion. I really felt for these kids and I wanted the best for them.
Real rating of about 4.25 stars, but giving this a 5 because it really needs the boost.
Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and all thoughts are my own ❤️
August 29, 2025
2025 reads: 232/300
i received a digital review copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
terra slater is going into her senior year intending to make it the best one yet. but when the mysterious thorne wilder, a magical bounty hunter, comes to town, he brings with him revelations that shake her up. she learns that she’s a golem, not born but crafted by a warlock from mud and magic. her adoptive parents have no idea about the world of magic, so it seems like thorne is the only one who will be able to help her explore her powers and her creation. terra learns that cyrus quill, the warlock who created her, is on the run, and his death could be her demise. she strikes a deal with thorne and his coven: in exchange for their protection of quill, she’ll prove her worth by mastering her own magic.
honestly, when i started this, i did not have high hopes. i’d read another fantasy book in a contemporary setting with an mc in high school earlier this month, and thought it was just okay, so i thought this was going to be another 3-star read. however, this book quickly turned around and became more exciting to me. i’m not sure i’ve read another book featuring golems (if i have, they were a side character, not the main character), so i enjoyed seeing terra learn where she came from and grow her magical abilities. also, i loved the representation of her being adopted and having such supportive parents! this was so sweet.
i’d recommend this book to YA fantasy readers, and i’ll be on the lookout for more books by jennifer birch.
i received a digital review copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
terra slater is going into her senior year intending to make it the best one yet. but when the mysterious thorne wilder, a magical bounty hunter, comes to town, he brings with him revelations that shake her up. she learns that she’s a golem, not born but crafted by a warlock from mud and magic. her adoptive parents have no idea about the world of magic, so it seems like thorne is the only one who will be able to help her explore her powers and her creation. terra learns that cyrus quill, the warlock who created her, is on the run, and his death could be her demise. she strikes a deal with thorne and his coven: in exchange for their protection of quill, she’ll prove her worth by mastering her own magic.
honestly, when i started this, i did not have high hopes. i’d read another fantasy book in a contemporary setting with an mc in high school earlier this month, and thought it was just okay, so i thought this was going to be another 3-star read. however, this book quickly turned around and became more exciting to me. i’m not sure i’ve read another book featuring golems (if i have, they were a side character, not the main character), so i enjoyed seeing terra learn where she came from and grow her magical abilities. also, i loved the representation of her being adopted and having such supportive parents! this was so sweet.
i’d recommend this book to YA fantasy readers, and i’ll be on the lookout for more books by jennifer birch.
April 4, 2025
I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing a read.
Oh boy. I'm giving this book a tentative 3 stars... it's getting a sequel, and I'm wondering if it warrants one. Because, what the hell was the point of this book?
This entire book the male lead absolutely treats the female lead like trash. I get that he is at war with himself because he has been lead to believe her kind is a lie, that they're evil monsters made by warlocks / witches and they don't have hopes and dreams. But, after getting to know her he falls for her. Yet, he is still rude and brash through it all.
But seriously - what is the point of the golems? Is she going to do battle with someone evil? Is she needed for serving an evil purpose? The villain is some old man who *checks notes* made her and the rest because he wanted to give back to society and give parents unable to have kids have kids. I mean, guess you could see if from a mile a way since there was nothing really evil happening in this town.
But why put so much focus on this clan of witches and warlocks who are out chasing this guy who has been off the radar for years? Isn't there anything else happening? Why write witches and wizards but give them some harmless old guy to throw all their resources behind? Which loops it back to .... the female lead was just living a normal life, just her side power is that she can turn into Alex Mack when she wants.
I give the books props for having a strong, authentic female, but everything else around it is not holding up when you think about it.
Oh boy. I'm giving this book a tentative 3 stars... it's getting a sequel, and I'm wondering if it warrants one. Because, what the hell was the point of this book?
This entire book the male lead absolutely treats the female lead like trash. I get that he is at war with himself because he has been lead to believe her kind is a lie, that they're evil monsters made by warlocks / witches and they don't have hopes and dreams. But, after getting to know her he falls for her. Yet, he is still rude and brash through it all.
But seriously - what is the point of the golems? Is she going to do battle with someone evil? Is she needed for serving an evil purpose? The villain is some old man who *checks notes* made her and the rest because he wanted to give back to society and give parents unable to have kids have kids. I mean, guess you could see if from a mile a way since there was nothing really evil happening in this town.
But why put so much focus on this clan of witches and warlocks who are out chasing this guy who has been off the radar for years? Isn't there anything else happening? Why write witches and wizards but give them some harmless old guy to throw all their resources behind? Which loops it back to .... the female lead was just living a normal life, just her side power is that she can turn into Alex Mack when she wants.
I give the books props for having a strong, authentic female, but everything else around it is not holding up when you think about it.
March 31, 2025
⋆⋆¾ — the magic system was so innovative and unique, but everything else was kind of dull. it's very emblematic of early - mid-2010s ya supernatural romance. a "dark" and "mysterious" guy shows up to the fmc's high school and starts yelling at her, "tell me what you know!!" and she's like, "i have no idea what you're talking about." then it turns out he's from a magical and/or secret society and she's the missing key to solving some prophecy or crime, and she's been hiding her entire life et cetera et cetera. he's a brooding dark antihero (sort of) with a secret soft spot. she's a good girl whose entire being is kindness and light. it's overdone, to say the least.
i didn't like how their relationship formed either—he's very pushy and aggressive when they first meet, and she's always thanking him for the most miniscule things. the scene where she finds out she's a golem, and he's literally walking through her is so creepy and violating to read. and then the first 30% is entirely miscommunication. i can tolerate a little stupidity, but she's been telling him for one-third of the book that she doesn't know what he's looking for!! one-third!! the big reveal that she's a golem takes place at one-third of the book!! the plot doesn't get any better after the reveal, either. i know people have always complained about fantasy characters that randomly become powerful with no training, but this is the other side of that coin, and it's equally aggravating. the rest of the book is her learning to control her powers, her learning to love her golem-y aspects, and her loving her family/community. there is very little action, with the exception of a single explosive confrontation taking place near the end.
also, i want to talk about jett. she's as archetypal as anyone else, but i naturally gravitate towards ambitious, powerful female characters. she was probably my favorite, but then her entire character was ruined with the "she's in love with thorne" thing. she was so interesting, but of course, she had to be reduced down to being a jealous bitch. is it so hard to leave cunty women alone...
anyway, this is three stars for the worldbuilding, one star for everything else.
i received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review.
i didn't like how their relationship formed either—he's very pushy and aggressive when they first meet, and she's always thanking him for the most miniscule things. the scene where she finds out she's a golem, and he's literally walking through her is so creepy and violating to read. and then the first 30% is entirely miscommunication. i can tolerate a little stupidity, but she's been telling him for one-third of the book that she doesn't know what he's looking for!! one-third!! the big reveal that she's a golem takes place at one-third of the book!! the plot doesn't get any better after the reveal, either. i know people have always complained about fantasy characters that randomly become powerful with no training, but this is the other side of that coin, and it's equally aggravating. the rest of the book is her learning to control her powers, her learning to love her golem-y aspects, and her loving her family/community. there is very little action, with the exception of a single explosive confrontation taking place near the end.
also, i want to talk about jett. she's as archetypal as anyone else, but i naturally gravitate towards ambitious, powerful female characters. she was probably my favorite, but then her entire character was ruined with the "she's in love with thorne" thing. she was so interesting, but of course, she had to be reduced down to being a jealous bitch. is it so hard to leave cunty women alone...
anyway, this is three stars for the worldbuilding, one star for everything else.
i received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review.
June 25, 2025
1.5 Stars, rounded up out of sympathy
This book reads like a mid-2000s urban fantasy in the absolute worst way possible. We're doing Not Like Other Girls. We're doing Extra-Special-Super-Talented Anomaly Girl. We're doing Magic Boy Introduces Girl to Magic World. With a cast of characters as dull as the mud they're made out of, this book tackles Jewish folklore without any real panache (or any real indication that it is personal to the author instead of, I don't know, appropriated for the sake of the book). And it just wasn't fun to read. Sorry.
I guess there were some things that I liked here. Some of the bones. If you dig through all of the mud. But I'll be doing that dirty work in my full review at Gateway Reviews, available August 29, 2025. Swing by if you want!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
This book reads like a mid-2000s urban fantasy in the absolute worst way possible. We're doing Not Like Other Girls. We're doing Extra-Special-Super-Talented Anomaly Girl. We're doing Magic Boy Introduces Girl to Magic World. With a cast of characters as dull as the mud they're made out of, this book tackles Jewish folklore without any real panache (or any real indication that it is personal to the author instead of, I don't know, appropriated for the sake of the book). And it just wasn't fun to read. Sorry.
I guess there were some things that I liked here. Some of the bones. If you dig through all of the mud. But I'll be doing that dirty work in my full review at Gateway Reviews, available August 29, 2025. Swing by if you want!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
July 14, 2025
Thank you Wednesday for sending me a book.
dnf p. 41
There's just something about it that is making it hard to enjoy. I don't find myself picking it up or feeling engaged in it.
Could be the characters...but not sure.
The plot didn't quite pull me in either.
dnf p. 41
There's just something about it that is making it hard to enjoy. I don't find myself picking it up or feeling engaged in it.
Could be the characters...but not sure.
The plot didn't quite pull me in either.
August 5, 2025
Woven From Clay explores what it is to truly be human, no matter what you’re made of. Magical and nostalgic, this book feels like fall, and home.
It’s Terra Slater’s senior year, and she’s determined to make it her best one yet. She has her two best friends, a part in the play, a seat on student council, and the perfect senior project. But when a mysterious boy named Thorne blows in with the wind, everything changes.
Thorne tells Terra that she isn’t really human. Mr. Quill, the old farmer that her whole town loves, didn’t arrange for her to be adopted by her parents- Terra is a golem. Mr. Quill is a witch, just like Thorne, and he’s been assigned to hunt the old man down and bring him to justice. But if Mr. Quill is executed, Terra and the other golems will cease to exist. And Terra is determined to prevent that.
When Thorne’s coven gives her a deadline to prove she has magic and is worth saving, Terra must sacrifice everything to save the ones she loves.
Woven From Clay releases on August 12th! Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my review!
It’s Terra Slater’s senior year, and she’s determined to make it her best one yet. She has her two best friends, a part in the play, a seat on student council, and the perfect senior project. But when a mysterious boy named Thorne blows in with the wind, everything changes.
Thorne tells Terra that she isn’t really human. Mr. Quill, the old farmer that her whole town loves, didn’t arrange for her to be adopted by her parents- Terra is a golem. Mr. Quill is a witch, just like Thorne, and he’s been assigned to hunt the old man down and bring him to justice. But if Mr. Quill is executed, Terra and the other golems will cease to exist. And Terra is determined to prevent that.
When Thorne’s coven gives her a deadline to prove she has magic and is worth saving, Terra must sacrifice everything to save the ones she loves.
Woven From Clay releases on August 12th! Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my review!
August 11, 2025
Terra Slater is adopted, and knows nothing of her birth familu, but knows that her adopted parents care for her. She has friends, is busy with school and activities, and then, meets the mysterious and attractive Thorne Wilder, who brings her comfortable life crashing down around her.
He informs her that she, and a number of her friends, are golems, and were crafted by Cyrus Quill, a warlock, who is on the run from witch covens are hunting him and want him to pay with his life for crimes he's committed.
This is horrifying to Terra, as she knows Mr. Quill as warm and caring. Terra bargains with the witches to save Quill's life, knowing that if she fails to master her own magic, his sentence, and all the golems he's made (including her) will die.
So, much as I was looking forward to this, I found it predictable and lacking in complexity. The characters were too simply defined, and much as I liked Terra, I found Thorne, her love interest, kind of irritating.
I both listened and read this novel, and Yael Rizowy does a great job voicing all the characters.
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
He informs her that she, and a number of her friends, are golems, and were crafted by Cyrus Quill, a warlock, who is on the run from witch covens are hunting him and want him to pay with his life for crimes he's committed.
This is horrifying to Terra, as she knows Mr. Quill as warm and caring. Terra bargains with the witches to save Quill's life, knowing that if she fails to master her own magic, his sentence, and all the golems he's made (including her) will die.
So, much as I was looking forward to this, I found it predictable and lacking in complexity. The characters were too simply defined, and much as I liked Terra, I found Thorne, her love interest, kind of irritating.
I both listened and read this novel, and Yael Rizowy does a great job voicing all the characters.
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
December 18, 2024
I went into Woven From Clay not knowing what to expect, and wow—it completely floored me. It’s such a perfect blend of magic, mystery, and self-discovery that I couldn’t put it down. Even now, I’m still thinking about it.
The story centers on Terra Slater, who’s just trying to make it through her senior year like any other high school kid. Then of course! Thorne Wilder shows up and he is broody, secretive, and carrying the kind of news that flips Terra’s entire world upside down. Turns out, she’s not human. She’s a golem, made of clay and magic by a fugitive warlock named Cyrus Quill. Oh, and here’s the kicker: if Quill dies, so does she… along with all the other golems he created. No pressure, right?
what really made this book hit so hard was Terra’s emotional journey. Her struggle with identity, trying to reconcile what she is with who she wants to be, felt so raw and, honestly, painfully relatable. That deep need to belong, to feel like you’re enough, is something I think we all wrestle with at some point. Watching Terra go from feeling lost and unsure to fully embracing her power?
And where do I even begin with Thorne?!?! His dynamic with Terra is everything. Their slow-burn romance is so full of tension and respect and that push-pull energy that keeps you hanging on every interaction. It’s the kind of chemistry you want to root for with your whole heart. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded a few chapters from Thorne’s POV, especially toward the end—just to see things through his eyes—but that’s probably just me being greedy.
The magic in this book is gorgeous. The way Terra manipulates magic, weaving it like threads into something tangible, felt so vivid and alive. And the world-building? It’s spot-on. Birch gives you just enough to immerse you without overwhelming you with info dumps. The concept of golems, magical bounty hunters, and covens feels so fresh and original—it’s like stepping into a world you’ve never seen before, but it still makes sense.
The ending ties things up well but leaves just enough room for a sequel, (Please, please let there be a sequel!!) . I need more of Terra’s story, and Jennifer Birch is now officially on my list of authors to watch.
If you’re into slow-burn romance, unique magic systems, and stories that hit you in the feels, Woven From Clay absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. It’s the kind of book that keeps you reading way past your bedtime, and I already know I’ll be rereading it when it officially releases on August 12, 2025.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Jennifer Birch for letting me read this early. I’m so grateful for the chance to experience this beautiful story.
The story centers on Terra Slater, who’s just trying to make it through her senior year like any other high school kid. Then of course! Thorne Wilder shows up and he is broody, secretive, and carrying the kind of news that flips Terra’s entire world upside down. Turns out, she’s not human. She’s a golem, made of clay and magic by a fugitive warlock named Cyrus Quill. Oh, and here’s the kicker: if Quill dies, so does she… along with all the other golems he created. No pressure, right?
what really made this book hit so hard was Terra’s emotional journey. Her struggle with identity, trying to reconcile what she is with who she wants to be, felt so raw and, honestly, painfully relatable. That deep need to belong, to feel like you’re enough, is something I think we all wrestle with at some point. Watching Terra go from feeling lost and unsure to fully embracing her power?
And where do I even begin with Thorne?!?! His dynamic with Terra is everything. Their slow-burn romance is so full of tension and respect and that push-pull energy that keeps you hanging on every interaction. It’s the kind of chemistry you want to root for with your whole heart. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded a few chapters from Thorne’s POV, especially toward the end—just to see things through his eyes—but that’s probably just me being greedy.
The magic in this book is gorgeous. The way Terra manipulates magic, weaving it like threads into something tangible, felt so vivid and alive. And the world-building? It’s spot-on. Birch gives you just enough to immerse you without overwhelming you with info dumps. The concept of golems, magical bounty hunters, and covens feels so fresh and original—it’s like stepping into a world you’ve never seen before, but it still makes sense.
The ending ties things up well but leaves just enough room for a sequel, (Please, please let there be a sequel!!) . I need more of Terra’s story, and Jennifer Birch is now officially on my list of authors to watch.
If you’re into slow-burn romance, unique magic systems, and stories that hit you in the feels, Woven From Clay absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. It’s the kind of book that keeps you reading way past your bedtime, and I already know I’ll be rereading it when it officially releases on August 12, 2025.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Jennifer Birch for letting me read this early. I’m so grateful for the chance to experience this beautiful story.
July 1, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Woven from Clay is a fun, light read full of teenage drama but with a mystical twist. The premise of this book felt fresh and fun– a teenage girl in her senior year of high school who discovers that she's not as normal as she thinks she is. From the first chapter, I was hooked! The writing and plot very strongly reminded me of a Holly Black book, which was certainly a plus. Although I loved the magic and worldbuilding of this book, I felt that the characters and their relationships with one another fell flat. Most of the characters got on my nerves at some point and none felt like they were well-rounded, instead fitting into exhausted and expectable archetypes.
Woven from Clay is a fun, light read full of teenage drama but with a mystical twist. The premise of this book felt fresh and fun– a teenage girl in her senior year of high school who discovers that she's not as normal as she thinks she is. From the first chapter, I was hooked! The writing and plot very strongly reminded me of a Holly Black book, which was certainly a plus. Although I loved the magic and worldbuilding of this book, I felt that the characters and their relationships with one another fell flat. Most of the characters got on my nerves at some point and none felt like they were well-rounded, instead fitting into exhausted and expectable archetypes.
June 3, 2025
I received a copy through NetGalley and the publisher, thank you for the approval!
This one was pretty solid, it does however read less YA and more like a Teen or Middle Grade book.
Even though the main character was a High School student, there was nothing stronger romantically than teen love professions and kissing.
Terra is a senior, who seems like a pretty great well rounded kid, with a good ethic and is pretty happy with her adopted parents and trying to let her best friend know that despite his feelings she sees him more as a brother and is looking for a way to let him down gently.
She lives in a non descript small town where many of the children were adopted by families who really wanted kids, a community figure Mr. Quill helped facilitate those adoptions
Turns out Mr. Quill is a bit more than the polite, quiet older man the community loves and respects- he’s a warlock who’s wanted for crimes and Terra and her friends who he helped get adopted aren’t really human. They’re actually very well crafted golems, constructed from mud and magic.
But here’s the thing, they don’t function like any golems the witch council has ever seen and Terra may be a golem, but she has her own magic but she’s running out of time to save herself and her friends from being unmade.
While I personally found it a tad more juvenile than my usual reads, it was pretty solid. A good mix of light petty teenage drama, character grown and development, unlearning magical and personal biases, taking ownership of themselves and finding out hidden secrets and than everything is not as it seems.
It’s got a nice resolution and happy ending.
This one was pretty solid, it does however read less YA and more like a Teen or Middle Grade book.
Even though the main character was a High School student, there was nothing stronger romantically than teen love professions and kissing.
Terra is a senior, who seems like a pretty great well rounded kid, with a good ethic and is pretty happy with her adopted parents and trying to let her best friend know that despite his feelings she sees him more as a brother and is looking for a way to let him down gently.
She lives in a non descript small town where many of the children were adopted by families who really wanted kids, a community figure Mr. Quill helped facilitate those adoptions
Turns out Mr. Quill is a bit more than the polite, quiet older man the community loves and respects- he’s a warlock who’s wanted for crimes and Terra and her friends who he helped get adopted aren’t really human. They’re actually very well crafted golems, constructed from mud and magic.
But here’s the thing, they don’t function like any golems the witch council has ever seen and Terra may be a golem, but she has her own magic but she’s running out of time to save herself and her friends from being unmade.
While I personally found it a tad more juvenile than my usual reads, it was pretty solid. A good mix of light petty teenage drama, character grown and development, unlearning magical and personal biases, taking ownership of themselves and finding out hidden secrets and than everything is not as it seems.
It’s got a nice resolution and happy ending.
August 5, 2025
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for gifted access to this audiobook. All opinions below are my own.
Terra is ready to enjoy every second of her senior year of high school, that is until a mysterious boy, Thorne, arrives who seems to have a vendetta against her. As they challenge one another Terra learns the terrible truth that her adoption isn't what she thought it was and she's actually a magical golem connected to her maker. A man who has crossed a coven of witches who are out to destory him and all his creations. As Terra reels from the revelation she is desparate to prove she and her mud siblings are real people who deserve to live. And of course, flirty butterflies and all that nonsense.
This is YA like I prefer, the magic system was simple, the teens were only slightly whiny and the danger was cut and dry without too many magical loopholes. It was an easy listen with a fairy tale feel. I love when the magical creatures are unique and while you know it will all turn out in the end, the path to get there is unusual and in this case full of heart.
Terra is ready to enjoy every second of her senior year of high school, that is until a mysterious boy, Thorne, arrives who seems to have a vendetta against her. As they challenge one another Terra learns the terrible truth that her adoption isn't what she thought it was and she's actually a magical golem connected to her maker. A man who has crossed a coven of witches who are out to destory him and all his creations. As Terra reels from the revelation she is desparate to prove she and her mud siblings are real people who deserve to live. And of course, flirty butterflies and all that nonsense.
This is YA like I prefer, the magic system was simple, the teens were only slightly whiny and the danger was cut and dry without too many magical loopholes. It was an easy listen with a fairy tale feel. I love when the magical creatures are unique and while you know it will all turn out in the end, the path to get there is unusual and in this case full of heart.
January 29, 2025
Woven From Clay is a fantasy book for young adult readers, written by Jennifer Birch. It revolves around the story of Terra Slater, the adopted daughter of a family that lives in North Heights. She lives the normal life of a senior in high school, hanging out with friends and enjoying the last year of school, until a mysteriously handsome boy starts his first day at school. Thorne Wilder thrusts Terra into a world of magic she had never known before. Only, she is the answer to finding the one thing Thorne needs, and it might just kill her.
I came into this book not sure how I would feel about it. It started off kind of slow and seemed to be targeting younger teens, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It just had a simplicity about it. After about the eighth chapter, though, was when things started to take off and the stakes of what Terra had to do came into focus. The conflict gave Terra a purpose. Her normal life had purpose, but it was mundane. Now it was on a larger scale. In her normal life, she cared about the people of her town, helping them with projects or babysitting for different families. By the middle of the book, she was guarding their lives. Even when they didn’t know it, Terra was motivated to love them. So often, we are never seen doing the things for the people that we love most. Just like in the book, the strings that connect every Golem to each other hold them together. In our lives, our love connects each one of us to the people we care about.
The book started slowly, as I mentioned, but it soon picked up, and I was completely devoted to how the story would turn out. I was not disappointed. The ending left room for a sequel that I would more than happily read, and it left me satisfied. The prose was perfect for younger readers and didn’t use words that I did not understand, yet the words still held emotion.
I didn’t like one thing about the book. The magic system didn’t have any real consequences besides fatigue. Which, in itself, isn’t bad, but the powers that they had weren't equal to the cost of those powers. Besides a few Honey Buns or sodas that they used to replenish their energy.
Overall, I would highly rate this book a 4.2 out of 5. It did leave me wanting at the beginning but soon delivered with a great story that left me thinking about it for a while after.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book in advance!
I came into this book not sure how I would feel about it. It started off kind of slow and seemed to be targeting younger teens, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It just had a simplicity about it. After about the eighth chapter, though, was when things started to take off and the stakes of what Terra had to do came into focus. The conflict gave Terra a purpose. Her normal life had purpose, but it was mundane. Now it was on a larger scale. In her normal life, she cared about the people of her town, helping them with projects or babysitting for different families. By the middle of the book, she was guarding their lives. Even when they didn’t know it, Terra was motivated to love them. So often, we are never seen doing the things for the people that we love most. Just like in the book, the strings that connect every Golem to each other hold them together. In our lives, our love connects each one of us to the people we care about.
The book started slowly, as I mentioned, but it soon picked up, and I was completely devoted to how the story would turn out. I was not disappointed. The ending left room for a sequel that I would more than happily read, and it left me satisfied. The prose was perfect for younger readers and didn’t use words that I did not understand, yet the words still held emotion.
I didn’t like one thing about the book. The magic system didn’t have any real consequences besides fatigue. Which, in itself, isn’t bad, but the powers that they had weren't equal to the cost of those powers. Besides a few Honey Buns or sodas that they used to replenish their energy.
Overall, I would highly rate this book a 4.2 out of 5. It did leave me wanting at the beginning but soon delivered with a great story that left me thinking about it for a while after.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book in advance!
February 23, 2025
ARC courtesy of Wednesday Books and NetGalley
"I don’t have to accept his inevitabilities. I can create my own."
Woven from Clay is a YA romantasy and is written to appeal to its target audience. Within the first few chapters Terra learns magic is real, there's a new bad boy in her classes, and he was sent to kill her. What sets Woven from Clay apart from the abundance of YA romantasy novels available these days is Birch's characterization of Terra. Yes, Terra is a high school senior in a small town, interested in the first guy who walks by that she hasn't known since kindergarten. However, Terra is also an adopted, anxious, perfectionist who is the captain of the debate team, top of her class, and pride of her school. Birch's examination of both Terra and Thorne as complex characters grounds the entirety of Woven from Clay.
First and foremost, Woven from Clay is fun. The back cover doesn't give Thorne enough justice - in the magical world, golems have no more rights than a trash can and are considered inanimate objects. Once Thorne realizes how horrifically wrong that assumption is (very early in the novel), the stage is set for Terra and Thorne to work together to prepare Terra for the coven's trials. There's a half-hearted mention of a love triangle, but this book is Terra and Thorne figuring out how to prove the entire magical world wrong. There's tension. There's silly games. There's a training montage. Terra unlocks abilities about herself that she never knew she had and continues to grow and hold as her own person. The secondary characters are fairly two dimensional, and don't get a lot of screen time, but that's okay because Birch makes sure that Terra is the star of the show.
I really appreciated watching Terra grow into herself over the course of Woven from Clay. Birch takes a moment to recognize that Terra has residual trauma from adoption and how that manifests into her being the competent person she is. The examination of the perfectionist and high-achiever tendencies, as well as how they were harming Terra, took an in-depth look at the "It Girl" in high school that I haven't seen in a while. Seeing Terra acknowledge her faults, but also work and grow into the self-confidence she needs to face and fight her own battles made me want to highlight so many quotes from the book. Terra takes her own destiny into her hands in Woven from Clay, and it's not the super powers that matter, but Terra herself.
"I don’t have to accept his inevitabilities. I can create my own."
Woven from Clay is a YA romantasy and is written to appeal to its target audience. Within the first few chapters Terra learns magic is real, there's a new bad boy in her classes, and he was sent to kill her. What sets Woven from Clay apart from the abundance of YA romantasy novels available these days is Birch's characterization of Terra. Yes, Terra is a high school senior in a small town, interested in the first guy who walks by that she hasn't known since kindergarten. However, Terra is also an adopted, anxious, perfectionist who is the captain of the debate team, top of her class, and pride of her school. Birch's examination of both Terra and Thorne as complex characters grounds the entirety of Woven from Clay.
First and foremost, Woven from Clay is fun. The back cover doesn't give Thorne enough justice - in the magical world, golems have no more rights than a trash can and are considered inanimate objects. Once Thorne realizes how horrifically wrong that assumption is (very early in the novel), the stage is set for Terra and Thorne to work together to prepare Terra for the coven's trials. There's a half-hearted mention of a love triangle, but this book is Terra and Thorne figuring out how to prove the entire magical world wrong. There's tension. There's silly games. There's a training montage. Terra unlocks abilities about herself that she never knew she had and continues to grow and hold as her own person. The secondary characters are fairly two dimensional, and don't get a lot of screen time, but that's okay because Birch makes sure that Terra is the star of the show.
I really appreciated watching Terra grow into herself over the course of Woven from Clay. Birch takes a moment to recognize that Terra has residual trauma from adoption and how that manifests into her being the competent person she is. The examination of the perfectionist and high-achiever tendencies, as well as how they were harming Terra, took an in-depth look at the "It Girl" in high school that I haven't seen in a while. Seeing Terra acknowledge her faults, but also work and grow into the self-confidence she needs to face and fight her own battles made me want to highlight so many quotes from the book. Terra takes her own destiny into her hands in Woven from Clay, and it's not the super powers that matter, but Terra herself.
February 20, 2025
I usually don’t pick up YA books but this one was a real nice fresh of breath air! I love how it can be a stand alone or open to exploring more of the world.
The world building wasn’t crazy and was easy to follow. There is romance but very YA which made it nice to read.
The character development is written beautifully.
The tension was there for the romance aspect which I love! A real slow burn but done in a great way.
The world building wasn’t crazy and was easy to follow. There is romance but very YA which made it nice to read.
The character development is written beautifully.
The tension was there for the romance aspect which I love! A real slow burn but done in a great way.
September 3, 2025
Book Review 📖🍂✨
Thank you partner @wednesdaybooks for the gifted copy!
Woven From Clay
by Jenny Birch
About the book 👇🏽
Terra Slater might not know anything about her birth family or where she comes from, but that’s never stopped her, and she fully intends her senior year to be her best yet. Until the dark and mysterious Thorne Wilder—a magical bounty hunter—moves to town, bringing revelations that wreck all of her plans.
When Terra learns she is a golem, not born but crafted from mud and magic by a warlock, her world is upended. Worse, Cyrus Quill, the warlock who made her, is a fugitive, on the run from the witches who want to hold him accountable for his past crimes. But Quill’s sentence is death, which would unravel the threads of magic that hold Terra—and all of the other golems that he crafted—together.
Desperate to save herself and her friends, Terra strikes a deal with Thorne and his coven to preserve the warlock’s life and his magic. If she can prove her worth to the coven by mastering the magic within her, the golems will survive. If she can’t, they’ll perish along with Cyrus.
✨ My thoughts:
I went into this book blind and I am so happy I did! The magic system was unlike any I’ve ever read about which was a huge highlight for me. Another was that I can’t remember a book I’ve read that had golems in it or at least it wasn’t prominently in the story, making this even more unique. Terra’s journey of finding her place, herself, and connections to others is a feeling that so many can relate to no matter their age and having supportive parents and family makes for a better experience. With a slower set up, it really lays the foundation for the story to unravel and pick up when it’s most important. This story kept me turning pages and overall satisfied with its ending I didn’t see coming. If you enjoy magical stories with uncommon magic systems, emotional journeys, and unpredictable endings, you really need to give Woven from Clay a read!
Happy reading 📖 ✨🍂
Thank you partner @wednesdaybooks for the gifted copy!
Woven From Clay
by Jenny Birch
About the book 👇🏽
Terra Slater might not know anything about her birth family or where she comes from, but that’s never stopped her, and she fully intends her senior year to be her best yet. Until the dark and mysterious Thorne Wilder—a magical bounty hunter—moves to town, bringing revelations that wreck all of her plans.
When Terra learns she is a golem, not born but crafted from mud and magic by a warlock, her world is upended. Worse, Cyrus Quill, the warlock who made her, is a fugitive, on the run from the witches who want to hold him accountable for his past crimes. But Quill’s sentence is death, which would unravel the threads of magic that hold Terra—and all of the other golems that he crafted—together.
Desperate to save herself and her friends, Terra strikes a deal with Thorne and his coven to preserve the warlock’s life and his magic. If she can prove her worth to the coven by mastering the magic within her, the golems will survive. If she can’t, they’ll perish along with Cyrus.
✨ My thoughts:
I went into this book blind and I am so happy I did! The magic system was unlike any I’ve ever read about which was a huge highlight for me. Another was that I can’t remember a book I’ve read that had golems in it or at least it wasn’t prominently in the story, making this even more unique. Terra’s journey of finding her place, herself, and connections to others is a feeling that so many can relate to no matter their age and having supportive parents and family makes for a better experience. With a slower set up, it really lays the foundation for the story to unravel and pick up when it’s most important. This story kept me turning pages and overall satisfied with its ending I didn’t see coming. If you enjoy magical stories with uncommon magic systems, emotional journeys, and unpredictable endings, you really need to give Woven from Clay a read!
Happy reading 📖 ✨🍂
August 21, 2025
Curious about the concept of a girl in the modern day being a golem and having to fight for her life (literally), I picked up Woven From Clay on the premise alone. After a slow start, this standalone story surprised me in a good way with the themes, characters, and world.
The first few chapters of the book was rather slow and I struggled to engage, mostly as it fell into the “oblivious teen with powers has to be told what magical things are happening” cliche that a lot of teen contemporary fantasy stories tend to start with. While it does establish Terra’s normal as she’s going through senior year, it felt like it took a while for the story to actually get started. After Terra’s true nature is revealed, the pacing picked up with lots of tension and we’re not stuck on a single plot point before there’s a change, with a powerful climax and satisfying ending.
Terra was a great protagonist. It’s clear that she cares for others around her and after being told the truth about her origins, she’s being an even more caring and kind person. She’s very much a rule follower, perfectionist, and has her life routed out, so Thorne crashing into her life isn’t the first thing she’s looking forward to. Her character growth was great as she has to earn her life through some of the most grueling things she’s been subjected to, many of them involving magic. Her emotions were deep and visceral throughout, and one of my favorite things about the story.
I was not a fan of Thorne at first, but as he softened up and his backstory is revealed, I grew to like him and emphasize with his plight. The rest of the town’s cast was interesting and played their role well enough, especially considering Terra’s not the only golem. The witch’s coven was an interesting bunch, and while only a couple of witches were given characterization, it was clearing doing its job, as most of them believe that golems like Terra are nothing more than evil weapons. By the end, there’s a couple of witches so vile that I clearly couldn’t stand at all (for good reasons).
The romance didn’t feel too heavy, and was mostly in the backseat, but it was fitting in the progression. Though part of me sorta hoped for another outcome, but it was fine with me. There is teen drama, but most of it felt appropriate, along with some magical conflict that’s added into the conflict.
While this takes place in present day Rhode Island, there’s an underlying of magic, and the magical world itself has depth with how witch society works. The magic system, while based in some familiarity, had it’s own unique quirks that made it fresh, mostly in how golems are created. Also, there’s a sequence in Chapter 23 that felt like an episode of The Secret World of Alex Mack, and that was a good thing.
The themes were done well, as it discusses what the value of a life, sins from past generations, redemption, among others. The prose is easy to read, especially for a young teen audience, and grounded me quickly into this modern day setting.
The narrator, Yael Rizowy, was excellent with her youthful energy in the narration and vocal range for the other characters. A great choice for this book.
This was a fun contemporary fantasy story and I especially recommend it for younger teens (though there is some profanity). I would like to see more books from this world as well, and I want more books from Jenny Birch!
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio. All opinions are my own.*
The first few chapters of the book was rather slow and I struggled to engage, mostly as it fell into the “oblivious teen with powers has to be told what magical things are happening” cliche that a lot of teen contemporary fantasy stories tend to start with. While it does establish Terra’s normal as she’s going through senior year, it felt like it took a while for the story to actually get started. After Terra’s true nature is revealed, the pacing picked up with lots of tension and we’re not stuck on a single plot point before there’s a change, with a powerful climax and satisfying ending.
Terra was a great protagonist. It’s clear that she cares for others around her and after being told the truth about her origins, she’s being an even more caring and kind person. She’s very much a rule follower, perfectionist, and has her life routed out, so Thorne crashing into her life isn’t the first thing she’s looking forward to. Her character growth was great as she has to earn her life through some of the most grueling things she’s been subjected to, many of them involving magic. Her emotions were deep and visceral throughout, and one of my favorite things about the story.
I was not a fan of Thorne at first, but as he softened up and his backstory is revealed, I grew to like him and emphasize with his plight. The rest of the town’s cast was interesting and played their role well enough, especially considering Terra’s not the only golem. The witch’s coven was an interesting bunch, and while only a couple of witches were given characterization, it was clearing doing its job, as most of them believe that golems like Terra are nothing more than evil weapons. By the end, there’s a couple of witches so vile that I clearly couldn’t stand at all (for good reasons).
The romance didn’t feel too heavy, and was mostly in the backseat, but it was fitting in the progression. Though part of me sorta hoped for another outcome, but it was fine with me. There is teen drama, but most of it felt appropriate, along with some magical conflict that’s added into the conflict.
While this takes place in present day Rhode Island, there’s an underlying of magic, and the magical world itself has depth with how witch society works. The magic system, while based in some familiarity, had it’s own unique quirks that made it fresh, mostly in how golems are created. Also, there’s a sequence in Chapter 23 that felt like an episode of The Secret World of Alex Mack, and that was a good thing.
The themes were done well, as it discusses what the value of a life, sins from past generations, redemption, among others. The prose is easy to read, especially for a young teen audience, and grounded me quickly into this modern day setting.
The narrator, Yael Rizowy, was excellent with her youthful energy in the narration and vocal range for the other characters. A great choice for this book.
This was a fun contemporary fantasy story and I especially recommend it for younger teens (though there is some profanity). I would like to see more books from this world as well, and I want more books from Jenny Birch!
*I received an ARC from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio. All opinions are my own.*
June 9, 2025
I was so excited to read this book. I love a story about witches and it was a fun twist to see the main character was actually not the witch in question.
The story was just ok. The premise laid out in the synopsis really wasn’t the focus for most of the book which was confusing but overall, it was an ok story.
I had some issues with the writing as well as the naming conventions. All of the golems were names after very obvious “earth” references and it felt silly.
Similarly, the writing itself was clunky. It needs more editing or a good read out loud to really hear how the dialogue in particular could use some tweaks.
Lastly, I know it’s fiction, but the logistics of the world didn’t really hold. The golems clearly age but what are they supposed to do after the story ends? Most of them don’t know what they are. Can they also harness magic?
The story seems to ask the question if the golems are “human” but kind of fails to answer it with actual logistics. Terra and friends are definitely human in the sense that they have feelings, hopes, dreams, etc. but the problem I had is that they are only human when it’s convenient for the writing.
As I mentioned above, I liked this but I think the story and writing need work. It’s a cool concept but the execution was not there for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story was just ok. The premise laid out in the synopsis really wasn’t the focus for most of the book which was confusing but overall, it was an ok story.
I had some issues with the writing as well as the naming conventions. All of the golems were names after very obvious “earth” references and it felt silly.
Similarly, the writing itself was clunky. It needs more editing or a good read out loud to really hear how the dialogue in particular could use some tweaks.
Lastly, I know it’s fiction, but the logistics of the world didn’t really hold. The golems clearly age but what are they supposed to do after the story ends? Most of them don’t know what they are. Can they also harness magic?
The story seems to ask the question if the golems are “human” but kind of fails to answer it with actual logistics. Terra and friends are definitely human in the sense that they have feelings, hopes, dreams, etc. but the problem I had is that they are only human when it’s convenient for the writing.
As I mentioned above, I liked this but I think the story and writing need work. It’s a cool concept but the execution was not there for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 9, 2025
High school senior Terra’s life gets turned upside down when a mysterious boy moves to town and reveals that she is a golem. Throne, an apprentice witch, has been sent on a mission by his coven to find the warlock who created the golems so he can be executed for his crimes. Now Terra must team up with Thorne to save the warlock, herself, and the rest of the town golems.
This book felt like the early 2010s YA fantasies that we all know and love, with many of the classic tropes, but still felt interesting and unique in its own ways. The magic systems in this book were truly special and like nothing I’ve ever read before. I think Terra’s character was well written and her motivations and actions made sense for her age and backstory. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Throne at the start but his development throughout the story was done very well and I like the place he ended up. I really enjoyed that the romance plot line was a pretty minor part of the story and was appropriate for a YA book, with that being said, if you need a good amount of romance in your fantasies, this may not be the book for you. I did find that the first third of the book dragged a little bit, but the pacing for the rest of the book was good, and there were enough little twists and reveals to keep the reader gripped. The conclusion of the story was satisfying but left openings for possible sequels.
Overall I think this was a well written and unique story and I would recommend it primarily to teenage readers who enjoy urban fantasies.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Wednesday books, and NetGalley for providing me with an early listeners copy of this book.
This book felt like the early 2010s YA fantasies that we all know and love, with many of the classic tropes, but still felt interesting and unique in its own ways. The magic systems in this book were truly special and like nothing I’ve ever read before. I think Terra’s character was well written and her motivations and actions made sense for her age and backstory. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Throne at the start but his development throughout the story was done very well and I like the place he ended up. I really enjoyed that the romance plot line was a pretty minor part of the story and was appropriate for a YA book, with that being said, if you need a good amount of romance in your fantasies, this may not be the book for you. I did find that the first third of the book dragged a little bit, but the pacing for the rest of the book was good, and there were enough little twists and reveals to keep the reader gripped. The conclusion of the story was satisfying but left openings for possible sequels.
Overall I think this was a well written and unique story and I would recommend it primarily to teenage readers who enjoy urban fantasies.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Wednesday books, and NetGalley for providing me with an early listeners copy of this book.
August 14, 2025
Woven From Clay is an incredible debut from Jenny Birch. I couldn’t put it down! Terra is adopted, but this has never bothered her before Thorne came to town. When the mysterious Thorne reveals secrets about her world, Terra finally understands the strange things that have been happening to her. Terra is a golem, but Thorne is tasked to hunt down her maker. As Terra learns about her new magic, she must prove to Thorne that she’s more than she was created to be.
Woven From Clay is one of the first stories I’ve read that has a character POV who is a golem and I really enjoyed it. The sensations of what the magic felt like were so well-described! This was such an interesting and creative magic system. Terra is a lovable character who is determined to show the magical world that she deserves to exist regardless of how she came to be. Thorne and Terra have a slow-burn romance, which was very cute. I enjoyed how Terra’s connections with her friends and family were shown and made it clear that her magic is based in love and connection. Readers who love unique magic, contemporary fantasy, and excellent YA will enjoy Woven From Clay.
Thank you to Jenny Birch, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Woven From Clay is one of the first stories I’ve read that has a character POV who is a golem and I really enjoyed it. The sensations of what the magic felt like were so well-described! This was such an interesting and creative magic system. Terra is a lovable character who is determined to show the magical world that she deserves to exist regardless of how she came to be. Thorne and Terra have a slow-burn romance, which was very cute. I enjoyed how Terra’s connections with her friends and family were shown and made it clear that her magic is based in love and connection. Readers who love unique magic, contemporary fantasy, and excellent YA will enjoy Woven From Clay.
Thank you to Jenny Birch, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2025
Woven from Clay brought me back to my pre-teen years when I devoured every possible young adult paranormal romance book. New, mysterious boy in town? Check. A main character who learns secrets about her identity? Check.
This story follows Terra, a perfectly normal girl–or so she thought. After a new guy, Thorne comes to town, she soon finds out she is a golem which means she was crafted from mud and magic by a warlock. Only the warlock who crafted her is a fugitive on the run. If the witches catch him, they will sentence him to death… and his golems because they are tied to his magic. Terra must prove to Thorne and his coven that she can master the magic within her or else her life, and the other golems, is forfeit.
Woven from Clay was a fun, entertaining read. I’m not rating it higher because I didn’t feel fully invested in the story. The characters didn’t grip me as much as I’d like. If you’re interested in a lighthearted book reminiscent of the older YA paranormal books, check this book out.
This story follows Terra, a perfectly normal girl–or so she thought. After a new guy, Thorne comes to town, she soon finds out she is a golem which means she was crafted from mud and magic by a warlock. Only the warlock who crafted her is a fugitive on the run. If the witches catch him, they will sentence him to death… and his golems because they are tied to his magic. Terra must prove to Thorne and his coven that she can master the magic within her or else her life, and the other golems, is forfeit.
Woven from Clay was a fun, entertaining read. I’m not rating it higher because I didn’t feel fully invested in the story. The characters didn’t grip me as much as I’d like. If you’re interested in a lighthearted book reminiscent of the older YA paranormal books, check this book out.
solid-dnf
July 8, 2025Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I'm DNFing at 55% in. I really tried. I didn't want to have to DNF another book, but this is just too reminiscent of early 2000s YA urban fantasy/paranormal romance with barely a plot, I'm not like the other girls (literally and figuratively), and chasing after the boy that is standoffish/mean. The premise of this book sounded very interesting as you do not see many books today talk about golemns, unfortunately the execution is just lacking in anything entertaining. The characters are quite dull with no personality. There also didn't seem to be any major purpose for her powers. Maybe it is explained more later on, but at this point, I just can't care. Give it a try as you may like it if you're interested, but it's a no for me.
I'm DNFing at 55% in. I really tried. I didn't want to have to DNF another book, but this is just too reminiscent of early 2000s YA urban fantasy/paranormal romance with barely a plot, I'm not like the other girls (literally and figuratively), and chasing after the boy that is standoffish/mean. The premise of this book sounded very interesting as you do not see many books today talk about golemns, unfortunately the execution is just lacking in anything entertaining. The characters are quite dull with no personality. There also didn't seem to be any major purpose for her powers. Maybe it is explained more later on, but at this point, I just can't care. Give it a try as you may like it if you're interested, but it's a no for me.
August 12, 2025
This is a good YA book for Twilight fans who miss the series but also want something different. Small town, and instead of a vampire's focus, we have golems. Can you imagine the main character is a female teen who has no idea why there's mud everywhere? She has power, it's awakening, and the arrival of an inconvenient, arrogant boy will set all in motion, because he... is a hunter. Well written, good pacing, interesting characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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