Woven From Clay
A Novel
by Jennifer Birch
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Pub Date Aug 12 2025 | Archive Date Aug 26 2025
St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books
Description
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.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781250365460 |
PRICE | $20.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 320 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Woven From Clay is an exhilarating blend of magic and self-discovery that had me hooked from the start! Terra’s journey from a confused girl to a powerful golem mastering her magic is beautifully layered, and her determination to forge her own path is incredibly inspiring. The chemistry between her and Thorne is electric, filled with tension and vulnerability that made my heart race. Their alliance evolves in such a compelling way, and every moment they spent together added depth to both their characters. The world-building is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the magical tapestry that holds everything together. I was captivated by the themes of identity, belonging, and love, making this story resonate deeply. I couldn't help but cheer for Terra as she fought not just for her life, but for her friends and her newfound family. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mix of magic and heartfelt growth.
This book was so satisfying and was jam packed with amazing visuals. It's both fascinating and enjoyable, but also thought provoking. .The whole magic concept was crafted thoughtfully and the ending was so good. I would love to read more by this author!
A special thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books Marketing for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books Marketing for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Woven From Clay by Jennifer Birch was a fun, quick, and easy read. The story flowed smoothly, making it easy to get lost in the characters and their journey. It didn’t take long to get through, but it still offered plenty of depth and enjoyment. Perfect for anyone looking for a light, engaging book that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down.
What a fascinating twist on the Golem myth. Jennifer Birch truly outdid herself with the world building. She excelled at melding YA sensibilities with this wonderful tale. Overwhelmingly enjoyed.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.
I was over the moon to find this surprise in my inbox the other morning. 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. ✨🖤
This book was a treat, and I cannot wait for you all to dive into it as well. I loved this unusual and imaginative concept for a book. Almost every mythological creature has been covered in books, but I've never encountered a golem. Although I enjoyed the world-building and character development, I had difficulty connecting with the romance.
My sincere thanks go out to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and the author for letting me review this book.
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.
Woven From Clay is a fantastic story about a golem and a witch. I absolutely loved it. It is such a unique story that had me captivated from the start. The relationship between Terra and Thorne is fantastic with tension, mystery, and gradually... love. I went into this knowing nothing of the story and it was such a pleasant surprise. The magic system is awesome and the golem's magic is so cool. Man, I just loved this so much. I hope the author will write more about Terra and Thorne's journey, there is so much more to tell. I highly recommend this one.
Romantasy at it's best - Earth magic, witches, new love, the strength of friendship and found family all weave a tapestry around what is life, and the power of truth and lies. Good versus evil takes on new form as beliefs are challenged, torn apart, and built anew, stronger than before. Inspiring and magical, a real treat!