I absolutely love and adore Terra Slater. And Thorne was the perfect counterpart to her adventure. Golems. What a new experience in the mythical/fantasy realm of literature. The plot and story were so well written and the ending felt complete but also gave chance that if there was more Jenny wanted to write she could expand on the story which I truly appreciated.

Terra is a senior in high school who is a rule follower and had her whole life plotted out. That was, until she ran into Thorne, literally, and then her whole world and what she thought was to be true was so far from reality. I loved themes of balancing between good and evil. The foundation of how the golems were created. I was partial to Mr. Quill and I found myself embracing the strength Terra found in each of her trials and faces of adversity. I really enjoyed this story and I’m grateful to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for granting me this ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for the eGalley of Woven from Clay. I crossed my fingers and toes to receive this ARC!
I love a fantasy that brings something new to the table and an author that knows how to focus on character growth. Woven from Clay did both for me. While the book was a little slow paced for me at times, this would 100% be a book I put into one of my high school students hands. The characters are likeable, it is about friendships and growth, and the magical world is not difficult to follow.

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.

Jennifer Birch has crafted something truly special in Woven From Clay. The story centers around Terra Slater, a high school senior who knows she was adopted by loving parents, just like many others in her town. However, she knows nothing about her birth parents. As her senior year begins, Terra's life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of a new student, Thorne Wilder.

The twist is that Terra is a golem created by a warlock named Cyrus Quill. Quill, wanted for his magical crimes, is in hiding, and Terra's life is intricately tied to his fate. Terra embarks on a quest to uncover the truths about her origins and the secrets those around her are desperate to keep hidden. With unexpected help from Thorne, who comes to see her humanity over time, Terra learns to harness her magic and prove her worth to the witches.

The story does a phenomenal job of exploring identity, self-worth, and purpose. The magic system is unique and intricately developed, adding depth to the world-building. I absolutely loved the character development and the journey of self-discovery that Terra undergoes. Birch's writing is impressive, and the overall story is engaging and filled with suspense, magic, and secrets.

I was easily engrossed in the story and found the ending to be satisfying. I appreciated how Terra realized her inherent power and that she was crafted for good. The way she grows, discovers her identity, and impacts those around her was beautifully portrayed. If you're a fan of YA fantasy, Woven From Clay is a must-read. The adventure, character growth, and unique magic system will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Why Woven From Clay by Jennifer Birch should be on your TBR!

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What happens when you mix a love triangle, warlock magic, and a kind-hearted protagonist? Woven From Clay by Jennifer Birch is an imaginative YA Fantasy book.

Terra is excited to finish her last year of high school in her small town when a mysterious stranger upends her world by revealing who/what she is—a golem made from dirt and magic. After discovering that she and others from her town are magically tied to a doomed warlock, Terra desperately tries to save the fate of herself and her friends.

I loved this coming-of-age YA Fantasy; the characters were relatable and dynamic as they embarked on their journey through the magical world. Birch writes an engaging book that will relate to magic lovers. I liked that this novel focused mainly on the mystical elements. There is also a subplot, such as a love triangle, that adds to the relatability of the book. I loved the author’s focus on atonement, forgiveness, and what it means to be family.

While I understand that we are learning about magic with the main character, I wish the book explored a little more on the magical aspects of the world. The climax was action-packed, bittersweet, and heartbreaking.

This bittersweet book speaks to the human experience of discovering who you are and what it means to be a family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.

Senior year ends up quite different than Terra Slater expects when a mysterious, magical boy shows up in town. He turns her world upside down, revealing to her that there is more to her than she knows. She’s a golem, made by a warlock on the run. Hoping to save herself and the other golems she discovers, Terra makes a bargain. She will have to train in magic and find her maker if she has any hopes of surviving.

This was an interesting book! I loved the concept and seeing golems in a contemporary setting as more than just emotionless, clay beings. I found it hard to put down, finishing it in less than a day.

I really enjoyed the magic and how Terra learned to embrace the clay part of her. Like any teenager, she doubted herself many times, but despite it, she came out stronger each time. Thorne was quite the character too, evolving in his own way, discovering his own history.

If you like magic and contemporary fantasy that’s refreshing and different, definitely try this book on for size.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for the chance to read this compelling arc!

I enjoyed the concept of the book since it’s not a typical fantasy story with fairies or dragons. Unfortunately the writing style is so young even though the characters are seniors in high school (which you’re reminded about often). This book is definitely meant for young readers (14 max). I wish the writing was more mature to match the age of the characters and give the story some more depth.

Woven From Clay
Jennifer Birch
3.5 stars rounded up to 4

This story follows Terra, a high school senior as she navigates being a teen and a Golem. Can she prove she can control her magic?

This is well written and I love that it has Golems in it. It is written for the younger side of the YA spectrum.

Terra Slater has always known that she was adopted. This fact, however, does not make her unique in her hometown. Many children in her town were adopted and a grandfatherly lawyer, Cyrus Quill, was the one who brought these children together with their adoptive parents. Just before the first day of school, Terra has an unpleasant, and confusing, encounter with a boy who she then has to take around the school in her role as student ambassador. What Terra soon learns is that this new student, Thorne Wilder, is not just another teen. He's a magical bounty hunter who is looking for Cyrus Quill because he has been sentenced to death for creating golems. Terra learns that she is a golem and the only way to save Mr. Quill, and all of the golems children he created, Terra must prove to the magical court that she is worthy of life and can control her own magic. Terra soon learns that magic and love are the most important tools anyone can possess.

Jennifer Birch weaves an enchanting tale of magic, identity, and resilience in Woven From Clay. Terra’s journey from an ordinary high school senior to a girl grappling with the shocking revelation of her golem origins is both thrilling and deeply emotional. The stakes are high as she fights to save herself and her fellow golems, all while navigating the complex world of witches and magic. Thorne’s brooding presence and their growing bond add layers of tension and warmth, making their alliance a compelling centerpiece. With vivid world-building and a protagonist who learns to embrace both her magic and humanity, Woven From Clay is a heartfelt and captivating read that lingers long after the final page.

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!

I really enjoyed this book!! The world building is unique. The romance is gradual and grounded in the best way. This is a phenomenal ya book that I am sure my daughter will love after its publication.

This book features:
🤎 Opposites attract
🤎 Golems in the modern world
🤎 Hidden magical society
🤎 Community of adoptive families
🤎 Magic as threads
🤎 All the mud all the time
🤎 Sweet no spice romance
🤎 Refreshing take on an underused mythology

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.

Title: Woven From Clay by Jennifer Birch
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pub Date: August 12, 2025

✨️ Coming of Age
✨️ Golems & Witches
✨️ High-School Drama
✨️ Enemies to "Lovers"

Woven from Clay is a super cute YA fantasy that’ll tug at your heartstrings. Terra, our golem heroine, has to deal with the usual high school drama *and* the fact that she’s a freaking golem!

The slow-burn romance between her and Thorne is adorable, and the author does a great job of exploring themes of identity and self acceptance. If you love a good enemies-to-lovers trope, underdog heroine and a bit of magic, this book is for you!

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the digital review copy!

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.

This is clearly for a younger audience — the writing was great, filled with lots of mystery and there’s tension throughout the story. I enjoyed this one quite a bit!

Woven From Clay is the story of a teenage girl who thought she was like everyone else, but finds out that she is a golem, made from mud and bone. In a town that has an inordinate amount of children who were adopted, Terra feels out of sync. She wonders where she came from and why she doesn't totally belong. When Thorne, a member of the Hunter's Guild of Witches arrives in town, everything Terra knew is turned on its end. The rest of the story is about overcoming prejudice, finding one's place in the world, and navigating teenage angst in high school. This appears to be a stand alone book with a happy ending. It is perfect for middle school readers on up. The story is engaging and easy to read.

I received an advance reader copy for free. All opinions are my own.

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.

Delightfully complex tale about a mostly overlooked mystical creature, the Golem. The story does a wonderful job of explaining the creation of Golems and where they fit into the magical realm. The author breathed such life and depth into the Golems in this story. While mostly an enthralling journey of self-discovery for Terra, the story also chronicles the power struggle of the witches in the Guild. This story is an exciting and magical tale of the Golem's place in our world; it is also a poignant story of finding one's true self, finding the good in others, and how we connect to those around us. My only reservation is that the ending was a little "Hallmark happy' for me - not a bad ending, just surprisingly pleasant.

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.

the themes of adoption were strong. but i didn't really buy the characters, especially Thorne, and i felt like the villains were way too cartoonishly blatant about it. not even just in the maniacal sort of way, but in the straight-up saturday morning cartoon villain way. 3.5 stars, rounded up