After a fatal illness takes Caitrin’s husband, she finds herself obligated to care for her mother-in-law, Meara, at any cost…even if it means traveling to Croìthe, where magic is outlawed. Hounded by the suspicious townsfolk and burdened by Meara’s bitter grief, Caitrin struggles to keep all of her secrets hidden and make a new life in the foreign land.

However, when the charming and charitable Callen Lockhart, a wealthy lord who is at odds with the town, welcomes her without judging her past, Caitrin worries that his generosity will come at a price she is unwilling to pay.

As her bond grows stronger, Caitrin must prove her blood magic isn’t dangerous or suffer the consequences of the truth being discovered.

2024 Reader’s Choice Award Winner

She is bonded to a spirit who demands her blood.
She serves a mother-in-law who resents her power.
She meets a man who challenges
everything she’s ever believed.

A Bond of Briars is a YA dark fantasy retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth, with fresh twists based on the original context and respun into a spooky cottagecore romance that is filled with dark magic and mysterious curses, sacrificial love and redemption, perfect for fans of House of Salt and Sorrow, and Sing Me Forgotten.

"Take a beautifully-conceptualized fantasy world full of gorgeously lush descriptions, mix in a Pride-and-Prejudice-esque romance, and center it all on a brilliant retelling of a well-loved biblical story, and you've got A Bond of Briars, an insatiable read that will keep your blood singing to the very last page!"
-Chelsea Bobulski, author of the All I Want for Christmas series, The Wood, and Remember Me

Content Snapshot

Romance: a few kisses, indecent advice

Violence: blood magic, demonic spirits

Cursing: none

  • "In one word: sublime. I'll be the first in line for any book from Erin Philips."

    Caroline George, author of Curses and Other Buried Things

  • "Full of longing and hope, this story will sweep readers away to a magical world inspired by the book of Ruth and yet utterly unique…a beautiful, moving tale of redemption, love, and true freedom."

    Becky Dean, author of Love & Other Great Expectations

  • “…a captivating fantasy retelling that…carries a beautiful message of faith, encouraging characters to embrace light over the darkness, even when that darkness might seem alluring on the surface…Overall, this enchanting and uplifting tale will keep readers engaged down to the last word."

    Ashley Bustamante, author of the Color Theory trilogy