Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Tessa McCamfrey, young and rootless resident of Southern California, has never found much in life that interests her. All of that changes when she stumbles upon a ring that transports her to a distant time and place. There she discovers her unexpected talent: She can create luminous, magical illustrations that have the power to influence others' lives. She becomes involved in the fate of kingdoms when her power is brought to bear against an evil king whose mind has been taken over by a golden crown called the Barbed Coil. As in The Book of Words trilogy, J. V. (Julie) Jones imbues every one of her characters with personality, from the dashing mercenary Ravis, who becomes Tessa's protector in this strange new world, to the sailors, innkeepers, soldiers, and others who populate her lush, involving story.
Is The Barbed Coil appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
Parents should know this fantasy contains moderate violence as kingdoms battle against an evil possessed king, magical mind control, and combat scenes typical of epic fantasy. No sexual content or strong language.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include possession, mental manipulation, and violence (see the full list above).
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens will enjoy the fish-out-of-water adventure of a modern woman discovering magical artistic powers in a medieval fantasy world.