Roxana is a fairy without wings. All her life she hasn’t fit in with fairies or humans. When the land’s King Frederick summons all maidens to choose a new queen, Roxana must hide her heritage. Will Roxana be able to find her faith and keep it in the midst of court intrigue and personal betrayal? A Crown of Chains creatively retells a biblical tale to explore themes of providence, racism, faith, and fidelity. Erin Phillips explores every struggle the biblical Esther might have undergone, raising questions many Bible studies will not face while creating a rich world and story.

Best for: Fans of biblical retellings, political fantasy, and intrigue.

Discern: Strong allusions to sexual abuse, protagonist in a “love triangle” making arguably foolish decisions, incidents of racial violence in a fantasy setting.