By Sarah Hawks, Staff Writer

March 9, 2021

“Owain Ap Cadwgan is the closest thing I have to a family. Not by blood. Not by marriage. Because of Saint Elen." “Spindle and Dagger”, J. Anderson Coats’ 2020 young adult novel, stars  Elen, a young woman, spewing a complex lie to survive her way alongside the Welsh warband that killed her family. When Owain Ap Cadwgan and his band of Welsh men come burning down Elen’s family home, she is soon left with nothing. Before they could seize Elen’s sister, Rhael, she fought back against Owain, leaving him badly injured. Elen then miraculously saves Owain’s life. Owain is left in total disbelief, believing his life had to be spared by the Saints. Elen lies to Owain telling him as long as she is kept protected, he will always have the protection of Saint Elen. 

Elen now lives a comfortable life by Owain’s side. She has a roof over her head, and food on her table. Owain then abducts Nest, a Norman Lord’s wife, and her three children, causing a violent war. In Nest’s children's time of confusion, they look to Elen for comfort. Elen sees a better future with Nest and her children, she now just has to find a way to escape Owain Ap Cadwgan. 

The novel uses the theme of feminism, starring two strong women, Elen and Nest. These women endure so many battles together, trying to escape their abuser, Owain. The women form a tight bond over the course of the novel, showing love and family can come in many forms. 

I give this book 2.5 stars out of 5. There was a little too much back and forth between Elen and her past, sometimes you were not aware whether Elen was talking about the past or present. The book is also based in the 1100s in Wales, which historically speaking I really knew nothing about. Having some prior historical knowledge would make this book much smoother and faster to read. 

The second half of the novel was much easier to get through for me. I was excited to see how Elen’s journey would come to an end. 

Overall, I think “Spindle and Dagger” tells an interesting story in a time period of hardship. While I would personally not recommend this book, it was an adventurous story to add to my collection. 

"Spindle and Dagger"

By J. Anderson Coats

Candlewick Press

Release Date: March 10, 2021