The Spider Ring

by Andrew Harwell

A powerful ring. A dangerous web.


When Maria inherits a strange, spider-shaped ring from her grandmother, she doesn't realize she's also inheriting a strange power -- the power to control spiders and have them do whatever she wants. This is a pretty cool thing when it comes to fetching objects from another room . . . or if Maria wants to use the spiders to get back at some mean kids in her class.

But the power comes with a price. Maria has attracted the attention of the Black Widow -- who is trying to collect all the spider magic for herself. The Black Widow is not going to let anything stand in her way -- especially not Maria.

The story of the ring is being woven like a web -- and Maria is going to have to do everything she can to not get trapped within it.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, School, Young Adult

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 27, 2015

About the author

I'm a children's book writer and editor living in New York. I'm originally from Georgia but went to school in Chicago, and while I studied "the great books" in class, I spent every moment of free time in the children's and young adult section of 57th Street Books, devouring stories by Francesca Lia Block, David Levithan, Diana Wynne Jones, Ursula K Le Guin, and many more. But really, my fate was sealed the moment my wonderful local bookseller handed me Redwall as a kid. (Thankfully, the fan fiction by eleven-year-old me is no longer online.)

Reviews

[✦BookishlyRichie✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS




I will never step on another spider again.

This is the second book I’ve read this year that had a little to do with insects and now not only am I afraid of the roaches and beetles from The Cavendish Home for Boys & Girls, I’m now even more afraid of spiders haha thanks Andrew Harwell, thank you for that.

I really, really enjoyed this one! It read like an episode of “Are You Afraid of the Dark” and had some tones of John Bellairs thrown in, which I noticed and loved. I know that It was being compared to John as well, which I think fits perfectly. It was a simple story, but the characters and spookiness really gave it the life it needed to be an awesome story.

I also really loved that Maria was Hispanic (Fellow Hispanic here!), which I didn’t know before reading this, a gold star for diversity YAAASSS lol and it showcased that some families aren’t well off but make the best of it the only way they can, which I know about all too well. It was just really awesome and heartwarming at times.

I connected with Maria as well on her relationship with her Grandmother as well. I had a super super super super close & amazing relationship with my Baca (Grandpa) on my dad’s side and it just brought back good memories reading about their relationship. I really liked that part of the book A LOT.

All in all it was creepy, thrilling, fun, adventurous, and heartwarming and I really loved it. I’m happy to have it on my shelf now beside my other favorite middle grade books. So if you enjoy books about magical spiders, heroic diverse main characters, and good old spooky fun, pick this up!

- Richard

[Brooklyn N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is about a young girl names maria Lopez. shes a fun who is smart and very appropriate for her age. its about her getting a ring from her strange grandma who recently passed away. the setting is mainly id say at her house, school, and her grandmothers house. the conflic is that Maria got a very special ring, but she doesn't know the power of it, and there is something or someone bad looking for it. i liked how even though the grandma died, they still kind of incorporated her in the story line. and i didn't really not like anything! i would recommend this book to people who like fiction books.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel uniquely unqualified to write a review because the author is a personal friend.

I'm giving his book a 5-star review not on its literary merits but on the underserved niche this book occupies.

As a teacher of seventh graders, I am constantly faced with finding "just right" literature. Most MG books are too cartoony; most Young Adult books are too intense. My students who need my help in selecting books the most are those kids who want to feel like they are reading YA when I am steathily feeding them an MG lookalike. Hence we are always looking for simple yet engaging books that make their readers feel accomplished and that have a masculine reading appeal. If it sounds like I am describing Percy Jackson, well, that's what we really need.

"The Spider Ring" brings a mild ick factor that seventh grade boys find appealing and its ominous cover hide the middle gradesy font sizes, line spacing, and plot structure.

The book concerns seventh grade Maria who receives a mysterious ring from her grandmother along with a note: "The spiders are your friends. Do not abuse their friendship." The spiders can obey Maria's commands - they can make her clothing and attack her enemies. But the power has a dark side too.

Reading this fresh off the Newbery announcements is a bit of a challenge: this book doesn't offer much that's new to the adult reader of kid lit. But we're not the ultimate arbiters of taste, after all are we -- this is a book I can booktalk off a shelf.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

was an interesting story, a quick read but it didn't help me get over my dear of spiders.

[Cristi-Lael · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this was not a bad book, per se, it didn't really impress me all that much either. This is the kind of a book that you read when you're 8-10 and it blows your mind. You think back on it periodically as you grow up and you remember it just being amazing. Then, as an adult, you go back to reread it and you discover it just wasn't as mind blowing as you remember it being. You know what I mean? I think when my daughters read this, they'll be fully creeped out and in awe of the story, but it just fell flat for me. But, then, it was written for kids my daughters' ages, and not me, so there you go. :o)

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable middle grade, with a very relatable main character (to many of us readers, anyway!)
Maria is an avid reader, who doesn't really fit in at school. Her mum is always urging her to stop reading and go outside and get some fresh air, until Maria points out that her mother does not ask her little brother to come inside and read (love this - totally my life as a book obsessed child!)
Life is pretty boring until her grandmother leaves her a spider ring with mysterious powers.
Probably not for you if you do not like spiders, as there are swarms of them!
The book moves along at the perfect pace and is a quick and interesting read.

"Rereading her favourite books always made her feel happy and safe, because she already knew what would happen in the end."

[Jillian Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy plot for my spooky book lovers. It was a quick read too! I’ll be recommending this one to lots of readers😊

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story! It took me a while to really like it, but by the end, I found the story interesting and the “lore” behind the spider rings creative!

[Jacob K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome, I love it but it is a little bit slow, still I love it, it was one of the first books I read at my new school. It's just good, and the idea of a ring that can "control" spiders is interesting and as far as I know none else has put that idea into book form. For me at least it's very immersive and the story is good and has some good twists.

If there was ever a prequal or sequel, I would read it, just to get the story. I hope there will be a sequel to it, because it would be fun, and add to the story, or create a new story that adds to the story. This is just a good book with a good story and good characters, and I just like it and it inspired me with some art I'm working on.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maria loved spending time with her eccentric grandma Esme, who claimed to have been a world famous circus lion tamer, Esmeralda the Magnificent. She was a little peculiar and a lot quirky, from her black silky patterned shawls, her collection of fancy whistles, to her love of spiders. So, when she started talking about the spiders coming for her, Maria thought she was just being the grandma she always knew.

However, when grandma Esme suddenly dies, leaving her special spider ring for Maria, Maria quickly learns that maybe grandma Esme wasn’t crazy after all. Once Maria slides the ring on her finger she realizes her grandma’s spider ring holds a special power, the power to control spiders.

With the ring, Maria now has the power to command the spiders, letting them do her bidding; from simply finding and retrieving her glasses, to spinning a beautiful web of clothing. Yet, special powers can also lead to awful consequences. Even though the spiders are hers to control, Maria must also heed the warning that her grandma left her: “The spiders are your friends, do not abuse their friendship.”

With a tempting new, stranger power, Maria must learn what it means to go too far, now that the ring can make her do things, things she will later regret. Quickly getting caught up in a web of danger, Maria discovers that there is a bigger threat than her spiders, The Black Widow. Intent on taking the power for herself, The Black Widow threatens to come and collect, at any cost, threatening not only Maria’s family, but her best friend Derek, as well.

Spinning a tale of power, persuasion and consequences, Andrew Harwell blends the perfect mix of thrilling adventure, with a captivating story, perfect for the middle grade reader. The Spider Ring, captures young reader’s, right from the start, pulling them into a web of mystery and suspense.

you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my syndicated newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice and with www.mpg8.com; as well as: San Diego Book Review & San Francisco Book Review

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

When seventh-grader Maria inherits her Grandma Esme’s enormous spider ring, she realizes her grandma’s eccentricities were real. Along with the ring, Grandma left a mysterious note: "The spiders are your friends. Do not abuse their friendship." Maria discovers the ring gives her the power to control spiders. It is one of the Order of the Anansi—eight rings representing the eight most feared spiders on earth. Maria soon has the spiders doing her bidding in a variety of ways, not the least of which is getting even with an older girl who has been bullying her mercilessly. Maria and her best friend, Derek, are reaping the benefits of the spiders’ powers but presently find themselves in danger as Maria finds out more about the ring’s history and Derek’s strange aunt comes to town. His aunt is the nefarious Black Widow who is intent on collecting all eight rings of the Order, with Maria’s being one. She threatens harm to Maria’s family all the while Maria desperately tries to keep the spiders at bay as they have unexpectedly turned on her. Maria’s decision on the rings’ fate makes for a satisfying ending for middle school readers. This horror-fantasy tale has enough scary moments to keep the intended audience engaged and sufficiently frightened. Spiders as antagonists are a good choice as arachnophobia is commonplace, and spiders are pretty high up on the yucky creature scale. A few plot holes and an awkward flashback will not affect tween and teen readers who devour scary stories. There is also significant useful information about spiders in general. Coping with death and the ups and downs of friendships are addressed as well. Adult readers will not find this title nearly as terrifying or appealing as middle grade readers.

[Shamekia · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it was simply BORING. It has a great cover, a great premise and the main character is a girl! Unfortunately nothing much happens in the first half of the book (I gave up at page 108). That to me is a cause for concern with any book that I read. The only cool thing that happens is the scene in which she discovers her power over the spiders. When it comes to children's/YA fantasy I expect, I don't know ANYTHING to happen. A chase scene, a blast of magic power, a kidnapping-something.

[Mercy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-12 stars I have a fear of spiders so I had to make myself read this! This good middle grade novel- magic, power, the ability to communicate with spiders, it kept my interest.

[Jessica (Spooky KidLit & We Who Walk Here, Walk Alone) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Spider Ring establishes an intriguing fantasy world with the Order of Anansi, a nebulous group of people who bear magical rings granting them different sets of powers depending on the type of spider emblazoned on the ring. This is no far-reaching fantasy epic, though. The story stays grounded with its focus on the relationship between Grandma Esme and Maria, and on Maria’s journey after Esme’s death as she learns to navigate her new magical world without her grandmother’s help.

Grandma Esme is the kind of kooky old lady I aspire to be one day. An eccentric woman with a mysterious past and a flare for the dramatic, Esme wears elaborate lace shawls and has spiderwebs all over her house and creeps out her entire neighborhood. She’s pretty much the long-lost member of the Addams Family. The fact that she is Maria’s favorite person in the world, and vice versa, immediately puts the reader in Maria’s corner, and we are firmly on Team Maria even (or especially?) when she does things like terrorize her school bully with her newfound spider powers.

Maria is a heroine who is a wonderful mix of relatable and admirable – she acts selfishly and impulsively sometimes, but she admits to her mistakes and she learns from them. She’s a believable kid who would do anything for her friends and family, even when that means she has to fight the Black Widow. Speaking of: I’m terrified of spiders, so my shiver-ometer is not well calibrated for a book like this, but the body horror when the Black Widow displays the full extent of her powers at the end of the book was pretty disturbing for me. Kids who aren’t huge arachnophobes will have no problems, though. Harwell’s descriptions are gross and scary enough to delight kids, but they’re not too intense for the average reader. Maria’s relationship with her spiders is actually very sweet, so some readers might even lose some of their arachnophobia while reading the book. (I didn’t, but I’m an old kook like Esme, so I’m set in my ways.)

I did have a few problems with The Spider Ring. It has a bit of a pacing issue – the climax feels slightly rushed, and there is an extended flashback in the middle that comes across as a tad clunky but provides some much-needed exposition. I wish we could have learned more about the history of the Order of Anansi and the nature of the spider rings. What Harwell does show us is tantalizing, though, and I think young readers will have lots of questions and will spin many of their own stories out of the marvelously creative foundation that Harwell has laid. And despite my frustrations, the story feels complete. As I said, this isn’t a fantasy epic; this is a tale about Maria and her family, and Harwell ends their tale with a lovely and fitting conclusion that stays true to Maria’s kind, generous nature.

My main problem, however, lies with the mysterious Order’s namesake. Anansi is an enduringly popular figure outside of the West African culture where he originated – one can’t help but be fascinated with a trickster spider god who is the king of all stories. It obviously makes sense that we don’t get a definitive backstory about the ultimate trickster in a book filled with stories passed down from generation to generation as mere whispers and notes scribbled in hidden journals. But Harwell makes no mention whatsoever of Anansi’s African provenance. At best, this feels like a missed opportunity to teach young readers about religion and mythology outside of the stories that most American kids learn in school. At worst, it feels like cultural theft and erasure, particularly since the only stories we hear about the Order of Anansi take place in the United States and Europe. Anansi has been completely whitewashed, and I think readers should be made aware of that.

With that said, I enjoyed The Spider Ring a great deal and would recommend it as a fun, spooky book that has a lot to offer readers who are looking for adventure, magic, and chills. Its themes – choosing what is right over what is easy, showing consideration for all living creatures, and appreciating the weird people in your life – are important lessons for kids and adults to learn.

As an aspiring kooky old lady, I’m particularly partial to that last one.

[Sebastian Aguilera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book The Spider Ring was a great book with drama in every corner! The author of this story was Andrew Harwell, which is a great author to say the least. The genre of this book is horror and sci fi, I’m pretty sure!? This book contains secrets hidden within the mysteries of this book! The main character being Maria which encounters a spider ring in her grandmas drawer... She does not know what the spider ring does but later on in the story she figures it out! Maria having encountered many different creatures she got used to it...
Now..Now..Now, this book contains very interesting readings. So first of all, Maria encounters the ring and decides to put it on. When she does though she realizes that she has the ability to control spiders all to herself! She enjoys this power for a little bit but although a creature was awaiting. This creature was a black widow that wanted the spider ring and it’s power all to herself. Figure out what happens in the book...The Spider Ring!
This book was a very amazing book overall I enjoyed reading this. I really do recommend this book to anyone who is reading this because this’ll book contains many exiting features. Next, I also recommend this book to you because even though it has very easy words it can also change the way you do things and help you alongside your way...Finally, I really recommend this book to you because of the lesson it teaches you! This lesson is that you should never get something without permission...very simple lesson to be learned! So ya, that is all for this review and if you ever want to read it just go ahead and I’m sure you’ll love it!🙂

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Kindness can destroy mountains. That shows how powerful it is!” The Spider Ring, written by Andrew Harwell, is about a girl that has to put her problems behind her and think about saving people with her magical ring. She must save the world from the Black Widow before it destroys everything. This is a wonderful book that teaches a phenomenal life lesson.

This book teaches the reader a great life lesson, which is the theme. The theme of this book is, kindness is the best weapon. It is shown a lot throughout the story. One of the best examples is when Maria showed mercy to a spider by not killing it. Later, that spider told the other spiders about it so they helped Maria defeat the Black Widow.

Another reason that I loved this book was that of the imagery that the author, Andrew Harwell, tossed into the story. For example, on page 119, the author states, “The brown mass of spiders skittered quickly up the table onto the cake and onto Claire’s dress.” The author provides a clear description of the scene and what’s going on. He makes it easy for the reader to comprehend the situation and picture it in their mind.

I definitely recommend this book to any young reader, like 5th grade to 8th grade, or anybody that is looking for a good book to read. I give this book a five out of five-star rating for the great detail, imagery, creativity and the lessons taught throughout the story.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

maria inherits a ring from the death of he grandmother , the ring gives special powers allowing maria to control the spiders . But on day Black Widow(a old lady who wants the spider powers for her self) comes to fight maria for the ring . at last maria goes on to live her life

what i do like about the book is that it did pretty well with the relationship with family and friends .And i think people who are younger and people who want to have powers and aren't afraid of spiders would definitely like this book.



Bruce Crawford

[Gayleen Rabakukk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this slightly spooky story of Maria who inherits a spider ring from her Grandmother Esme, a former circus performer. She soon learns wearing the ring grants the power to communicate with spiders.
Told in third person, limited point of view. Set in the present in Florida.

[Susan Bryson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe as a kid this would be amazing. But obvious plot twists make it meh. Fast paced and interesting enough for spider fans. But the needle runs too often from trite to over the top; it doesn't pace well as a story.

[Heather Wadell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story with great lessons about friendship.

[Jill CD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book to read around Halloween especially if you have arachnophobia and want a little scare. It definitely will make you think twice about spiders. An entertaining read.

[NayDoubleU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review up later!

[Serenity Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit boring honestly

[Nikita Grobler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Harwell... This book is amazing. It's a little embarrassing that I found a children's book so entertaining, but I did so sue me.

This book is very relatable (not with the spiders) when it comes to loss, and a journey to bring yourself closer to those you have lost. It really is inspiring because the courage Maria shows in this book is so insane, especially for a young girl.

To be honest, spiders kind of gross me out... Well, they did until I read this. I've found a new appreciation for spiders after reading this, and with the exception of the really scary-looking ones, I don't think I am afraid anymore.

This is a very easy read and it is quite short so definitely something to read to a sibling or child, or something to get you out of a reading slump!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maria is a seventh grader who is sort of the outcast, the odd girl whose family doesn't have a whole lot of, well, anything. Her clothes are all second hand because she is raised by a single mom and she would rather spend her time with her eccentric grandmother than doing much of anything else.

Grandma Esme has a lot of stories and a lot of secrets. Maria never imagined in her wildest dreams that any of those stories, or those secrets, could possibly have really been true and that they would take her on the adventure, or the nightmare, of a lifetime.

The Spider Ring is the kind of middle grade read that will get the attention of both boys and girls because it has elements that will hold the interest of both. While having a female main character, something that we are lacking in a lot of MG fiction these days, the content is kind of icky and scary and more on the level of something that will draw in the boys. Then, of course, you throw in a bit of Jr High teasing and drama for the girls, and you have the complete package.

It did start off a little on the slow side and I was kind of worried that I was not going to be able to get into it, but I hit about the 25% mark and the story took off on it's own. While the pacing in the beginning was slow, that did improve toward the middle, though the end to me felt a bit rushed and like there was something missing from the story and that there needed to be something more. It's hard for me to explain that without giving anything away.

Overall, if you like middle grade reads and you want something completely different, give this one a try. It very definitely is unique!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is much to like about The Spider Ring, which will deservedly be popular with middle grade readers. The book's protagonist, Maria, is part of its appeal since she's dealing with a high school nemesis in the form of the ever-critical Claire, for one thing. Plus, after the death of her beloved grandmother, she inherits the woman's spider ring and realizes that it allows her to communicate with certain spiders. But she must be careful what tasks she bids the arachnids do for her, as her grandmother warns. As it becomes clear that there are forces beyond her imagination that are threating the safety of Maria and her small family, she must find the courage to keep them at bay. I really liked the solid relationship between Maria and Derek, her constant friend, and the story of Arturo and Esmeralda because it reminds readers that each of us has a past and stories worth telling. It's also quite wonderful that a kind deed to a deadly Black Widow spider is repaid as well as readers being reminded that gentle treatment always yields more lasting results than force and intimidation. The book is marvelously creepy in many respects, well-suited for a classroom read aloud.

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maria is a middle schooler who lives with her park ranger mom and her younger brother. She has a best friend, Derek. One of her classmates, Claire, bullies her, making fun of her thrift store clothes m her glasses, and the fact that Maria is smart. Maria's grandmother Esme is her rock but Esme dies, leaving Maria her spider ring and a note which tells her that spiders are her friends and she's not to abuse their friendship. It turns out that the ring gives Maria the ability to control some spiders. She can ask them to make her new clothes, to scare other kids, etc. And then she realizes that there are other spider rings and a scary Black Widow woman has come to town to collect them all so she can be all powerful. Maria has to figure out how to keep that from happening all the while thinking kindly of all spiders.

Middle school, more girls than boys but the spiders will keep some boys reading. Unusual premise, one I haven't seen before for this age group. Not terribly action packed especially early on but it kept me interested. I especially liked the friendship between Maria and Derek and the ending was very good.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maria’s grandmother Esme has always had a strange obsession for spiders; many times in the past, she told Maria to never harm a spider because they were her friends. Recently, she emphasized Maria should not abuse their friendship and cryptically mentioned that “the other spiders were after her”. When Esme dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances, Maria finds Esme’s beautiful spider ring in a place only Maria could find. When she puts on the ring, Maria finds that she can communicate with spiders, making them do her bidding. This could come in handy in dealing with a girl who has been bullying her at school… Strong descriptions, quirky characters, and the suspenseful unweaving of a threat to mankind is sure to pique the interest of mystery lovers, the spidery them creeping them out in the process.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book was coming out in time for halloween! It's a solid, scary thriller for a middle grade reader (not as scary as I thought it was going to be, which is probably a good thing, because the tag for this book freaked me out).

I wish a bigger point had been made about the resolution of bullying, and the obvious danger that brown recluses pose to humans. Like, don't try to catch and release those, for real.

Extra love for having some diversity in this book (the main character is Maria Lopez, and her mom works a park ranger, so it's diverse on multiple levels). Basically, would recommend.

[Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. It was fun and exhilarating to read, but also different than what I have read before. For someone who doesn't like spiders (more like fears spiders) it is still a good book. I loved the plot line. I have to say at one point I was reading this book outside, and since I get a little jumpy and paranoid at times I had to come inside because I was jumping at every leave that hit the bottom of the trampoline I was on. I really enjoyed reading this, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes realistic type fantasy.