Ring, Ribbon, Tether, and Trap

by Brian J. Welch

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Evelyn Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ VERY BIG SPOILER, DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVENT FINISHED THE BOOK⭐️⭐️

I really loved getting to see the relationships and connections in this book, especially the ones between chosen family and blood family, and how strong both can be. I liked how the beginning and the end tied together so well, and I did have suspicions about Simon reincarnating and being Nadin, Nicolaus, etc., but I didn’t guess how or why their bond was so strong.

I think the characters were all very interesting, and I would’ve loved to see more of the Pandoras, as well as Emma and Tallulah. I don’t know for sure if it was intentional, but the memories that Emma loved to consume and the descriptions used felt very adjacent to addiction, and I think it would’ve been interesting if the author had leaned into that a bit more.

Overall, I don’t think it was a perfect book, and it took me longer to read than most books of this length usually do (partly my fault). But it was very interesting, and I loved the premise, especially the personification of the moon as her own autonomous, conscious being. It was very unique, and I’m excited to read more from this author. 😊

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this book. I was expecting more with the ending. I might need to reread the Pandora’s reasoning behind solving one problem and suffering by creating another but it didn’t click with me. The train ride, from then on it didn’t land. The weird Simon and Emma attraction didn’t seem to fit or maybe it wasn’t needed but I see it added to “humanizing” Emma. There were moments of beauty and eloquence in the writing. The use of poetry or poems to label an experience your own and recreate the experience was something I haven’t run into yet so for me the originality was enjoyable.

“These moments that you capture, these specimens, are one thing, but your interaction with the moment creates something new, something more complex than what existed before, because you’re adding all the nuance of your own experience to it. This new thing is difficult to hold on to because, like most new things, it doesn’t have a name. The poem names it and this makes it more real.” I liked this!

The characters I had a hard time connecting with and fully understanding. Tallulah and Emma lacked the deeper connection I wanted to feel. I don’t feel bad for Emma and Tallulah. I’m sorry I just don’t. Emma was a spoiled brat. The longing between the two was missing for me but the loneliness and selfishness was there for Emma. She didn’t care who she destroyed in her wake. No one wants to work ok, but we all show up. Violet was okay. The Pandoras just were a crazy ancient pair. Just on sidelines created necessary chaos I guess. Simon and Sophia continuously bumped into each other through lifetimes and we knew they were connected somehow and it was hinted with the references to the dark spot looming in the future. I never fully sensed this missing piece they had in each other and finally finding their “wholeness” in the end.

I loved the story. Wished for a bigger ending. The antagonist was neutralized too much and I feel the author tried to balance both sides. Beautiful parts in the writing. I was “wowed” but wasn’t fully disappointed either. Would I give this author another go? Of course. A baseline has been set though and I hope for bigger hit next time.

[Katie Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ring, Ribbon, Tether, and Trap is an engaging novel that invites readers to reflect on the relationships, choices, and unseen forces that shape human lives. Brian J. Welch presents a story that balances emotional depth with compelling storytelling, encouraging readers to look beyond surface events and consider the connections that influence identity, purpose, and personal growth.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its thoughtful exploration of human relationships and the ways individuals become connected through love, loyalty, responsibility, and circumstance. The narrative steadily builds emotional investment while allowing its characters to evolve through the challenges they encounter, making their struggles feel authentic and relatable.

Throughout the story, Welch explores themes of identity, resilience, trust, consequence, personal transformation, sacrifice, hope, and the complexity of human connection. Rather than relying solely on dramatic events, the novel derives much of its power from the emotional and psychological journeys of its characters, creating a reading experience that remains engaging long after the final chapter.

Written with sensitivity and narrative confidence, Ring, Ribbon, Tether, and Trap offers readers a reflective and rewarding novel that combines emotional insight with compelling storytelling. Brian J. Welch delivers a work that reminds us that the bonds we create and the choices we make often define our lives far more than we realize.