Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publish Date:  July 9, 2019
Synopsis: Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.
Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.
And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.
Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh.

Disclosure: ARC provided for an honest review. #partner

I was blown away by Elizabeth Lim’s Spin the Dawn.

When I first saw the synopsis, I was lured in by the first few words “Project Runway meets Mulan.” I was intrigued and fascinated, trying to imagine all the different ways it could be true. And now that I’ve finished? It was everything, and more.

I am fascinated by Chinese mythology, but weaved with fantasy elements and daring adventures, I couldn’t be happier that this book is around. Spin the Dawn is about a contest to become an Imperial tailor, and aside from becoming cut-throat, Maia disguises herself as a boy. Life is difficult, but this contest is even more trying. With a mix of politics, magic, and adventure, Spin the Dawn has become one of my favorite books of the year.

I love Maia. Not only does she handle life for her family, she handles anything that comes her way. I loved her tenacity and her determination, but I also love how complex she is. I had so much fun getting to know her. And the description of the garments that she made? LOVE! Edan was someone that stayed elusive, at least for me. I had such a fun time getting to know him, slowly peeling back the layers that is his character. He was filled with so much mystery, and I loved their adventure together.

This story is one adventure right after the other. The plot does not relax, slowly immersing you deep into the world and setting. I loved everywhere that Lim brought us, and all of the insane steps to get  to where they wanted to go.

I highly enjoyed Spin the Dawn, and hope you will too!

*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*