Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping fantasy about a teenage 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. And don’t miss Elizabeth Lim’s new novel, the instant New York Times bestseller, Six Crimson Cranes!
“All the cutthroat competition of a runway fashion reality show and the thrilling exploits of an epic quest." —The Washington Post
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 makes the ultimate sacrifice and poses as a boy to take 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 in a cutthroat competition 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 unthinkable final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the sun, the moon, and the 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 fantasy novel is not to be missed.
"This is a white-knuckle read." —Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Tempests and Slaughter
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Don’t let the comparison to Project Runway turn you ways from this book. It’s only a small [but fun] part of the story.
Relationships are the best part of the story. Maia’s relationships with her brother(s) was very sweet. I don’t have brothers but I felt the interactions were very true to life and genuine. You could feel the love. Even Maia’s relationship with Edan grew on me. What started as annoyance bloomed beautifully into respect and eventual love. It didn’t feel rushed or out of place. I loved their banter.
I didn’t totally love how the story felt like two different books. The first part of book about the tournament for imperial tailor was thrilling and interesting. It ended up being such a small portion of the story when the summary made appear that the competition would be a bigger deal. Then our characters are sent on a long journey (which I always enjoy) to collect elements from (supposed) stories to create 3 legendary dresses. I think it was the right move because I ended up loving the journey more than the competition.
As usual, I want to know more about this world! I loved the bits of world building that came through and would have loved to see more. Give me more legends!
Thrilling adventure! Can’t wait for more.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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31 January, 2020:
Finished reading
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31 January, 2020:
Reviewed