Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

Spin the Dawn (Blood of Stars, #1)

by Elizabeth Lim

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

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

4 of 5 stars

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

WHOOO BOY! Time to meet Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim, a YA romantic fantasy.  The folklore and legends in this world feel so real. And I don't mean just because they turn out to be true...

About Spin the dawn:



IMHO: spin the dawn


I watched Top Model in the first couple of seasons and never seen Project Runway beyond memes & gifs, so I was nervous about the comparisons and honestly, didn't know how such a competition would work out in print.

All my fears were unfounded. There's plenty going on between all the different players with magic, cheating, and backstabbing ruthlessness. Plus the second half is the grand adventure outside the palace, which really changes it up.
"I dread reaching the end of my story, for it is full of knots that I haven't had the courage to cut free."

Okay, I know I just railed about the girl disguised as a boy trope with Crown of Feathers. Here's the difference: she was taught a bit about being a boy from a boy, and she didn't get away with it. It was also a much shorter time frame without such intimate or close contact.

There is a slow burn romance with a cursed magician that starts with frustrating sparks, sparring banter, and ends,...well....
"As you wish, Master Tamarin." He winked at me. "As you wish."

The only similarities between Maia and Mulan...


is that they runaway to disguise themselves as boys to help their family. Mulan is much more physically active and thwarting violent threats, while Maia's more about poverty and desperation and a bit of revolutionary ego.
"You're used to being underestimated, so you want to prove yourself. Don't let that be your crutch. Accept help when you need it."

The would-be empress Sarnai is not pleasant, to say the least. But I admire the hunting prowess and only wearing the skins of your own kills. There's definitely something interesting brewing there. And if someone says they hate yellow, don't fucking use yellow!! I'm sorry that's just RUDE and selfish uncompetitive nonsense. That is not how you play to win.

The only thing I can't cheer about is people acting like an accidental disability is the end of someone's life and then a sudden cure "fixes" them. I can't say it's wrong since I'm not personally wheelchair mobile, and maybe something I'm missing makes a difference. But I wouldn't go in expecting or hoping for good disability rep personally. YMMV.

"Then I ran down the steps, my heart heavy with Amana's blessing and my arms spread wide with hope--that tomorrow would spin a new dawn."

Holy shit that ending! No joke or hyperbole when I compare it to The Bone Witch's. Such a twist with impeccable timing and resonance. I can just hear the drums and feel the rush thinking back on it.

I'm really excited to find out the reason behind the civil war, more about the to be empress, and what other myths turn out true next. And WTF is the emporer's real deal.



 

Recommended for Fans of The Bone Witch, & Crown of Feathers.

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This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon

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