When I read that Spin the Dawn was being pitched as Mulan meets Project Runway, I have to say that got my attention. This book came out almost a year ago, but I just haven’t had the chance to read it yet. Last month I picked it up at the bookstore to read for a group read this month. I’m so happy I finally picked this up, because Spin the Dawn was so good. Keep on reading for my full review!
A GIFTED TAILOR IN DISGUISE.THREE MAGIC DRESSES.THE COMPETITION OF A LIFETIME.
On the fringes of the Great Spice Road, Maia Tamarin works as a steamstress in the shop of her father, once a tailir of renown. She dreams of becoming the greatest tailoe in the land, but as a girl, the bet she can hope for is to marry well.
When a royal messenger summons her ailing father to court, Maia poses as his son and travels to the Summer Palacw in his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to save her family from ruin and achieve her dream of becoming the imperial tailor. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailor vying for the job.
The competition is cutthroat, and Maia's job is further complicated by the unwelcome attention of the court enchanter, Edan, who seems to see straight through her disguise. But nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge to sew three gowns so dangerously beuatiful, it will take a quest to the ends of the earth to complete them...
Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars, #1) by Elizabeth Lim
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Bfyr on 09/07/2019
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 392
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
Review
“Seize the wind,” I whispered. “Don’t become the kite that never flies.”
In all honesty, I went into this book without any expectations. The story sounded really interesting, but I didn’t really know where Spin the Dawn was going to take me. This book really took me by surprise and I enjoyed every minute of this story!
Our main character, Maia, is a seamstress in a world where men are in charge of the tailoring. It’s not something women really do. Except Maia is really good at what she does. So when her father is called to the court to participate in a contest to become the Royal Tailor, Maia steps up. Her father’s health won’t let him travel and work and her family has gone through so much, she risks her life to keep her family safe. The world building in this book was so interesting, I enjoyed learning about the history, but also the way it was written made it easy to picture what the setting looked like. A stunning map at the beginning will definitely help as well! Maia goes on an adventure filled with magic, danger, discovery, love and sacrifice.
“I’d battled ghosts and touched the stars. I’d climbed a mountain to the moon and conquered the fury of the sun.”
Edan, The Imperial Enchanter, is another character we see a lot of during this book. He guides Maia and helps her when he doesn’t ask. I have to say that I really didn’t know what to think of Edan in the beginning and even had my doubts if he could be trusted. By the end of the book I loved him and I would love a book just about him. Edan is such an interesting character with a very interesting past. He’s sarcastic, magical, mysterious, strong and not really as “grown up” as you think.
“I knew then that we were like two pieces of cloth, sewn together for life. Our stitches couldn’t be undone. I wouldn’t let them.”
I really recommend reading Spin the Dawn if you haven’t yet. Part of me is really happy that I waited this long to read, because now I only have a couple of weeks until I can get my hands on the sequel! Unravel the Dusk releases on July 7th. If you’ve read Spin the Dawn, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I have not read this book yet, but have it on my TBR shelf. It it such a new, interesting fantasy concept. I need to read this! Thanks for the review.
Hope you enjoy it as well!
I didn´t know anything about it either when I ordered the Owlcrate box but I read it in one sitting and just adored how it was written, the characters and the story. I have had to wait for forever for the sequil but soon its here.
I can imagine that was a tough wait!!