“Looking for your next big YA fantasy series? We’ve got our eye on this stylist blockbuster.” –Entertainment WeeklyProject 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 … 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.
“Spin the Dawn is proof that casting a wider net not only gives us a fresh story that feels unlike everything else on the shelves beside it but also allows for richer and more nuanced storytelling.” —NPR
“All the cutthroat competition of a runway fashion reality show and the thrilling exploits of an epic quest… a stunning tapestry of adventure.” —The Washington Post
”What an amazing creation! Every time I thought I knew where it was going, I was wrong. This is a white-knuckle read.” –Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Tempests and Slaughter
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It’s Mulan with a twist of magic and I finished it in two days! The world and characters are well rounded and it overall an amazing first book to start out the series.
Absolutely loved this book. The world building was epic and for those who love AG Howard, Sarah J. Maas or Kalyn Josephson, this book is for you! A unique story with hints of Mulan and Project Runway. Absolutely fantastic!
In this romantic fantasy, Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but her dream is forbidden because she is a girl. When her father is summoned to the Emperor’s Palace, Maia disguises herself as her brother to try to achieve her dream. She must survive sabotage and treachery while maintaining her disguise. Throw in some magic and romance and you have a very entertaining story.
This was really enjoyable! I was a little worried about the Project Runway comparison because I don’t watch that show, but I liked Maia and her creativity, and I honestly wish I could see the dresses she made. I do think some parts of the story/relationships unraveled a little too easily, but I’m definitely excited for the next book and hopeful that it gives more answers about the magic world it’s set in.
I had a major book hangover after reading this one. Devoured it in a single afternoon because I couldn’t put it down. It was soooo good. And I’m excited to learn there’s a sequel!! If I can only remain patient until then…
But seriously, if you’re looking for strong heroines, swoon-worthy romance, and a mesmerizing world, check this book out!
A great piece of YA literature that will appeal to an adult audience also. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
If it weren’t for my Owlcrate subscription I would probably have miss this wonderful book. Of the books I have read so far this year, this cover is surely one of my favorite.
Spin the Dawn, is like a cross between Mulan and Project Runway. I really like the story of Maia Tamarin. Her dream is to become the greastest tailor in the world but unfortunitly for her since she’s a girl, the best she can hope for is to get marry.
Having loss two of her three brothers to the war, her last brother being injured and her father being sick, when a royal messenger come to her house, summoning her father to the court, to have a chance in becomming the emperor tailor, she posses as a boy to take is place. Making her passes for her younger brother.
Nothing could prepare her for the challenges to comes especially the last one. She need 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.
She embarks on a dangerous journey with the help of the emperor magicians, Edan.
Really have love this book and can’t wait for the sequel of this duology.
Spin the Dawn may be rated for younger teens, but that most certainly does not mean that it does not entertain young adults as well! This book does an excellent job with creating captivating scenes in your minds eye, and the characters are fully formed with flaws and unique personalities! I will definitely be waiting excitedly for the next book!
Can’t wait for Book 2
A thrilling tale as rich as velvet and as exquisite as fine embroidery.
When I read the words “Mulan retelling” and saw the beautiful cover, I was totally on board for this. I’m a sucker for a good retelling, especially when it involves strong female heroines. And guys. Let me tell you. This DID NOT disappoint. I’m so excited to be sharing this book with everyone because it was so unexpectedly creative and wonderful!
I’ve heard a lot of people say this book is Mulan meets Project Runway and it’s true! Similar to Mulan, Maia goes to the palace in place of her father, but as a tailor. There’s a contest to determine who the best tailor is for the emperor and it gets CRAZY. I loved the competition aspect of this book because it sucked me right in and I couldn’t put it down. But I also want to emphasize that this novel is SOOOO MUCH MORE than that. It was actually shocking to me how little real estate the contest takes up in the book as a whole. Lim takes us on such a wild ride with this story and it was amazing!
Any y’all, don’t even get me STARTED on how beautiful the writing is. From page one, this is styled like an old fairytale and it was perfect. The language was so pretty and flowed so well, it was such a pleasure to read. Plus, a lot of the fantasy and magical elements added to that fairytale feeling and it was wonderful. Hearing Maia and Edan talk about all the gods was fun and Lim did such an excellent job bringing them to life.
*FINAL WORD*
This book is MAGICAL. It’s a fun story about an amazing female character and you all NEED to read it. I already can’t wait for book two!