Spin the Dawn

ByElizabeth Lim

Release Date: 2019-07-09
Genre: Fantasy for Young Adults

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 127 Ratings

Description

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

Reviews

Wow.
5
By gymnastselfiegirl123
I expect nothing less from such a wonderful author but wow, Miss Lim has really outdone herself. I loved her take on the classical story of Mulan. It was exceptionally and artistically crafted. They often say that finishing a good book feels as if you’ve lost a friend. After finishing this book, I can say I agree. Of course, that filled me with curiosity for the next book in the series. Buy the book. Read it. When your finished, you won’t regret it.
A Fairytale Like No Other
5
By Thora15
It has been such a long time since I’ve read a book that invokes such wonder. It reminded me of stumbling across the older fairytales for the first time, a story where knowing nothing of the goes hand in hand with not shying away from the unpleasant to tell a story that leaves you in awe. If you are someone who loves retellings of the stories they’ve heard countless times while craving something new, this is the novel. It starts as what seems like a lovely balance of telling another Mulan story and tying in aspects of modern fashion competition shows to allow you to take your first steps in this breathtaking world. By the time you left the safety of the nest of familiarity the book has you so sucked in you won’t want to leave till it’s over.
It was so easy to never want to put the book down, by the end it made me glad that there was a sequel because leaving the world Ms Lim has created is not something I’m ready for just yet.

TL/DR: A good read for those who love retellings of their favorite stories yet wanting something new and exciting to go along with it.
Definitely recommend
5
By Daisy1424
This book was amazing!
Awesome Mulan Retelling
5
By Emmybird86
This Mulan retelling was so amazing! Maia is such a strong female character. I love the magic in this story. Edna is also a great character. He is mysterious and funny. I love them both. I cannot wait to read the next one. I recommend this book!
Loved
5
By Queen Victoria II
World building was awesome, characters were awesome
AMAZING!!
5
By sjdidicnfbckwi
I loved the tales incorporated! Definitely recommend if you enjoyed “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”.
SPIN THE DAWN! Great READ👍
5
By JC Cincy Kid
I simply took a chance on this new author and I was very glad I did. This was a fascinating story of mystery and intrigue while utilizing an unlikely character who is a seamstress/tailor. Yet the story is very engaging and pulls the reader through lots of adventure and creative character development. I loved the book and will definitely recommend it to both friends and my 12th grade niece, who I share many captivating authors with. (5) 🌟’s ALL the way. Look forward to the next book! Cincy Kid 68! 🤩
Amazing Book.
5
By Zo6178
Loved it so much! It is written very well. The perfect blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure. Highly recommend it.
Loved it!
5
By roller splat!
This book is absolutely amazing! Go read it! It has romance, adventure, intensity, and great writing! 😍