Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy of a Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim for an honest review.
I was so excited to read this book, the cover is beautiful, and it is a gender Bender book compared to Mulan, that completely caught my interest.
Spin the Dawn is book #1 to The Blood of the Stars fantasy series. It follows the story of Maia who grew up with her family in a tailor shop during war, which did not leave her family unscathed. It had always been Maia’s dream to become the Emperor’s tailor even though she is a woman, so when her father is summoned to the palace in order to help her family survive she disguises herself as her brother and goes to the palace in her fathers place to become the Emperor’s tailor, only to discover that she will be competing for the position.
Maia must go through many obstacles in order to survive. And is sent to complete an impossible task that takes her on a dangerous adventure with an Enchanter who is more than he seems.
This was a great read, a slow burn romance, an epic adventure, and magic. Elizabeth Lim’s writing is so fluent, for being the first book in a fantasy series I did not feel like a load of information was being given to me. The pacing is good, I didn’t feel that the story lagged ( since I didn’t find myself skimming) and Maia’s character had a great development arc.
I am excited to continue with the series :)

thank you to netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

One of my most highly anticipated novels of this year, and I am happy to say that this did not disappoint. I was intrigued by the gorgeous cover and blurb, and was completely immersed into this world. Just going to point out a few of my favorite things...

Maia: Honestly, it took me a little while to connect with her (and the plot at first if we're being honest), but once part II started, I couldn't put the book down because of her growth on her journey! She would do anything for the people she loves and is honest with her intentions, which I really appreciated in this heroine. I honestly cannot wait to see where she's headed in the sequel!

Edan: MY MAN! Ugh, he was so lovable and adorable. I just wanna give him a huge hug :( I would have liked to see more of his magic in some parts, but he still stays intriguing and an all around wonderful character and love interest. I thought him and Maia were adorable and developed beautifully.

Lady Sarnai: I love her and wanna see her development in the sequel. GIVE IT TO ME!

Plot and Worldbuilding: Like I said previously, it was difficult to get into at first because there was some awkwardness with the introduction of the characters, but once I got used to it, I loved it. The mythology and background were easy to understand and I thought the writing and development of it was gorgeous.

I would love to see some more LGBT+ representation in the series, so here's to hoping!

All in all, I absolutely loved this book and hopefully everyone else will too! A solid, solid 4/5 stars.

I’m trying to find a coherent way to talk about this book because all I want to do is gush. I'm so in love with Maia and her story. I loved seeing how her character grew throughout the novel. I've been reading so many books featuring strong female characters lately and I love how they are all strong in different ways. Maia is resilient and her grief only makes her stronger. My favorite part of the book was definitely the trials and how she tackled each one.
My other favorite part was the slow building romance. Like give me a scene where the dark and brooding male character has to huddle with the girl he’s so far kept at arm's length for warmth and I'm in. I want to learn so much more about Edan, he's such an intriguing and swoon-worthy character. (I feel like he might get to tell part of his story in the next one.) My heart is still aching from the depth and emotions of this story and the way it ended.
There is so much world building and history and adventure woven in as well and lots of complex, genuinely empathetic and interesting side characters (hi Lady Sarnai I want to learn more about you). I loved spending time in this world.
Like I know this book hasn’t even officially come out yet but how soon can I get my hands on the next one??

I did not know what to expect from this book, and was pleasantly surprised and amazed. This book is so much more than "Mulan meets Project Runway"! The story is woven expertly (no pun intended) and I was enthralled from the beginning. The romance was satisfying as well. I can hardly wait for the sequel. Normally I dislike having to re-read first books in series again before a second book comes out, but I will happily read this book again.

I took one look at the cover for this book, and decided that I needed to get my hands on this. I’m always on the look-out for #ownvoices fantasy novels, and it just so happens that this is a book set in fantasy Asia, based on the Silk Road, with an Asian dressmaker as the protagonist. The story’s been pitched as “Project Runway meets Mulan,” two of my favorite things, and I’ve yet to read a novel with this intriguing a premise.
Spin the Dawn starts off with an incredible hook that instantly sets both the fantastical tone and the echo of sadness that permeate the story. Maia Tamarin, the main character, endures great suffering even before she is chosen to compete to become the Imperial Tailor. In her war-ravaged world, women are not allowed to become masters of their craft, despite her incredible talent for crafting clothes. Still, Maia takes an active role in her tale, choosing to masquerade as a man in order to fight for her dreams and protect her family. The first third follows the competition, while the rest of the novel has her setting out to gather “the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of the stars” in order to craft the three legendary dresses of the mother goddess Amana herself. Elizabeth Lim effortlessly weaves magic into her story, such that I have no problem believing that Maia can spin the sun, the moon, and the stars into dresses worthy of the heavens.
Despite others constantly underestimating her because of her humble origins, Maia rises to meet every challenge she faces. She is noble and stubborn, hardworking and compassionate. By contrast, the story also introduces us to Lady Sarnai, daughter of the ruler of an enemy nation, who serves as a character foil to Maia. Both women Though opposite in personality and in station, Lady Sarnai is a rude yet nevertheless compelling character who exists in the same predicament as Maia: they are both women in a world that refuses to let women be free. She is forced to marry Emperor Khanujin for the sake of peace between their two countries, and it is clear to all that she will do anything it takes to postpone their union, including tasking Maia with an impossible request. Lady Sarnai may be secretive and prone to cruelty, but she remains sympathetic enough that I have hope that she might display other facets of her character later on. As such, I’m interested to see where Lady Sarnai’s story goes in the next book. There is so much more to explore with her, especially given that she sits in the center of the political tension simmering in the background.
To me, perhaps the weakest part of the story is the romance. Both Maia and Edan are independently intriguing, likable characters, but the pace of their relationship felt almost rushed to me given the magnitude of their feelings. While certainly not instalove, certain story beats in their relationship felt oddly-placed. Still, they have an enjoyable rapport and are fun to read about. Edan is just mysterious enough that I need Maia to uncover more of the secrets of his past in the next book (sooner rather than later, please!). Edan and his magic represent a still barely-tapped source of even more worldbuilding for this rich narrative.
Spin the Dawn is a fantastical read perfect for those who love magic, whether it be of the supernatural sort or simply the poetry of an artist pouring her heart into her craft. Never before has dressmaking seemed so enchanting.

a tailor and a enchanter travel to make these 3 amazing dresses for the would be queen. loved this story and the romance. It almost reminded me of ladyhawke at times but not and there was a project runway in the beginning. seriously loved it and want to read the next book and what happens next with maia and edan. Loved this book and want the next one now.

Spin the Dawn starts off strong with a heroine who takes great personal risk in disguising herself as a man to take her ill father's place, and it has such a fun concept - project runway with magic! But the novel rapidly becomes predictable and dull with Maia having little agency after that first act. She repeatedly succeeds (or at least avoids failure) only because of other people and a magic that she clearly doesn't consider to be a reflection of her own effort. She's completely incompetent at pretending to be a man. There is a heavily telegraphed romance with a character whose eyes change color to reflect his mood (one of my least favorite YA tropes) and has very little personality. And the competition ends far too soon, leaving Maia to face a new challenge that isn't nearly as interesting. I gave up halfway through, having become bored with the book.

I really loved this book. I haven't read many books based around a female tailor, but I really liked how it gave me Mulan vibes at times. The fantasy elements were pleasant as well. Really hopeful for a sequel. I'd love to see what happens to Maia and if she finds her happily ever after.

*Spoiler free*

I think the magic scissors is what drew me to this book. While I don't sew myself, I am always awed at what sewing can create. And adding magic to that just makes it 10x cooler haha.

This book is fast. So much happens in such a short amount of time. I thought the whole book would be about the competition between the tailors who were competing, but that section is only about a third of the book! While I feel like this could have been stretched out in 2 books, maybe even 3, it didn't read squished or rushed. It felt natural. I would have liked for some things to have been slowed down and looked at a little more closely. I think at some instances the message of the situation was buried under the fact that a whole big thing happens in around two pages. I would have liked certain world elements to be explored more and for certain situations to have been more center stage.

I did enjoy the romance aspect, though I did feel like it was rushed. Maia and her love interest didn't interact very much, but I felt like the story just assumed they had enough development and put them together. I think this could have be caused by the hazy passage of time. Months pass over the course of the book, but it doesn't really feel like it. I wouldn't have been surprised if had found out that the book had only taken place over the course of a few days. Their development was mostly through small lines telling the reader that they talked a lot during their journey. I just would have liked to see more.

The world building was really unique. I haven't seen a magic system quite like this. It's very restricting, which I'm not used to seeing. The world was easy to get to know. It's explained in such a way where your given little snippets here and there, but they all fall into place and everything comes together nicely.

I feel in love with Maia's character. She was wonderful. She made such big sacrifices and I really, really felt for her. She knows what she wants and her world is doing everything in it's power to keep it from her. She was strong, passionate, and loving.

I really, really loved the sewing aspect of this. I'm a sucker for pretty clothes, even if I don't particularity enjoy wearing them haha. And while the focus is more on the creation of them, everything about it was so gorgeous and easy to picture!

While I would have liked for this book to be spread out a bit more, I still really, really loved it! The world was easy to be in and the characters were incredible to get to know!

Holy shit I loved this!
When I first started reading it, i played it out in my head as if it were Mulan but as the story progresses, there is so much more going on. From the mythology and legends to the magic and jinn, I was hooked. So beautifully told.

Maia's dream is to become the imperial tailor. But only men are tailors. Her father has been in a stifling depression since her mother's death and hasn't done much work. He's called to the palace to compete for the job as his work previously is renowned. Maia knows he can't do it, but if no one goes they will be put out of business from the sheer disrespect to the emperor. Maia goes in the guise of her brother and so begins our premise.

I cant even say more because it's all so good and spoilery. 😍😍😍
A MUST READ.

Spin the Dawn was a captivating story..The synopsis suggest the book is a blend between Project Runway and Mulan, and I would have to agree with that statement. At least for the first half of the book. There is magic, there is love, and there is suspense. While I don't think the book gives a fresh spin on magic or romance, I enjoyed it all the same.
There are some suggestions of the novel where the dialogue felt nearly repeated. "You should use your scissors."
"No."
Chapter later, "You should use your scissors."
"No."
All in all, I would recommend this book to the fans of fantasy and tinges of mythology!

4/5 stars!

What an original, refreshing and absolutely FUN story! This book will definately add something unique to the YA market and really stands out from the crowd! The world building was breathtaking and the characters were well fleshed out!

Oh my goodness, I did not expect this book to be so amazing. Now don't get me wrong, I thought this book would be good. Spin the Dawn wound up being INCREDIBLE!

So when they market it as Mulan meets project runway, they weren't joking. It really is, for the first half of the book anyways. And then it turns into a beautiful magical story. I love Maia and Edan so much. To backtrack, the beginning of the story invoked a lot of emotions as well.

If you haven't preordered or requested this book from your library, you need to do it now!!!! You will not regret it!!

I recieved an arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone is talking about how this is Project Runway meet Mulan...but what the blurb SHOULD have mentioned was that this is MULAN MEETS ALADDIN.

Imagine if, instead of Mulan taking over her father's warrior legacy, she had to save everyone by being the country's best tailor. When she reaches the palace, she runs into a mysterious enchanter. Does he mean her harm or good?

This book is SO GOOD. I was ready for the Chinese story, I was not ready for the Middle Eastern, and blended together, it's really something special.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Shallow note: I was absolutely entranced by the cover. Excellent job there.

The plot is a wild mash up of Mulan, Project Runway, and...Ladyhawke?

Yeah, it sounds kind of bonkers but absolutely works.

Disguised as her brother Maia is asked to make three impossible dresses.

The character interactions were fascinating. I find myself so intrigued by Lady Sarnai.

This book was received as an ARC from Random House in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such an intense YA Novel that I could not stop reading it. The adventure, the trials, and the tribulations displayed in this book were so invigorating that it was such a great book to read. Who would have never guessed that a story can be so intense just by being a tailor and seamstress competing for the ultimate job. A story filled with magic, obstacles and the ultimate reward is sure to leave the young readers at the edge of their seats wanting more. I really hope this becomes a series and I can not wait to see what happens next.

We will consider adding this book to our YFantasy collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim releases 7/30/19 and I want that lovely cover on my shelf!

Plus you can check out her lovely pre-order goodies here: 
https://www.elizabethlim.com/preorder 

My Review:
Changing the world one dress at a time. That’s Maia in a shell (walnut shell). 

This book really did make me wish I could sew.

The story is divided into 3 parts, and when I fell in love with Part 1 I was a tiny bit afraid the rest would be a letdown, but thank goodness I was wrong. I adore the author for taking us on such a grand adventure.

Initially Maia poses as a young man to change the life of her family and prove herself as a Master Tailor. The stakes are high. They will kill her if she’s found out. She has to beat all the other tailor’s in a fierce competition, and then she has to journey to obtain materials for three impossible gowns:  “One woven with the laughter of the sun. Another embroidered with the tears of the moon, and lastly, one painted with the blood of the stars.” 

This story was interesting, fun, thrilling, romantic, and I rooted for Maia every step of the way. 

Thank you Netgalley

This might sound like a weird word to describe a fantasy book, but Spin the Dawn was so, so sweet. It had an adorable heroine and a lovely cute romance I really appreciated.

Maia Tamarin is the best seamstress she knows, certainly better than her older brother Keton. He isn’t her only brother; she had two more, but they were killed in the Imperial war between Emperor Khanujin and his enemy, the shansen. Ever since then her family has never been the same. Her tailor father no longer laughs, the family is sinking into poverty, Keton came back from the war crippled, and Maia can see no other future than one where she marries the uncouth baker’s boy next door.

But then the imperial summons comes. Emperor Khanujin is looking for a new tailor, and he’s gathered twelve from across the land to compete for the job. Maia – disguised as Keton – goes in his place. Once there she draws the attention of the court magician, Lord Edan, who teases and infuriates her, and knows way more about her than he should. Unfortunately Maia also runs into difficulties. In order to cement her place as Imperial Tailor (and save her life in the process) she must make three legendary dresses handed down by the goddess Amana, spun out of impossible fabrics: the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of the stars.

Maia was a good heroine, and I liked her more the more I read about her. She’s sweet, self-sacrificing, but she’s also stubborn as hell and had a core of strength I appreciated. While she started out as somewhat naïve she did toughen up over the course of the book.

Edan was unexpectedly wonderful. I didn’t think, at first, I’d be wowed by the romance: it’s slow-burn and unfurls delicately. But it’s no less fierce for that, and I think this is one of the most believable love stories I’ve read in a YA novel.

While the side characters were limited in number, one deserves special mention: Lady Sarnai. The shansen’s daughter, she’s being married off to the Emperor against her will to unite their warring dynasties. She’s as close to a villain as this book gets and it would be easy to hate her. However, she’s definitely a complex character, and I’m keen to see more of her in the sequel.

Of course, this review wouldn’t be complete without talking about the fantasy world. Unfortunately I felt slightly let down here. It’s inspired by Chinese mythology, which I was glad to see more of after the excellence of Joan He’s Descendant of the Crane. There were certainly touches of it here and there, but the world in general felt slightly generic: I would have liked to see a more fleshed-out landscape or been given more backstory on the history, the culture, magic, the conflict between the Emperor and the shansen, etc. I knocked off a star for this.

Overall

An excellent debut with only one major issue. After that ending, I’m dying to read the second book! It’s a duology, so that should conclude the series. Recommended for anyone looking for something slightly different in fantasy.

I loved the world and the setting of this book—so creative and imaginative. The plot was fairly predictable, though, and suffered from the muddy middle syndrome. I already *knew* Maia would succeed in making the three dresses but had to go along with it for 100 or so pages. I wanted to feel more for the romance but I just couldn’t really get into it. The ending was more interesting when all these twists and turns started happening, but then it ended on a cliffhanger because it’s the first of a series (naturally). Still, I give it 4 stars for the quality of the writing and the incredible world building and how much I loved Maia’s character. It really felt like Project Runway meets Mulan, two of my favorite things.

Amazing writing, spectacular worldbuilding, and a truly magical read that was hard to put down. The characters were great and I expect to find more great things from this author.