The Spindle of Fate is a fantasy novel based on Chinese mythology - specifically, how Chinese mythology relates to the afterlife. Evie Mei Huang is the daughter of a well-known tailor and clothing designer who goes mysteriously missing and is presumed dead - that is, until a mysterious talking monkey-like spirit appears, and tells Evie that her mother was taken mistakenly, and is the Courts of the afterlife. The monkey-spirit wants Evie to go on a quest through the Courts, to bring her mother's spirit back to rejoin her body before it's too late. The spirit tells Evie about the various Guilds populated by people with special abilities, something she never knew about, although the spirit assumed that she did - after all, her mother is the head of the Weavers' Guild.

This is a fun fantasy adventure, with a 12 year-old, female main character, and a teenage boy, Kevin, as her assistant - a member of the Warrior Guild, another Guild Evie had never heard of, and the only person who would volunteer to go with her. That this knowledge comes after Evie's mother's apparent death adds to her surprise, as do the things she learns about her mother, and herself, as the story progresses. This fast-paced novel is recommended for readers middle school through adult, especially those who enjoy fantasy, mythology, or both.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I love the cast of characters and mythology that is in this book. It was a little young for me but I was reading this to see if this was a good book for my little cousin and I think it will be a perfect fit for her because she fits that middle grade age group when it comes to books. The fantasy aspects of the novel brought a lot of fun to it and it was done in a way that is easy for audiences to follow and understand so that they can focus on the plot. It was a fun read and I highly recommend it to your middle grade readers.

I was drawn to the cover of this book. It's gorgeous.
Evie has lost her mom, and during her grief, she receives a message... from her mom telling her she's not dead, she's trapped in the netherworld. Evie discovered that there was more to her seamstress mother than she thought. Her father does not speak Chinese and never learned of such a secret, so Evie seeks help from those who may understand what is going on. The council is too afraid to face the terrifying maze... that is actually filled with bureaucracy. Instead of a story towards only magic lore, we are presented one with nasty greedy creatures with cooporation vibes. There are directors and bosses to complain to, making it unique and fun to read. 
The ending was not what I wanted, but it gave me a hint that this is not a standalone.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for this e-arc.

A mysterious letter from her dead mom takes Evie on a rescue mission through hell. Evie is a strong, self-assured character who still manages to respect her elders and listen to the people around her -- even when she's not happy about it. I enjoyed getting to know her.


[NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, my NetGalley feedback is not a blurb or endorsement. If a publisher wishes to use any part of my comments for promotional purposes, please contact me or my agent via email. I would prefer not to include star ratings but NetGalley won't let me post without one, so all will be 5 stars.]

I enjoyed this book. About grief and coming to terms with letting go. The ending wasn't what I was hoping for. Oh well.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

I firmly believe that there can never be enough sci-fi and fantasy books for the middle grade and this one will fit right in at my middle school! I already put some on order for my bookstore, my classroom, and for some copies for my school library!