Spin the Dawn

Written by Elizabeth Lim

Narrated by Kim Mai Guest

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

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Jul 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781984884527

Elizabeth Lim

Elizabeth Lim grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was raised on a hearty diet of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth was a professional film and video game composer, and she still tends to come up with her best book ideas while writing near a piano. An alumna of Harvard College and the Juilliard School, she now resides in New York with her husband and daughters. Other books by Elizabeth include Spin the Dawn and Unravel the Dusk, the New York Times bestseller So This is Love, and Reflection.

Reviews for Spin the Dawn

[cgalvin-774225 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked the premise but the world and characters needed more development. I saw a lot of similarities to Twilight here. Give it to younger teens?

[daumari · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this. Fantasy, but in an Asian-inspired setting and while the "Project Runway meets Mulan" elevator pitch is present, it really only covers about the first third of the novel before launching on a quest to make impossible dresses of legend.

Things I liked: again, I'm refreshed by the increase in fantasy that's set in non-European inspired settings partly for the change in a conventional setting but also having that bit of familiarity when a character does something and I'm reminded of my ngin-ngin, etc. Spin the Dawn is clearly Chinese-inspired but the journey takes them through the silk road equivalent to deserts and the northern people have influence from the Steppes. I like Maia as a protagonist and she's driven by not just the need to prove herself as the best tailor in the land, but also to provide for the welfare/honor of her family. We actually spent time on the quest at hand and what was needed for each trial in detail rather than glossing over it, and I do feel like this story would be great for a visual adaptation whether on screen or in graphic novel form.

I am less sold on how rapid romance happens, especially between extraordinarily old supernatural things and teenagers (~eyes the SJM books and City of Brass that I also read this year~), and do wish we got more worldbuilding about how magic works. I'm intrigued by different nations/factions' perspectives on using magic and whether or not it's linked to demons (probably?)

One of the cover quotes compared this to Sarah J. Maas and truthfully as the first third actually showed the tailor competition and Maia is competent, I think this is a better book than either SJM series.

Looking forward to the sequel next summer!

[LectorConJ · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

We could say it's perhaps an adaptation of the legendary story of Mulan. Very entertaining and quite versatile if you enjoy fantasy mixed with a bit of historical context. It bothers me quite a bit that the second part is not in Spanish, although the book could be considered self-conclusive since that story actually ends. (Translated from Spanish)

[Saramp96 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely unnecessary sequel that adds nothing to the first book, which could have been concluded satisfactorily with a couple of changes.

In the promise of the dragon, we continue Shiori's story right where it ended in Six Cranes, with the mission her stepmother assigns her to recover the dragon pearl and return it to its true owner. An adventure that brings us fully into the world of dragons.

Although the book contains a lot of action, I haven't felt that beautiful experience I had with the first book, where I could visualize each scene as if it were a mix of anime-Disney. It feels as if the quality of the descriptions has diminished. The characters remain very flat, stagnant, and there's a sort of love triangle that doesn't quite work. The chapters always end the same way; a formula that does create tension for the reader if used a couple of times, but if overused, it loses its charm. And something always happens to Shiori at the end of each chapter, like a fall, an attack... We already know the protagonist isn't going to die. So it became a bit repetitive, and I struggled to finish it, to be honest.

And there's not much more I can say without giving away more details. A second part that does not measure up to the first one, which was beautiful and I recommend. (Translated from Spanish)

[Sihaya ??‍♀️??‍♀️??? · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A superb fantasy novel with Asian tones. Continuing from where Six Crows left off, it presents us with Shiori, who must fulfill the promises made to her stepmother and the dragon king. In the process, she will encounter dangers and difficult decisions to make. A wonderful fantasy journey, where we find various magical creatures, with humans being the most dangerous beings. (Translated from Spanish)

[quenstalof · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to like this more than I did. It was a fun read though.

[tikimoof · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After a month of mostly bad books, this was pretty good!

Ignoring the stupid "x meets y" blurb, this played out a lot like the YA fairy tale romances that I love, so that was a plus. I could feel the older Robin McKinley influence!

I had some niggles with the romance itself, though. These days I need some kind of rationalization for the huuuuuuge age gap (I think I got enough of a vibe to be placated there), and there was some Idiot Ball carrying in the back quarter that made me sigh.

I'm definitely looking forward to the conclusion next year!

[ToTo1208 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very good, it's entertaining, not so different from the original but with a touch of humor, action, and drama... very good for passing the time! Easy and quick to read! (Translated from Spanish)

[completely_melanie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is amazing! I have already preordered the sequel. I cannot wait to read it. This is Mulan meets Project Runway meets Aladdin. So good! So much fun to read!

[Daniela35779 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful reading ❤️? (Translated from Spanish)

[MilagrosBane · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved the book. The world it is set in is wonderful, full of magic and Eastern legends. It gave me vibes of Mulan and Aladdin. The protagonist and the romance are super cute ???. The ending did feel a bit weak to me. I would have liked the book to be longer to delve deeper into the setting and the characters. I can't wait to read the second one, damn it ?. (Translated from Spanish)

[jakeisreading · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Being a YA fantasy with a healthy dash of romance, Spin the Dawn might not be for everyone, but for me, it was like reliving the magic of reading my first Tamora Pierce books in my early teens. I tore through this almost 400-page novel in a day, something I don’t think I’ve ever done before.

"A patchwork of thick, grey clouds drifted across the sky, the seams so tight I could barely see the light behind them.”

I was absorbed by Maia’s passion for tailoring and the vivid descriptions of her designs. The prose is beautiful, and I loved how Lim weaves it (pun intended) with allusions to Maia’s trade.

When I first started the book, I was worried that the worldbuilding detail was too light for my taste. But Maia’s journey expands the setting in exciting ways, and I particularly loved the mythology. However, Lim maintains a paired down, fairy-tale narrative voice which, for me, made the story all the more emotionally poignant.

The only thing that didn’t really work for me was how antagonistic Maia was towards Edan in the beginning. I thought he was charming and helpful, but she was so not into it. That said, I think the point was that Maia felt comfortable enough with him to treat him as if he were one of her three brothers.

Regardless, I’ve given this book a big old 5-star rating for the pure enjoyment it brought me. I can’t wait to read more of Lim’s work!

[drfuriosa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoy a good tournament and a good quest narrative, but the love story that binds the two together left me a bit cold. Not sure if I want to read the second book.

[jenniferelizabeth2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Loved the cover and premise....and was so totally disappointed by the writing and the romance. Bah.

[elenaj-147457 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an engaging, quick-moving, original story. The author borrows heavily from disparate sources, including most notable mythology and Project Runway, but (appropriately enough) deftly weaves them into a cohesive and appealing whole.

I have to admit that I'm less interested in the trope of a woman finding her way to heroism despite the confines of her sexist culture than I was as a teenager. I'm more interested in fantasy that explores new cultures rather than rehashing the same old sexism I've been reading about (and experiencing) my whole life. That said, this book's Asian-influenced setting and the originality of the magic system meant that it wasn't simply one more of the same thing, and I enjoyed it.

Be warned, this is just the first half of a larger story. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it definitely left me feeling as though the characters were solidly in the middle of their story, and I wish I didn't have to wait for the second half.

[pascale1812 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written, in the style of a classic quest / fairy tale.

[quondame · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A talented tailor who isn't allowed to be a tailor because she's a girl, competes to become the Emperors tailor. She also dyes, spins and weaves, very very quickly. A sorcerer hundreds of years old, a difficult princess who demands magical gowns, all chopped into one story with demons and illusions and I'm probably forgetting a few elements, but none are new, few are credibly polished and they do not go well together. Decently written and moves as a good speed, but way to much YA romance kiss stuff, way too much.

[dimkerbell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

God!
5 stars because it deserves it.
The story revolves around Maia Tamarin, the daughter of a tailor who owns a workshop.
She must disguise herself as a boy, as her father's presence is required as an imperial tailor; unfortunately, her father cannot go because he is too old and weak, so she pretends to be a boy to go in her father's place (almost like Mulan), but this is just the tip of the iceberg of what awaits our protagonist.
I love Maia and Edan.

My new favorite duology. (Translated from Spanish)

[kristymk18-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was billed as Project Runway meet Mulan and I think that is the perfect description. This story takes on a lot of the same tropes as many YA fantasies, and I can't say it really offered any new spin on them, but I still enjoyed it. I've said it before, but I think I am finally too old for YA novels. I can see this being the perfect read for a teen, but there young voice and certain situations irked me. I'd recommend for teens of all ages, particularly those starting out in the fantasy genre as Maia is a good character to get behind and root for.

[heatherlinc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was terrific! I was captivated by the stunning front cover and when I read the positive reviews, I knew I HAD to read it, and am so glad I did. "Spin the Dawn" more than exceeded by expectations. he world building and characters were well-developed and the narrative had me from the start. I wa surprised how quickly I read this book - I just couldn't put it down once I had started it.

Maia was a fabulous female protagonist. Not only did she risk everything pretending to be a boy to earn the position of Imperial Tailor, she was also brave, loyal, determined and a skillful seamstress. The fact that her magical ability came from enchanted scissors was wonderfully unique and made Maia that more interesting.

However, my favourite character was Edan, the Lord Enchanter. His backstory was fascinating and I loved the relationship he and Maia had. He was always there for her and their mischievous banter was a highlight of the book. I thought they were the perfect couple!

The pacing of Spin the Dawn" was excellent. I thought the plot might drag in the second-half when Maia and Edan went on an ep"ic journey to capture the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon and the blood of the stars so Maia could create the dresses of the goddess, Amana, but was I wrong! The second-half of this book was filled with more danger and excitement than the first half.

"Spin the Dawn" had the magic of a fairytale, the excitement of an adventure and the captivating romance of a love story. With the addition of ghosts, demons, loveless marriages and fabulous world building, this book had it all.

My biggest 'complaint' was that it wasn't a stand-alone novel. I now have to wait for AGES before I can continue following the adventures of Maia and Edan. A wonderfully entertaining read!

[ladycato · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book through NetGalley.

Spin the Dawn takes a myriad of genre tropes and spins them in an incredible way, resulting in a book that's surprising, fast to read, and immense fun. The back cover copy pitches it as Mulan meets Project Runway, and that's certainly an apt description of the book's first third; after that, it becomes a fresh take on a fairy tale romantic adventure.

Maia is the Mulan prototype, but instead of dressing as a boy to become a soldier, she disguises herself to compete to be the emperor's tailor. This competition is still a kind of war, though. Not only are her peers sabotaging her efforts, but the emperor's fiance is uncooperative and sets up impossible challenges--and then there's the fact that if Maia is outed as a girl, she'll be killed for lying to the emperor. When she finds out the scissors gifted to her by her father are magical, she doesn't want to use them; to my delight, she truly wanted to succeed by her own merits. I loved Maia for that.

Of course, there's a romance, too, and it's an incredibly well done one. I enjoyed how it developed and yikes, did the end deliver some major surprises.

I added this book to my list to consider for the Norton Award for next year. It's that good. I hope its release is heralded by lots of positive attention, and I'll certainly look for other books in the series.