This is such a gorgeous story, full of sumptuous imagery. I could feel the rich fabrics and magic being woven through. This is a book to become totally lost within and worth staying up late for. I can’t wait to read the next book.

I went into Spin the Dawn with very little expectations and I am pleasantly surprised.

Knowing what the book was about and not expecting for it to absolutely blow me away made reading this really enjoyable. It's pitched as Mulan meets Project Runway and I think it's a perfect description.

Spin the Dawn was a fun and quick read. Although I found the plot somewhat predictable and a bit formulaic (challenge, resolution, followed by another challenge and another resolution) I still really enjoyed the reading experience of it. I think I would've even given it 4 stars if not the romance which just really didn't work for me.

2.5/5

sorry this did not work for me.

- The writing is very simplistic, the story and plot unravel at breakneck speed because everything is just told to the reader. This would have worked in some cases but it really failed to deliver a lot of the emotional impact it was aiming for, I simply did not care about the events because I know it will finish in the next chapter. There was no suspense or thrill from the competition or the traveling, it just felt like I was reading plot points with the occasional descriptions of places and clothing.

- For the amount of telling and not showing this book does, I cannot think of a single thing regarding the magic in this book that comes to mind. The character has magic scissors (good for her), the enchanter has magical abilities that seem to solve any problem you have, the main character can clap her fucking hands and food will appear in front of her. What is this 'magic' they keep speaking of, the concept regarding magic and the dresses was a cool concept, the idea that magic can be weaved into clothing pieces and the clothes can possess magical qualities is interesting, but the execution just fell really flat. The random use of magic just throws everything off balance for me cause its often just used for plot convenience.

- the characters: I did not care about anyone in this book omg. I tried so hard, I was invested at first with the family dynamics. Maia, her brothers and father shared a really interesting and lovely relationship, seeing them accept and support her was refreshing as opposed to the evil, unwilling parent in ya stories (esp set in older periods). My issue with the Maia's character is once you separate her from the other supporting characters, she fails to stand out or interest me in any way, her way of acting and thinking changes a lot too esp in the second act. Eden just got on my nerves, I'm sorry. Dude is not cheeky or interesting to me. idk, his book just failed to click with me, mostly cause of the writing.

obviously the book isn't all bad, there were paragraphs that were pretty interesting, and this book was a really fast read, and the covers are stunning. just not for me

thankful to netgalley for providing a copy to review

What I was looking for: The book had been on my radar for quite some time, since I like to sew myself. Now with the new cover, it popped up again and I like this edition much more than the previous cover art.

What I liked: I liked the fairytales the about the three dresses. The journey of our protagonists was interesting and I really liked the magic system regarding the enchanters, demons and so forth. It is a really welcome change to have the heroine be a tailor, a trade I have not seen too often in YA fantasy heroines.

What I did not like: The book for me had to many tropes I am not too fond of: the Special girl (not like other girls or boys, the only girl our male love interest ever fell for, and then the revelation towards the end – all too much) and who has to care for her whole family alone and the disgusting boy next door who wants to marry her. And it felt weird to me that the love interested was always referred to as a “boy” even though he so clearly was not a boy.
I know the book is pitched as Mulan meets Project Runway but I was really annoyed that the beginning of the book felt like such a poor, obvious mash-up of the two. The execution was just too much like the inspirations, even down to the speech at the beginning of the sewing contest (“only one can be chosen”).

Conclusion: Although I have a long of things I did not like, I still enjoyed the book. I think I am mostly disappointed in the execution of some really great ideas. There were too many things packed into it. To me it would have been great to just have that myth/fairytale about the three dresses and then spend a little more time on the journey to get the materials and make these dresses. Cut the baker boy, shorten the introduction to her family, cut the whole selection process before the final task. And cut some of her “specialness”, easiest the one about her being the only girl the male love interest ever loved.

"'Seize the wind', I whispered. 'Don't become the kite that never flies'"

Destiny is indeed very funny. One choice and it takes a complete U-turn that LEDs to what remains of our life.

'Spin the Dawn' is the empowering story of Maia Tamarin, who dreams of becoming the imperial tailor in a society where girls are allowed to be nothing more than servants to men.

Armed with magic and a magician, she sets out on a conquest to stitch the dresses of the legendary goddess, using the laughter of the Sun, the tears of the Moon and the blood of the stars.

Engaging and riveting, this book is a portal to an entirely new universe that mixes a Disney movie and an Indiana Jones expedition.

Powerful character arcs, an interesting love story and a stubborn monarch, this book is every fantasy reader's dream.

Loved this book. Sparkling characters and a beautifully spun tale. Gorgeous clothes. More than a few hints of Project Runway, which I really liked.

Maia wants to be the imperial tailor - a job only a man can hold. But when her father is called - and is too unwell to take the job, she dresses as a man and goes in his place. She must compete against other tailors to win the ultimate prize, with tasks rivalling those on Project Runway.

But then she is sent on a dark and deadly mission to create three magical dresses from the legends of the Gods. An enchanter promises to help her on her quest.

Twists at the end. Truly delightful. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

How I’m suppose to get my mind together after this book, read it in a day. And as someone who works full time is hard to stay focus for so long in just one thing but Elizabeth got all my attention and time, A really cool world and a complete story. Already starting the sequel and I’m definitely recommending this! Thanks for such amazing read, this book is one of my new favorites!!! 100/10

first things first, this is a new favourite book for me. if you are on the fence about this book after hearing the tagline of 'Mulan meets Project Runway', I strongly urge you to ignore that description and just read the book. this story is so much more than a simple culmination of those templates; Maia's journey in this book is one that I wish everyone would read.

this book accidently splits itself into two halves: the first half is the competition that you expect going into it, and the second half takes our characters on a journey throughout their world. two of my favourite things in fantasy novels. because of these differing pathways, I really felt as though we got the know the characters and become comfortable with them, to a point in which the second half feels as though we are exploring the world through their eyes.

if you had told me when starting this book how much I would end up loving the romance, I would have laughed in your face. the journey Maia and Edan went through together, and the way that affected the progress of their relationship felt so real to me and I need them to be happy and reunited in the sequel. Edan in particular really grew on me throughout the book, at first I wasn't too sure of him but now I am absolutely besotted by him. I love that hawk man.

I am super excited to get my hands on the sequel and finish Maia's story. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fantasy featuring a strong romance, a main character with a strong passion for their work and an expansive, diverse world.

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim was a great fantasy story that inmediatly caught my attention by reading Mulan and Project Runway and now that I have finished the story, I can see the resemblance between the two and it was perfectly done throughout the whole story. I really liked our main character Maia and the relationship that later on unfolds with Edan.

The tailoring competition was just so perfect, I loved reading the description of the dresses, fabrics and it really reminded me of Project Runway and the way magic was involved into the story was also a bonus for me. I would highly recommend this fantasy novel to everyone and I will definitely be continuing with the second book.

I am new to works by this author and I wasn't disappointed. The premis for this book is loosely based around the tale of mulan and how she dressed as a man to represent her family in the war. It is almost the same within this book, the main character enters a competition to become the Royal tailor but has to disguise as a man/boy.
I enjoyed reading this book, the writing was quite descriptive and the characters lovable. Will be looking forward to reading book 2.

I've never read a fantasy book this fast in a long time. While it takes time to set the pace of a book and to introduce the setting to its readers, this one didn't have a hiccup or a break in the pace. I absolutely loved the pace which made me enjoy the story thoroughly. Coming to the story. This story reminded me of watching a Chinese Drama years ago. The search for the royal tailor was the goal behind the competition, which was more ambitious and sabotaging than I thought. The initial phase of the competition was interesting and I enjoyed how creative Lady Sarnai's tasks were. But after the first part, the book drifted towards the romantic side than Fantasy. Whilst I enjoyed the hunt for the three dresses that was built around myths and legends, I wish the book was less romantic and focused more on the competition because that was initial focus of this book. Other than that I immensely enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to Fantasy readers who love a pinch of romance in their books.

I've heard a lot about Spin the Dawn and finally decided to read it now that the sequel is almost out. The pacing was good but the book consists in two parts that feel a bit disconnected.
I enjoyed the first part "Project Runway meets Mulan" but the second part fell a bit flat for me. As usual in a fantasy book, there's a quest to get impossible things but it seemed that the budding romance between the main characters was more important than their quest. That romance between a young girl and a 500-year old (with him saying they shouldn't be together, etc...) reminded me a lot of Twilight which I wasn't keen on.

Although there wasn't much world building and the characters feel a bit underdeveloped, The book was easy to read and I will read the sequel Unravel the Dusk.

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was amazing. I read it in two days. I literally skipped some sentences (even though I tried to restrain myself) because I really wanted to know what happens. But you know what it means: I will reread it one day to know what I missed.
I loved Maia and I loved Edan (he has now become my book boyfriend). I cannot wait to see what becomes of them in the next book. They were so well-developed and had a real evolution which was great to see. The story is amazing too. It was intriguing and intense. It starts with Maia, who lives in a patriarchal society, and who wants to become the best tailor (a job reserved to men) of the country. The writing style really pulled me in the book and in this universe.
I recommend this book to people who are into fantasy and young adult books. Also to people who want to start reading fantasy.
5/5

This was an enjoyable YA fantasy with an interesting adventure. I enjoyed the fairytale retelling aspects and the Asian inspired setting. The character of Edan for the most part was very interesting but I would've liked to have learnt more about him.
Our main character felt a little undeveloped and I was disappointed that her main motivations in the second half of the book was romance related.
I felt like the book could definitely have been 2 books that were more detailed and thorough which I would've enjoyed more.
Definitely a solid starter fantasy for people just getting into the genre.

Of course, is this only my personal opinion on the book and just because I give this rating to the book doesn’t mean, that everyone will have that opinion.

„Project Runway meets Mulan“ was a very interesting teaser sentence in my opinion but I think it fits the book perfectly.
I enjoyed the writing style and the book had me hooked from the first sentence. I spend every free minute of the day reading it.
Personally, I like both covers because they fit the vibe of the story really good!
I liked the characters and cant wait to read more about Maia and her journey.
The plot was also really interesting and there wasn’t a minute of my reading time that felt boring.

Conclusion
If you are looking for a good YA Fantasy book with an interesting storyline, I think this book might be for you

I give 5 from 5 Stars

“Seize the wind. Don't become the kite that never flies.”

Spin the Dawn is pitched as Mulan meets Project Runway and it’s exactly that, but let me add it also reminded me of Aladdin, which makes it even better.

We follow Maia, the youngest of four siblings and only daughter of a renowned tailor. Out of the four siblings, Maia is the only one with a gift for the needle but she’s a girl and the only way for girls to honor their families is by getting married. She could never be in charge of her father’s shop, never become a Master Tailor, let alone the imperial tailor, no matter how much she wishes for it.

After losing her mother and then her two older brothers to the Five Winters War between A’landi and the shansen, things are looking really bad. Her father is lost in grief, not even a shadow of the man he was, and Maia struggles to make ends meet. Then, following the announcement of the Emperor of A’landi’s marriage to the shensen’s daughter, an imperial messenger shows up at their shop. He comes for Maia’s father, since the best tailors of the land are being called to the palace for a chance to become the new imperial tailor. Knowing her father will never make it, she dresses up as a boy and goes in his place.

The first 35-40% of the book is the competition for the spot as imperial tailor. We see Maia and 11 other tailors fight to please the shansen’s daughter and her twisted requests, while keeping her cover as a boy, and we also meet Edan, the Lord Enchanter. I really enjoyed that first part of the book, I was getting the full-on Mulan vibes, I was intrigued by Edan, and was trying to figure out both the emperor and the shensen’s daughter, who are not entirely who they seem to be.

However, the rest of the book was a bit of a letdown. Maia is sent on an impossible quest to make the three dresses of Amana: one woven with the laughter of the sun, one embroidered with the tears of the moon and one painted with the blood of the stars. As promising as that sounds, Edan accompanies Maia in her quest and, as their love story develops, I felt that was all the book focused on. Instead of reading about an adventure, an impossible quest and sky-high stakes with a romance side plot as the cherry on the cake, I found myself reading about a romance with an impossible quest as a side plot. I wanted the cake but only got the cherry.

I had the chance to read an ARC of Six Crimson Cranes, also by Elizabeth Lim and really enjoyed finding out that the two books are connected in some way, like a story within a story. I do have to say that I liked Six Crimson Cranes better, though. I’m starting to see a pattern with Elizabeth Lim’s love interests too: they’re always the too-perfect boyfriend who will die a thousand times over for the main character, move the sun and moon for her, they can only love her because she’s not like the other girls and she’s the one and only for them and they knew it before even speaking to her almost. As much as I liked Edan and Takkan in both stories, I wish they were more complex in that sense since I believe it would do wonders for both stories.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I’m definitely looking forward to reading Unravel the Dusk next, but I liked the first part more than I did the second and was expecting a little more from this. (3.5 stars)

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a digital review copy in exchange of an honest and voluntary review.

What a pleasant surprise this book was! Pitched as Mulan meets Project Runway, the story follows Maia, the daughter of a master tailor, who enters a competition to become the new tailor to the Emperor disguised as a man. The set up is really fun and the competition portion of the book is compelling, but what I really enjoyed was the point at which this book turned into a quest narrative. There is some fabulously luscious description, both of the clothing but also the world, which I really appreciated and I like the character arc for Maia. There are definitely some interesting political machinations at play in this world which I think will be explored further in the conclusion to the duology, as well as the mythology of the world. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will read the conclusion with great interest.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Spin the Dawn is described as a cross between Mulan and Project Runway, which is spot on, at least at first. The story follows Maia Tamarin, the youngest child of a well-respected master tailor. As the Emperor’s war against the Shansen continues to unfold, Maia’s father takes ill, and her family faces increasing hardship.

When an Imperial Minister requests the services of Maia’s father at the Summer Palace, Maia poses as her brother, attending in place of her ailing father. When she arrives at court, she finds herself competing against eleven master tailors for the title of Imperial Tailor, and these crafty men aren’t above playing dirty. As she fights to keep her gender a secret, Maia is given increasingly impossible challenges set by the Emperor’s vengeful bride, eventually leading to an epic journey that could determine the fate of the Empire.

“I, too, once journeyed beyond the stars.”
“What did you find?”
His voice turned lethally soft. “That it’s just the beginning.”

The second part of the novel shakes up the format set by Maia’s tailoring competition and instead focuses on her travels to complete her quest, the details of which I found magical and beautiful. Maia’s journey expands the novel’s setting beyond clothing design and throws her together with Edan, the court magician, for better or worse. The story also turns unexpectedly dark (thematically; no trigger warnings I can recall), which took me entirely by surprise. I’m now really excited to read the second book in the duology and see where Lim takes Maia’s journey next.

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!

Big thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings: Sexism, death of family, bodily harm

This book was a fun adventure - it was fast paced and it took you along easily, making you get lost in everything that was happening. The book follows Maia, a female seamstress who pretends to be a man to take part in the competition to be the head seamstress for the King. As the book progresses, we learn that there is a lot more to discover at the palace and it surely intrigues me just as much and I can't wait to see where things go in the next book.

Maia was a great character - despite the world being seemingly against her, she keeps fighting any way that she can, trying to support herself and her family. I love her so much and can't wait to see where the second book takes her - just as long as she is safe and protected at the end of it.

The romance was something I didn't really end up getting on board with. It was nice, I suppose but I felt there was something missing - maybe the sequel will provide me with more reasons to like it and I will be able to enjoy it.

This book was amazing. I loved reading every word. The world building was beautiful and the characters were brilliant! Maia was such an amazing character to learn about and such a great character to follow through the novel. I ADORED Edan, he gave me such Jest from Heartless vibes I loved him so much, he was great!

I loved each part of the book, from the competition, to the journey and to the final chapters, the whole novel was beautifully crafted and could have worked as two separate novels but was seamlessly intertwined into one breath-taking narrative. I loved the mythology and culture that was featured in the novel and everything about it! I only wished that there had been more and I can't wait to read the sequel.