When a royal messenger summons her ailing father to court, Maia poses as his son and travels to the Summer Palace in his place.

She dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. Did I mention that I’m dying for this sequel? Because I need it.On the fringes of the Great Spice Road, Maia Tamarin works as a seamstress in the shop of her father, once a tailor of renown. I’m really curious about her story, and that of the Emperor, and where it will lead in the sequel.

I also found myself really interested in Lady Sarnai even though I probably shouldn’t. The romance aspect was really well done, and absolutely adorable while still feeling realistic and earned (definitely not a case of insta-love here, thank god).Įdan, the court magician, is fascinating. He’s mysterious, powerful, and always has the best banter with Maia. After the war ended, her family was left in pieces and I love that Elizabeth Lim didn’t shy away from the tragedy and the pain it brings. There was also a great emphasis on her relationship with her family. She’s also a very strong character, who is determination, loyal, and kind. She loves her job, which isn’t something often emphasized in YA, and her passion is something I really admired about her. ‘Demons and ghosts.’ With a faint smile, he added, ‘And not having enough books to read.’” Characters ‘You’re never in your tent.’Ī cloud passed over his face. Typically, traveling in novels bores me, but despite the journey taking up a large part of the book, there was always something interesting going on, or a trial to undergo, which made the pages fly by. It’s split into parts, focusing on the competition and an epic journey. I tried and failed (and lost a couple of hours of sleep because of it). Spin the Dawn is a fast-paced book. There is constant action to the point where I literally could not put it down. I have never had a talent for spinning tales.” Plot Yet ask me to tell a lie, and I will stumble and falter to think of one. “Ask me to spin the finest yarn or thread, and I can do it faster than any man–even with my eyes closed. It’s the perfect mix of grounded to reality yet completely magical and fascinating. The world itself is well built with a fascinating mythology and plenty of history interwoven into the fantasy aspects. She describes the setting well and builds the characters and their relationships beautifully. Elizabeth Lim has a gorgeous writing style that adds to the fairytale feeling of this book. Her prose is beautiful, but not too flowery.

I absolutely adore the writing in this book.

Spin the dawn by elizabeth lim