Spin the Dawn

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

Critic reviews

"Maia's perspective as a working tailor makes her world vibrant and full of sensory details that are sure to delight even the most jaded of fantasy readers." —NPR

"Part Project Runway set during the Silk Road era, part epic adventure. . . . This will have broad appeal." —Kirkus Reviews

"Beautifully written with a can’t-wait-for-the-sequel ending, this breathtaking and fast-paced Silk-road inspired fantasy from the author of Mulan-retelling Reflection (2018) is sure to enchant readers beginning to end." —Booklist

"An addictive magical adventure." —SLJ

"Spin the Dawn is pure magic. Romance, artistry, and deep enchantment." --Gregory Maguire, bestselling author of Wicked

"A thrilling tale as rich as velvet and as exquisite as fine embroidery." —Heidi Heilig, author of The Girl from Everywhere

Pleasantly surprised.

I was very unsure about this book when I got it, but it turned out to be better than I thought it would be. The only thing I really would like to wonder and think about is how fast the characters seemed to fall in love, when they could barely stand each other at the beginning of the book.

But the story line was great, the idea of the book is wonderful. And I am super sad the next book (if there is one..) isn't out because I really would die to know what happens next. This is a beautiful story and very much worth your credit. No regrets!

WONDERFUL FANTASY!

This is a wonderful magical adventure, and the narrators performance was perfect. It was really difficult for me to stop listening, so I could sleep, spend time with my family, or even eat, lol.
I usually listen to audio books while I sew, and create costumes for cosplay. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I truly enjoyed this tale, I'll be listening to it again.😃
Starla S Shadow

So torn

I went back and forth between adoring this book and wondering if I should just return it. I am glad that I stuck through, but don’t know if I’ll be getting the next one. I think my biggest problem with it was the romance. I’m not one usually for romance. When it pops up in all its cliche glory, there are usually eye rolls and additions to my DNF bookshelf. If I’m reading a book strictly because I need some romance in my life (like a rom com or feel good), then I’m all for it. I also enjoy a good slow-burn (like, super slow). This wasn’t insta-love, nor was it particularly slow burning. You could see it from the moment he stepped into the room, but it did take about halfway through for the nauseating moments to arise. The trials were interesting, but it definitely was more about the romance than the trials. That’s my opinion. I was hoping for more Mulan-style bad***ery, but the author was more descriptive of their domestic dalliances than the actual cool stuff. Others may disagree. Each one just felt like a small eternity to me.

Love it!!

I love everything about this book/audio!! I love it! From the story and to the narrator!

A Tale Spun with Words as Fine as Silk

This beautiful story is a rich tapestry of words and emotions that draw the reader into a fantastical realm of competition, quests, romance, and wonder. Elizabeth Lim's writing and Kim Mai Guest's narration weave magic. Not to be missed!