Let's just get this straight - I definitely enjoyed this book by Aimee Lee! It's a coincidence that I had recently read Elizabeth Lim's Reflection, the retelling of Disney's animated movie, Mulan. So there were some similarities to these stories. Both are fantasies that include Chinese mythology of what happens after death in the underworld, and include a strong FMC that is on a journey throughout the underworld to save someone that they love.

The Spindle of Fate on it's own speaks about a young FMC who learns after her supposed Mother's untimely death, that her family has been involved in a network of supernatural societies with her own Mother as one of the society's leader. If you couldn't tell by the title of this book, the family's talent is related to weaving, and they could change someone's fate through this magical talent. The FMC with a sidekick venture through the underworld that has changed with the modern times. They face challenges at each level of the underworld to find her Mother. There is a lovely little twist in the end which I am not even sure I could have guessed.

Aimee Lim's debut is a wonderful story that even as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed. This is a middle grade fantasy, and does not contain romance or overtly in your face violence. I am very appreciative of Netgalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for this advanced copy for a review.

I will be posting a review on Instagram, Goodreads, and Storygraph.

Aimee Lim's The Spindle of Fate weaves a captivating tale that combines rich cultural elements with a gripping fantasy adventure. The story opens with the protagonist, Evie Mei, grappling with the sudden and mysterious death of her mother. Just as Evie is coming to terms with her loss, a talking monkey arrives with an astonishing revelation: her mother was the head of a secret Guild of magical weavers. This revelation catapults Evie into a journey through the Chinese netherworld to save her mother and protect her family's legacy.

Lim's narrative is enchanting, drawing readers into a world where myth and reality intertwine seamlessly. The author excels in creating a vivid, magical landscape filled with intricate details that bring the Chinese netherworld to life. The depiction of magical weaving as a craft and power adds a unique and refreshing element to the fantasy genre.

Evie Mei is a compelling protagonist whose courage and determination are both inspiring and relatable. Her journey of self-discovery and growth is well-paced, making readers root for her as she faces various challenges and uncovers her own latent abilities. The talking monkey, a delightful and quirky character, adds a touch of humor and wisdom, balancing the darker, more intense moments of the story.

One of the standout aspects of The Spindle of Fate is its exploration of family bonds and heritage. Lim deftly portrays Evie's deep connection to her mother and the lengths she is willing to go to reunite with her. This emotional core adds depth to the fantastical elements, making the stakes feel real and immediate.

A girl who discovers that her recently deceased mother was the head of a magical guild of weavers and now must enter into the Chinese netherworlds to try and bring her back! Evie Mei Huang is still reeling from her mother's death, she's never had a close relationship with her mom but now that her mother is gone things are so difficult. Yet when a mysterious talking monkey shows up and tells Evie that her mother is the head of magical weavers and that she is trapped in the Chinese underworld, Evie knows she has to rescue her mom. Eve's mom isn't dead and Evie only has one chance to bring her back and save her family! This was a fun middle grade read that featured Chinese mythology, the strength of family bonds, and an adventure like no other. I had fun reading this and definitely think middle grade readers will enjoy this! Evie was a fun protagonist and the setting that Aimee Lim created was so much fun to read!

Publication/Blog/Outlet: Ash and Books (Tumblr Blog): https://ash-and-books.tumblr.com/
*Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

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!