What a book!!

“Spin the Dawn” follows Maia as she struggles to be the obedient daughter her father expects her to be as she secretly hopes to live out her dreams as the imperial tailor and when the opportunity presents itself for her to compete in a challenge to win said title she jumps at the chance even if it means donning a disguise.

This is such a unique take on the classic Mulan tale and I loved every second of it! It also manages to blend other fairy tales and mythology to create a world that’s layered with magic and intrigue as well as demons and betrayal and I couldn’t put this book down!

Maia is such a great character who is willing to do what it takes to win but has enough heart to want to do it based on her talents alone and not with help from those who offer even though those “gifts” come with strings attached. Each of the surrounding characters also have some interesting attributes with an Emperor who may not be as strong as he appears, a Lady from another land who is more steel than porcelain and an Enchanter who believes just as much in the power of faith as he does magic.

This is a really treat story and that ending makes me so excited for what may come next and I can’t wait to see where we go!

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!**

I've given myself a few days after finishing this before I gathered my thoughts of the book. Because... well, I had a lot.

First off, that cover is GORGEOUS. I requested an advanced copy of this title off the cover alone.
Secondly, "Mulan meets Project Runway" is probably the greatest combination I never thought I needed, until I read about it and knew I needed nothing else.

Okay, now for the actual review:

Maia is a great character. She's strong, willing to do anything she can for her survival, and she is courageous.
In Mulan-like fashion, she cuts off her hair and pretends to be her brother so she can exceed in her craft and save her father from soiling the family name.
I loved the idea of a competition to be the Imperial Tailor. In all of the competition stories I've read, this one intrigued me the absolute most.

My only qualm, which I had to knock of a star for, is that I feel like this would have been so much better if it were split into two novels. I'm usually the one to say "these could have been one long novel" but no. This one has two solid plots with a lull in the middle, and I would have loved if they were split and each part was fleshed out.
The pacing was a bit off.

But I still loved it and I cannot wait for the next part of the adventure.

Oh, oh my. This book is magical.
Cinematic storytelling. I don't usually visualize stories as I read, but I could see this one so clearly. Like a wondrous movie from my childhood filled with fairytale adventures and epic journeys, and joy and heartbreak, and I think I am babbling, but I want the next book now.

I know so many people who will love every second of this book.

I really loved this book it was so riveting I was hooked from the very beginning. I really liked the characters especially Maia and Edan their relationship was so interesting I also liked the slow build up of the romance. I liked the fact that there was no insta romance. I loved the story it was very compelling I really liked how magic works in the world of this book. I enjoyed the Mulan like elements it made for a really interesting story that was so well written. So overall I loved this book and can't wait for more.
-Got off of Netgalley for an honest review.-