SPIN THE DAWN

Part Project Runway set during the Silk Road era, part epic adventure.

In her first original novel, Lim introduces Maia Tamarin, a young woman struggling to support her family through her needlework. Maia dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in A’landi—if only she were not a girl. When an opportunity arises and her father is summoned to the Summer Palace, Maia takes his place, masquerading as her brother, though she risks death if discovered. Once there she finds herself competing against master tailors while dealing with a surly bride stalling the wedding plans by posing impossible challenges as well as the Lord Enchanter, who takes a particular interest in “Master Tamarin’s” work. The second half of the story then morphs into a quest that will test her body, mind, and soul. The author uses Maia’s masquerade to call out issues with female beauty standards and gendered behavioral expectations: Much is made of her freckles, and her brother’s crash course on how to act like a boy includes key points such as direct eye contact and displays of anger and arrogance. However, the follow-through on these elements could have been further developed. With strong storytelling and characterization and a pleasing romance, this will have broad appeal. Given the overall setting and physical descriptions, all characters are assumed East Asian.

With a satisfying conclusion, readers will be eager for the next installment in Maia’s story.