Review: Spin the Dawn

Favourite Quote:

"Seize the wind. Don't become the kite that never flies." - Elizabeth Lim.

Summary:

Maia Tamarin is working as a seamstress for her father and dreams of becoming the most renowned seamstress in the land. When her father is summoned to court she disguises herself as a man and goes in his place. She enters a competition between twelve men to become the royal tailor, where the final text will make or break her.

Analysis:

Character Development

Edan's struggle with love wasn't sufficiently explored, which could have deepened his character. Maia, on the other hand, is portrayed consistently as strong, maintaining her identity throughout the book. Her feelings for Edan are well-explored, contrasting with the depth that could have been given to Edan's internal conflicts.

Themes

Loss is a central theme, haunting both main characters in different ways. For Maia, it fuels her protectiveness and drive to become the imperial tailor. Edan's loss of freedom and love for magic are sources of pain, but his love for Maia rejuvenates his passion for life, showing his transformation.

Likes and Dislikes

I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Maia's dressmaking and the other competitor's creations. If I were an artist I would love to try to capture the beauty of Amana's dresses. I was not too fond of Norbu, which demonstrates Lim's writing ability, as he incites strong reactions due to his lies and potential future trouble in the sequel.

Recommendation:

I would recommend this book for fans of legends, as the tale of Amana's dresses is woven throughout. It appeals to those who admire characters driven by passion and who are interested in first love stories.