A review by williamc
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Author Lim's later novel, Six Crimson Cranes, might be a later-written novel that shows the author's growth, but Spin the Dawn has some startling moments of realism, magic, and romance to make an easy recommend to those interested in YA romance, tales of East Asian influenced folklore, and in a story of empowerment that never forgets to be human.  Maia develops her understanding of her personal and magical worth throughout the novel, and readers become eager to see her at the height of her powers in Unravel the Dusk.  With a duology this highly enjoyable and that is not afraid to be as playful as it is romantic, the only improvement I could suggest is if Lim started including illustrations of the clothes Maia makes.  The descriptions of them, and in fact, the whole tailors' version of the Great British Bake Off here -- is wonderfully done.