Book description
Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping fantasy about a teenage girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars. And don’t miss Elizabeth Lim’s new…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Spin the Dawn as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
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This book is pitched as Mulan meets Project Runway, but it’s so much more than that.
The beautiful writing style adds to the fairytale feeling of the story. Based on a mixture of the folklore of East Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, the vibrant world sets a perfect backdrop for the main character’s adventure.
The story is enriched by an incredible journey to the sun, moon, and stars, and a heart-throbbing romance. Not to mention stunning dresses created by a gifted tailor with her magical scissors!
From Kate's list on fantasy novels by Asian authors for young adults.
As an avid fan of Mulan, I really enjoyed this book because of the strong-willed female character who is determined to support her family even though she lives in a society that doesn’t necessarily support a female head for a household. What sold me on the book, aside from the rich Chinese culture and mythology, was the character’s narration. I was able to empathize with her. Liz did a great job of making the magic come to life, making the scissors sound enchanting with every use. I wish I had a pair of those scissors! Another thing that drew…
From Wera's list on sci-fi showcasing the beauty of Asian culture.
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