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Spin the Dawn: The Blood of Stars, Book 1
Common Sense says
- Elizabeth Lim
- Fantasy
- 2019
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Elizabeth Lim's Spin the Dawn is a fantasy novel, set in a magical alternate version of Asia. It chronicles a young woman's quest to win an imperial sewing contest. There are a few scenes of violence -- sword and knife fights, arson -- but nothing too bloody or disturbing. Swearing ("hell," "damn") is infrequent. Main character Maia and enchanter Edan develop a romantic relationship and perhaps become physically intimate. The only substance use is when an adult drinks from a flask and gets drunk.
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Unique and Fast-Paced
Spin the Dawn has been marketed as a mash-up between Mulan and Proj... Continue reading
Really good book
What's the story?
As SPIN THE DAWN opens, Maia watches her family absorb the blows of war, as two brothers die and one returns home disabled. Disguised as a boy, she takes her father's place in a high-stakes contest to find a new tailor for the emperor. If anyone discovers she's a girl, Maia will be executed. As the field of contestants dwindles, she must use all of her skills as a seamstress to survive. Luckily, she has the assistance of Edan, an enigmatic enchanter who takes an interest in her. But their budding romance is also a source of danger, as Maia meets a demon who has a hold over Edan.
Is it any good?
Plenty of fantasy heroes are adept with knives and swords, but this unusually engaging quasi-Asian fantasy focuses on a young woman who expertly wields scissors and needles. Author Elizabeth Lim manages to find excitement in dressmaking, as Maia tracks down the materials that will win awards for her creations and competes with rivals who won't hesitate to cheat.
Maia's budding romance with Edan follows a familiar pattern, as she initially mistakes his reserved personality for emotional coldness, and they spend a lot of time talking at cross purposes. Their relationship eventually develops slowly and realistically, and the sacrifices each makes for the other feel justified. The volume ends with a cliffhanger, which is good, because readers will want to follow the further adventures of Maia and Edan. This is a highly promising series -- sharp, witty, and romantic.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about how Spin the Dawn chooses a seemingly mundane activity -- sewing -- to be the engine of change. How does fashion affect people's behavior? Why do people want special clothing for special events?
Maia's family loses much in the war. Does violence solve problems and simply make more? How are civilians treated during times of war?
What does it take to excel at a craft or art form? Is it fair for athletes and artists to use artificial enhancements, such as drugs, technology, or magic?
Book details
- Author: Elizabeth Lim
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: July 9, 2019
- Number of pages: 387
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 20, 2019
Themes & Topics
For kids who love fantasy and Asian stories
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.