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alexangelas's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this Mulan-meets-Project Runway retelling! I thought that’s all it would be but it was so much more than that (in a good way). While some things were predictable, I loved how it all came together and I cannot wait to start the second book.
becca_is_reading's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn’t bad but it did not impress me at all.
**I was given an e-arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
**I was given an e-arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
candece's review against another edition
4.0
This book was pretty good. It was enchanting, mesmerizing, and wonderful. I loved the story. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. It wasn’t an instant love type thing and these characters went through some stuff yet came out of it. Maybe not whole, but still stronger. The sewing aspect was really enchanting. Being a seamstress myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the premises of the book. It was such a fascinating tale.
skyewhitney's review against another edition
5.0
Elizabeth Lim continues to capture my heart and make me cry. I think I have a new favorite author. (Sorry Kerri Maniscalco) I am dedicated now and must read everything she releases.
Now, I'm going to mentally prepare for book 2.
Now, I'm going to mentally prepare for book 2.
ashction's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, I LOVED this! It wasn't what I expected but it was so much better. I can't wait for book 2!
taishacv's review against another edition
3.0
This book is about a tailor’s daughter who basically takes his place to become the emperor’s tailor, but because women aren’t really allowed to pursue careers/dreams she has to pose as a man. There is magic, romance, suspense, among other elements involved in the story.
It took a while for me to actually feel any sort of connection to this book/storyline. The concept was really interesting and the world building was done well. It just felt very slow at times and kind of made it hard to get through. I think my biggest caveat was any instance where the main character, Maia, was giving “pick me girl” in the sense of “woe is me my life is hard” kind of vibes. Whenever Maia was complaining about her family/the struggles she faced it honestly just kind of made me roll my eyes. Not to say that her feelings weren’t valid per se but more along the lines of “okay we get it.”
I really like the world that Lim has built within the story, I just wish that she would have more trust in her readers to have reading comprehension skills. I felt a lot of the time I was being smacked in the face with “hey, this is what that means and why it’s important.” I completely appreciate and value the unique story that Lim has written here, I just wish there was a bit more mystery to it all.
It took a while for me to actually feel any sort of connection to this book/storyline. The concept was really interesting and the world building was done well. It just felt very slow at times and kind of made it hard to get through. I think my biggest caveat was any instance where the main character, Maia, was giving “pick me girl” in the sense of “woe is me my life is hard” kind of vibes. Whenever Maia was complaining about her family/the struggles she faced it honestly just kind of made me roll my eyes. Not to say that her feelings weren’t valid per se but more along the lines of “okay we get it.”
I really like the world that Lim has built within the story, I just wish that she would have more trust in her readers to have reading comprehension skills. I felt a lot of the time I was being smacked in the face with “hey, this is what that means and why it’s important.” I completely appreciate and value the unique story that Lim has written here, I just wish there was a bit more mystery to it all.
kassandwich's review against another edition
5.0
Everything Elizabeth Lim writes is 5 stars and spin the dawn is no different. I had read the Seven Crimson duology first, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and once I found out the the blood of the stars duology was a story that was of the same universe, I had to check it out. There was never a dull moment in the story, and I’m eager to see where this story goes in Unravel the Dusk.
rboat's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ariadnesthread's review against another edition
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is full of vibrantly beautiful writing, Chinese-based mythology, and a strong, hard-working protagonist.
Things I liked:
⭐️The writing itself is so beautiful and vivid, it made the world so clear to me while reading.
⭐️I loved seeing Maia’s relationships with her family and home.
⭐️ As a lover of mythology, I was not at all disappointed by myths told in this story.
⭐️It’s so refreshing to see a YA fantasy protagonist who’s good at something besides fighting, and is instead good at something that is classically feminine (in our world, in Maia’s it’s definitely not!)
⭐️The court intrigue, I only wish there was more of it.
⭐️The cover is absolutely stunning!
Things I didn’t like:
▪️The journey portion wasn’t my favorite, I liked the quests themselves , but the rest fell a bit flat. I think I would have like it better if more characters had been included.
▪️The plot is a bit formulaic at times, it would’ve been nice if the plots could’ve flowed together a bit better.
▪️The romance isn’t done in a way that I loved, it’s a bit rushed and over the top.
Overall a good debut, but there were a few issues here and there for me. I’d recommend for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle.
This book is full of vibrantly beautiful writing, Chinese-based mythology, and a strong, hard-working protagonist.
Things I liked:
⭐️The writing itself is so beautiful and vivid, it made the world so clear to me while reading.
⭐️I loved seeing Maia’s relationships with her family and home.
⭐️ As a lover of mythology, I was not at all disappointed by myths told in this story.
⭐️It’s so refreshing to see a YA fantasy protagonist who’s good at something besides fighting, and is instead good at something that is classically feminine (in our world, in Maia’s it’s definitely not!)
⭐️The court intrigue, I only wish there was more of it.
⭐️The cover is absolutely stunning!
Things I didn’t like:
▪️The journey portion wasn’t my favorite, I liked the quests themselves , but the rest fell a bit flat. I think I would have like it better if more characters had been included.
▪️The plot is a bit formulaic at times, it would’ve been nice if the plots could’ve flowed together a bit better.
▪️The romance isn’t done in a way that I loved, it’s a bit rushed and over the top.
Overall a good debut, but there were a few issues here and there for me. I’d recommend for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle.