Spin the Dawn

Synopsis

A tailor in disguise. Three legendary dresses. The competition of a lifetime.

'An amazing creation!' Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping fantasy about a young 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.

On the fringes of the Great Spice Road, Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land - but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. Then a royal messenger summons her ailing father to court, and Maia seizes her chance. Disguised as a man, she travels to the Summer Palace in her father's place to compete for the emperor's favour, and the coveted position of imperial tailor.

If Maia's ruse is discovered, her life will be forfeit. But if she wins, she will achieve her greatest dream.

Yet nothing could have prepared her for the challenge ahead: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's bride-to-be. One from the laughter of the sun, one from the tears of the moon, and one from the blood of stars.

Accompanied by the mysterious court enchanter, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise, Maia's journey will take her to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh.

Praise for Spin the Dawn

'Looking for your next big YA fantasy series? We've got our eye on this stylist blockbuster' Entertainment Weekly

'Spin the Dawn is proof that casting a wider net not only gives us a fresh story that feels unlike everything else on the shelves beside it but also allows for richer and more nuanced storytelling' NPR

'All the cutthroat competition of a runway fashion reality show and the thrilling exploits of an epic quest . . . a stunning tapestry of adventure' The Washington Post

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Trial

* Maia Tamarin, a master weaver, enters the final trial for the position of royal seamstress.
* She faces three challenges: to weave a tapestry representing her family's story, create a silk gown for the emperor's mother, and design a ceremonial robe for the emperor.
* Real example: Maia's tapestry depicts her family's immigration journey from her grandmother's homeland to a new life in the empire.

Chapter 2: The Tapestry Weaver

* Maia excels in the tapestry challenge, weaving a vibrant and intricate masterpiece.
* She draws inspiration from her family's traditions and the natural beauty of her surroundings.
* Real example: Maia incorporates symbols of her grandmother's homeland, such as flowers and geometric patterns, into her tapestry.

Chapter 3: The Silkspinner

* Maia struggles with the silk gown challenge, as the silk provided is cursed.
* She seeks the help of Edan, a mysterious and skilled silkspinner, who teaches her ancient techniques.
* Real example: Maia learns to spin a thread from the moon's light, giving the silk an ethereal glow.

Chapter 4: The Star-crossed Lover

* Maia and Edan develop a forbidden attraction despite their different backgrounds.
* Their love faces opposition from the emperor and the court.
* Real example: When Maia and Edan share a secret kiss, they are caught by the empress's guards.

Chapter 5: The Emperor's Robe

* For the final challenge, Maia designs a ceremonial robe that represents the empire's power and majesty.
* She incorporates ancient symbols of strength and unity.
* Real example: Maia weaves a golden thread into the robe, symbolizing the emperor's authority and the interconnectedness of the empire's people.

Chapter 6: The Coronation

* Maia wins the trial and becomes the royal seamstress.
* She uses her position to advocate for the rights of her people and to promote peace and understanding.
* Real example: Maia designs a new crown for the emperor that incorporates colors and patterns from all regions of the empire, fostering unity among its citizens.

Chapter 7: The Sun's Embrace

* Maia and Edan's love is put to the test when Edan is accused of treason.
* Maia must confront her inner strength and fight for what she believes in.
* Real example: Maia uses her weaving skills to create a tapestry that exposes the truth and proves Edan's innocence.

Chapter 8: The Rise of the Emporium

* Years later, Maia's Emporium becomes a renowned center for weaving and silk production.
* It employs artisans from all corners of the empire, promoting cultural exchange and craftsmanship.
* Real example: Maia's Emporium produces textiles that are exported throughout the world, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the empire's artistic heritage.