Some people say true magic doesn’t exist. And in a certain sense it doesn’t. But the magic in beauty is something that is more real and true than if a real Hogwart’s school existed. Beauty can exist in many forms in this world, but the beauty of the story and the written word, is something truly special. The atmospheric beauty of this tale is what true magic looks like.

Maia Tamarin is a young seamstress in her father’s shop. Having been taught all the tricks of the trade early in life, she loves spending her days mending and does most of the shop upkeep for her sick father. Though she knows, she can’t become anything more, as woman in her land cannot become tailors.

One day a servant of the imperial court comes and asks her father to compete with 12 other tailors around the land, to become the imperial tailor, the greatest tailor in all the land. Knowing her father is sick, and wanting to fulfill her own dream of becoming the first female tailor, she dresses as a boy and goes in her father’s place. While their she, meets many interesting characters including the enigmatic and mysterious court magician Edan, she competes in various challenges, and as the competition is whittled down, they become more and more difficult. But nothing was going to prepare her for the final challenge that would take her on a harrowing, magical and life changing journey. Make 3 wedding dresses for the emperor’s soon to be wife, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. Learning that this task is not impossible, as once thought, she sets off on her journey with Edan, and discovers secrets she never new existed, a strength she never new she had, and a love she would die for.

This tale is so saturated with beauty and magic that its impossible to read it and not be dazzled by it’s lyrical atmospheric language and it’s stunning visual pictures. But beyond that, the story itself, is where the true beauty lies. To say that it’s Project runway meets Mulan, is an understatement. It’s so much more! It’s a tale of love, adventure, of courage, of strength, of creation, of great evil, and magic, and of a strong heroine attempting to do the impossible.

I love this book so much and can’t wait for readers to experience this enthralling world, steeped in Chinese myth, magic and romance . Gregory Mcguire remarked, "Spin the Dawn is pure magic. Romance, artistry, and deep enchantment." And after having read this beautiful tale, I wholeheartedly agree with him! Please pre- order now! You won’t want to miss this!

Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and Eidelweiss for my DRC for an honest review!