May 15, 2019
Part Project Runway set during the Silk Road era, part epic adventure. In her first original novel, Lim introduces Maia Tamarin, a young woman struggling to support her family through her needlework. Maia dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in A'landi--if only she were not a girl. When an opportunity arises and her father is summoned to the Summer Palace, Maia takes his place, masquerading as her brother, though she risks death if discovered. Once there she finds herself competing against master tailors while dealing with a surly bride stalling the wedding plans by posing impossible challenges as well as the Lord Enchanter, who takes a particular interest in "Master Tamarin's" work. The second half of the story then morphs into a quest that will test her body, mind, and soul. The author uses Maia's masquerade to call out issues with female beauty standards and gendered behavioral expectations: Much is made of her freckles, and her brother's crash course on how to act like a boy includes key points such as direct eye contact and displays of anger and arrogance. However, the follow-through on these elements could have been further developed. With strong storytelling and characterization and a pleasing romance, this will have broad appeal. Given the overall setting and physical descriptions, all characters are assumed East Asian. With a satisfying conclusion, readers will be eager for the next installment in Maia's story. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)
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June 1, 2019
Gr 7 Up-When a royal messenger comes calling, Maia Tamarin uproots her life as a seamstress to take her father's place at the Summer Palace. Posing as her brother, Maia competes for the title of imperial tailor, amid schemes, lies, and one very persistent court enchanter, Edan. Her final test as a tailor launches her on a journey across the kingdom to create three legendary dresses out of the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. However, completing this task means testing the limits of body, mind, and soul-something Maia may not be ready for. This immersive Chinese-inspired fantasy is a great debut novel. Maia's country of A'landi is rich with detail, from its Five Winters War to its expansive Great Spice Road. The quick-moving plot at the beginning of the novel gives way to a more intricate and refined story line later on. Though the delightful romance between Maia and Edan comes across initially as forced, it's given room to develop as they traverse the kingdom for Maia's final tailor task. Maia is a powerful figure, though, as with many, it's through trust in herself that she discovers just how influential she can become. VERDICT An addictive magical adventure that's a strong purchase for library shelves.-Emily Walker, Lisle Library District, IL
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