Well. I bought this book purely out of the book cover. Also it’s set in Asia right? All for diversification.
I’ve heard from other Bookstagrammers that this was apparently marketed as: “Mulan meets Project Runway” Yeah. If I read this book thinking that, I would be sorely disappointed.
I did make the mistake thinking this was going to be about a girl who navigates court intrigue, fighting corruption, court sabotage, and delve into gender roles. FOR SOME REASON I EVEN THOUGHT THERE WOULD BE A BOY WHO WANTS TO BE A MODEL AND WISHES TO BE A GIRL? WHAT.
I am super interested in ancient china/korea/japan area and how their court system worked, so I thought this would be awesome to see the ancient sewing techniques and what were their expectations.
Yeah no. This is a light hearted adventure story.
How I would sum up this book: (Spoiler)
There’s a girl who’s from a war torn family. She hides her gender to become an imperial tailor and beats the challenges to become the very best. Along the way she discovers she has magic. She fights between winning vs using her own skills to prove to others she’s the best. She also meets handsome, enigmatic, powerful dude who sees that she’s a girl right from the start.
Then she wins by using her own talent. Yay! But others were cheating? Anyway. She then is tasked to go get the sun, moon and stars to make a dress for the wedding. Cool. The smoldering enchanter comes with her. Honestly I have no idea what this dude is capable of. There’s no deep explanation of the limits or kind of magic is in this world. Oh and there’s a goddess? Who actually exists?
After series of very tough journeys pursued by their enemies, they collect all the elements I mean the sun, star and moon. They fall in love. Then in the last challenge the girl gets marked by a demon who now owns her. Enchanter volunteers to take her place. “But I love her” What dude. You met her like 3 months ago. I wasn’t super convinced with their love. They fight a lot, and a lot of the times, the girl is angry at him and doesn’t speak to him. Also the dude is like couple hundred of years old. What do you see in a 17 year old? Anyway. Then she completes the dress. The Goddess herself comes down to the world and grants a free wish! She wishes for her enchanter to be free from magic/servitude. (Interesting premise I thought) but now she’s bound to that demon again. END. STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT BOOK!
People who would enjoy this book:
People who like light adventures. Out of the ordinary element magic system (You know, not the usual fire, earth, water…) People who like different fantasy setting but not too outrageous.
People who wouldn’t enjoy this book:
People who like to delve into worlds. Who wants to know about religion, magic system in depth.
My personal opinions are just that - personal opinions! Some people love this book! And this book sold a LOT! Anyway - if I was to rate this book… I would rate it as: Iced doughnut. Nothing rich or surprises in the middle. The icing is the usual sugar flavor.
