What a brilliant way to end a duology. I was honestly a blubbering mess through most of the second half because Elizabeth Lim writes such evocative scenes that I really connected with. I longed to find out what would happen with Maia and Edan, especially considering how the first book ended and I urge you to put this on your TBR list! I think you’ll definitely enjoy it. If you haven’t read the first book in The Blood of Stars duology (Spin the Dawn), please pick it up, because it’s definitely another lovely read you’ll want to have on your list.
Before I start on the summary, a warning as always if you haven’t read the first book, steer away from this review to avoid spoilers!
Maia Tamarin’s journey to make dresses of the sun, moon, and stars has taken a significant toll on her. The kingdom is on the brink of war, her love is gone, and is now being forced to don the dresses to act as the emperor’s bride-to-be to prevent war from breaking out. Unfortunately, there’s another war brewing with Maia between herself and Bandur, the demon who’s slowly taking over her body. The more Maia’s body changes, the more she loses her sense of self, and it’s only a matter of time before the demon takes over. She must find Edan before it’s all too late and protect the kingdom before all hell breaks loose.
When I started this book, I loved how easily I was able to step back into this beautiful world, but this book had a bigger sense of urgency than the first and it was a palpable feeling. The pacing matched perfectly as well, and the best way that I can think to describe it is akin to an action scene unfolding. You’re holding your breath through quite a bit of it because you’re on edge. I was itching to find out what would happen next, and I definitely read the whole thing in one sitting. Maia’s growth is expertly written and focuses more on her other skills and her wit than it does on solely using magic as a crutch. This exploration made a great deal of sense, especially considering that she’s not having an internal battle with a demon that could taint the magic she uses. She’s also battling some harder emotions in this book that border on anxiety and depression because of what she’s going through. Honestly, her character arc is just stunning.
Edan is missing, but he does come in around the middle of the book, and this guy is also having to deal with some heavy burdens and issues of his own. I continued to *squee* at the romance that grew between him and Maia, because it was just so darn wholesome (mostly). What I truly loved was the fact that while Edan had a major role in the first book as a protector and leader, it was Maia’s turn in this book, and he wasn’t trying to overshadow that. More importantly, he trusts her and places his confidence in her, which just bolstered the story to another level for me.
A character that surprised me was Lady Sarnai. I was not expecting her character arc at all, and I don’t know why I’m so shocked because now that I’ve had some time to think about it…it makes a lot of sense. The only thing I can say about her is READ THIS BOOK to find out what I mean.
There’s so much happening, but something that I was absolutely in love with was the way the action took place. It’s riveting and definitely something that few authors can write well. I often find action scenes pretty easy to get through and they’re not terribly detailed. Not here. Like I said earlier, it felt like a movie scene unfolding before me. The emotional scenes afterwards also carried power. This year’s books have made me cry more than any other books I’ve read. Something to add and slightly related to all this is the familial relationships. It’s a recurring theme with good reason. The way that Elizabeth blended themes of feminism, family, and overcoming the odds created the perfect book environment for me.
The villains of this book are so complex, and layered, and I could say more but all I can utter on repeat is to pick this book up! It’s out now, and so worth your time and energy. I love that this tale holds its own, and the blending of different stories creates something unique, new, and wonderful. This is a 10/10 for me. For the final time, add this to your TBR, please!
Unravel The Dusk is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up Unravel The Dusk? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
The thrilling sequel to SPIN THE DAWN, a magical series steeped in Chinese culture.
Maia Tamarin’s journey to sew the dresses of the sun, the moon and the stars has taken a grievous toll. She returns to a kingdom on the brink of war. The boy she loves is gone, and she is forced to don the dress of the sun and assume the place of the emperor’s bride-to-be to keep the peace.
But the war raging around Maia is nothing compared to the battle within. Ever since she was touched by the demon Bandur, she has been changing . . . glancing in the mirror to see her own eyes glowing red, losing control of her magic, her body, her mind. It’s only a matter of time before Maia loses herself completely, but she will stop at nothing to find Edan, protect her family, and bring lasting peace to her country.
YA fantasy readers will love the sizzling forbidden romance, mystery, and intrigue of UNRAVEL THE DUSK.
