Review Detail
Young Adult Fiction
688
gorgeously composed and lush YA fantasy
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
UNRAVEL THE DUSK is an enchanting sequel and finale to a unique YA fantasy. Maia is a tailor who dreamed of being the imperial tailor. In the first book, she disguises herself as her brother to compete in a Project Runway-style competition. In this world with magic, Maia finds her path much more complicated when she is asked to create the mythical dresses of a goddess, Amana.
In this second book, Maia has completed the impossible task of creating the three dresses, but her kingdom is still in danger. The shansen and his demon are held at bay by the wedding about to take place between his daughter, Sarnai, for whom Maia had been tasked the dresses, and the ruler of A'landi.
Now, Maia is at war with herself and who she has been cursed to become. She must fight her anger and desire for vengeance to keep her heart and mind her own. At the same time, she seeks to protect her family, the man she loves, and the kingdom that is her home.
What I loved: This book is every bit as enchanting and lush as the first. We see even more history, mythology, and legends here plus high-stakes adventures that leave readers on the edge of their seats. It is a time of war, and there are battles but with supernatural tides that leave many in danger. The writing really transports the reader into this world, and the plot and characters are as beautifully woven as the dresses we can only imagine.
This book is also interesting for its comments on human nature and the battles we must fight within. Although in Maia's case this is a bit more pronounced due to her curse of becoming a demon, it raises some interesting themes about anger, thirst for vengeance, and the ways that these can change a person. This book is more introspective than the first, although there is still plenty of action/adventure, and it is every bit as much a page-turner. It's really beautifully well done throughout.
Final verdict: UNRAVEL THE DUSK is a gorgeously composed sequel to a lush and enthralling YA fantasy. Readers will appreciate the world-building, beautiful characters, and nail-biting action.
In this second book, Maia has completed the impossible task of creating the three dresses, but her kingdom is still in danger. The shansen and his demon are held at bay by the wedding about to take place between his daughter, Sarnai, for whom Maia had been tasked the dresses, and the ruler of A'landi.
Now, Maia is at war with herself and who she has been cursed to become. She must fight her anger and desire for vengeance to keep her heart and mind her own. At the same time, she seeks to protect her family, the man she loves, and the kingdom that is her home.
What I loved: This book is every bit as enchanting and lush as the first. We see even more history, mythology, and legends here plus high-stakes adventures that leave readers on the edge of their seats. It is a time of war, and there are battles but with supernatural tides that leave many in danger. The writing really transports the reader into this world, and the plot and characters are as beautifully woven as the dresses we can only imagine.
This book is also interesting for its comments on human nature and the battles we must fight within. Although in Maia's case this is a bit more pronounced due to her curse of becoming a demon, it raises some interesting themes about anger, thirst for vengeance, and the ways that these can change a person. This book is more introspective than the first, although there is still plenty of action/adventure, and it is every bit as much a page-turner. It's really beautifully well done throughout.
Final verdict: UNRAVEL THE DUSK is a gorgeously composed sequel to a lush and enthralling YA fantasy. Readers will appreciate the world-building, beautiful characters, and nail-biting action.
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