Spin the Dawn

Two of Maia's brothers died in the war, and one of them returned with a crushed leg.  Her father became an alcoholic after her mother died, and Maia is the only thing standing between the family and ruin.  Her father was once a great tailor, but he has lost his skill.  Maia has a talent for sewing, but as a woman, she cannot openly earn a living from her work.

When the chance to become the emperial tailor arrives, Maia decides to disguise herself as a one of her brothers and take her chance.  She will face a series of seemingly impossible challenges and treacherous competitors, but that is nothing compared to the final challenge.

In an effort to postpone her upcoming wedding, the emperor's betrothed sets Maia the challenge of creating three dresses from myth.  She must succeed or die.

Accompanied by the royal sorceror and a pair of enchanted scissors, Maia must journey to the most dangerous parts of the kingdom to gather the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of the stars.  The more time they spend together, the harder it is to see Edan as just an annoying enchanter.  Maia's heart is drawn to Edan, but can a man who is bound ever freely love?

Elizabeth's Lim's new fantasy is a mash up of Project Runway and East of the Sun, West of the Moon.  I know the blurb says it's Mulan, but that's just because she pretends to be a boy and is Asian.  I think this bears a stronger resemblance to the other tale of love, sacrifice, and impossible tasks.  This is a great pick for fantasy fans who enjoy hard-fought happiness.  The ending left me wondering what will happen next.  Recommended for grades 8 and up for references to a sexual relationship between the two main characters.