Book Review: November

A young heroine must endure trials of body, mind and spirit to save her family and herself. The first dream in Maia Tamarin's heart is to become a tailor and the best tailor in their world. However, tailors can only be men. She begins the story stuck in a small port town while her brothers go off to war. Her father used to be one of the best tailors around but after the death of his wife, the family fell on hard times. Maia becomes the thread that holds the family together, and at the war's end she's the only one keeping them from tearing apart.

I got this from work. Yes, I work at B&N now. I'm so
glad that I decided to pick this one up because it was a
pleasant diversion into another world and I admire Maia
so much. Plus, the cover is absolutely gorgeous.

However, a request from royalty might save her family and bring her what she most desires. The court wants Master Tamarin to show off his skill and become the court tailor. It's down to Maia to accept the challenge and save her family's name, because a court position is not to be refused.

She travels to the illustrious court and finds that it's not just any position, it's a competition. She must compete with the other Master Tailors and all under the guise of being a boy. Because if she's revealed, the price will be death and shame on her family forever. 

If that weren't enough, the competition is for the emperor's bride-to-be and she is very picky. With enemies all around, Maia is one step from failure at every turn.

What I loved most about this book is Maia. She is a strong female character, and she is not a warrior. So many female heroines are fighters these days, but Maia battles with art. She is determined to win the competition on her own merits. She's prideful and stubborn, but she's willing to do the work and do it fairly. This world is already ripe with injustice but the only lie she tells is of her identity. She may not be male, but she shows her worth.

My second favorite part about this book is the Master Enchanter. A powerful man at the court who is able to do magic and he is enigmatically dangerous and funny. You can't pull the wool over a hawk's eyes and he sees everything. His role in Maia's journey is vital and important in helping her discover herself and the true extent of her craft. 

This world is rich with details with history and stories that play crucial roles in the main plot. Not only is the cover beautiful, but this questing book is entertaining from the first page to the last.