Unravel the Dusk

Gr 7 Up–Maia Tamarin completed the daunting task of sewing the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of the stars into Amana’s legendary dresses. She’s now the Emperor’s master tailor, but at a cost. Every day she loses more of her humanity as her deal with the demon Bandur changes her in unspeakable ways. War is threatening upheaval in her country, and with her love, Edan, in hiding since he was set free of his servitude, it’s up to Maia to ensure A’landi’s peace before her demon-side consumes her. Closing out “The Blood of Stars” duology, this novel’s fast-paced plot in Part One slowly gives way to a character-driven tale in Parts Two and Three. Two strong females are at the center of the cast of characters as councilors, generals, protectors, and leaders in the fate of A’landi. Maia’s internal battle as she changes into a demon opens up an avenue for readers to explore how emotions can overwhelm a person while they learn to process what they’re feeling. Weaving in East Asian legends such as the thousand origami cranes and the red thread of fate aids in the rich world-building. Maia has pale skin, warm brown eyes, and freckles. Edan has black curly hair and blue eyes. As in the first in the duology, based on the descriptive setting, most other characters are cued as East Asian.