"Unravel the Dusk" by Elizabeth Lim

Unravel the Dusk (July 7, 2020) by Elizabeth Lim.

*This is the second novel in a duology.*

*No spoilers beyond what’s contained on the dust jacket.*

Glowing red eyes. Magic that is unbound but so powerful. Losing memories and identity. Maia Tamarin is becoming a demon. The process is slower for her, perhaps, because hers was a voluntary choice, but there’s no doubt that she’ll eventually succumb. She will be Sentur’na (“cutter of fate”). She’s proven she’s the best tailor in A’landi. She’s sewn Amana’s three magical gowns containing the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon and the blood of stars. But instead of bringing only triumph, those dresses are now both her salvation and her ruin. They are her body, mind and heart and are the source of the power in her demon’s amulet. To destroy them would free her of Bandur, but she would also die.

            It looks apparent that A’landi will fall to the twisted shansen, who’s so dependent on his demon, Gyiu’rak (a tiger demon), that he’s lost his humanity. Even if Emperor Khanujin had the largest army, none of them would stand a chance against Gyiu’rak and the ghosts she can call upon. If Maia can use her demon self as long as she is aware of both parts of herself (the demon and not), should she help save A’landi? Edan won’t want her to, but who else stands a chance against Gyiu’rak? Maia would rather Lady Sarnai and her Lord Xina lead if the emperor is unable, but Sarnai and Xina haven’t been spotted since Maia helped them escape (she also got them caught first, so). She’ll do what she can to protect Baba and Keton (her only living brother) and her friend Ammi (even when she forgets her name). She will fight for them until she loses her humanity … or dies.

            This novel, which wraps up The Blood of Stars duology, is fast-moving and character-driven with two strong female protagonists featured. There is a lot of action, but the YA novel isn’t without emotion. Quite the opposite, as Maia’s internal struggle as she consciously loses her humanity threatens to overwhelm her, while at other times it infuses her with the power to hold onto those she loves. I loved reading this duology with its cast of Asian characters and legends (e.g. the thousand origami paper cranes, the red thread of fate). Both novels in this duology highlight culture beautifully in its prose. The way Lim weaves each strand of the story together makes it a standout. I’m pleased to get this posted as AAPI Month comes to another end.