A fantasy debut featuring a seamstress who stitches enchantments into clothing, and the mounting politicaluprising that forces her to choose between her community and her ambitions, for fans of The Queen of the Tearling.
In a time of revolution, everyone -- even a humble seamstress plying her magic to support her family -- must take a side.
Sophie is a young dressmaker who, with hard work, talent, and a rare proficiency sewing spells into cloth, has managed to open her own shop and lift herself and her brother, Kristos, out of the poverty that plagues their immigrant community. Her reputation for beautiful ballgowns and discreetly-embroidered charms for luck, love, and protection secures her a commission from the royal family itself -- and the commission earns her the attentions of a dashing but entirely unattainable duke.
Meanwhile, her brother, a day laborer with a keen mind and a thirst for justice, rises to prominence in the growing anti-monarchist movement. Their worlds collide when the revolution's shadow leader takes Kristos hostage and demands that Sophie place a curse on the queen's new Midwinter costume -- or Kristos will die at their hand.
As the proletariat uprising comes to a violent climax, Sophie must choose: between her brother and the community of her birth, and her lover and the life she's striven to build.
The Seamstress is the first novel in an enchanting new fantasy series.
Industry Reviews
"A delight, woven through with rich detail. Magic, sewing, and an achingly good romance -- what's not to love? A deeply satisfying read. I'm dying for the next one!"--Alexandra Rowland
"Miller places immigrant ambition and women's lives at the heart of her magical tale of politics and revolution. I was utterly enchanted by this unique, clever and subtly fierce fantasy."--Tasha Suri
"Deep, socially aware fantasy, plus a very cool magical system."--Deborah Ross
"A joy to read.... Found myself swept away into the world and character."--Tenacious Reader
"I thoroughly enjoyed this story, especially the touch of magic added by the spell-casting through sewing.... The characters were well written, and the twist at the end is perfectly believable."--The Qwillery
"Miller deftly weaves a thrilling tale of revolution and turmoil in a complex fantasy world."--Cass Morris
"[A] wonderful debut."--BookPage
"Impossible to put down. I will be impatiently awaiting the sequel."--Books, Vertigo & Tea
"Positively enchanting.... I loved every page!"--Powder & Page
Highly recommend.... Fun, excitement, and magic all sewn into one amazing story.--The Speculative Herald
"Torn challenges readers to thoughtfully consider all sides of social change by humanizing each perspective. Readers interested in classic fantasy, feminism, adventure, and a bit of romance will enjoy this thought-provoking book."--Booklist
"Strong research, moral ambiguities, and an innovative magic system."--Kirkus
"Real stakes combined with a clever, unique magic system."--B&N SciFi & Fantasy Blog
"A gorgeous weave of romantic fantasy and urgent politics."--Anna Smith Spark
"Miller weaves a fresh, richly textured world full of magic-stitched ball gowns and revolutionary pamphlets. The vivid, complex setting and deeply human characters make for an absorbing read!"--Melissa Caruso
"One of the best novels I've read this year! Torn is masterfully written -- full of fascinating politics and compelling characters in a vividly rendered, troubled city. Sophie is a believable, layered, and wonderful heroine; her journey from ordinary to extraordinary is a joy to read. I absolutely loved this book!"--Sarah Beth Durst
