gifted by the publisher

Aspiring fashion designer "Cordi" Mai Yin is down on her luck. Recently kicked out of her house by her parents, she desperately needs a roof and a job. When a mysterious man helps her secure an apartment with three other roommates—all with "Mai" in their names—and promises to help them achieve their dreams, Cordi and her new friends are ecstatic. But as their ambitions grow after the success of their first spells, so does the price. What are the Mais willing to pay in exchange for success?

Not your average coming-of-age tale, the protagonists are young adults grappling with the trials of adulthood. If you've ever felt like an imposter, wrestled with complex parental relationships, or struggled to set boundaries with new friends, you'll find a kindred spirit in Cordi.

The premise of sacrifice vs. success is very promising, but the writing lacks tension, and the plot is uneven. Given more editing, I see MAI as a story that's either faster-paced, with more developed fantasy and a more complex magic system, or a deeper exploration of complex relationships between friends and family.

I recommend MAI to those seeking a unique dark fantasy read that doesn't overwhelm with extensive world-building.