During a once-in-a-generation competition to find the new empress, Mari, who hides a terrible secret, Taro, the prince who would denounce the imperial throne, and Akira, a half-human outcast, will decide the fate of Honoku.
Each generation, a competition is held to find the next empress of Honoku. The rules are simple: survive the palace's enchanted seasonal rooms. Conquer Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Marry the prince. Only the yōkai, supernatural monsters and spirits, are not eligible to compete. Mari has spent a lifetime training to become empress-- but she is a yōkai with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. Her fate collides with that of Taro, the prince who has no desire to inherit the imperial throne, and Akira, a half-human, half-yōkai outcast. Their choices will ultimately decide the fate of Honoku. -- adapted from jacket
Empress of All Seasons is a love letter to Japanese culture that boasts a unique storyline and beautiful world-building. Plot-driven and full of empowering themes, Emiko Jean’s fantasy novel is a must-read for lovers of asian folklore.
THINGS THAT GREW ON ME:
•The world’s beautiful mythology was shared in bits and pieces throughout the novel, starting with a magical prologue that draws clear inspiration from the Japanese creation myth of Izanagi and Izanami. The folklore of the mythical land of Honoku is well-crafted and ties in wonderfully to the main story.
•The first two-thirds of the novel were slow, but once I hit that last stretch, BAM! So much heart-racing action and plenty of surprise twists! The ending delivers an empowering message about the far-reaching influence women can have and that happily ever after doesn’t always have to include a Prince. The conclusion thawed my Arendelle-frozen heart and turned it all cute-fuzzy-kittens warm.
THINGS THAT WERE HOT:
•The Japanese Representation was
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20 June, 2018:
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