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
Star Rating: —> 3.75(?) Stars
Don’t you love when you write an actual long, complete review and you’re about to press done and your phone dies? Love it. Love it.
I did love the outcome (sort of... some parts of the ending I HATED) and the premise of this one... things were just... missing.
Possible RTC. Trying desperately not to fall down a book slump rabbit hole...
Reading updates
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Started reading
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10 May, 2019:
Finished reading
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10 May, 2019:
Reviewed