Reviews

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

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latifae's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

gabbysnieto's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.0

hailey2510's review against another edition

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4.0

3.75 ⭐️

Tokyo Ever After is a good, but not unique story. The tale of a long lost princess has been told time and time again. This particular tale follows that plot-line to a T. A perfectly regular girl discovers that she is the princess of a foreign land. She comes and learns some etiquettes. She makes a mistake and fears being shunned, but does something else that makes everyone love her. She finds love, but there are issues so there is a small split. They get back together. There are other minor issues, maybe even a betrayal. Despite that, this was a quick and fun read. I likely will not be reading the sequel.

hellobookbird's review against another edition

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4.0

I am now positive this day is going to end up with a girl in jail. It’s me. That girl is me.

Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in—it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi—or Izzy, because “It’s easier this way”—and her mom against the world. But then Izumi discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity…and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess.

In a whirlwind, Izumi travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight.

Izumi soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself—back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairy tale, happily ever after?

I am brave. I am magnificent. I can do anything. (As long as I am gently handled, have ten hours of sleep a night, and a hearty, protein-packed breakfast, of course.)

I think I discovered this gem on a list of upcoming Asian author releases on Twitter...and I was definitely in the mood for a cute, light romance. This definitely delivered! (Also, I'm a fan of the whole gruff bodyguard turned lover trope. Also also, can we talk about this cover???)

The novel wastes no time throwing you in and the pace keeps up throughout the whole thing (though some suspension of belief is needed because...it really YEETS you in there). Paired with relatable and relaxed writing, the "not enough" subplot that was a constant thread throughout the novel, and the insights into Japanese culture it was hard to put down.

I’m pretty sure he’s commanding dark forces to gather upon me. Likewise, buddy. Likewise.

Izumi is witty and entertaining, which really helps keep the novel light even while she deals with some very real challenges. Her humor is definitely on par with mine, so I'd definitely have her down for bestie status. She's super kind and doesn't let her new social standing change that which I really liked. What I didn't really like was she could sometimes be the most indecisive person ever. Kind of understood when you're trying to dodge landmines right and left but still...I'm impatient.

You know, the I’d-die-for-my-principles type. Side note: this has been the downfall of many great men.

Akio is ridiculously talented (as in, these credentials have surely got to be fake talented) and serves as the rigid counterpart to Izumi's go-with-the-flow self. He takes his duty seriously so when Izumi inevitably causes deviations to their careful plans, he's gruff and grumpy. (Really, I love tweaking these types because I see it as a public service to get them to loosen up so naturally I love him.) Despite him seeming like he'd be on another level, his age shows when he pettily gives her the codename "Turnip" just to tweak her. He progressively loosens up around her and they grow close. While I have some minor complaints (the largest being it felt a little too quick), it was definitely something I could look past since you're not meant to take the novel too seriously anyway.

Makoto ("Mak"), Izumi's father, is a refreshingly supportive figure. While I thought he was a little too shy and hesitant as a father overall, he was a confident prince and served as a good anchor for Izumi. Seriously don't know how he didn't have fish-out-of-water syndrome with meeting his teenager but bless him.

Hanako, Izumi's mother, is a strong feminist and I absolutely love her. Her relationship with Izumi is wholesome and her quirks are endearing.

"If white people can learn Klingon, they can learn to pronounce your name."

The AAG (Asian Girl Gang) is also precious. Jean is a master at providing full-bodied personalities to these lovely ladies. Let's hear it for the support squad!