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ektambo's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
leannj's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
From the synopsis and the start of this book I thought this would fall in line with the more typical young adult fantasy books out there, but as the story progressed it reminded me more of dark fairy tales. Definitely subverted some of my expectations and overall was a enjoyable reading experience, if not super memorable.
strawberry_femme's review against another edition
5.0
Empress of All Seasons:
"I am a lean tiger in winter. Come for me. I dare you"
Things I love:
-women fighting literal demons
-half beast-half women
-Asian-based culture and weapons
-amazing names
-obsessed with the narrator's voice
-Asami crying because a slave beast was dead because she is also a slave beast
Reasons I hate Taru in this book:
-he hates the kingdom and its traditions yet he expects others to respect him and honor him
-he assumes all the girls are in the contest to marry him
-he expects Mari to apologize to him even when HE attacked her just because she found one of his inventions
The magical creatures are confusing
You don't care about Mari, Taru! You only are fascinated by her because she doesn't notice you or care about your affection
"His firefly girl" ugh
"I am a lean tiger in winter. Come for me. I dare you"
Things I love:
-women fighting literal demons
-half beast-half women
-Asian-based culture and weapons
-amazing names
-obsessed with the narrator's voice
-Asami crying because a slave beast was dead because she is also a slave beast
Reasons I hate Taru in this book:
-he hates the kingdom and its traditions yet he expects others to respect him and honor him
-he assumes all the girls are in the contest to marry him
-he expects Mari to apologize to him even when HE attacked her just because she found one of his inventions
The magical creatures are confusing
You don't care about Mari, Taru! You only are fascinated by her because she doesn't notice you or care about your affection
"His firefly girl" ugh
lemonbun's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this. Am I biased? Probably. I loved the Edo period setting, the characters, the yokai and of course the plot.
I was surprised how many yokai there were!
Jorōgumo women, who can morph into giant spiders? Or how about Yuki-onna women, who can freeze you in one breath? Tanuki's and Kappa's? Yes yes yes 😍 I loved learning about all the different types of yokai.
I was sort of expecting most of the book to take place around the seasonal rooms but the book branched past just that and gave a great world view and a larger story.
Some reviewers mentioned a problem in pacing, but I personally didn't notice this.
Others commented on the insta-love. While I agree that the romance is very fast to form, this is just accurate of the time and place. It made sense. Romances were fast paced at this time (just look at how quickly marriages were formed back in the day). Besides, the book essentially critiques insta-love. Cracks begin to show. The problem of not knowing enough about one another affecting the characters relationship drastically. Insta-love is a bad idea and it shows.
In fact, I found this book to have a lot of feminist messages despite its time period which I liked a lot!
Overall, I think if you're a fan of YA fantasy and Japanese lore and mythology, you will like this.
I was surprised how many yokai there were!
Jorōgumo women, who can morph into giant spiders? Or how about Yuki-onna women, who can freeze you in one breath? Tanuki's and Kappa's? Yes yes yes 😍 I loved learning about all the different types of yokai.
I was sort of expecting most of the book to take place around the seasonal rooms but the book branched past just that and gave a great world view and a larger story.
Some reviewers mentioned a problem in pacing, but I personally didn't notice this.
Others commented on the insta-love. While I agree that the romance is very fast to form, this is just accurate of the time and place. It made sense. Romances were fast paced at this time (just look at how quickly marriages were formed back in the day). Besides, the book essentially critiques insta-love. Cracks begin to show. The problem of not knowing enough about one another affecting the characters relationship drastically. Insta-love is a bad idea and it shows.
In fact, I found this book to have a lot of feminist messages despite its time period which I liked a lot!
Overall, I think if you're a fan of YA fantasy and Japanese lore and mythology, you will like this.
annuhfloor's review against another edition
1.0
Honestly, the promise of this book was amazing. But how it was written, the insta love
anusheka's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kmrick's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
evelin_ashryver's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
laura_cs's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastically, gorgeously written with a wonderful cast of characters!
alyssaindira's review against another edition
4.0
*no major plot spoilers were harmed in the making of this review*
"I am a lean tiger in winter, I will survive, I will be free"
Hey guys, so I finished Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean. I actually really liked it. The plot was intriguing, if not different from what I originally conjured. So as the bookjacket says, there is a competition to find the next empress of the land, whoever conquers the four seasons in the palace of illusions wins it all. It sounds straightforward, right? Well, it is and it isnt an illusion in itself. Ha. So yeah, Mari is suppose to do just that. That is her main focus in this novel. But it isn't her willing goal. Heck, it isn't even her goal to begin with, it is someone else's. But she has to follow through with it, otherwise she believes...well, it would not end well. At least that is what she believes. She thinks she has to honor the whole before the self, which is her clan motto. OMG, her clan, her culture is seriously...just wow. SO basically, in order to have value, you gotta be pretty. How messed up is that?? ANd apparently, in her culture, men can't be pretty, SO there be no men. Yikes. That was really shocking in the book. BUT, Mari is a rebel! She is a bold, brave and strong willed rebel! YES. SHe does things in her own way. She get things done in her own way. SHe is amazing like that. She struggles alot in this book, and goes through some pretty quick character development. She faces issues with loyalty, 'love', family,friends, honor, sacrifice, etc. All the events in her life shape her attitude and mindset throughout the book IN addition to reading about the main focus of the story, the season conquering in Mari's eyes, we get two additional POV's, Taro's and Akira's. The cold prince and the son of nightmares. My my, those two....man. You know, all these characters have interrelated storylines that revolve around Mari's plot. Mari and Taro are similar in the way they both wanted their freedom from the chains of duty that bind them. And Taro and Akira are similar in the way they both want to be loved and cherished for who they are. Honestly, i would have kinda shipped a Taro and Akira romance. Both of the men have their individual qualities to love. Taro is the sweet, sheltered, bartered, bruised, adorable, sensitive prince. At first he doesnt want his responsibilities, doesnt want the burden. He isn't like his cruel daddy. He just wants to live in peace and solitude. But he didn't want to be in solitude by himself. He ached for love, and at first opportunity, he darn sure tried to foster love. HOnestly I think he kinda just jumped the gun. Like, he immediately spotted someone different from his usual life and was like, "oh, she'd be cool to have around, for like, ever". Lol, it's almost like he tries too hard to earn her affection? It's kinda sweet and endearing, how he is like a little puppy vying for her affection. Though it is kinda weird, at first he didn't want to be a prize to be won, he didn't want to be reduced to being a trophy. He wanted his freedom. He had a plan. he knew what he wanted, he had a goal. THen is all changed. all because of someone woman he was infatuated with. *facepalm*. And lookwhere that got him...SO yeah, his character arc takes some pretty big twists and turns that give the book an edge. Especially towards the end. WHEW. He certainly does everything with passion when he puts his heart into it, ill tell ya. No matter what it is, go big or go home i guess. NOw AKIRA. OH my sweet precious baby boy. Goodness gracious eh just had one heck of a time during this book. His character arc was the strongest in my opinion. He too, pines after the one he loves. And is willing to do anything for his beloved. He would follow her anywhere. He would kill for her. NOw that is a man. I immediately loved him. just everything about him. His spunk, his humor, his cleverness, his heart, his soul, his loyalty, and his desire to be worthy. Though actually..in their own way, all the character seek to be worthy of someone or something. They each solve that in their own ways. Anyway, Akira, is so amazing, he is...he knows what he wants, and he does what he needs to do to get it. He kind ahas his own plotline during the competition but it is not less important than the others. Actually it might be the most important. HAHA. Yes, he is the most precious character that needs to be protected and sheltered at all costs. I just love how he wishes he has more confidence and courage and not be a coward. ANd instead of just wishing he had it, he goes out and takes action to make his wishes come true. SNd boy does he ever. Gods i just love him. So yeah, the plot revolves around these 3 characters and their own hardships that are connected to one another. It is a relatively fast paced book, The writing makes it easy to skim and still be immeresd in this book. It is really easy to get connected to the characters, especially when reading about their backgronds. The writing is pretty straightforward and easy to understand. It is not too cluttered with frilly details. It has just enouhg to set the scene, but every detail has purpose, has its use. The actions scnes are also really quick and easy to comprehend and follow along with. Theya re not muddied up and you don't get lost in the squabble. SO yeah, i really liked this book. And that ending...man. The plot arcs turned out differently than what I expected, but the bookw as good nonetheless. I especially loved th little Japanese myth/legend tidbits of background woven into the story. It made it that much more enjoyable. Okay, I think i prattled on long enough. Remember, this is all my opinion, if you want your own read the book. okay, till next time. Bye.
"I am a lean tiger in winter, I will survive, I will be free"
Hey guys, so I finished Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean. I actually really liked it. The plot was intriguing, if not different from what I originally conjured. So as the bookjacket says, there is a competition to find the next empress of the land, whoever conquers the four seasons in the palace of illusions wins it all. It sounds straightforward, right? Well, it is and it isnt an illusion in itself. Ha. So yeah, Mari is suppose to do just that. That is her main focus in this novel. But it isn't her willing goal. Heck, it isn't even her goal to begin with, it is someone else's. But she has to follow through with it, otherwise she believes...well, it would not end well. At least that is what she believes. She thinks she has to honor the whole before the self, which is her clan motto. OMG, her clan, her culture is seriously...just wow. SO basically, in order to have value, you gotta be pretty. How messed up is that?? ANd apparently, in her culture, men can't be pretty, SO there be no men. Yikes. That was really shocking in the book. BUT, Mari is a rebel! She is a bold, brave and strong willed rebel! YES. SHe does things in her own way. She get things done in her own way. SHe is amazing like that. She struggles alot in this book, and goes through some pretty quick character development. She faces issues with loyalty, 'love', family,friends, honor, sacrifice, etc. All the events in her life shape her attitude and mindset throughout the book IN addition to reading about the main focus of the story, the season conquering in Mari's eyes, we get two additional POV's, Taro's and Akira's. The cold prince and the son of nightmares. My my, those two....man. You know, all these characters have interrelated storylines that revolve around Mari's plot. Mari and Taro are similar in the way they both wanted their freedom from the chains of duty that bind them. And Taro and Akira are similar in the way they both want to be loved and cherished for who they are. Honestly, i would have kinda shipped a Taro and Akira romance. Both of the men have their individual qualities to love. Taro is the sweet, sheltered, bartered, bruised, adorable, sensitive prince. At first he doesnt want his responsibilities, doesnt want the burden. He isn't like his cruel daddy. He just wants to live in peace and solitude. But he didn't want to be in solitude by himself. He ached for love, and at first opportunity, he darn sure tried to foster love. HOnestly I think he kinda just jumped the gun. Like, he immediately spotted someone different from his usual life and was like, "oh, she'd be cool to have around, for like, ever". Lol, it's almost like he tries too hard to earn her affection? It's kinda sweet and endearing, how he is like a little puppy vying for her affection. Though it is kinda weird, at first he didn't want to be a prize to be won, he didn't want to be reduced to being a trophy. He wanted his freedom. He had a plan. he knew what he wanted, he had a goal. THen is all changed. all because of someone woman he was infatuated with. *facepalm*. And lookwhere that got him...SO yeah, his character arc takes some pretty big twists and turns that give the book an edge. Especially towards the end. WHEW. He certainly does everything with passion when he puts his heart into it, ill tell ya. No matter what it is, go big or go home i guess. NOw AKIRA. OH my sweet precious baby boy. Goodness gracious eh just had one heck of a time during this book. His character arc was the strongest in my opinion. He too, pines after the one he loves. And is willing to do anything for his beloved. He would follow her anywhere. He would kill for her. NOw that is a man. I immediately loved him. just everything about him. His spunk, his humor, his cleverness, his heart, his soul, his loyalty, and his desire to be worthy. Though actually..in their own way, all the character seek to be worthy of someone or something. They each solve that in their own ways. Anyway, Akira, is so amazing, he is...he knows what he wants, and he does what he needs to do to get it. He kind ahas his own plotline during the competition but it is not less important than the others. Actually it might be the most important. HAHA. Yes, he is the most precious character that needs to be protected and sheltered at all costs. I just love how he wishes he has more confidence and courage and not be a coward. ANd instead of just wishing he had it, he goes out and takes action to make his wishes come true. SNd boy does he ever. Gods i just love him. So yeah, the plot revolves around these 3 characters and their own hardships that are connected to one another. It is a relatively fast paced book, The writing makes it easy to skim and still be immeresd in this book. It is really easy to get connected to the characters, especially when reading about their backgronds. The writing is pretty straightforward and easy to understand. It is not too cluttered with frilly details. It has just enouhg to set the scene, but every detail has purpose, has its use. The actions scnes are also really quick and easy to comprehend and follow along with. Theya re not muddied up and you don't get lost in the squabble. SO yeah, i really liked this book. And that ending...man. The plot arcs turned out differently than what I expected, but the bookw as good nonetheless. I especially loved th little Japanese myth/legend tidbits of background woven into the story. It made it that much more enjoyable. Okay, I think i prattled on long enough. Remember, this is all my opinion, if you want your own read the book. okay, till next time. Bye.