The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
booksandlemonsquash's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to love this, and I just... didnât. Though I was very much enjoying it by the end.
It took me a good while to connect with the story, and the characters. Mari is pretty good though, and I love her obvious still with her weapon. Her relationship with my mum was a bit too complicated for how little time it got, but it does make sense and I felt for them both. I liked her and Akiro, even if he definitely never stood a chance, but I sort of wanted more of them on page together. We donât actually get to see much of their friendship, more we are told about it.
I also feel like it felt like part of a series, or duology, until the very end. So I liked Taro for most of the book, and wanted more time to explore what happened with him. And I wanted more than the last chapter as a summary of their future - that felt a little like a let down. That said, I think that Iâm possibly spoiled by authors trying to fill pages of a series, and this at least didnât suffer from that - or at least not by the end.
The season rooms were also really cool, and I could have read a whole book just about those!
I think I just wanted more of the rich history of the clan, of the world, of the revolution, and so feel a little let down. I did like the take on yokai though, quite different to the other Japanese folklore book I read recently - Shadow of the Fox. I preferred that, but this is also an enjoyable read and I am definitely in favour of more folklore inspired books!
It took me a good while to connect with the story, and the characters. Mari is pretty good though, and I love her obvious still with her weapon. Her relationship with my mum was a bit too complicated for how little time it got, but it does make sense and I felt for them both. I liked her and Akiro, even if he definitely never stood a chance, but I sort of wanted more of them on page together. We donât actually get to see much of their friendship, more we are told about it.
I also feel like it felt like part of a series, or duology, until the very end. So I liked Taro for most of the book, and wanted more time to explore what happened with him. And I wanted more than the last chapter as a summary of their future - that felt a little like a let down. That said, I think that Iâm possibly spoiled by authors trying to fill pages of a series, and this at least didnât suffer from that - or at least not by the end.
The season rooms were also really cool, and I could have read a whole book just about those!
I think I just wanted more of the rich history of the clan, of the world, of the revolution, and so feel a little let down. I did like the take on yokai though, quite different to the other Japanese folklore book I read recently - Shadow of the Fox. I preferred that, but this is also an enjoyable read and I am definitely in favour of more folklore inspired books!
aelynreads's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Why I liked this book
1. The magic of the seasons rooms is SO intriguing and original.
2. Mari is epic and complex. I really liked her.
3. The class system of humans and yĆkai is well explained and given depth.
4. The ending of this book is nicely surprising. It doesn't follow the typical ending for YA fantasy books, which was refreshing.
5. The inclusion of Japanese mythology was interesting.
Why is it not 5 stars?
1. Instalove. Pretty bad instalove.
2. I mean, the romance in general was poor. I didn't feel it at all.
3. The ending is FAR too rushed. The final 2 pages summarise the outcomes of the whole story, but it really made me feel disconnected from the ending of the story.
4. Taro's character was fairly shallow. It started out great as we saw him with his mechanical creations, but then it didn't feel like he was given much depth beyond that.
Overall, this was a fun and original read. The concept of the season rooms is unique and enjoyable, and the ending presents a nice surprise. However, the romance is weak and the pace of the book is variable. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves YA fantasy and prefers plot-driven (over character driven) stories.
Why I liked this book
1. The magic of the seasons rooms is SO intriguing and original.
2. Mari is epic and complex. I really liked her.
3. The class system of humans and yĆkai is well explained and given depth.
4. The ending of this book is nicely surprising. It doesn't follow the typical ending for YA fantasy books, which was refreshing.
5. The inclusion of Japanese mythology was interesting.
Why is it not 5 stars?
1. Instalove. Pretty bad instalove.
2. I mean, the romance in general was poor. I didn't feel it at all.
3. The ending is FAR too rushed. The final 2 pages summarise the outcomes of the whole story, but it really made me feel disconnected from the ending of the story.
4. Taro's character was fairly shallow. It started out great as we saw him with his mechanical creations, but then it didn't feel like he was given much depth beyond that.
Overall, this was a fun and original read. The concept of the season rooms is unique and enjoyable, and the ending presents a nice surprise. However, the romance is weak and the pace of the book is variable. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves YA fantasy and prefers plot-driven (over character driven) stories.
luna_rondo's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted so much more then this turned out to be.
I loved the idea behind it and I thought the writing was good. But the pace is awful and then literally there's a twist every five pages for the last 30% of the book. Also the insta-love. I love Mari and I love the Animal Wives and the points it makes, but I wish this book was a series so everything wasn't rushed.
I loved the idea behind it and I thought the writing was good. But the pace is awful and then literally there's a twist every five pages for the last 30% of the book. Also the insta-love. I love Mari and I love the Animal Wives and the points it makes, but I wish this book was a series so everything wasn't rushed.
aelynreads's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Why I liked this book
1. The magic of the seasons rooms is SO intriguing and original.
2. Mari is epic and complex. I really liked her.
3. The class system of humans and yĆkai is well explained and given depth.
4. The ending of this book is nicely surprising. It doesn't follow the typical ending for YA fantasy books, which was refreshing.
5. The inclusion of Japanese mythology was interesting.
Why is it not 5 stars?
1. Instalove. Pretty bad instalove.
2. I mean, the romance in general was poor. I didn't feel it at all.
3. The ending is FAR too rushed. The final 2 pages summarise the outcomes of the whole story, but it really made me feel disconnected from the ending of the story.
4. Taro's character was fairly shallow. It started out great as we saw him with his mechanical creations, but then it didn't feel like he was given much depth beyond that.
Overall, this was a fun and original read. The concept of the season rooms is unique and enjoyable, and the ending presents a nice surprise. However, the romance is weak and the pace of the book is variable. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves YA fantasy and prefers plot-driven (over character driven) stories.
Why I liked this book
1. The magic of the seasons rooms is SO intriguing and original.
2. Mari is epic and complex. I really liked her.
3. The class system of humans and yĆkai is well explained and given depth.
4. The ending of this book is nicely surprising. It doesn't follow the typical ending for YA fantasy books, which was refreshing.
5. The inclusion of Japanese mythology was interesting.
Why is it not 5 stars?
1. Instalove. Pretty bad instalove.
2. I mean, the romance in general was poor. I didn't feel it at all.
3. The ending is FAR too rushed. The final 2 pages summarise the outcomes of the whole story, but it really made me feel disconnected from the ending of the story.
4. Taro's character was fairly shallow. It started out great as we saw him with his mechanical creations, but then it didn't feel like he was given much depth beyond that.
Overall, this was a fun and original read. The concept of the season rooms is unique and enjoyable, and the ending presents a nice surprise. However, the romance is weak and the pace of the book is variable. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves YA fantasy and prefers plot-driven (over character driven) stories.
jeannamarie's review against another edition
3.0
First half of the book was so rich and detailed, but once Mari enters the roomsâŠthe story is a whirlwind and not in a good way. The author made a note that she had a difficult time writing the emotional parts of the book and I felt that. We rushed from room to room and like the Emperor said, I just want to finish. That is exactly how it felt reading this book, like the author just wanted to finish. The second and third acts of the book are so rushed, shallow and obvious. For example Mari and Taroâs relationship could have been richer and he really did not step up and be a man when she needed him. I guess he is an isolated teenager, Iâll cut him some slack, this is Mariâs story after all.
I expected so much more having read Tokyo Ever After because I loved Emikoâs writing style, but I realize any pain she probably went through writing this book, she definitely overcame writing TEA.
Towards the end of the book, I was actually expecting a sequel because the events that conspire build up to another book, but she quickly writes that second book in a two-paragraph epilogue. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
3/5 because I did fly through reading the book and Emikoâs style is very fluid and easy and the characters are like able. Just donât expect the same umph of satisfaction you get from her other books. I would love a sequel to this or an anime or some sort of tv series where they can fully dive into the characters and story lines MORE.
I expected so much more having read Tokyo Ever After because I loved Emikoâs writing style, but I realize any pain she probably went through writing this book, she definitely overcame writing TEA.
Towards the end of the book, I was actually expecting a sequel because the events that conspire build up to another book, but she quickly writes that second book in a two-paragraph epilogue. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
3/5 because I did fly through reading the book and Emikoâs style is very fluid and easy and the characters are like able. Just donât expect the same umph of satisfaction you get from her other books. I would love a sequel to this or an anime or some sort of tv series where they can fully dive into the characters and story lines MORE.
juliterario's review against another edition
4.0
Cuando decimos que necesitamos fantasĂa diversa, estamos hablando de libros como Empress of All Seasons de Emiko Jean. Este es de esos libros que te tragas entero porque es simplemente hermoso. En este caso, la novela de Jean nos trae fantasĂa 100% Ă©pica, mitologĂa japonesa, leyendas, armas y una ambientaciĂłn preciosa. ÂĄESTO ES LO QUE QUIERO LEER!
âSilence is the cousin of invisibility.â
Realmente amĂ© esta lectura. No sĂ© si le doy 4 estrellas o 3, pero de todos modos amĂ© este libro. Fue atrapante, adictivo y de esos que estĂĄn construidos de una manera tan dulce que te deja un gusto a miel en la boca. Todo sobre la pluma de Emiko Jean y de su mundo ficticio me enamorĂł. ÂĄQuĂ© precioso! DisfrutĂ© de cada segundo de devorar sus palabras y las imagenes que ilustraba en mi mente. Pocos logran algo asĂ, y no pude despegarme de las pĂĄginas de esta lectura en ningĂșn momento (ja, quĂ© raro, Juli leyendo como loca...). Una lista de cosas geniales: una protagonista Ă©pica y fuerte, humanos vs. unos monstruos llamados yĆkai, una competencia para casarse con el prĂncipe sĂłlo si sobrevivĂs a cuatro pruebas en cuartos ambientados de acuerdo a cada estaciĂłn (otoño, invierno, primavera y verano), un prĂncipe my adorable, amistad, una lectura que atrapa y al mismo tiempo trata temas importantes, mujeres increĂbles, una pluma esquisita y un mundo hermoso. Monstruos, humanos, diversidad, mujeres fuertes POR TODOS LADOS OH MY GOD ÂżQUIĂN HABLĂ DE PRĂNCIPES? Yo pensaba que esto era de una chica que querĂa seducir a un prĂncipe para robarle su fortuna y, aunque este libro es eso, el personaje de Mari lo es todo al lado del gran esquema de las cosas. ÂĄLES RECOMIENDO MUCHĂSIMO ESTA NOVELA!
âOur bodies are not ornaments, they are instruments.â
Estado despuĂ©s de haber terminado esta lectura: inspirada. ÂżLo malo de Empress of all Seasons? El libro es un toque lento al principio y mi Ășnico problema fue el INSTALOVE. SĂ© que no a todos les molesta esto, pero yo oooooooodio el INSTALOVE. Los personajes se conocen y al principio todo iba bien, pero de repente nos encontramos con este romance de "DarĂa mi vida por ti, blah, blah, blah, a mi corazĂłn le faltaba un pedazo porque faltabas tĂș afsydgefurhj JAJAJAJAJJAJAJAJAJAJAJ. ÂĄOoooodio el instalove! Por suerte no hubo un triĂĄngulo amoroso, aunque parecĂa que iba a haberlo. APRECIĂ MUCHĂSIMO QUE AL MENOS ESE CLICHĂ NO ESTUVIERA.
âDo not let your fear decide your fate.â
rya_21's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
hans_cosy_corner's review against another edition
4.0
A really great book with an interesting premise
vivianne's review against another edition
3.0
Spoiler free mini review.
Once again an enjoyable book, but nothing more.
My main complaint was that it was VERY rushed! Causing that I didnât care about the characters, the world was kind of a blur and it was unbelievable. I think this book could have been spread out over two books, or elements could have been omitted. I also didnât really get the chapters of the gods that where woven into this story, and I didnât find them adding to the story. On top of this I also didnât find this plot very original. It isnât something I havenât read before or wasnât done extraordinary well. The romance was very insta love and without chemistry.
Things I did appreciate in this book where the bonds formed between characters and I especially liked the friendship between Akira and Mari. I liked the overall plot and it was enjoyable like I said, and because it was so rushed I didnât get bored and it made me want to continue reading. Furthermore I did really enjoy the Japanese elements and the world that was there was enjoyable.
I also think that the ending was very rushed and sudden and strange? It almost felt like the story just stopped because the amount of pages was reached so she concludes the story suddenly and just says âthen they lived happily ever afterâ even though for me there were like 10 plot holes. There is also a trope there that I am just not a fan of.
Overall I donât think this book is worth reading if you are looking for more than just enjoyment. I feel like experienced fantasy readers wonât like it.
Once again an enjoyable book, but nothing more.
My main complaint was that it was VERY rushed! Causing that I didnât care about the characters, the world was kind of a blur and it was unbelievable. I think this book could have been spread out over two books, or elements could have been omitted. I also didnât really get the chapters of the gods that where woven into this story, and I didnât find them adding to the story. On top of this I also didnât find this plot very original. It isnât something I havenât read before or wasnât done extraordinary well. The romance was very insta love and without chemistry.
Things I did appreciate in this book where the bonds formed between characters and I especially liked the friendship between Akira and Mari. I liked the overall plot and it was enjoyable like I said, and because it was so rushed I didnât get bored and it made me want to continue reading. Furthermore I did really enjoy the Japanese elements and the world that was there was enjoyable.
I also think that the ending was very rushed and sudden and strange? It almost felt like the story just stopped because the amount of pages was reached so she concludes the story suddenly and just says âthen they lived happily ever afterâ even though for me there were like 10 plot holes. There is also a trope there that I am just not a fan of.
Spoiler
dead is dead, please stay deadOverall I donât think this book is worth reading if you are looking for more than just enjoyment. I feel like experienced fantasy readers wonât like it.
thefateofivalice's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. With every fiber of my being I loved it.
There are a few drawbacks -- some ties left undone. I think the ending came a little too swiftly. On another hand, I think it was finished up exactly as it needed to be.
The full final sentence of this book will live on in me for a long time. Thank you, Emiko Jean.
There are a few drawbacks -- some ties left undone. I think the ending came a little too swiftly. On another hand, I think it was finished up exactly as it needed to be.
The full final sentence of this book will live on in me for a long time. Thank you, Emiko Jean.