A review by velvetyaverage
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This is one of those books that makes me feel like I'm getting too old for YA. It's cute, though. If I were still a teenager I would be eating this up. Definitely some shaky plot points and hand waving for the sake of convenience but the premise is random American teenager suddenly discovers she's princess in another country; it's not exactly meant to be taken seriously.

I'm not going to lie, though, the idea that Izumi was able to just leave Japan without telling anyone OR paparazzi showing up on her doorstep was a bit much for me. Like, girl, the whole world knows you're the princess. You can't just go back to Cali and pretend like nothing happened. At best, the media know where you live. At worst, political enemies know where you live. Do you want assassins on your doorstep? Because running away without your bodyguards is how you get assassins on your doorstep. And how did she get through a public AIRPORT without being swarmed?! And the fact the CROWN PRINCE escaped to America to chase her down without telling anyone?? Like didn't we establish they don't have any money of their own?? How did he book a flight?! How did HE get through the airport?!

I also really wish we had given the twins more depth. Right up until the end they're just the mean, in sync twins who have no motivation besides butting heads with Izumi.

And I know their mother plays a role in it but it felt flimsy.

I do appreciate that Izumi had girl friends, though. It was nice that she wasn't a "better than other girls" kind of protagonist. And the romance. Akio and Izumi were very sweet together. They were cute and I could definitely see teenage me swooning.

Overall, I don't regret reading it but it feels like a book that will appeal A LOT to the YA audience and maybe not so much to those outside that target demographic.