Empress of All Seasons

By: Emiko Jean

Narrated by: Hanako Footman

Winter 2018-2019 Kids’ Indie Next List

In a palace of illusions, nothing is what it seems.

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. All are eligible to compete—all except yokai, supernatural monsters and spirits whom the human emperor is determined to enslave and destroy. Mari has spent a lifetime training to become empress. Winning should be easy. And it would be, if she weren't hiding a dangerous secret. Mari is a yokai with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. If discovered, her life will be forfeit. As she struggles to keep her true identity hidden, Mari’s fate collides with that of Taro, the prince who has no desire to inherit the imperial throne, and Akira, a half-human, half-yokai outcast. Torn between duty and love, loyalty and betrayal, vengeance and forgiveness, the choices of Mari, Taro, and Akira will decide the fate of Honoku in this beautifully written, edge-of-your-seat YA fantasy.

Once you get into it , it is great

The book starts with lots of set up for the world it is placed in. It is worth the effort!

a reasonably good book

This book certainly had real plot twists, and solid messages to share and teach. Not my favorite book, but decent. Worth a read if you need a book.

Interesting but…

This was a pretty interesting story….but I don’t know the last few chapters just seemed too rushed for me. I honestly wish the ending would have gone into more detail rather than to just be summarized in the end.

What a ride

This story was good. It was a little slow to start, but as it progressed and you get past learning the details you need to understand what the author wants you to know it does become very enjoyable. It went in directions I did not expect and even had my emotions going crazy at points. The narrator did great keeping my attention and I certainly will be enjoying this story again one day. I really liked it!

not interested

I didn't enjoy the story. just didn't find the whole thing worth finishing. returned not finished.