In this world, there are many kinds of yōkai, who can turn into different kinds of animals, phantoms, monsters, and demons, and the emperor enslaves all that he can find. The emperor is a human who rules this world and is cruel and demands power in every aspect of his life. But this is a tale of family (both found and blood), and honor (both given and earned), and love (unconditionally and conditionally). I was completely immersed from the very first page, and the last page left me wanting the next book immediately. “Do not cling to the hand that holds you down”Įmpress of All Seasons is an ownvoices Japanese fantasy that was a complete delight to read. 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.ĪRC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 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-yōkai outcast. Mari is a yōkai with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. And it would be, if she weren't hiding a dangerous secret. Mari has spent a lifetime training to become empress.

All are eligible to compete-all except yōkai, supernatural monsters and spirits whom the human emperor is determined to enslave and destroy. Conquer Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Survive the palace’s enchanted seasonal rooms. In a palace of illusions, nothing is what it seems.Įach generation, a competition is held to find the next empress of Honoku.

The empress of all seasons