Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean is such a delight to read. Following a girl who discovers she is a princess, this is an entertaining story of self-discovery with a helping of royal mishaps. I loved the main character’s voice, and the side characters bring even more amusement to the book. This is a feel-good story perfect for those looking for a cute and upbeat read this spring.
Title: Tokyo Ever AfterSeries: Tokyo Ever After #1
Author: Emiko Jean
Also by this author: We'll Never Be Apart
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Rating:
Series Rating:
Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in—it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi—or Izzy, because “It’s easier this way”—and her mom against the world. But then Izzy discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity… and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess.
In a whirlwind, Izzy travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight.
Izzy soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself—back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairytale, happily ever after?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
After discovering that she is a princess, Izumi travels to Japan to meet her father and find out more about this side of herself she never knew. There is much for Izumi to learn, which is even more difficult in the public eye. I’m a sucker for books about royalty as well as the enemies to lovers trope, and this one delivers on both. (It even includes love poems, which I adored.) Reading this book brought a smile to my face, and I genuinely enjoyed every page.
❀ Entertaining Main Character
Izumi is such an entertaining main character, and she has an engaging voice. She feels like she doesn’t fit in at home in California, or in Japan, and throughout the book, she comes to find herself and where she belongs. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of each of Izumi’s mishaps, these embarrassing moments making her a more realistic character. She is easy to root for, as, while she is trying her best to fit in, she faces criticism from tabloids and members of the royal family. Despite this, she is generous and remains strong.
❀ Lively Cast of Side Characters
What makes the book special is its lively cast of side characters. Akio, the bodyguard, is such a gem of a character, and I enjoyed his dynamic with Izumi. He’s so sweet, and his status brings a lot of drama to the book. What I especially enjoyed, however, was watching as Izumi grows closer with her father. Family is one of my favourite things to read about, and the two learning more about each other is heartwarming.
❀ Softness and Scandal
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean is a romantic contemporary filled with both softness and scandal. I enjoyed Izumi’s misadventures as she learns she is a princess, and she is an easy character to root for. The side characters also make the book shine, especially Izumi’s father. Fans of The Princess Diaries will not want to miss this one.
About Emiko Jean
Emiko Jean is an elementary school math teacher, whose work with children in foster care inspired her debut novel, We'll Never Be Apart. Aside from reading, writing, and teaching, Emiko is passionate about bugs. She can often be found in the remote forests of the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband, hunting giant moths and cataloguing rare insect colonies.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Before I reached the end of the review I was thinking that it sounds a bit like The Princess Diaries. And it really does (which is a good thing).
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Right?! It has such a good concept! 🙂
Goodreads kept recommending I enter a giveaway for this book. I never did and obviously I should have. 4.5 stars is a high rating from you, so I know it’s good. The characters and story sounds like a lot of fun.
Haha!! Goodreads knows! I hope that you enjoy it if you try it! 🙂
You so make me want to read it!!
I have a feeling that you will love it! 🙂
So glad to hear this was a success for you. I am eager to read it. I love that Princess Diaries type concept, and that it takes place in Japan.
So much to love about this one! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! 🙂
The royalty aspect is calling to me!
Ahhh! I know!! 🙂
This sounds so fun. I loved The Princess Diaries growing up, so I like this more diverse “take” on that theme.
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…(Sign-Up) June 2021 of Books Giveaway Hop
It definitely gives more diversity, for sure! 🙂
heard mixed things about this one, i might give it a try cuz of you!