REVIEW
Tokyo Ever After
by Emiko Jean
Izumi finds out she has a long-lost father, and he is a prince in the Japanese imperial court. Through email exchanges, word gets back to Japan, and the prince invites Izumi to Japan to get to know him and the family she did not know before.
At age 18, this is a chance for Izumi to gain independence from her mother and learn about a culture and language she struggles to understand after growing up in a smalltown in the US.
This is a fun adventure to Tokyo through Izumi’s eyes. She also meets a bodyguard who catches her fancy.
The book is a YA novel and the first in a two-book series that has a gentle tone to it despite the stress of being part of a royal family.
It is unrealistic in how quickly the main character gets swept up into the life of upper society, so the book is more popcorn than a substantial meal.
The Return of Ellie Black, her debut adult mystery title was released last week.
Published on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
REVIEW
A Magic Steeped in Poison
By Judy I. Lin
Ning leaves her family home behind to try her luck in a competition for tea masters at the palace. She is in search for answers for the death of her mother who died of poisoning and for a sister who managed to survive. While at the capital, she finds herself part of the power struggle at the palace and with her fellow competitors who are looking for an edge in the competition.
Along the way, there is ample room for breath to admire the décor, food, and rich surroundings. Ning feels keenly the difference between her own frugal life versus the wealth of the royalty in charge.
There is a sense of friendship and potential for romance, while also the need to remain on guard for a hint of ambition with accompanying calculation and betrayal.
This is a YA fantasy novel with somewhat high stakes tempered with the innocence of a young protagonist. The volume feels like a tepid step into the pool of East Asian-themed fantasy, which is welcoming to young readers looking for an easy entry into the genre.
The book sets the stage for the second volume in the duology, A Venom Dark and Sweet.
Judy I. Lin is a Taiwanese Canadian author who lives on the Prairies.
Published on Friday, May 10, 2024