PANDANIA's books have gotten popular lately and I can see why. The illustrations are unique combinations and hypotheticals while still remaining largely friendly and charming. I was first introduced to their art with Yokai Cats this summer, and my sister loved that series, and continuing that trend - I found this enjoyable as well.

This isekai continues to be a charming read about the developing relationship between Livia and Croft. As the day when Livia and Croft will be married fast approaches, Croft is forced to take Lillian as a second wife once he has married Livia - if he wants the information that the Duke is keeping from him about his late mother. Livia - who still believes that Croft and Lillian (the original love interest of the novel) should fall in love. Livia initially thinks that Croft marrying Lillian is a great idea, but Livia discovers that similar to herself, Lillian does not have a choice in the matter of getting married. 

I love Lillian and Livia's friendship. It's definitely nice to see an isekai where the original love interest/heroine doesn't become the villainess but rather a close companion of the female lead (Livia, for example). I will say, that for an isekai, some of the traditional plot beats or tropes that I've come to connect with the genre aren't present here. Yes, Livia has foresight of certain events, and knowledge of politics and people she shouldn't but beyond that, her transmigration from a Korean women to Livia, daughter of a noble Duke, hasn't impacted much of the story at large. I didn't mind this, but it was something that stuck out to me. 

The Tyrant's Etiquette Tutor Is an isekai novel focusing on the emperor to-be and the daughter of a nobleman who is to be his etiquette tutor - and future wife through arranged marriage. 

The MFC having awaken in the world from the book she was reading, recalls

being stronger in her past life. This leads to moments where she  accidentally injures herself now that’s she’s in a physically weaker body. I love the misunderstanding’s that arise from this as long-term they don’t cause much trouble abut are great at forcing Lucia and Croft closer together to bridge these misunderstandings.

In terms of the premise, it’s not the most unique set-up with Emperor Croft being the antagonist - the tyrant - in the original novel. However, Livia’s involvement and determination to

not die at Croft’s hands like the original nobleman’s daughter

inspires the unexpected romance between Livia and Croft. Despite Livia’s numerous attempts to seem unappealing to Croft as a marriage candidate,

Croft fall in love  with Livia - despite claiming love doesn’t exist.

It’s definitely a  classic transmigration set-up, with a redemption arc and romance. I love Isekai novels and enjoy plots that focus on the redemption of the “villainess” or another character that usually suffered in the original novel. Their survival is usually caused by their perceived change in personality (which is usually positively received) that ends up endearing them to characters of the world.

 That seems to be  the case here for Emperor Croft and Lady Livia. 

Advanced Reader Copy Review! Queen Fiona of Apartment 4C - or simply "Fiona" - knows that she is smart, and helpful, playful, resourceful and so much more than "pretty" or "lovely" like her family say. Fiona knows that she does many things well and wants to be appreciated for her actions, but her family doesn't seem to realize that. 

 Kids, like Fiona, sometimes aren't sure how to express themselves. Fiona isn't able to express her frustrations with her family, but it affects how she feels. Similarly, the words we use to praise children are important, as they may not always know which words to use to express themselves, but their actions can speak louder than their words. Praising someone for being kind, athletic, smart, artistic, caring or anything beyond their looks is an important message.

Conversations or books about this topic may appeal to both parents, educators, and children themselves. The colorful illustrations, and simple words that reinforce a positive message make this a great choice as a shared read, guided read or independent read for young readers of varying level.

Thank you to NetGalley and 4U2B Books & Media for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

The premise itself was endearing and a huge part of what convinced me to pick up the book. I did expect it to be slightly cliched but I was pleasantly surprised throughout the book. It managed to surprise me a few times which as someone who almost always guesses what will happen next on TV - was very enjoyable. 

I was surprised at the level of spice! I think the cutesy covers often trick me into thinking that a book, even if I do see a “spice rating” that it won’t be as sexually detailed. I’d probably give it a 4.5/5 spice as it wasn’t fade to black and was frequent enough towards the end that it was generally very spicy. 

I do love paranormal romances when like this one - the setting is  modern, even if it’s a vaguely small town. I liked the build up between the main love interests. I felt it was the right amount of slow burn to have you dying for when they get together but also short enough that you got to enjoy them as a couple in the book. 

The ending did feel rushed, and wasn’t as overall satisfying as I had hoped it would be. I feel it resolved too quickly for how much of a threat the antagonist was presented as and the frequency of the spice to plot towards the end was a little annoying as it definitely took up majority of the page count. I usually enjoy plentiful intimate scenes between a couple but I think I found it annoying as there didn’t seem to be the same amount of care for the ending and resolution.

With a name derived from Greek mythology, as soon as I could read, I was learning about the Greek myths. This book had that immediate appeal for me but wasn’t the only reason that as a young kid, I kept reading. I was enamored with the concept of a modern-day demigod, and one that was stubborn, flawed, impulsive, cunning, loyal and (let’s not forget Percy was definitely called Persassy in early fandom days) fueled on blue foods and spite. 

I loved the voice given to Percy and learning later on that Rick Riordan was a middle school teacher made sense that we was able to grasp that very particular level of audacity and humor. 

I continued to be obsessed with the main five books, and then the sequel series for years to come and now - having graduated college myself - Percy’s college era.  I’ve been in love with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover for years. He was the best kind of hero who in his own words feels that everything that could go wrong has gone wrong yet to others appears to be an unnerving level of calm and strength (and yes, a level of impulsive and poor-thought out plans that only he could pull off).

Probably always gonna be a 10/5 for me - nostalgia alone but also as I feel this book was a game-changer for everything I read after. 

Cleo is a mischievous kitty whose “cattitude” reminds me of my cat. She’s energetic, gets into trouble, and wants to spend time with her family but also be by herself. 

The colorful illustrations depict a diverse family and Cleo’s personality leaps across the pages. I love cats and I love picture books about cats and the silly things they do so this was definitely a win! 

This series, alongside a few others, was one of my favorite growing up. I loved the brother/sister duo of Kendra and Seth - both with their own strengths and weaknesses. 

Kendra is very tender-hearted and think of others a lot. Seth is adventurous and often impulsive, but quick-thinking and clever plans usually get him out of trouble. 

I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up. I shared in the joy for Kendra and Seth that

their grandparent’s  property of land was really a nature preserve for magical creatures - including fairing, unicorns, satyrs and more.