Overall, the book was very enjoyable and easy to get through. The story of how Daiyu's life takes such sudden and unexpected turns, made me not want to put the book down. There is still a lot left unanswered in this first installment of the trilogy, so I am excited to see where the story goes from here. If anyone is looking for an entertaining and at times heart racing book to read, I definitely recommend the Empress in Disguise!

A fantastic take on, “The Prince and the Pauper” with true Asian details woven throughout. I love a culturally influenced story that makes me pause to search and lean more about the culture of origin. Only shortly into this story I found myself googling, “feet binding” and “ghost brides”. Still, this story is very accessible and work has been done to subtly connect western readers to eastern concepts. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the very real characters and I appreciated being able to learn historical and cultural truths that worked as details to the overall work.

This book did not disappoint. The more I read, the more I felt like that I had even more than I imagined. I was so scared for the main character, I had to know what happened at the end. Suffice to say that the authors have created an insatiable thirst for this series.

I completely love the grass to grace story and the twist at the end where she gets another unrequested reward and the displeasure of the Empress Dowager and Emperor. I cannot wait to read the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed the background of the book, it's novelty and freshness of context and history.

An outstandingly brilliant work

Wonderful book, beautifully written, very interesting and intriguing. Can’t wait to read the next book of this series. Oddly satisfied with the intense writing of the book. Definitely recommend.

I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
This book was incredible. Not to mention the ending. Holy cow that ending. And the love triangle between her, the emperor and the emperor's brother!?!?!

this was a great start to a series, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the time period. I'd be interested in reading more in this world.

I absolutely ADORE books that contain royalty, court intrigue, games/trials, princess and princess, oooh they’re one of my absolute favorite types of books to read ! And I LOVED this one ! 😍

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much that I have pre-ordered book number two. The book follows Daiyu, who, in an effort to provide for her poor family, ends up in the emperor's harem. I found the characters likeable and the story enjoyable. It presents a unique, diverse setting, which is also a plus.

I did not love the love triangle, but I am curious how it will be resolved in later books. Because of it, I would probably put the age for this book a little higher than 13.

Thank you net galley and publishers for the free E-Arc in exchange for my honest review.

I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley. All reviews and opinions are voluntary.

This book was not what I expected in many ways. It is the story of a young woman who finds it necessary to sell herself in order to save her family. She makes this humble choice and finds her life in constant danger as she attempts to navigate a new rank among her superiors without giving herself away. The relationships she both builds, and sacrifices, are convincing and moving.

The main character, Daiyu, is a wonderfully strong, charming, and clever young girl who wins the hearts of many interesting faces along the way! The excitement of her coming-of-age story if full of romance, suspense, and beautifully illustrated Chinese scenery. I look forward to reading the sequel soon!

The story is beautifully written, though if I'm being honest (and I am) there were SO MANY typos that it became impossible to overlook. It's frustrating when something as simple as "must" being written as "muse" disrupts my reading rhythm for the tenth time. The other small complaint I have about this book is a few discrepancies in the storyline. At first, the main character is 15, then she is suddenly 18, though three years have not passed? Also, she meets someone and as the story of that same day is described, she says "I have looked for (this person) every day since." BUT....isn't it still the same day you met?? Hmmmm...a few other little oddities like this bothered me a bit. Enough to drop an entire star. If you feel so rushed to publish that these mistakes aren't fixed, it makes me wonder how much better it could have been and what might have been left out!