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astrireads's review
3.0
Have you ever wondered how America would be if it was a monarch? It never even crossed my mind, and I was so intrigued I knew I had to read this book. I expected a light historical fiction, yet what I got was a book about teen royals whose personalities match those of Gossip Girl: SO MUCH UNNECESSARY DRAMA. Two of the characters remind me of Blair and Chuck, they definitely have that relationship dynamic.
I must say, though, the writing was good, as I can easily picture the setting where the story takes place and I couldn't stop reading once I got through a few chapters. But, wow, I am so damn frustrated over the characters. I think the author already pictured this book to be a series, which is why some characters are depicted less than they can actually be (yes, there are representation of LGBTQ+ and Latina, but come on, they can be stronger characters!).
Despite all my frustrations, I definitely want to read the second book. And so, I rate this book 3 stars.
I think if you read this book expecting historical fiction, be forewarned. This book is more YA drama. I recommend this book if you're looking for a book with teen romance and teen drama, or if you're in the mood for a dose of The Royals/Gossip Girl drama.
I must say, though, the writing was good, as I can easily picture the setting where the story takes place and I couldn't stop reading once I got through a few chapters. But, wow, I am so damn frustrated over the characters. I think the author already pictured this book to be a series, which is why some characters are depicted less than they can actually be (yes, there are representation of LGBTQ+ and Latina, but come on, they can be stronger characters!).
Despite all my frustrations, I definitely want to read the second book. And so, I rate this book 3 stars.
I think if you read this book expecting historical fiction, be forewarned. This book is more YA drama. I recommend this book if you're looking for a book with teen romance and teen drama, or if you're in the mood for a dose of The Royals/Gossip Girl drama.
quinnfey's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
skstert's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dayamarie's review
3.0
I thought the whole concept was interesting to imagine. It was a fluffy read with plenty of drama. Since not much was resolved in the first boom, I’ll check out the second book in hopes of getting answers.
caw281's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
stephaniesteen73's review
4.0
A fun, well-written alternative reality tale sprinkled with YA romance. Added bonus: my 13 and 17 year old daughters also devoured it.
clowdywings's review
5.0
This was exactly the book I was looking for for years!
This is told in 4 perspectives:
- The to-be Queen
- the Queen's rebel(ish) sister
- the rebel sister's friend
- the ex-girlfriend of the Prince
The story was so enjoyable! In some spots, it reminded me of "Red, White, and Royal Blue" and "The Selection." It was fairly slow-paced, but as it's part of a series, it makes sense. It does leave off on a cliffhanger mid-climax.
My favorite part about it though is the general idea of it all. (What if the US had a monarchy rather than a democracy?) I did wonder about this in a few of my history classes and this really did quite well. The historical facts are, of course, altered to fit this different USA.
The characters were pretty much the best part. A lot of them felt really alive and like/hate-able. I wasn't a big fan of the really long names.
-Princess Beatrice: I liked her to a point. Wasn't my favorite character, but okay.
-Twin 1, Samantha: She was pretty cool and not fully predictable
-Twin 2, Jefferson: Wasn't fully fleshed out and I kinda hated him for the dumb choices he made.
-The parents: meh. Barely even there.
-Daphne: what an idiot. I did not like her.
-Nina: she was my favorite because of how real she was (exception being the friendship with the royal twins).
-Teddy: poor fellow.
-everyone else: cool but I didn't really enjoy them all too much.
The writing was fun. The 4 POV's did throw me off, quite a bit, since it swaps through them whenever the author felt like it was appropriate. It wasn't my favorite part, but it helped add to the story and tension.
I did think it was quite an enjoyable book. I suggest it for fans of "The Selection" and "Red, White, and Royal Blue" and cannot wait for the second book!
This is told in 4 perspectives:
- The to-be Queen
- the Queen's rebel(ish) sister
- the rebel sister's friend
- the ex-girlfriend of the Prince
The story was so enjoyable! In some spots, it reminded me of "Red, White, and Royal Blue" and "The Selection." It was fairly slow-paced, but as it's part of a series, it makes sense. It does leave off on a cliffhanger mid-climax.
My favorite part about it though is the general idea of it all. (What if the US had a monarchy rather than a democracy?) I did wonder about this in a few of my history classes and this really did quite well. The historical facts are, of course, altered to fit this different USA.
The characters were pretty much the best part. A lot of them felt really alive and like/hate-able. I wasn't a big fan of the really long names.
-Princess Beatrice: I liked her to a point. Wasn't my favorite character, but okay.
-Twin 1, Samantha: She was pretty cool and not fully predictable
-Twin 2, Jefferson: Wasn't fully fleshed out and I kinda hated him for the dumb choices he made.
-The parents: meh. Barely even there.
-Daphne: what an idiot. I did not like her.
-Nina: she was my favorite because of how real she was (exception being the friendship with the royal twins).
-Teddy: poor fellow.
-everyone else: cool but I didn't really enjoy them all too much.
The writing was fun. The 4 POV's did throw me off, quite a bit, since it swaps through them whenever the author felt like it was appropriate. It wasn't my favorite part, but it helped add to the story and tension.
I did think it was quite an enjoyable book. I suggest it for fans of "The Selection" and "Red, White, and Royal Blue" and cannot wait for the second book!
vivianaxmoreno's review
4.0
4/5
While I completely understand why some readers didn't love this book, I truly enjoyed it. If you're looking for a historical drama with an alternative reality that focuses on heavier subjects, then this might not be for you, but I find it advertised exactly as it is. I swept through this novel so quickly because I became swiftly wrapped up in the perspectives of the four characters (alternating chapters –– Beatrice, Nina, Samantha, Daphne). We are able to see the characters from within themselves and from how others perceive them, which provides great insight into how all of the characters play into the larger narrative.
There is teenage drama, love, reckless behavior, evil masterminds, discussions on gender inequities and the media's role, and more. I felt warm and fuzzy at times and utterly frustrated other times, which shows that McGee is good at her craft. Her writing is good, although it can be comparable to lighter, YA novels I read in middle school and high school, which is not a bad thing!
I dove into this headfirst because I needed to escape and escape I did. I've already borrowed the second book and look forward to continuing the series.
While I completely understand why some readers didn't love this book, I truly enjoyed it. If you're looking for a historical drama with an alternative reality that focuses on heavier subjects, then this might not be for you, but I find it advertised exactly as it is. I swept through this novel so quickly because I became swiftly wrapped up in the perspectives of the four characters (alternating chapters –– Beatrice, Nina, Samantha, Daphne). We are able to see the characters from within themselves and from how others perceive them, which provides great insight into how all of the characters play into the larger narrative.
There is teenage drama, love, reckless behavior, evil masterminds, discussions on gender inequities and the media's role, and more. I felt warm and fuzzy at times and utterly frustrated other times, which shows that McGee is good at her craft. Her writing is good, although it can be comparable to lighter, YA novels I read in middle school and high school, which is not a bad thing!
I dove into this headfirst because I needed to escape and escape I did. I've already borrowed the second book and look forward to continuing the series.
kwillen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0