By: Nora Warner
Photo: penguinrandomhouse.com
What if the United States had been started as a monarchy? The American Royals Series by Kathrine McGee is a young adult New York Times best seller. The story explores if the United States had been a monarchy where George Washington’s descendants served as King’s and Queen’s and states were led by dukes and duchesses.
The first book of the series, American Royals, explores the lives, secrets, and drama around the royal family and who they interact with. Characters include:
Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter, is disciplined, responsible, and constantly under public scrutiny as the future queen.
Princess Samantha is the younger sister of Beatrice, who loves to party as a distraction from feeling unneeded in the royal family.
Daphne Deighton is a high society member who would do anything to become royalty.
Nina Gonzales is a commoner who is in love with the prince but faces many challenges from being put into the spotlight.
This book is filled with drama and romance, but nothing too intense. I would describe it as a Disney Channel Romcom in the style of The Princess Diaries or The Princess Protection Program. If you enjoy these movies, you will like this book. While this is more of a light read that might not be for everyone, the creative setting sets this book apart in the young adult romance-adjacent category. The book has ups and downs, but won’t linger on heavy topics. Some of the drama might even seem silly or unlikely, but don’t let the fluff of this book fool you; there’s still a lot to learn from these characters’ narratives.
This book’s pacing is fairly fast, with many different characters’ lives intertwining. Each chapter switches perspectives and often ends on exciting cliffhangers that will make it hard to put the book down. There are characters from diverse backgrounds, and the stories explore what it’s like to feel less than perfect in a place where everything is presented with excellence.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy royalty, romcoms, romance and drama books, or reimagined history. As a romance book, it does have some themes that might not be for every age, but I would say nothing that wouldn’t be allowed in a PG-13 movie. If you enjoy the first book, there are 3 more in the series, plus a shorter prequel novella. I found these books to be enjoyable if you are invested in the development of the characters and their stories.
If you are interested in reading this book, there is a copy in the high school library.
