Random House Books for Young Readers American royals

Perfect condition

As a fan of Katharine McGee’s The Thousandth Floor series, I was eager to read American Royals and see whether it would be as glitzy and as treacherous as her previous books, and it didn’t disappoint.Written in McGee’s typical style, the story is told from four different points of view which gives us an insight into the plans and motivation of all four girls.We have Beatrice, heir to the American throne and the girl who will become the first ever Queen of America. Her sister Samantha, the wild child “spare” who doesn’t seem to play by the royal rules. Nina, Samantha’s ’commoner’ best friend and Daphne the ex-girlfriend of Samantha’s twin brother, Prince Jefferson.All four girls find themselves in the spotlight for different reasons and none of them truly feels in control of their own lives but in the glamorous world of the American royal family, all of them know that the Crown comes first.Now this book is not going to be for everyone and will never be considered a classic work of literature however if you are looking for some fictional escapism and good old fashioned back stabbing fun, then look no further. The story is full of cliches and doesn’t break any new ground as far as this genre is concerned, but what McGee does is bring these cliches to life and execute them brilliantly!The characters are multifaceted and flawed in their own ways and even Daphne (who is a piece of work btw) has her moment of clarity.I did see glimpses of The Thousandth Floor characters in these girls: Beatrice is reminiscent of Avery, Samantha reminded me of Eris and Daphne definitely brought to mind Lida! For me that wasn’t a bad thing as I really enjoyed those characters however I know that might put some people off.Overall I loved this unique idea of changing American history and switching from a President and First Family to a King and Royal family. I loved that so much of the royal traditions we’re taking from our own British monarchy and adapted to suit the American culture.The ending of the book left me wanting more which I always think is testament to a great read - 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (rounded up to 5)Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Penguin Random House UK Children’s) for providing a copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.

I really liked the idea of this book: how would the United States look like, if they had a monarchy instead of a democracy. Unfortunately, this is only a weak backdrop to a really kitsch teenage love story. The writing is good and it's a quick read, but didn't give me much and seems quite immature.The story is about the three kids of the royal family and their aspirations and their love live. Beatrice as the first born child will inherit the crown as the first ever queen. So she has been trained all her life and is a well-behaved princess. Her two siblings - twins - are not bound to the same level of scrutiny, so they life an easier life, going on trips around the world for leisure and such.Beatrice is supposed to pick a future husband from a bunch of esteemed bachelors, but she's secretly in love with someone else, her sister is having a fling with the guy she's supposed to be married to and her brother is torn between an old flame and a new girl. All of them are always head over heels in love, dying without the other, every touch tingling and every kiss the best in the world. This for me is just a bit too kitsch and makes it sound like a teenage love story and nothing more.Another annoying aspect is that none of the story lines are resolved at the end of the book and you're basically forced to read the second book in the series as well to get any kind of closure (and who knows, there might be a third).I don't think I'll read the second instalment, I feel I can already guess what might happen and not sure I'm interested in those soap opera teenage kitsch story lines.

This was such an amazing book! I read it within a week and would have been a few days if I'd had more time to read. The twists and turns are brilliant. She has so cleverly twisted American history to make it fit as if there had been a monarchy, very clever. I'm not always into romances as I get tired of authors making romance all life is about but I didn't find the romances in this book too overbearing. Yes they're a big part of the story but there is so much more to each character and their lives. You are left on quite a series of cliffhangers at the end which I wish at least one had been resolved by the end but that's my only criticism. Would 100% recommend. I can't believe I have to wait til September for the sequel. Wishing I could read it right now. Have it on preorder.

I really enjoyed this book, while it did follow a lot of old tropes I felt they were done quite well. The story was fast-paced and entertaining all the way through. Definitely give it a chance if you're looking for a lighthearted read.

Teen daughter is loving this book.