American Royals - Book Review

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What would the world look like had George Washington accepted the position of American king instead of advocating for an elected official? The world of an American monarchy is what Katharine McGee has cleverly created in her new young adult book American Royals, of which I received a free review copy from the publisher.

It's a world where 20-something Beatrice will soon become the next sovereign and America's first queen. She's conflicted about her position and making the right choices for America. Her younger sister, Samantha, knows that all eyes are on Beatrice - everyone cares about Bea, not so much about Sam. Samantha also wishes that people would extend her the same courtesy as her twin brother, Jefferson. Double standards are still a thing in this world.

Rounding out the cast of female narrators is Nina, Samantha's best friend and a commoner who has secretly started dating Jeff. Then there's Daphne, a royal social climber determined to be the sort of princess America deserves, with Jefferson as her prince.

Being a royal means putting country before oneself, and up until now, that's what Beatrice has done. But there's something - or someone - that she wants, and she knows that Beatrice the queen can't have it. Whatever she chooses could affect the happiness of Samantha and Jeff, as well as her ailing father, and, of course, the country. What kind of mark will Beatrice make on American history?

The readers don't really get to find out in this book because it's only the first in a series! I will definitely seek out the sequel (set to hit shelves in 2020) to find out what happens next. I really liked the story's allusions to real moments in history, seeing how the author twisted them into this alternate America. Because it's a book about royals, I did have trouble reading it without giving all the characters British accents.

American Royals is published by Random House and is on bookstore shelves now. I received a free review copy.