American Royals by Katharine McGee

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genres: Young Adult
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Book Review

American Royals fabulously reimagines the United States government as a monarchy instead of a democracy. Imagine if instead of becoming the first president, George Washington became the first king and established an American dynasty of kings. That’s the plot of American Royals, but so much more.

It follows the four female leading ladies: Beatrice, Samantha, Nina, and Daphne. Beatrice, the oldest daughter, is in line to become the first queen, following the change of an archaic law having lineage go to the first male. Samantha, the second oldest, also fondly referred to as the spare, is the wild child of the family. With no real leadership expected of her, she is spending her time traveling and partying with twin brother Jefferson. Nina, Samantha’s oldest and closest friend, keeps her relationship with the royal family a secret until scandal makes her famous. Daphne is Prince Jefferson’s ex-girlfriend. She is determined to do anything to get him back, no matter who she has to crush in the process.

I was particularly invested in Princess Beatrice’s perspective and found myself trying to fly through other sections so I could get back to Beatrice. I loved her character the most, and her plot was the most fascinating to me. Daphne was by far my least favorite. At times I felt sympathetic towards her, but mostly I was rooting against her.

I flew through American Royals in two days. It would have been one, but it was long and I had to work. It felt like somewhat a cross between First Daughter and the Princess Diaries, but also had elements entirely of its own. It completely reimagines the country and the world and throws in little tidbits of what things would be like. I loved this book and cannot wait for the sequel!