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notlikethebeer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Racism, and Homophobia
Moderate: Abandonment
merah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kept trying to figure it out but was never sure.
I was convinced Peter would turn out to be Grigor's dad. not entirely sure what to think about the true revelation of the not-actually-king revelation.
Graphic: Grief, Kidnapping, Outing, Murder, Racism, Xenophobia, Abandonment, Death, Death of parent, and Violence
Moderate: Classism, Confinement, Infidelity, Alcohol, Gun violence, and Homophobia
Minor: Emotional abuse
further content warnings: - constant camera surveillance - unwanted sharing of personal informationlackyducks's review against another edition
- 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
The main plot starts off slow, but builds into a crescendo as James tries to navigate his new title whilst his personal life crashes down around him. The story ties in the media well, making it part of the equation that cannot be avoided.
The red herrings and foreshadowing is balanced and done incredibly well. Though several of the twists caught me off guard, I could see how they'd been set up throughout the story.
Where the story fell down for me is in its believability. The book starts off very regimented in its royal protocols and rules, but becomes looser and more of an action story as the plot develops. There were several occasions where it was just too hard to suspend my disbelief - between conveniences and things I looked at and went 'this would simply not happen.' Though everything ties together well at the end, it just felt too implausible for me to fully appreciate it. Somebody coming in for more of a teen drama with elements of political intrigue may enjoy that side of things more.
The variety of characters was interesting. Each of them contributed well to the plot, with motives and interests that made them feel well-rounded. I did feel like some of this fell apart at the final reveal, as several characters lost their agency in the plot. However, others may disagree with that.
The book also focuses heavily on the racism of British society, with several events that are a little too close to real life to be simply coincidences. Reading it after the passing of the queen certainly made aspects more poignant, though it did mean the protocol around royal mourning was more present in my mind. I felt like these aspects were handled well throughout, creating an uncomfortable at times mirror to reality.
Overall, a gripping read that is well crafted, even if it didn't land right for me.
Graphic: Death of parent, Stalking, Grief, Homophobia, Racism, and Racial slurs
extraaardvark's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
If you can ignore that (as most people probably can) then the book offers an interesting insight into the role of the royalty and racism … also a very current topic!
But the story itself is fun and entertaining
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, and Outing
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual content
kaz_brekker1's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Racism
anniereads221's review
4.0
Books like this show how bad i am at figuring stuff out. But i could see some things so easily.
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Outing, Colonisation, Kidnapping, Violence, Classism, Death of parent, Grief, Homophobia, and Racism
Blackmailvampire_burrito's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Racism, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia
nightgoesblack's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Homophobia and Grief
Minor: Death of parent