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3.32 AVERAGE
3.32 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cute, but seemed a little wordy at times. I kept envisioning a combination of the Tangled kingdom and Julie Andrews as the Queen of Genovia.
ARC graciously provided by NetGalley.
ARC graciously provided by NetGalley.
First, thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Rules of Royalty starts out with so much promise. The story idea is cute and fun - an American teenager finds out on his 17th birthday that he is is actually the long-lost Prince of Mitanor, a fictional European country. His biological father, the king, invites him to come stay at the palace and get to know his family and arranges for another prince to help him out with the adjustment. The whole thing feels very inspired by The Princess Diaries, but with a Red White and Royal Blue twist. The whole thing is fun escapist fiction that doesn't need to be taken too seriously to be enjoyable and I would have rated it much higher than the three (generous) stars I am giving it except the whole book just kind of fell flat for me.
To start with, the story is told from two viewpoints - Jamie, the new prince, and Erik, his tutor. Despite being from completely different backgrounds, with different educational experiences and speaking different first languages, the two guys have the exact same voice. Like, I had to repeatedly check the chapter headings to see whose viewpoint I was supposed to be reading because they were almost completely indistinguishable.
Next, the books tells a lot but it doesn't show a lot. There's an aside midway through the book where Erik mentions a joke his upright Queen grandmother told him. It's meant to show us that she can let loose at times. But we don't find out what the joke was. The whole book is like this. We are told about conversations, we don't experience them. It was like reading the boys' diary accounts of the plot and not actually going through the story with them.
Finally, there was no real conflict. Every issue that arises in the book - from Jamie's feeling of betrayal that his adoptive mother never told him who he really was, to his fight with is best friend Max back home, to the essential plot of the book which is whether or not Erik and Jamie can date each other - is wrapped up so easily, and so tidily, with so little mess and fuss that I was left feeling like there was no there there.
I hated only giving this book 3 stars, but, at the end of the day, it's the best I can do. It's such a great premise and had so much potential and promise but in the end... it just wasn't great.
The Rules of Royalty starts out with so much promise. The story idea is cute and fun - an American teenager finds out on his 17th birthday that he is is actually the long-lost Prince of Mitanor, a fictional European country. His biological father, the king, invites him to come stay at the palace and get to know his family and arranges for another prince to help him out with the adjustment. The whole thing feels very inspired by The Princess Diaries, but with a Red White and Royal Blue twist. The whole thing is fun escapist fiction that doesn't need to be taken too seriously to be enjoyable and I would have rated it much higher than the three (generous) stars I am giving it except the whole book just kind of fell flat for me.
To start with, the story is told from two viewpoints - Jamie, the new prince, and Erik, his tutor. Despite being from completely different backgrounds, with different educational experiences and speaking different first languages, the two guys have the exact same voice. Like, I had to repeatedly check the chapter headings to see whose viewpoint I was supposed to be reading because they were almost completely indistinguishable.
Next, the books tells a lot but it doesn't show a lot. There's an aside midway through the book where Erik mentions a joke his upright Queen grandmother told him. It's meant to show us that she can let loose at times. But we don't find out what the joke was. The whole book is like this. We are told about conversations, we don't experience them. It was like reading the boys' diary accounts of the plot and not actually going through the story with them.
Finally, there was no real conflict. Every issue that arises in the book - from Jamie's feeling of betrayal that his adoptive mother never told him who he really was, to his fight with is best friend Max back home, to the essential plot of the book which is whether or not Erik and Jamie can date each other - is wrapped up so easily, and so tidily, with so little mess and fuss that I was left feeling like there was no there there.
I hated only giving this book 3 stars, but, at the end of the day, it's the best I can do. It's such a great premise and had so much potential and promise but in the end... it just wasn't great.
Unfortunately I was just not a fan of the writing style and not interested in finishing.
DNF'd at 28%
I have been hemming and hawing over this one for a week or two now and I just can't find it in myself to pick it up again so I'm just giving up.
I was excited for this because of the Red, White, and Royal Blue feel, but where RWRB has incredible characters and clever writing, this is just... not that. My main gripe was the writing... it was just... not good. It was clunky and awkward and it took me out of a moment every time I was just starting to get a little bit invested.
I think what really did it for me was one of the worst descriptions of a panic attack I have ever read. The character literally just said "I'm having a panic attack" and that was it. There was no description of his rushing breath, increased heart rate, etc. We are just... told he is having a panic attack and that is it. There was only telling and not showing. And then, to make it worse, the whole reason why he had a panic attack wasn't even resolved in a meaningful manner. There's practically a one sentence description of "Oh and it turned out fine" and that was it. Meanwhile, a chapter or two before we have a detailed description of how the other main lead has a fencing match with his brother that has no relevance on the overall plot.
I don't know. Maybe younger teens will like this one. But for all those that are thinking about reading this because it reminds them of Red, White, and Royal Blue, don't bother.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have been hemming and hawing over this one for a week or two now and I just can't find it in myself to pick it up again so I'm just giving up.
I was excited for this because of the Red, White, and Royal Blue feel, but where RWRB has incredible characters and clever writing, this is just... not that. My main gripe was the writing... it was just... not good. It was clunky and awkward and it took me out of a moment every time I was just starting to get a little bit invested.
I think what really did it for me was one of the worst descriptions of a panic attack I have ever read. The character literally just said "I'm having a panic attack" and that was it. There was no description of his rushing breath, increased heart rate, etc. We are just... told he is having a panic attack and that is it. There was only telling and not showing. And then, to make it worse, the whole reason why he had a panic attack wasn't even resolved in a meaningful manner. There's practically a one sentence description of "Oh and it turned out fine" and that was it. Meanwhile, a chapter or two before we have a detailed description of how the other main lead has a fencing match with his brother that has no relevance on the overall plot.
I don't know. Maybe younger teens will like this one. But for all those that are thinking about reading this because it reminds them of Red, White, and Royal Blue, don't bother.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Rules of Royalty lives up to its comps—it's a queer Princess Diaries for the ages. When Jamie, an American teenager, finds out he's actually the prince of a European nation called Mitanor, he's whisked away for a summer of learning about his new family, the customs of the place his parents came from, and what it's like to be a prince, courtesy of Erik, a prince from a neighboring country, Sunstead.
They're both second-born sons. They're both gay. They're both nerds, they're both—well, a lot of things. Which is where most of my trouble came into play in this book. While the premise was extraordinarily charming, the dual POV didn't necessarily add anything to the plot as both characters seemed about the same. Their voices were not distinct and beyond Erik's issues with a more overbearing family and Jamie's struggles adapting to being a prince, they often felt like the same character.
The struggles that they dealt with were always also extremely surface level—I think the book would have benefited more from having fewer plot points that only seemed tied together by conversations that only really existed as a means to an end, and more time to dig into these issues. For example, I think the author wanted us to care a little more about each character's relationship with their brother, particularly Erik as a result of a late story reveal about his brother Stefan, but it didn't necessarily ever feel earned. Overall, most of the issues in the book including the primary reason the main characters have to avoid being together were stemmed from a single line and were quickly resolved, meaning there was very little for the main characters to struggle with. Several smaller plot points, like a conservative prime minister, a fight with a friend from home, the decision of where Jamie should live after school, never felt fully fleshed out for me.
But sometimes that's what you need in a YA romance! Particularly one where queer characters are at the center and so rarely given just some fluff.
I think readers looking for something a little more surface level and true YA might have fun with this—it's fluffy, and, unsurprisingly, the two main characters earn a lovely little happily ever after. But those looking for a little more twist and tension, or those like me who are more character focused over plot, might not get as much out of this book. Those who love it will truly love it, though.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC for my honest review!
They're both second-born sons. They're both gay. They're both nerds, they're both—well, a lot of things. Which is where most of my trouble came into play in this book. While the premise was extraordinarily charming, the dual POV didn't necessarily add anything to the plot as both characters seemed about the same. Their voices were not distinct and beyond Erik's issues with a more overbearing family and Jamie's struggles adapting to being a prince, they often felt like the same character.
The struggles that they dealt with were always also extremely surface level—I think the book would have benefited more from having fewer plot points that only seemed tied together by conversations that only really existed as a means to an end, and more time to dig into these issues. For example, I think the author wanted us to care a little more about each character's relationship with their brother, particularly Erik as a result of a late story reveal about his brother Stefan, but it didn't necessarily ever feel earned. Overall, most of the issues in the book including the primary reason the main characters have to avoid being together were stemmed from a single line and were quickly resolved, meaning there was very little for the main characters to struggle with. Several smaller plot points, like a conservative prime minister, a fight with a friend from home, the decision of where Jamie should live after school, never felt fully fleshed out for me.
But sometimes that's what you need in a YA romance! Particularly one where queer characters are at the center and so rarely given just some fluff.
I think readers looking for something a little more surface level and true YA might have fun with this—it's fluffy, and, unsurprisingly, the two main characters earn a lovely little happily ever after. But those looking for a little more twist and tension, or those like me who are more character focused over plot, might not get as much out of this book. Those who love it will truly love it, though.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC for my honest review!
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Rules of Royalty is such a sweet queer romance! Readers who loved the Princess Diaries, but wished there was more LGBTQ+ rep absolutely must read this book. Jamie Johnson learns that he is actually the son of a king on his birthday. Unprepared to be a prince, Jamie is relieved to be assigned a friend and tutor in Prince Erik. Erik has been raised as a prince from birth, so he is more than able to teach Jamie. As the two spend more time together, they start to fall for eachother...but will they be allowed to pursue their connection?
The Rules of Royalty is a lighthearted and enjoyable queer YA romance. Jamie and Erik are adorable and I enjoyed how they learned to fight for their relationship. I think this book will mean so much to readers who have longed to see themselves reflected in this classic tale of secret royalty and handsome princes. The boys are surrounded by a supportive cast of characters, from family and friends to a world where LGBTQ+ rights are not controversial but accepted.
Readers who love a sweet fairytale romance, fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, and The Princess Diaries will love The Rules of Royalty!
Thank you to Cale Dietrich, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Rules of Royalty is a lighthearted and enjoyable queer YA romance. Jamie and Erik are adorable and I enjoyed how they learned to fight for their relationship. I think this book will mean so much to readers who have longed to see themselves reflected in this classic tale of secret royalty and handsome princes. The boys are surrounded by a supportive cast of characters, from family and friends to a world where LGBTQ+ rights are not controversial but accepted.
Readers who love a sweet fairytale romance, fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, and The Princess Diaries will love The Rules of Royalty!
Thank you to Cale Dietrich, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich! I was definitely in the mood for a fluffy romance, and this book fit the bill. If you just want to read something for the happy vibes at the moment, this will for sure be the book for you.
This is a loose retelling of The Princess Diaries, but making it queer instead. As someone who loved The Princess Diaries growing up, I loved the way this parallels that story. It’s got a lot of great moments between the two princes, and it just adds to the overall good feel of this book.
My main critique is that at times, I would forget which prince’s point of view I was in because they did tend to blend together. Some of the dialogue didn’t quite feel realistic; it felt a little disjointed to me.
Despite that, I did have a good time reading this book, and think it will make a great addition to any December TBRs!
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Review to come!
Review to come!
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Death of parent, Outing