A review by thattheatrekid
American Royals by Katharine McGee

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I struggle on where to start with a review! This book was a really good break from my usual heavier dystopian reads, where it’s just focused on romance drama and non world stakes. I was invested in the story but all the characters but Sam and Beatrice were woefully underdeveloped (especially the male characters) . At multiple points in the story it felt like I was supposed to care about certain characters, but I didn’t because I didn’t know them well enough. The not so subtle political commentary was interesting because it was very obviously trying to be feminist and progressive, yet the only thing any of the female characters ever talked about was guys and shallow social climbing. Beatrice was by far my favorite character (maybe I’m biased as a fellow oldest child); she was very fleshed out and her struggles were the most relatable. 

This was a great book with an interesting premise, despite all the cheesy or unrealistic parts, and I’m excited to read the next one!