Scan barcode
A review by aseaoftomes
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
May 2021 reread:
My previous reviews stand. I still love this book with my whole heart and it's a balm on my soul whenever I read it. There's just something so incredibly special about Alex and Henry, the themes of love, family, self-discovery and finding your place in the world that just resonate with me in a very particular way.
This will always be one of my favorites and I'm glad I reread it every year.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
May 2020 reread: This book was exactly what I needed right now. It's my fourth time rereading this and it absolutely won't be my last. This book holds such a special place in my heart and while I know it's not for everyone, I love it.
Basically what this book boils down to is an alternate timeline where a woman won the 2016 Presidential Election. Alex, the president's son, has a "rivalry" of sorts with Prince Henry who is one of the princes of England (Prince of Wales). After a disaster at Henry's brother's wedding, they have to fake a friendship in order to keep up good relations between the countries and besides that, it's an election year for Alex's mom. And what unfolds is so much more than that.
The writing in this isn't the best, but Casey captures Millennial speak and culture perfectly. I don't read a ton of contemporaries, but I know people who do and they agree that it's some of the best they've seen. The pop culture references really fit and while I know they can become outdated, I honestly find them to be really nice to see what a culture and place was like during that specific period. The history that was sprinkled in was also lovely. The pacing never felt off either. It just flows really well.
The plot is great. Not only is it a (semi) enemies to lovers romance, but it's got more to it than that. There's politics - both American and some British, some intrigue, great family and friend relationships and high stakes not only because it's an election year, but what the fallout of Alex and Henry's relationship can bring in the long run. I love the conflict of it all. And I know some people have issues with the way some things were told and lack of research, on both sides of the isle - American and UK, but I love it anyway.
The setting was also lovely, but not something to highlight. It takes place mostly in the US, but there's quite a bit in the UK as well. The places were well described and added a bit of an extra layer at times, but overall it's not the strongest aspect of the book.
Finally, the characters. This is really and truly where the book shines for me. Alex is a delightful protagonist and I loved being in his head. I always pick up extra things about him with each reread. His passion and ambition are fun to watch and he's the epitome of a bisexual disaster it's ridiculous. Henry will always be my absolute favorite. I can relate to him (and Alex) so well. Just the whole Super Six cast is delightful and I really and truly love them. From June's loyalty and compassion, to Nora's mind and rationality, to Bea's sassiness and Pez's unfiltered and delightful self. I really love all of them. I wish we got to spend more time with them all, but that's not the story that was being told.
Overall, I loved this just as much (if not more) as the previous times I read it and will definitely be rereading it again in the future.
TW/CW: alcohol use, discussions of drug use and addiction, homophobia that is challenged on page, anxiety, un-diagnosed ADHD, depression, depictions of racism in media, discussions of past death of a parent, grief, mentions of serious illness, discussion of attempted sexual assault in the past, public outing, and extensive discussions of politics.
NOTE: This is NOT YA, it's NA (new adult) so there is some sexual content.
My previous reviews stand. I still love this book with my whole heart and it's a balm on my soul whenever I read it. There's just something so incredibly special about Alex and Henry, the themes of love, family, self-discovery and finding your place in the world that just resonate with me in a very particular way.
This will always be one of my favorites and I'm glad I reread it every year.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
May 2020 reread: This book was exactly what I needed right now. It's my fourth time rereading this and it absolutely won't be my last. This book holds such a special place in my heart and while I know it's not for everyone, I love it.
Basically what this book boils down to is an alternate timeline where a woman won the 2016 Presidential Election. Alex, the president's son, has a "rivalry" of sorts with Prince Henry who is one of the princes of England (Prince of Wales). After a disaster at Henry's brother's wedding, they have to fake a friendship in order to keep up good relations between the countries and besides that, it's an election year for Alex's mom. And what unfolds is so much more than that.
The writing in this isn't the best, but Casey captures Millennial speak and culture perfectly. I don't read a ton of contemporaries, but I know people who do and they agree that it's some of the best they've seen. The pop culture references really fit and while I know they can become outdated, I honestly find them to be really nice to see what a culture and place was like during that specific period. The history that was sprinkled in was also lovely. The pacing never felt off either. It just flows really well.
The plot is great. Not only is it a (semi) enemies to lovers romance, but it's got more to it than that. There's politics - both American and some British, some intrigue, great family and friend relationships and high stakes not only because it's an election year, but what the fallout of Alex and Henry's relationship can bring in the long run. I love the conflict of it all. And I know some people have issues with the way some things were told and lack of research, on both sides of the isle - American and UK, but I love it anyway.
The setting was also lovely, but not something to highlight. It takes place mostly in the US, but there's quite a bit in the UK as well. The places were well described and added a bit of an extra layer at times, but overall it's not the strongest aspect of the book.
Finally, the characters. This is really and truly where the book shines for me. Alex is a delightful protagonist and I loved being in his head. I always pick up extra things about him with each reread. His passion and ambition are fun to watch and he's the epitome of a bisexual disaster it's ridiculous. Henry will always be my absolute favorite. I can relate to him (and Alex) so well. Just the whole Super Six cast is delightful and I really and truly love them. From June's loyalty and compassion, to Nora's mind and rationality, to Bea's sassiness and Pez's unfiltered and delightful self. I really love all of them. I wish we got to spend more time with them all, but that's not the story that was being told.
Overall, I loved this just as much (if not more) as the previous times I read it and will definitely be rereading it again in the future.
TW/CW: alcohol use, discussions of drug use and addiction, homophobia that is challenged on page, anxiety, un-diagnosed ADHD, depression, depictions of racism in media, discussions of past death of a parent, grief, mentions of serious illness, discussion of attempted sexual assault in the past, public outing, and extensive discussions of politics.
NOTE: This is NOT YA, it's NA (new adult) so there is some sexual content.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault