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nitza_pizza37 's review for:
American Royals
by Katharine McGee
I’m giving it three stars (because I can’t give it 2.5 AND) because I’m on the fence about the book and the writing, BUT I AM GOING TO READ THE WHOLE SERIES. The short hand review is that I would describe this book as a modern day soap opera told a bit predictably and with lots of clichés.
Before reading I read a review that called all of the characters selfish and I was trying hard to see the characters in a different light than that, I would say I only felt that one of the lead characters was not selfish. Many of the characters felt immature (and perhaps that’s my own fault for still reading YA as an adult?).
I wish the story would focus on only Beatrice since in my
Opinion she seems to be the most like-able character. I love the reimagining of the US as a monarchy and the idea of a princess torn between duty and desires. I wish the dialogue felt more believable as well as the plot line. I so badly wanted to like characters like Sam and Nina but time and time again they proved selfish and immature. I at least have respect for the Daphne character for her commitment to her task, but I nonetheless can’t confidently say I’m rooting for her.
I also think the book leaves us wondering about the male characters - and while I am a champion of feminine literature, I believe the author fails to help the reader learn who the men are through the eyes of the leading ladies. At least three of the characters are supposed to be in love but it is not evidently clear WHY the women love these specific men or what makes the men so great. I also think the Teddy-Sam storyline is waaaaaaay under developed and the author writes as though their fast evolution ‘makes sense’ (e.g. one second they’re making out in the closet and the next they believe they have forbidden love? That’s a long jump to make!) I was definitely disappointed in the direction of the Sam storyline and desperately hope the next book sees her delving into thoughtfulness and maturity.
The book definitely ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that makes an invested reader feel the need to read on in the series. I will be doing so with the hope that these characters will have beautiful arcs that make me fall for them as people!
Before reading I read a review that called all of the characters selfish and I was trying hard to see the characters in a different light than that, I would say I only felt that one of the lead characters was not selfish. Many of the characters felt immature (and perhaps that’s my own fault for still reading YA as an adult?).
I wish the story would focus on only Beatrice since in my
Opinion she seems to be the most like-able character. I love the reimagining of the US as a monarchy and the idea of a princess torn between duty and desires. I wish the dialogue felt more believable as well as the plot line. I so badly wanted to like characters like Sam and Nina but time and time again they proved selfish and immature. I at least have respect for the Daphne character for her commitment to her task, but I nonetheless can’t confidently say I’m rooting for her.
I also think the book leaves us wondering about the male characters - and while I am a champion of feminine literature, I believe the author fails to help the reader learn who the men are through the eyes of the leading ladies. At least three of the characters are supposed to be in love but it is not evidently clear WHY the women love these specific men or what makes the men so great. I also think the Teddy-Sam storyline is waaaaaaay under developed and the author writes as though their fast evolution ‘makes sense’ (e.g. one second they’re making out in the closet and the next they believe they have forbidden love? That’s a long jump to make!) I was definitely disappointed in the direction of the Sam storyline and desperately hope the next book sees her delving into thoughtfulness and maturity.
The book definitely ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that makes an invested reader feel the need to read on in the series. I will be doing so with the hope that these characters will have beautiful arcs that make me fall for them as people!