Book Review: "American Royals II: Majesty" by Katharine McGee
“American Royals II: Majesty” by Katharine McGee
Synopsis: Power is intoxicating. Like first love, it can leave you breathless. Princess Beatrice was born with it. Princess Samantha was born with less. Some, like Nina Gonzalez, are pulled into it. And a few will claw their way in. Ahem, we're looking at you Daphne Deighton.
As America adjusts to the idea of a queen on the throne, Beatrice grapples with everything she lost when she gained the ultimate crown. Samantha is busy living up to her "party princess" persona...and maybe adding a party prince by her side. Nina is trying to avoid the palace--and Prince Jefferson--at all costs. And a dangerous secret threatens to undo all of Daphne's carefully laid "marry Prince Jefferson" plans.
A new reign has begun....
Rating: 4.25
Review: Okay, I’ve been counting down for this book to be released since the moment I finished the first one (and I have pushed this book on several of my friends as well), so my expectations were about 365 days high — just look at my review from last time! I read this one in one sitting last night, and I was so pleasantly surprised by the book, and even though it definitely didn’t go the direction I thought it would, I am so pleased by it. Katie, are we going to get a third one soon?
This book picks up right after the events of “American Royals” — i.e., Beatrice ascending the throne and become the first female monarch in the history of America. She’s nagivating her new role, her engagement to Teddy, her estrangement from Sam, and her break up with Connor — and that’s just the first chapter. Sam is now the heir to the throne, and she’s figuring out her new normal, while Nina and Daphne both deal with their royal relationships in opposite ways. We follow these four young women in the lead-up to the wedding of the century, and how they all deal with life in their new country.
This book feels true to the tone of the series, but it is definitely more mature. Our four girls are no longer on the periphery of the monarchy, they are playing essential roles as leaders, and the book feels more urgent. Like the first book, we do spend time with all of them, and I feel like this book was a little Sam-heavy, but I didn’t mind it - she was my favorite character this go-round. (Maybe because I wish I was a Sam, but I’m definitely a Beatrice?) A fair number of our supporting characters — Ethan, Jeff, Teddy, Connor — all played a role in this book as well, but I loved that the focus was on the females.
While this is fun and full of romance, Katharine McGee doesn’t shy away from tackling timely social issues, namely race and misogyny. Sam’s love interest is not just charming, he’s a Black heir to a Western dukedom, and he faces outward racism at being publicly paired with her. Beatrice may be Queen (or Queen-to-be-Crown-a-year-after-her-dad’s-death), but she’s still dealing with white male nonsense about her readiness for her role - and in one especially egregious case, her competency and authority.
As I mentioned earlier, I had an idea as to where this would go: in my wildest dreams, I thought Bea would abdicate to be with Connor and let Sam rule with Teddy as her consort. L O L - I could not have been more wrong. This story was full of twists and turns, and I spent the last twenty or so pages just trying to catch up with all that was in the final act. Let’s say, it wasn’t what I expected but it was the best way for the story to progress. I wish I could say more as to the twists but we remain spoiler free at She’s Full of Lit. Feel free to slide into our DMs though, if you want to discuss.
Beyond that (we love a feminist read), this is just a great escape from the reality of the 2020 election; if you know me in real life, you know I have a real fondness for the British monarchy, and there have been several moments this year where I wished I lived in a different government system. I can’t imagine that abating as we get closer to November 3.
TL;DR: A fun and feminist romance, focusing on four amazing young women as they come into their own — with a dash of royalty and a fun alternate America.
If you liked this, try these:
“The Royal We” - Bookshop | Kindle - and “The Heir Affair” - Bookshop | Kindle | My Review - by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
“Red, White, and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston - Bookshop | Kindle | Moira’s review
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