Majesty (American Royals, #2) by Katharine McGee
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date: September 1, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Vacation Reading, Young Adult
Bookshop
Earlier this fall I read and fell in love with American Royals by Katharine McGee. The book’s sequel, Majesty came out in September and I had it on hold at the library, but I finally gave up and bought it (gasp!) because I couldn’t wait any longer. Also, I’m really trying to support my local book store.
IF YOU HAVEN’T READ AMERICAN ROYALS AND THINK YOU WILL(I highly recommend you do) THEN PLEASE STOP READING NOW. SPOILERS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD. OR YOU CAN JUST KEEP READING BECAUSE IT’S FUN NO MATTER WHAT.
When American Royals ended the king had died and Beatrice was set to become the first queen in American history. As part of her duties she was also set to marry an appropriate young man, despite loving a commoner. The other story lines followed Beatrice’s twin sister and brother, Samantha and Jefferson, who were living the carefree lives of the ‘spares’. Jefferson was dating Sam’s best friend, Nina, another commoner. This was proving to be only a minor obstacle for Daphne, a low-level aristocrat whose only goal in life was to marry Jeff and become a princess. Lots of plot, all of which is carried forward in Majesty.
One of the things I loved about American Royals was author McGee’s writing style and, thankfully, that didn’t change in Majesty. Her keen eye adds details that create an imaginable world of American monarchy. The plot circles around the same four women: Beatrice, Samantha, Nina, and Daphne. Each steps forward to more fully occupy their space. Beatrice carries the greatest weight. She’s still in her early twenties, but is now the leader of the greatest country in the world. Plus, she’s a young woman torn between her personal and professional life.
Not surprisingly, there is a lot going on in Majesty. As a YA novel, most of it revolves around romance. There came a point, as the drama increased that I wanted the novel to go a certain way (because I am a vindictive person) and it didn’t. It felt a bit false to me, but after consideration there is a twisted justice. While I didn’t like it, I can see why McGee went that way. Also, there must be another book in the series because things are still unresolved on a lot of fronts.
All in all, this is more fun, light reading about an alternate reality for America. I may not have loved it as much as the first book, but Majesty is great escape reading, perfect for grey winter days
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I just put the first one on hold at the library – sounds like what I need for pandemic winter reading!
It is pure entertainment! It will make you happy. Majesty is good as well, but American Royals the best (so far!).