Since the Revolutionary War, America has been the standard of a democratic nation ruled not by a king, but by the people. What if that was not the case? Katherine McGee’s four-part series American Royals explores a modern day America spearheaded by the Washington family–the descendants of the first king George Washington–who have ruled since Britain first waved that white flag and gave the United States of America freedom.Â
I: American Royals
Being set up by your parents is awkward to begin with, but when your parents are the King and Queen of America, things are destined to get dicey. Beatrice, the heir to the throne, must pick a suitor which becomes increasingly more difficult given she is in love with someone else. Meanwhile, her sister, Samantha, has her eye on Beatrice’s best option, Theodore Eaton. Life in the palace is brewing with mountains of drama as Samantha’s twin brother, Jefferson, falls for Samantha’s best friend, Nina. However, Jeff’s ex-girlfriend Daphne, is not willing to give him up–and she likes to fight dirty. Secrets and scandals lurk around every corner patiently waiting to upend the Royals’ lives.
The initial inspiration for this series is what caught my attention, but the depth and warmth of the characters is what made me stay. It has easily become one of my favorite reads as it deals with complex topics such as love, loss, responsibility, media, family, and most of all, finding and understanding your worth in this world. Told through the perspective of four diverse, complicated and resilient female leads, American Royals is perfect for college girls who want to feel less alone–even royals have no idea what they are doing. Also, it’s fun to fantasize about being a princess!
II: Majesty
After scandals, broken hearts and hijinks plagued the Washington family and the entirety of America, the royals have returned with a plethora of new problems in Majesty, McGee’s second installment of the series. Certain monarchs have gained new official positions to ensure that the nation is strong, however, maintaining the strength of their relationships is an entirely different obstacle.
The humor and drama flow throughout the sequel as steadily as they did in the first book, carrying new characters and intrigue along with it. A royal wedding is underway and the Washingtons have to grapple with their truest desires as they decide what is more important: their hearts or the Crown. Majesty promises all the fun and profound analysis that accompanies young life with a tiara upon your head.
III: Rivals
Samantha has been known as the Party Princess her entire life as she has let her rebellious spirit break every rule in the book, including several hearts. However, with a newfound perspective on life and family, given to her by a new love interest, readers will wonder: how far will she go to protect those she loves? Rivals introduces a fresh slew of enemies that come for Beatrice, Sam, Nina, and Daphne, threatening to destroy everything they have built. The conflict forces unlikely partnerships to sprout up in the group of girls in order to fight against their opponents.
Rivals revolves around the League of Kings, the greatest gathering of monarchs from around the globe, meanwhile, our beloved characters meet new friends and come to terms with old ones. McGee does a phenomenal job of maintaining interest in the original band of characters while also bringing love to the newer additions.
IV: Reign
Everything seemed perfect after the League of Kings wrapped up, but a storm must follow every calm. America would not be America without a scandal, and the Washingtons are always willing to provide. Beatrice faces mental struggles that impact her relationship and political adversaries breathe down her neck. Sam contends with where she wants to take her life, and consequently her relationships, familial, platonic and romantic. Nina encounters foreign royalty and copes with a new challenge: the lead in the University play. Daphne must decide if her life’s work is worth sacrificing her heart; is this truly the career she wants to uphold forever?
McGee knows how to conclude a series with a bang! Reign pulls America and the royal family into an unprecedented period as everyone has to reckon with their choices and deceptions. Is there a happily ever after lying at the end of this fairytale?
This series is dear to my heart not only because Princess Samantha and I share a name, but because it reminded me that we are young and not supposed to have everything figured out. We can make a mess, but we have to clean it up. If a princess can slip up, then so can I. When you pick up this book, the only thing you will regret is that there are only four novels in the series.