Majesty

July 1, 2020
America's new queen has a royal wedding to plan in the follow-up to 2019's American Royals. Imagine that George Washington was crowned America's first king instead of president, and you've got the intriguing premise of McGee's addictive series. In the wake of the sudden death of King George IV, his oldest daughter and heir to the throne, Beatrice, must put her grief aside and throw herself into her new responsibilities as queen. But first, she must get married. Even in a contemporary America, the very idea of a single woman taking the throne is controversial. She's engaged to the perfectly nice son of the Duke of Boston, Theodore "Teddy" Eaton, but her heart lies with a commoner, and Beatrice is torn between love and duty. Meanwhile, her younger, hard-partying sister, Samantha, is consumed by her own romantic foibles, as is her best (and nonroyal) friend, Nina, who briefly dated Samantha's twin brother, Jefferson. Then there's relentless social climber Daphne, Jeff's ex, who plans to win him back at any cost--along with the status that comes with him. McGee skillfully juggles each woman's narrative, framing their struggles with plenty of pomp and circumstance and the challenges of living very public lives. Add in a dramatic finale that packs in all the feels, and you've got a royal winner. Most characters are white, but Nina is Latinx, and there is diversity in the supporting cast. An immensely fun sequel. (Fiction. 14-19)

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July 31, 2020

Gr 9 Up-His Majesty George IV has passed and it is time for Queen Beatrice to rule. But is she ready to be the queen her people need? It is hard to tell since she is inundated with wedding plans instead of being able to focus on ruling. Also, her advisors and the government do not seem ready for a female leader. She must figure out how to change their minds. This sequel to American Royals, much like the first, is filled with relationship drama, backstabbing, lies, and love. Queen Beatrice is finding unexpected love with Teddy while trying to forget Conner. Princess Sam makes a bargain with a famous young man named Marshall to pretend to be in a relationship to make their past loves jealous. Prince Jeffrey is trying to move past his breakup with Nina and runs back to the scheming Daphne. Nina finds love with Ethan, Prince Jeffrey's best friend. With each new secret uncovered, friendships are tested. But like most teenage relationships, tempers burn hot but cool quickly. McGee's sequel is just as gripping as the first. The royal family is white, Marshall is Black, and Nina is Latina. VERDICT While illustrating the benefits of friendship and relationships, McGee helps readers realize the importance of being independent and believing in yourself.-Jessica Perovich, U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit Lib.

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