Review By: Sara Tripp
Published: Random House, 2024
Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Young Adult
Audience: Grades 9–12
Content Warnings: None
Goodreads Link: A Queen’s Game
Summary:
As someone who enjoyed Katharine McGee’s American Royals series, readers are transported back in time to 19th-century Europe, where young royal women had very little say over their futures. The story follows three princesses navigating arranged marriages, family expectations, and the tension between love and duty. Alix of Hesse, Hélène d’Orléans, and May of Teck each face personal struggles within the gilded cage of royalty, where societal obligations often outweigh personal desires.
Review:
A Queen’s Game offers an engaging and emotional look at what it meant to grow up as a royal princess. McGee develops her characters with depth and nuance, highlighting their struggles for identity, freedom, and voice. The narrative sweeps across ballrooms and estates, weaving historical context with romance and intrigue. The three young women confront love, loyalty, and ambition while making difficult decisions under societal pressures. The story ends with hints of a sequel, promising continued exploration of their lives and choices. Ideal for classrooms exploring gender roles, power, and societal expectations, it also works as a captivating independent read.
