Review By: Sara Tripp
Published: 2024
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Romance, Young Adult
Audience: Grades 9–12
Content Warnings: None
Goodreads Link: A Queen’s Game
Summary:
Set in the final glittering decade of Europe’s monarchies, A Queen’s Game follows three young royals—Alix of Hesse, Hélène d’Orléans, and May of Teck—whose lives and loves intertwine amid duty, politics, and the pursuit of personal freedom. Each girl faces the impossible choice between following her heart and fulfilling expectations in a world where tradition outweighs desire.
Review:
As someone who enjoyed Katharine McGee’s American Royals series, I was excited to dive into her newest book A Queen’s Game and it did not disappoint! While American Royals offered a fun, modern twist on monarchy, A Queen’s Game transports readers back in time to a world where young women, especially royal daughters, had very little say over their futures.
This historical fiction novel provides an engaging and emotional look at what it meant to be a royal princess in a time when duty outweighed desire. The story follows three young royals, each grappling with the pressures of arranged marriages, family expectations, and the painful choice between love and obligation. In their world, love is a luxury few can afford, especially for girls born into royalty. Fathers and political alliances decide futures, and a young woman’s personal hopes or dreams are rarely part of the conversation.
The characters are incredibly well-developed and lovable, each bringing a unique perspective on what it means to grow up in a gilded cage. Students will connect with their struggles for identity, freedom, and voice, even if the historical setting is far removed from today. The emotional weight of their decisions and the fear and uncertainty that come with defying expectations are themes that remain relevant for modern teens.
The writing is vivid and compelling, and the plot moves smoothly while weaving in rich historical context. The book ends in a way that strongly hints at a sequel, and I’m already looking forward to continuing the journey.
This book would be a great fit for high school classrooms that explore gender roles, power, and societal expectations. It could work well in literature units focused on historical fiction or as an independent reading option for students who enjoy royal intrigue, emotional depth, and strong female leads. A Queen’s Game opens up meaningful discussions about agency, tradition, and the cost of choosing your own path.
