★ 05/22/2023
Closeted 17-year-old James becomes the U.K.’s first Black monarch following his white father’s death in Dean’s propulsive debut. To preserve his family’s legacy and continue protecting his Black mother and younger twin brother from the media’s vitriol, James feels like he must prove himself worthy of the crown, despite the fact that he knows the people will “sure as hell not want a Black teenager” as king. But the press is out for blood, analyzing his every move and looking for any perceived misstep to print in the tabloids, which further deteriorates his confidence and approval ratings. James’s new station also jeopardizes his undisclosed relationship with white-cued 18-year-old palace intern Jonathan, a scenario that gets even worse when Jonathan goes missing and royal family secrets begin leaking to the press. With a possible spy in his midst, James must determine whom he can trust among the people he’s known his entire life. Dean delivers a pulse-pounding thriller and searing romance that excels in its portrayal of James’s struggle to balance vicious social politics, storied palace traditions, and vulnerable interpersonal conflict, all while shouldering the responsibility of an entire nation, making for a multilayered and unmissable read. Ages 14–up. Agent: Chloe Seager, Madeleine Milburn Literary. (July)
★ 12/02/2023
Gr 9 Up —When his father's tragic death accelerates 17-year-old Prince James's ascension to the throne, all eyes (and ears) are on the British crown. Racist controversy already surrounds the first Black monarch-to-be, his twin brother Eddie, and the Queen Mother. But James harbors a secret that could make matters worse: he's gay, too. With mounting pressure to keep up with appearances, James finds refuge in his fledgling secret romance with palace intern Jonathan. One night, Jonathan disappears. James uses all resources at his disposal to help find him—but what if he doesn't like the truths he uncovers? Middle grade author Dean's deliciously scandalous YA debut is filled with twists, turns, and social commentary that brilliantly riffs off real-world context. Paparazzi appearances, tabloid articles, and secret notes give off a total thriller Gossip Girl vibe. VERDICT A perfect storm of royal drama and intrigue. Recommended for all teen collections.—Alec Chunn
★ 2023-04-12
At 17, the full weight of the crown now sits on the shoulders of James Albert Arthur Hampton, the United Kingdom’s first Black monarch. James wars with feelings of being inadequate beside Eddie, his more likable brother, or less suited for the throne compared to Cassandra, his White cousin who’s next in line. There’s also the matter of his first, secret, love, Jonathan Kent, an 18-year-old Black palace intern. James reflects, “The world could barely cope with a Black king—they’d lose their heads if they knew he was gay too.” When Jonathan disappears and the Daily Eye , a tabloid whose journalists closely mirror those writing for real British newspapers, begins running stories that reveal the royal family’s darkest secrets, it’s up to James to face their virulent actions and try to unravel betrayals that threaten his family’s safety and well-being. James’ progression as he grows in understanding whom he should trust within his innermost circle provides tumultuous internal and external conflict that is impossible to turn away from—especially when the potentially lethal impact of racism is succinctly and sadly presented as part of the overwhelming challenges unique to his role.
All hail this royal debut that twists, turns, and revels in palace intrigue and deceit. (Thriller. 14-18)
All hail this royal debut that twists, turns, and revels in palace intrigue and deceit."—Kirkus, starred review Publisher's Weekly, starred review Catherine Doyle, co-author of Twin Crowns Chelsea Pitcher, author of This Lie Will Kill You Juno Dawson, author of Her Majesty's Royal Coven Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First Erik J. Brown, author of All That's Left in the World Femi Fadugba, author of The Upper World
“Dean’s deliciously scandalous YA debut is filled with twists, turns, and social commentary that brilliantly riffs off real-world context. Paparazzi appearances, tabloid articles, and secret notes give off a total thriller Gossip Girl vibe. A perfect storm of royal drama and intrigue. Recommended for all teen collections.”
—SLJ, starred review
Benjamin Dean has written a royal triumph.
author of Her Majesty's Royal Coven Juno Dawson
Scandalous, funny, and deliciously compelling!
co-author of Twin Crowns Catherine Doyle
A compelling thriller that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
author of Good Girls Die First Kathryn Foxfield
A scandalous peek behind the royal curtain, with more jaw-dropping, OMG-twists than even the most salacious tabloid journalist could create.
author of All That's Left in the World Erik J. Brown
One page-burning scandal after another. Benjamin Dean is YA royalty.
author of The Upper World Femi Fadugba
All hail this exquisitely twisty, delightfully queer mystery.
author of This Lie Will Kill You Chelsea Pitcher
Ivanno Jeremiah's impressive performance brings listeners on a thrilling romantic journey. Young James is now the first Black heir to the British throne, but the historic moment is spoiled by rumors of his romantic life in vindictive tabloids. James is faced with the dilemma of becoming the nation's leader while keeping his boyfriend safe from scandal. Jeremiah's narration is filled with charisma, intrigue, and authenticity. Every suspenseful turn and romantic pang is believable and immersive. Interactions with background characters add more layers to James's complexity, and listeners will enjoy his elegant authenticity. Jeremiah's depiction of the tension between love and duty offers a thought-provoking performance for fans of romance. G.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Ivanno Jeremiah's impressive performance brings listeners on a thrilling romantic journey. Young James is now the first Black heir to the British throne, but the historic moment is spoiled by rumors of his romantic life in vindictive tabloids. James is faced with the dilemma of becoming the nation's leader while keeping his boyfriend safe from scandal. Jeremiah's narration is filled with charisma, intrigue, and authenticity. Every suspenseful turn and romantic pang is believable and immersive. Interactions with background characters add more layers to James's complexity, and listeners will enjoy his elegant authenticity. Jeremiah's depiction of the tension between love and duty offers a thought-provoking performance for fans of romance. G.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
