tallyvauthor's review against another edition
4.0
I was really surprised by this book. The multi pov at first were hella confusing, but after the first little bit I got the swing of it. I can't tell you how often I thought Jeff was going to die since all of the stories seemed to be connected to him some how whilst also being the only one without their own POV. the story was telling of the perfectly imperfect daughter, Beatrice, the spare child, Samantha, the devious socialite Daphne and the poor girl in like with the prince, Nina.
I'm realizing now how scatterbrained this review is. But I'm too deep in to start over.
The characters all had amazing developpment. I, truthfully, didn't vibe with Jeff as much since he was a moron, nor Nina because she was a coward. I mean, to each their own but like, a little backbone might help, hon.
The ending of this book was meant to feel tragic (I assume) but it felt like the vibe was the same from the rest of the book so I couldn't really feel it, but I loved this all the same and look forward to the rest of the series.
I'm realizing now how scatterbrained this review is. But I'm too deep in to start over.
The characters all had amazing developpment. I, truthfully, didn't vibe with Jeff as much since he was a moron, nor Nina because she was a coward. I mean, to each their own but like, a little backbone might help, hon.
The ending of this book was meant to feel tragic (I assume) but it felt like the vibe was the same from the rest of the book so I couldn't really feel it, but I loved this all the same and look forward to the rest of the series.
kristenc08's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
clairebartholomew549's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this a lot! It's relatively formulaic, your classic soon-to-be-monarch chafing at the requirements of their position, but it was interesting to imagine a world where we had an American monarchy. The love stories also felt believable, and most characters were likable - even Daphne, once you understand her as a person.
I do think there was some blindness to the complicated socioeconomic dynamics of our country and the racism inherent in our history.
I do think there was some blindness to the complicated socioeconomic dynamics of our country and the racism inherent in our history.
lucysian4's review against another edition
5.0
This book is such a lovely book to read. The split narratives captivate you, making it quite a page turner.
The book itself was written from a very interesting perspective, one you don’t hear of very often. Highly recommend. :)
The book itself was written from a very interesting perspective, one you don’t hear of very often. Highly recommend. :)
ninergrl6's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nanners13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
evadis's review against another edition
1.0
Mijn mening in één woord: gaap. In de eerste helft van het boek gebeurt eigenlijk niks. De tweede helft vond ik sterker, maar de personages waren dusdanig saai/vlak/onuitgewerkt dat het boek mijn aandacht niet écht kon vasthouden. Ik vond Beatrice' deel van het verhaal het interessants, zowel qua thematiek als plot, en ik ben wel benieuwd wat het volgende boek haar brengt, maar ik denk dat ik dat maar in een samenvatting ga lezen.
En o ja, er zat echt een overdaad aan ruisende/golvende rokken en jurken in dit boek.
O ja 2: volgens mij slaagt American Royals niet voor de Bechdel-test.
En o ja, er zat echt een overdaad aan ruisende/golvende rokken en jurken in dit boek.
O ja 2: volgens mij slaagt American Royals niet voor de Bechdel-test.
sp522's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
sarahelainereads's review against another edition
1.0
What an utter mess.
Full review to come.
----------------
okay, here we go. there were SEVERAL issues I had w/this book, but let's just dive into the biggest problems.
1) there were four point of views. I kid you not. Four. Wow. If the characters were all likable, I think it would work ([b:Winter|13206900|Winter (The Lunar Chronicles, #4)|Marissa Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1470057036l/13206900._SX50_.jpg|18390887] is a great example of how to do multiple characters), BUT I didn't like half of these girls. Especially Daphne. That girl should go chew on some tinfoil.
2) so. much. insta. love.
Seriously, it felt like both Beatrice and Samantha went from zero to 100 with both of their love interests. There was almost no buildup or depth to their relationships. Absolutely none. I was not invested in them at all.
^^^ Elsa speaking TRUTH.
3) Where was the government??
So, guys… I really love history, especially American history. And I thought, you know. This plot is so cool, we get to read about America being a monarchy!! I am so pumped for all this governing!! And guess what?? There was 0% government and 100% trying to marry off Beatrice to another royal because apparently the first woman to ever be crowned for America is incapable of governing herself??? You know what, I don’t even want to fully get into this rant because you would have to read like ten pages, so…
4) the most typical boy characters of all time.
Charming, witty, (and sometimes brooding) with beautiful eyes and huge muscles. Every single one of them. I wanted to gag. It’s like they all came out of the same boyfriend factory.
5) so much drama.
But not like, “this is so entertaining and I need some popcorn drama,” more like, “this is incredibly stupid and annoying” type of drama.
The one thing that redeemed this book for me was Samantha’s character. She’s the only one I didn’t feel like hitting over the head with a frying pan.
All in all, I think it’s safe to say, this book was not for me. And now I’m off to read the sequel because I received the ARC. Crossing my fingers that the next one is much better!
Full review to come.
----------------
okay, here we go. there were SEVERAL issues I had w/this book, but let's just dive into the biggest problems.
1) there were four point of views. I kid you not. Four. Wow. If the characters were all likable, I think it would work ([b:Winter|13206900|Winter (The Lunar Chronicles, #4)|Marissa Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1470057036l/13206900._SX50_.jpg|18390887] is a great example of how to do multiple characters), BUT I didn't like half of these girls. Especially Daphne. That girl should go chew on some tinfoil.
2) so. much. insta. love.
Seriously, it felt like both Beatrice and Samantha went from zero to 100 with both of their love interests. There was almost no buildup or depth to their relationships. Absolutely none. I was not invested in them at all.
^^^ Elsa speaking TRUTH.
3) Where was the government??
So, guys… I really love history, especially American history. And I thought, you know. This plot is so cool, we get to read about America being a monarchy!! I am so pumped for all this governing!! And guess what?? There was 0% government and 100% trying to marry off Beatrice to another royal because apparently the first woman to ever be crowned for America is incapable of governing herself??? You know what, I don’t even want to fully get into this rant because you would have to read like ten pages, so…
4) the most typical boy characters of all time.
Charming, witty, (and sometimes brooding) with beautiful eyes and huge muscles. Every single one of them. I wanted to gag. It’s like they all came out of the same boyfriend factory.
5) so much drama.
But not like, “this is so entertaining and I need some popcorn drama,” more like, “this is incredibly stupid and annoying” type of drama.
The one thing that redeemed this book for me was Samantha’s character. She’s the only one I didn’t feel like hitting over the head with a frying pan.
All in all, I think it’s safe to say, this book was not for me. And now I’m off to read the sequel because I received the ARC. Crossing my fingers that the next one is much better!