I am a fan of McGee's American Royals series and this new historical fiction about royals did not disappoint! I was really taken with the characters and the story, which is something because I'm not usually into historical fiction. Needless to say, this book has solidified me as a fan of this author.

Katharine McGee’s A Queen’s Game delivers a dazzling dive into the grandeur of 19th-century European royalty, blending historical drama with the author’s signature knack for multi-POV storytelling. The novel follows three young women—Alix, the demure bride-to-be; Hélène, the defiant French exile; and May, the ambitious social climber—all linked by Prince Eddy, heir to the throne. McGee expertly captures the tensions between love and duty, infusing her fictional retelling of Queen Victoria’s matchmaking endeavors with charm, wit, and an undercurrent of intrigue.

One of the most engaging aspects of the book is how it explores the universal desires of its protagonists within the rigid confines of royal life. Whether it’s Alix longing for romance, Hélène grappling with independence, or May chasing freedom from her troubled home, their stories are both relatable and richly drawn. While the narrative occasionally slows in its middle sections, the intricate power dynamics and high-stakes decisions keep readers invested. And, true to McGee’s style, the multiple perspectives are deftly balanced, offering a multifaceted view of this glittering world.

Fans of McGee’s American Royals or period dramas like Bridgerton and The Crown will feel right at home in this lush, historical setting. Though the story leaves some threads unresolved—hinting at a sequel—A Queen’s Game stands as a compelling start to what promises to be an enchanting series. Thank you to Random House Children’s and NetGalley for the ARC; I read it in one sitting and can’t wait to see where McGee takes these characters next!

The book follows three young women all tied to Prince Eddy— heir to the thrown. There’s Alix, the girl he’s supposed to marry who’s wishing for romance; Hélène, the strong-minded French exile he wants to marry; and May, the girl who needs a good marriage to escape her home life and, with the help of a new friend, will do anything to get it.

It’s the first time katharine mcgee has gone full historical fiction (you probably know her American Royals series!! So good!!) so it’s so fun to see her bring her creativity to the real-life drama of Queen Victoria playing matchmaker to all her grandchildren. (Had to stop myself from googling so as not to spoil anything!)

Read this one if you drop everything you’re doing when a new season of BRIDGERTON or THE CROWN comes out! (AKA me!!)

Thank you to Random House Children's | Random House Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for this ARC. I enjoyed this book and even laughed in parts. I read it in one day. I would definitely recommend this book.

Katharine McGee is back with a fun take on 19th century European royalty. After her successful American Royals series, McGee switches both centuries and continents and focuses on the royal houses in Europe, in particular, with three young women whose lives and bloodlines are intertwined. Told with a fictional take on historical events, McGee has started a new series that her loyal readers (and new ones!) will enjoy. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

A Queen’s Game by bestselling author Katharine McGee launches an enthralling new historical romance series inspired by true events. This captivating tale follows the lives of three young women, each navigating the cutthroat world of royalty as they vie for the ultimate prize: true love. The novel’s narrative unfolds through three interconnected storylines, weaving a rich tapestry of ambition, rivalry, and longing.

What makes these characters particularly compelling is their relatability. Despite their differences, they share a universal desire—to be loved and accepted for who they truly are. The traditions and strict protocols of royal life add an intriguing layer of complexity, with the queen's authority looming large over every decision. While the women may not always agree with the queen’s decrees, their respect for her position underscores the tension between duty and desire.

McGee masterfully immerses readers in the grandeur and intrigue of royal life, delivering a story that will resonate with fans of regal dramas. The detailed depictions of royal customs and the interplay of power dynamics keep the stakes high and the pages turning.

A Queen’s Game is a must-read for anyone who enjoys tales centered on royal families. With its blend of romance, ambition, and tradition, this novel delivers on every level. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series. Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed the American Royals series, so I had high hopes for this YA title. It didn't hit quite the same, but I do think some middle and high schoolers would enjoy it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I loved American Royals so much and couldn't believe that this one snuck up on me.

This book felt like I was diving back into the world of American Royals but with new characters and relationships. Honestly the most impressive part of all of McGee's books to me is how well she balances all of the POV's throughout writing. An important note is that this book is a RETELLING of history so do not google anything. For some reason a few people did so and this will absolutely spoil the book. Otherwise, it was a very fun quick read and I am highly anticipating the second.

I greatly enjoyed Katharine McGee’s foray into the world of historical fiction. I liked this book, but am in need of resolution now. It’s slow to start but enjoyable.

A Queens Game is the new release from the author of the American Royals series.

WHAT I LIKED
- The drama and intrigue of the European royal courts in the 1800s was so entertaining!

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME
- I knew from the book description that this story was based on real events, but I didn't realize the three main protagonists and their love interests were all actual royals who lived in the 19th century. This actually made it harder for me to become fully immersed in the plot, because I already knew what happened to one of the main characters in real history.
- I was completely thrown off when this book ended with all of the storylines unfinished. I went back to check the description and the marketing I'd seen for
the book, and I didn't see anything indicating it was the first in a series.

I just love the worlds Katharine McGee creates. I’m a sucker for all things Royal and this book has that! And based on reality this time 🤔 intrigued….

I will say with all the knew book restrictions on HS libraries, and due to my district having a minuscule budget, it might not make our list. I want it to be there but it may be a behind the desk book as a few scenes are a bit to open door…

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review

As a huge fan of Katharine McGee's American Royals series, I was thrilled to read an e-ARC of her newest book, A Queen's Game. McGee once again has penned a fun romp only this time, she is flirting with historical fiction. The book takes place in the 19th century and has all the glamorous decorum of the period. The book focuses on 3 princesses orbiting around one prince always under the watchful eye of the Queen. The story starts out strong and introduces the characters well. However, for me at least, the middle of the book seemed to drag. The action picked up again near the end - the end of THIS book. And while most of the storylines were tied up well enough, there is still plenty to read about in the next installment.

I really enjoyed this book. I did not realize the historical aspects of it going in, but the story had me researching who all of the characters were in real life and the book humanized them. I have always enjoyed Katharine McGee's books, and this is no exception.

In the last decade of the 1800s, three young women’s lives intertwine with history and ambition. Alix of Hesse wants to marry for love, Hélène d’Orléans flouts convention, and May of Teck is determined to secure her place as the future queen. Each must navigate love, duty, and the shifting tides of royal destiny in a world on the brink of change.

Well, I had never read this author before and from what I’ve read about the time period, I thought I would enjoy this. I was wrong. I understand weaving history with fiction, but I did not enjoy the characterization of the three main leads. None of them came across as sympathetic in their quest for what they want out of life.

I kept reading, hoping there would be an author’s note to explain some of the more outrageous bits (such as Miss d’Orléans affair with a footman and then falling into bed with the heir to the throne). However, there was no such thing. And though there was nothing in the blurb or title to indicate it, this is the first in what I assume is intended to be a series.

Readers who have not read much about actual history may enjoy this one far more than I did.

Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley, as a historical fiction lover I could not WAIT to read this book. Following three royal women—Alix of Hesse, Hélène d’Orléans, and May of Teck—each of these women looking for love and power. I haven't read a historical drama yet but McGee hooked me with her mix of fiction into the story, It feels like a great starter book for those looking to get more into historical fiction! It was hard to root for any of these women though :( looking forward to the sequel!

Katharine McGee’s A Queen’s Game is a dazzling and immersive tale of ambition, love, and power set in the waning days of European monarchies. Through the eyes of three young women—Alix, Hélène, and May—McGee brings history to life, weaving personal dramas against the backdrop of a world on the brink of change.

Alix of Hesse is a relatable and multifaceted character, navigating the tension between duty and desire. Her forbidden romance adds emotional depth, contrasting beautifully with Hélène d’Orléans, whose rebellious spirit and forbidden liaisons provide a refreshing counterpoint to the more traditional royal storylines. May of Teck is perhaps the most intriguing, her determined climb into royal favor capturing the ruthlessness of court life.

McGee’s writing is lush and evocative, effortlessly transporting readers to glittering ballrooms, frostbitten Scottish landscapes, and the opulent courts of Europe. The historical details are meticulously researched, and the fictional liberties taken only enhance the drama.

While the interwoven narratives are compelling, some plotlines feel slightly rushed, leaving a few character arcs underexplored. Nevertheless, the emotional stakes and rich historical backdrop more than make up for these minor shortcomings.

A Queen’s Game is a fascinating exploration of the sacrifices women made in pursuit of power and love within the rigid confines of royalty. Katharine McGee captures the grandeur of an era and the humanity of its players, delivering a story as engaging as it is enlightening. Perfect for fans of historical fiction with a dramatic twist.

A Queen’s Game - Katharine McGee

I was so excited for this new series from the author of the American Royals series. This new series takes place in historic Victorian era Europe vs the more modern speculative time period in American Royals.

A Queen’s Game is a multi point of view story that follows three princesses, each on a journey to find a husband. This story spans from the countryside of England to the capital of Russia, from one spectacular royal palace to another. Each princess must navigate her way through the royal marriage market while facing political, societal and personal struggles.

A Queen’s Game is a romantic historic YA novel that offers a lighthearted and palatable glimpse into the royal tensions that existed in Victorian Europe. I can’t wait to continue the series!

For fans of:
👑Bridgerton
👑Historical romance
👑YA romance

Thank you to @penguinrandomhouse and @netgalley for my copy; all opinions are my own. A Queen’s Game is out now!

I really enjoyed Katharine McGee's American Royals series so I knew this one would be another good one to read. I loved that this was based on three real women, and it prompted me to research them a little more. I very much enjoy learning about history as I'm immersed in a fun read!

A Queen's Game is about Alix, Queen Victoria's granddaughter who doesn't want to marry Eddy, Helene who is in love with Eddy and wants to marry him and May of Teck who thinks she should go after Eddy. I love all the royal drama, and it sounds like there will be a sequel so I'm definitely looking forward to that!

Imogen Wilde is a great narrator and I will be looking for other books she's narrated as well.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 12 November 2024

I really adored Katharine McGee’s American Royals series - just a fun, soap-y escape read. When I heard of this newest book I was immediately intrigued.

Instead of taking on an imagined contemporary American royal family - her newest endeavor has gone the historical fiction route. Taking on real persons in history to create an imagined version of events with the same drama and soap-y appeal of her prior series. Based on how this one ended it appears this too will be a series and I look forward to the next book.

3.5 ⭐️

A Victorian-era historical romance set in the 19th century Europe from the author of the American Royal series.
This book follows three young women: Alix of Hesse, Helene d'Orleans, and May of Teck.

I loved the American Royal series, and was excited to start this one. I enjoyed the story and being transported to a different time, but something fell flat for me. I think the first series had all this novelty, and this one was just ok. I did like that it was inspired by real events and about real women. I will probably pick up the next book in the series... if there is one.