Review: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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Introduction:
First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.
The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother’s bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry’s Prince Charming veneer, there’s a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.
As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?
Review:
God forbid a movie or a tv series comes out that’s based on a book and I haven’t read it! My narcissistic know-it-all self would die of spontaneous combustion. lol! When I first saw the trailer for the movie I thought the book was going to be yet another wholesome, feel good summer read but I am happy to say I stand corrected. While Red, White & Royal Blue indeed is a feel good summer read there is something about Casey’s writing that takes this book to a whole new level.
I genuinely adored every aspect of Red, White & Royal Blue. The way the plot was crafted was simply beautiful. The flow and tempo of the story were outstanding. The characters were distinct and had many layers, while the humorous moments provided a delightful break as well. While many people might be put off by politics being involved in the narrative, I personally found it captivating and enjoyed the way politics played a significant role in the story.
The characters were truly exceptional, and Alex, in particular, was a standout for me. I adored his sarcastic and sharp-witted nature, but what really struck me was the delicate balance of his sensitivity and vulnerability. It was captivating to witness his journey of self-discovery and grappling with the complex emotions that arose when he questioned his own sexuality. In sum, his character was impeccably crafted and deeply engaging.
Henry’s character was extraordinary, standing out with his distinct and compelling traits. As the heir to the throne in a society bound by deep-rooted traditions, his internal struggle with his sexuality and the knowledge that he couldn’t openly embrace being gay were truly heartrending. The profound sadness that enveloped him as he navigated this challenging situation added depth and authenticity to his character, making him a truly memorable and empathetic figure in the story.
Nora and June were equally enchanting as supporting characters, both exemplifying strong and independent women striving to find their own identities in a complex world. The camaraderie and friendship among the trio, Nora, June, and Alex, were a highlight for me. Their sarcastic banter and genuine bond added a delightful layer of depth to the story, making the interactions between them truly enjoyable and engaging. These supporting characters enriched the overall narrative, contributing to the story’s charm and appeal.
And the chemistry between Alex and Henry… Oooooooooh!!! HAWT!!!!!
In its entirety, Red, White & Royal Blue proved to be an exceptional book, brimming with profound emotions, highs, and lows, offering a delightful blend of merriment and poignant moments. I’m utterly thrilled that I chose to read this book, as it left me truly content and moved by the experience. I cannot wait to watch the movie and I hope against hope they manage to grasp almost everything in the book although I already know some of our beloved side characters won’t be there.
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