4.25 stars

If you’re looking for an adventure story with a slow burning romance and hijinks galore, look no further. The Prince and the Apocalypse takes a premise closer to real life than some might be comfortable with, and asks the question, “If you had eight days left on the planet, what would you do?”

I thoroughly enjoyed both Wren and Theo as characters, and their actions felt true to their ages and life experience. The world building was great, and, while the overarching conflict of this particular book is resolved, it leaves you with one heck of a cliffhanger.

I’m on pins and needles waiting for what is to come, but didn’t feel narratively cheated at the end of the book. That’s how to execute a proper cliffhanger. I need the next book in my hands immediately, please and thank you.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

🦇 The Prince and The Apocalypse Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❝ "We're all born, we all die. And every fucking thing that happens in between those moments matters. That's what makes up a life." ❞

❓ #QOTD How would you spend your last day? ❓

🦇 After a horrible trip to London that left her entire itinerary in shatters, high school senior Wren Wheeler is desperate to check one item off: breakfast at The World's End restaurant, right before her flight home. Instead, she crashes into a cute, posh Brit: Theo, Prince of Wales. After rescuing him from tourists and the paparazzi, Theo promises Wren a favor; one she intends to cash in on when she misses her flight home, only to learn a comet will end the world in eight days. In a race against the clock, Wren and Theo work together to get Wren home to her family and Theo to a compound n Santorini. Is it possible to find a happy ending at the world's end?

💜 Kara McDowell's Wren is a complex, type A character who struggles to maintain control over her life, even with the world ending. Meanwhile, Theo's entire life has been predestined for him. Both beautifully flawed characters must abandon the masks they've worn around their family members for too long to recognize who they truly are side by side. Wren's deflective sarcasm and eagerness to maintain control in chaotic situations are all too relatable, as is Theo's desire to live a life of his choosing, outside obligations and expectations. This was a fast read and adorable, heartwarming rom-com with a light bit of steam that begs two questions: are you actually living your life...and how much are you willing to do for love?

🦇 While a cute, quick read, there aren't many surprises—save for one, which seems unnecessarily out of place (sorry, book bats, but it's too big of a spoiler to mention). The start of the story leaves a lot of room for character development, but none of that development is awe-inspiring, even with the end of the world looming. The pacing is a little messy, relying too much on the running clock (yet that somehow doesn't build enough tension). The cliffhanger leaves the opening for an unnecessary sequel; an ending we could have gotten in the actual epilogue. While a cute story, this is likely a forgettable read.

🦇 Recommended to anyone who loves cute yet adventurous YA contemporary fiction!

✨ The Vibes ✨
☄️ Friends to Lovers
☄️ Forced Proximity
☄️ Different Worlds
☄️ Fake Kissing
☄️ Only One Bed
☄️ Sass and Sarcasm
☄️ Depression/Mental Health Rep

🦇 Major thanks to the author @karajmcdowellbooks and publisher @stmartinspress for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #ThePrinceandtheApocalypse

This was so much fun! Silly and charming, and fantastical, it’s a smart and tender book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I especially LOVED the ending, and the ways the book keeps you guessing.

Was this book slightly bonkers, and slightly unbelievable? Yes. Did I race through it because I had to know what happens? Also yes.

I would classify this book as older YA/Teen, with the characters being 18 and 19 years old. This book is completely an adventure, with so much stuff packed into it, over 8 days of the book.

With a rom com movie feel to it, all you need to know is, I need the next book, like right now!

The premise and cover of this book definitely grabbed me so I was so excited to receive a copy from Netgalley to read!

The writing was engaging and the characters well rounded. The plot made me want to keep reading. That said many content elements in this book weren't in line with my Christian values so I did not read the whole book. I did skim to the end and agree with other reviewers that the cliff-hanger was an interesting twists.

If you like Princess Diaries and distaster movies, you'd probably enjoy this book.

This one may be more of a “me” thing, but I wasn’t a big fan of Wren. She seemed SO judgmental and pessimistic. I can see how some people may find her quirky and endearing but as a 36 year old woman, I found her to be childish and annoying. By the end of the Prologue I was like ehhh. By the end of Chapter One I was already struggling and that lasted.

The ONLY redeeming thing about this book was the plot. Fun, exciting, and at times funny, it kept me entertained. I also liked Prince Theo more than Wren because I sympathized with his emotions more. Even so, the way Wren viewed him and talked about his life in general, was again, pretty immature.

Then we get to the end and there’s a cliffhanger! I had no clue there would be more. I’m sorry to say I won’t be reading any more because I just can’t connect with the FMC.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!**

Wait…wtf was that ending!?

Like, is this not a standalone? I have no idea. But I hope someone tells me soon.

Let's start off by saying this book is ridiculous in the most entertaining sort of way. Think Netflix rom-com at its finest. So if you're looking for anything deep or characters who make logical decisions look away, this isn't for you.

This book is entertaining, mostly ridiculous, nonsense. There are a few more serious topics addressed such as mental health and self-image but for the most part, you're just in a fun romantic ride. Plenty of moments that make you smile and laugh sweet moments that make you feel soft, plus a canine sidekick.

So strap in for a quick and fun ride.

I picked this up because I was hoping for a quick and fun YA read, and boy did The Prince and the Apocalypse deliver in spades.

This is one of the most enjoyable YAs that I've read in a while.

Wren is an American student on a trip to England with her best friend, and her perfectly laid out itinerary goes sideways first by illness, then by royalty. When she unexpectedly meets up with the crown prince Theo, she ends up late for her plane at Heathrow - a normally resolvable challenge that is turned into an overwhelming one by the end of the world - i.e., a comet racing towards earth. But the prince promised her a favor, and he says he can get her home.

So begins a journey from London to Greece, dotted with challenges like security on the train and potentially falling for a prince along the way. Despite the dire background (world apocalypse!) and character mental illness (the Prince has challenges with depression), this book is very much a light-hearted and enjoyable read featuring a protagonist and love interest whose stories are enjoyable to follow. I really loved this book.

2.5/5

The story started out ok, but I sadly began to lose interest about 50% in. I pushed through mainly because I wanted to see if Wren got home and if the comet was destroyed. The characters were nothing great. I didn’t find anything about them I really liked. The pace of this story felt inconsistent. At times it felt quick and others dragged on. Sadly this book just wasn’t for me.

Kara McDowell is one of my favorite YA writers. I've devoured her first 2 books and expected the same for this, too.

But I don't know if it's just me-my mood or the whole end-of-the-world romance that didn't quote make that big of an impression on me.

I really enjoyed watching Theo & Wren's adventures around the world, but something felt off, and I absolutely didn't know what to make of the ending(?)

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A decent YA romance, but not my fave - I've read better road trip stories. I am interested to see if there will be another book, because the ending is a big cliff hanger, so I hope it gets resolved in a later book.

I was not expecting to love this book at all when I started it. I wasn’t really in a romance mood but something about the cover spoke to me in the moment. Holy cow did I misjudge this book! I loved it so much! The banter, the references to The Office, the entire premise! Every detail was so well done and I need there to be a sequel because there was too much left unsaid at the end of the story! I love these characters too much to leave them like this!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sometimes I just have a craving for an entertaining fictional romantic comedy. The Prince & The Apocalypse was the perfect remedy. Seriously, I couldn't stop reading and gulped it down in one afternoon of reading.

When American Wren Wheeler travels with a high school friend to London, she believes she is just a mere tourist. But soon she encounters Prince Theodore, the eldest son of the Queen and heir to the throne. Theo desperately wants to keep away from the British press and Wren promises not to betray his secrets and they share a passionate kiss. But her romantic interlude causes Wren to miss her flight home. After NASA announces the impending end of the world, the royal heir is Wren's only hope to get back stateside to reunite with her family. Soon they are traipsing across Europe and doing their best to avoid Theo being caught.

As I mentioned above, this is one entertaining story and I have a feeling it's going to be a very popular rom-com this summer. Given that cliffhanger, I don't think readers have seen the last of Wren and Theo.


Expected Publication Date 11/07/23
Goodreads Review 27/06/23

The ending of The Prince + The Apocalyse?! I'm ready for a part two of Wren and the Prince of Wales. I enjoyed their interactions with one another as they attempt to get Wren home before the comet hits Earth in 8 days. With their forced proximity and the apocalypse looming, this made for a very interesting story!

This was a fun read. Wren is stranded in Landon after missing her flight home to Chicago after a failed senior trip. She bumps into a cute stranger with an adorable British accent. Wren soon finds herself in the run with no other than the Prince of Wales. When a comet is expected to hit earth in 8 days, Wren and the prince must work together to get Wren home to Chicago.
.
You’ll enjoy this one if you like:
☄️YA royal romance
☄️runaway prince
☄️road trip through Europe
☄️forced proximity
☄️it’s the end of the world?!?
.
I think I wanted this one to be a bit more swoon worthy, but I still thought it was a fun read.
And….THAT ENDING?!?
I hope there is a book 2 asap!
.
3.5 stars
Thank you netgalley and St. Martin’s press for the opportunity to read this book.

4.5 Stars

I absolutely adored this book and am so so upset that it is over! I’ve never wanted a second book or novella as much as I do for this one!!!

You know you read an amazing book when you cannot stop thinking about it and find yourself forcing a slower pace when reading because you don’t want it to end. That was this book for me!

I didn’t expect to love it or be completely transported by it, but I was! Part “it’s the end of the world” part “travel through Europe” part “Chasing Liberty” part “I’ll be your bodyguard” part “strangers to friends to lovers” part “The Prince and Me” THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING I COULD HAVE WANTED IN A BOOK.

The stress of OMG WILL THEY DIE BEFORE WREN GETS HOME TO HER FAMILY AND WILL THEO BE DISCOVERED was worth it to have the OMG JUST KISS ALREADY AND FALL IN LOVE IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE THE WORLD IS ENDING vibes.

The ending/epilogue? OMG NO I NEED MORE. GIVE ME A NOVELLA. HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO ME? Basically, without spoilers…I need more of a definitive vs open ended HEA. That’s the only reason it’s getting 4.5 vs 5 (but honestly it reads like a 5 star read). ANYHOO OFF TO DREAM ABOUT WREN AND THEO AND COMET FOR MY THIRD NIGHT IN A ROW!

Pick this one up ASAP!

This book was so much fun. I couldn’t put it down. I actually read this one in less than 24 hours.
The apocalypse is approaching- giant comet about to hit Earth in 8 days - and this may have been done before, but McDowell makes it fun. Prince Theo has run away from home and Wren has missed her flight home to Chicago. The two of them embark on the biggest adventure through Europe to get Wren a flight home and Theo a chance to make his own choices. With the end of the world coming, they both do things they never would have dreamed of and that cliffhanger ending… please tell me there’s going to be more, because, if not, that just wasn’t fair.
Theo (clinically depressed royal) and Wren (obsessive planner) will worm into your heart and make a home there. These are not characters that I will soon forget.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy of the book. The opinions are honest and my own.

At around 7:00 p.m., I started reading The Prince and the Apocalypse, by Kara McDowell, thinking I'd get a little easy YA reading in before bed. At 2 a.m., I turned the last page. After 8 adventurous days and lots of laughable moments, we finally learn the fate of the world. Wren's world may end in more ways than one. McDowell saves that one last twist for the last page to make you want more.
Maybe a sequel? I hope so!
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC ebook to review.

The Prince and the Apocalypse was a cute, contemporary YA romance with a unique premise.

Stranded in the UK after study abroad, with eight days until a catastrophic comet is supposed to hit Earth, American 18-year-old Wren teams up with the runaway Prince of Wales, aka the heir to the British throne! Adventure ensues as the duo pair up with Wren determined to get home to her family in Chicago and Prince Theo determined to avoid home.

This was fun! The third quarter dragged a bit for me but the end drew me right back in. There is a dog sidekick, which is a big plus for me! Mental health rep. While the end wraps up several main plot points, it also leaves the reader desperately needing more answers from a Book 2.

3.5 stars! Recommend to YA romance readers.

Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the early review copy!

This is such a fun twist on the forced proximity trope! After accidentally running into the crown prince of England causes Wren to miss her flight back home to the US, she finds out that a comet is hurtling towards Earth and the world will end in 8 days. Desperate to find a way home to end the world with her parents, she agrees to help Prince Theo sneak across Europe and spend his last days in his favorite home in exchange for a private flight back to the US. The twists and turns in this book are so entertaining, and the main characters' banter is incredible! They are never quite enemies, just reluctant allies-to-lovers. The tension is excellent, and the cliffhanger at the end makes me desperate for another book in this series! I didn't expect to love this book, but it handled mental health issues (mainly focusing on anxiety and depression) so well and somehow made the end of the world fun! I loved it, and seriously, can we have a second book already?!

Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!