If there is one thing Katharine McGee knows how to bring, it's drama. This was such an interesting take on real historical female figures, and putting their stories into something deliciously dramatic and easy to digest! Just like her American Royals series, this was a guilty pleasure!

Read in less than 24 hours. Now I must mourn until I figure out when the next book comes out. Nothing but a delight—unputdownable, and I don’t typically enjoy historical fiction.

Anyone who is a royal watcher will enjoy this book. I know enough about the late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, Prince William, etc., but I was not very familiar with their predecessors. Once I finished this historical fiction it inspired me to do a deep dive into the royal family pre-World War II. It did take me a bit to get into (mainly because I kept stopping to do a bit of research), but once I did I was fascinated. I cannot wait to read more about them. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced preview.

Katharine McGee does it again! I loved the mixture of historical realism and fictional retelling the book provided.

"A Queen's Game" by Katharine McGee is a historical fiction novel set in Victorian Era England and following three women- May, Hélène, and Alix as they pursue romantic interests and power. I've read McGee's "American Royals" series, so I'm familiar with her writing style, and it's interesting to see her approach to historical fiction. I actually found myself diving in and out of this one to research the real stories and histories of the characters. Historical fiction can be somewhat tricky to navigate, as the vocabulary and styles are very different for the period versus modern-day, but I found McGee's approach to be digestible and engaging, though, as a fan of the "American Royals," which is set in modern-day, I had to keep reminding of the difference in setting to stay grounded in the women's motivations, ambitions, and pursuits.

McGee is skilled in creating multi-dimensional characters with distinct voices, and "A Queen's Game" shows her skill, as all three female characters come across as unique and interesting in their own ways. It was a little tricky to get invested at first because there were so many characters introduced at once, but once I got into the story and each character's individual backstory and development, it was a very engaging read. The pacing was consistent throughout, and the author did a good job weaving the characters and storylines throughout to maintain interest. It did leave a few threads dangling, which implied to me that there might be a sequel in development.

Fans of "Bridgerton" and McGee's "American Royals" series will likely enjoy this book. It was a quick and fun read that sparked some curiosity around the history that inspired the story. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced read.

This was a fun read set in England with various storylines that wove together romance, friendship, and betrayal. I enjoyed the setting and the drama, but wish more resolution had been made at the end. I was quite invested in the characters finding their happy ending, so I was disappointed when it ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. The ending, along with my dislike of how some of the scenes came together, contributed to the 3 star rating. I’ve just learned that this is the start of a new series, so despite my frustration I am sure I will still read the books that follow. Overall, a fun read, but I think it lacked some character development. I felt the women were portrayed as only being concerned with marriage and status, which felt shallow.

Three princesses struggle to find true love, so they decide to take matters into their own hands.

Alix of Hesse, one of Queen Victoria's many grandchildren and her favorite, is being pressured to marry Prince Eddy, the future king of England. However, she finds herself falling for Nicholas, the future Tsar of Russia, who will be the last of his line. Meanwhile, Hélène d'Orléans, a French exiled princess and the daughter of the last king of France in the 19th century catches Prince Eddy's eye, leading them to engage in a forbidden relationship. Additionally, May of Teck is determined to marry Prince Eddy to further her ambitions. What will come of these complicated dynamics?

It had been ages since I delved into the realm of historical fiction. Still, the allure of this particular book drew me in, mainly because it intertwined another passion of mine: the rich tapestry of royalty. The narrative provided a fascinating glimpse into the expectations placed upon noble women in the Victorian era while also highlighting the often stark and challenging realities they faced.
Among the characters, Alix stood out as a timid yet profoundly kindhearted soul. Her gentle nature made her my favorite of the trio; I found her easily relatable, embodying the struggles and yearnings that many young women endure. In contrast, Hèléne burst forth with an outgoing and free-spirited personality that added zest to the story. However, it was May of Teck who left me with mixed feelings. Despite her royal status, I often found her demeanor a bit harsh, particularly in her interactions with her feisty American friend, Agnes Endicott, which sometimes dampened my enjoyment of her character.
This book is a delightful gem for fans of royalty and history enthusiasts alike. It offers a captivating narrative that reveals layers beneath the surface of its characters, making it a must-read for anyone intrigued by the lives of those who navigated a world filled with complexities and hidden depths.

Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚

I really enjoyed American Royals as an alternate history to current day tale and found the characters fun and novel. I had high hopes for this book as the author took her talents to the historical fiction genre. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me, and I think it was because I have higher expectations for depth, research, and character development when it comes to historical fiction. It really felt like there should be good historical source material here to work with, but all the characters felt paper thin to me, their motivations felt totally surface level and trope-y, and I found myself skimming a lot because the dialog and perspective jumps were not interesting. This may be unfair, as I read more adult historical fiction and very little YA historical fiction, but it felt a bit unnecessarily watered down. And I really question the "surprise! it's not a standalone" at the end, because that was not my expectation based on the blurb.

I really enjoyed Katharine McGee’s American Royals series, so I was thrilled to be provided an ARC to her new "royals" novel. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark. I really wanted to like this one more that I did, but it was just too slow of a read with characters that didn't really distinguish themselves from each other. I didn't feel as much personality in each one as I wanted.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the fictional take on real royals' lives, but this just moved away too slowly for me. So much happened yet the story barely progressed. I think I would've enjoyed this more if it wasn't the first in a two-book series so it didn't end with a cliffhanger and moved a little faster.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed Katharine McGee’s American Royals series and so I was thrilled to be provided an ARC to her new historical fiction novel. Historical fiction is not a genre I typically gravitate to, and my need to Google proved why. However, even though I spoiled this book with my curiosity, I still really enjoyed it and will plan to read additional books in the series. The storyline was packed with drama, and was easy to follow once you had all the characters in order. Overall, I’d recommend it for a light read if you enjoy multiple points of view and intertwined storylines!

As someone who absolutely loved the Royals series, I was a bit hesitant going into A Queen’s Game. I wasn’t sure how Katharine McGee would top the brilliance of her previous work, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance! While it took me a little time to fully immerse myself in the world, once I did, I couldn’t put it down.

Set in the final glittering days of European empires, the story follows three young women—Alix of Hesse, Hélène d’Orléans, and May of Teck—whose lives are on a collision course with history and each other. Each character is complex and compelling, from Alix’s forbidden love affair to Hélène’s rebellious spirit and May’s determination to secure her place within the royal family. The historical backdrop, spanning from the opulent ballrooms of Saint Petersburg to the wild landscapes of Scotland, adds a rich layer to this already captivating story.

McGee’s storytelling shines once again, blending historical events with the emotions and desires of young women navigating love, power, and their roles in a rapidly changing world. I’m so excited to see where this series goes next! Even though it took a bit for me to get fully invested, I’m thrilled that I stuck with it—A Queen’s Game has me eagerly awaiting what’s to come.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Queen's Game! The author brought historical figures to life, weaving their struggles and triumphs that t felt both grounded and emotionally resonant. While I noticed some creative liberties taken with historical accuracy, the author's note at the end was a thoughtful addition that put my mind at ease. It explained those choices and made me appreciate the story even more. This would be a great book for teens and age appropriate for any teen interested in a Bridgerton type of story.

This was such an enjoyable book and I really liked the three POV from the main characters. I thought the inspiration from history was interesting and it made me look up the actual facts (I was vaguely familiar with several "characters"). I figured this would be a to be continued book and I took some notes for book 2!

Fans know author Katharine McGee from her American Royals series. This time around she tackles the British aristocracy, but pulls her ensemble from real life.

Told from the points of view of Alix of Hesse, Hélène d’Orléans and May of Teck, A Queen’s Game is a fictionalized look at three of the most prominent women of their time — Alix (later known as Alexandra Feodorovna, the last Empress of Russia as the consort of Tsar Nicholas II); Hélène (a member of the deposed Orléans royal family of France and, by marriage to the head of a cadet branch of the Italian royal family, the Duchess of Aosta); and May (aka Mary of Teck was Queen of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Empress of India from 1910 to 1936).

There are a lot of moving parts in A Queen’s Game, and it’s because McGee explores it from these different viewpoints that it all makes sense. In fact, it adds to the intrigue. McGee’s writing is strong and assured, and she does a fine job of maintaining each separate voice, but bringing their stories together as a whole.

A Queen’s Game is sure to be the first book in what looks like an entertaining series.

This is a story that immerses you in a world of high-stakes intrigue, power, and betrayal. The story follows Princess Celeste, a strong-willed and intelligent heir to the throne, who is thrust into a dangerous game of political maneuvering and royal rivalries. As she navigates the complexities of court politics, family expectations, and the shifting dynamics of power, Celeste is forced to confront her own desires and fears, while also discovering what she’s truly capable of in a world where every decision could mean life or death.

Celeste is compelling; she is a character with layers of complexity—ambitious yet vulnerable, determined yet conflicted. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in her journey as she grapples with her responsibilities and the price of power.

The book’s pacing is fast and gripping, with each chapter leaving you craving more. McGee masterfully builds tension and suspense, allowing the plot to unfold in surprising and satisfying ways. The romance woven into the story adds another layer of emotional depth, highlighting the personal stakes at play in Celeste’s journey. The secondary characters are equally well-developed, adding richness to the narrative and creating a strong sense of both camaraderie and rivalry within the royal court.

This story is an exhilarating, thought-provoking read for fans of political thrillers, historical dramas, and character-driven stories. McGee’s ability to balance intense action with emotional depth makes this novel impossible to put down. If you're looking for a book that combines high stakes, complex characters, and a richly built world, *A Queen's Game* is an absolute must-read.

Thank you so much to the publisher for my gifted copy!

If you want serious business historical fiction, this is not your book. Katharine McGee takes names and the BASIC outlines of historical events to write a pretty, frothy YA soap opera about princesses. Brain off, vibes fully engaged, try not to think too hard about how Alix is going to get murdered by Bolsheviks in 20 years unless this series goes FULL alt history. I hope it does. I'm still cackling about how her earliest series The Thousandth Floor had the stepsiblings fake their deaths to be together.

Katharine McGee does it again!!

From the beginning, I was hooked into this royal romance drama, It is quite different from her first series, American Royals, but this standalone is a shining star! This story is chock full of interesting characters, lies, twists, turns, romance, friendship and betrayals. I highly recommend!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! I LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!!!! I was already a fan of Katharine McGee and she was definitely an auto-buy author for me with her American Royals series but this definitely made her one of my favorite authors. I think this book will appeal to people who love ensemble casts, SO much drama, and royalty. Katharine has this amazing way of reining in different voices and making them distinctive but tied together with a common thread. I liked her POV characters in American Royals, and maybe it's the fact that the characters in A Queen's Game are real people, but the POV characters and voices were so much more grounded, making the story so much more enjoyable. The plot was also much more seamless as Katharine takes you through castles and estates and forests and ballrooms and ensconces you in the drama and the tenderness. This book moves fast but I was also instantly connected to all of the characters. This book can be classified as one where very little happens, but it's very character driven, and I think that's the way it was meant to be. I absolutely adored this book and I cannot wait for book 2!!

LOVED! I hope Katharine makes makes this a series. I absolutely adore historical fiction about Queens/Princesses, and lately Netflix has been giving them the show treatment (i.e. Sisi). But it's even better to feel like you know them, know them before the TV shows, and that's through books. A Queen's Game is fascinating because we're in that intermediate space between Victoria (well known) and QEII (well known), where many people might just not well.. know about that happened. Really hope this turns into a series because it's fascinating and more importantly FUN!