A Queen’s Game by Katharine McGee | Book Review

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Disclosure here.

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.

My rating