When James’ father dies, it’s only the beginning of the troubles for the teen who would be king.
At 17, the full weight of the crown now sits on the shoulders of James Albert Arthur Hampton, the United Kingdom’s first Black monarch. James wars with feelings of being inadequate beside Eddie, his more likable brother, or less suited for the throne compared to Cassandra, his White cousin who’s next in line. There’s also the matter of his first, secret, love, Jonathan Kent, an 18-year-old Black palace intern. James reflects, “The world could barely cope with a Black king—they’d lose their heads if they knew he was gay too.” When Jonathan disappears and the Daily Eye, a tabloid whose journalists closely mirror those writing for real British newspapers, begins running stories that reveal the royal family’s darkest secrets, it’s up to James to face their virulent actions and try to unravel betrayals that threaten his family’s safety and well-being. James’ progression as he grows in understanding whom he should trust within his innermost circle provides tumultuous internal and external conflict that is impossible to turn away from—especially when the potentially lethal impact of racism is succinctly and sadly presented as part of the overwhelming challenges unique to his role.
All hail this royal debut that twists, turns, and revels in palace intrigue and deceit.
(Thriller. 14-18)