The King is Dead

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But, unfortunately, I really disliked every person in this book. Their motivations and reactions are all weak, including the very unrealistic and very uninteresting romances. James also makes terrible decisions that might have been entertaining had he been someone I could care about, or if they were truly chaotic, but instead just made me want to hit him. The romance element was cute. I think the decisions James made as a result were foolish. But that YA, I guess?

The King Is Dead by - Publishers Weekly The King Is Dead by - Publishers Weekly

Cats: I just couldn't connect with it. The book had a few good points, but none that I like in a book. The thing for me with this book was that the main things it was selling didn’t ever really grab me. I initially rooted for James and his boyfriend, but we never really got to see them or any future love interests develop, so it was hard to ever feel like I really cared. The mystery/thriller element fared a bit better, and I was honestly pretty fine with not being terribly surprised with the twists throughout, and I appreciate some of the complexity that went into all of it, but it never had me on the edge of my seat. Everyone believes that Salil Singh killed his girlfriend, Andrea Bell, five years ago—except Pippa Fitz-Amobi. Comparing The King is Dead to real-life Royal drama between Prince Harry and Dutchess Megan Markle vs. their family and Princess Diana’s demise and her impact on the culture hit the button on the nose. It will immediately remind you of the dramatics of real-life royalty.

More jaw-dropping, OMG-twists than even the most salacious tabloid journalist could create.’ Erik J. Brown, author of All That's Left in the World

The King Is Dead by Benjamin Dean | Goodreads The King Is Dead by Benjamin Dean | Goodreads

A scandalous, twisty mystery that had me on the edge of my seat gasping for more.’ Kate Weston, author of Diary of a Confused Feminist Abel has to work with the other three, while also passing on information about them to get help with his own attempt to get justice for his brother.

Imagine your boyfriend disappearing. Imagine another boy who you had a crush on for a long time, showing interest. Imagine being told that you can trust no one. Not even your twin, other family members, and dear friends. And you’re still seventeen. James was such a fascinating character. Getting his perspective was just so intriguing to me. It was awesome to get to see how his mind works. The only thing I read before starting was “queer king.” That was all I needed to sell me so I went in mostly blind! The book opens with the death of the King and the subsequent coronation of his son, James (the eldest of twins by eight minutes). Following the coronation, James finds himself the subject of a series of anonymous leaks to the press, not to mention the disappearance of his (secret) boyfriend. The King is Dead follows James, a young seventeen year old prince, thrust into the role of king far too soon when his father passes. The book explores the relationship between the royal family and the public, racism, and homophobia in British society. James’ main issue is figuring out how to rule the country and keep his relationship a secret. That all changes when his boyfriend suddenly goes missing.