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A cursed prince. A princess fighting for justice. Kingdoms battling for ultimate glory. Who doesn’t love a good royal story? Read author Jillian Boehme’s list below of YA royals that have stolen her heart, and decide which one should take the crown.
Make sure to check out Jillian Boehme’s The Stolen Kingdom, a thrilling YA fantasy adventure following a vintner’s daughter who becomes embroiled in a plot to murder the royal family and seize the throne. This tale of dark magic, court intrigue, and forbidden love is available now!
By Jillian Boehme
When I was a teen, YA as a category was just squeaking its way into appearance, so most of the fantasy books I read were straight-up adult epic fantasies that left an indelible mark on me.
One of my favorites of these formative-for-me authors is Kathryn Kurtz, whose Deryni books I fell in love with when I was twelve. The first book opens with the sudden and suspicious death of the king, which leaves his 14-year-old son Kelson on the throne. Oh, Kelson! I followed his journey through many books from uncertain heir to masterful ruler, hoping more than anything that he would one day stop being unlucky in love and find the woman of his dreams (spoiler: he does). I blame him for my love of all things royal in YA fantasy!
Here are some royalty-themed YA books that have recently stolen my heart:
opens in a new windowThe Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning
This delightful book, which turns The Princess Bride on its ear, will have you rooting for our tough-as-steel Princess as she seeks to rescue her love—and save her kingdom. I enjoyed it so much and am so looking forward to the release of the sequel, The Queen Will Betray You.
opens in a new windowKing of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
Nikolai was one of my favorites in the Shadow and Bone trilogy, so I was thrilled when he was given his own story. And of course I’m greatly anticipating RULE OF WOLVES, which I hope to devour soon.
opens in a new windowA River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
The premise of two royal sisters having to fight each other to the death so that the remaining one can become queen had me hooked from the moment I read the jacket flap.
opens in a new windowThe Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes
This one boasts a young king with the blood of the sun god in his veins—and the girl he chooses for his bride. Add some Aztec mythology and a stunning betrayal and you’ve got a great take on YA royals.
Order your copy of The Stolen Kingdom—available now!