Review: God Save the King

God Save the King by Alice Dolman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The second instalment of the Royal Connections series picks up the tale of Edmund and Amelia, though it fails to reach the same heights as its predecessor. One of the notable drawbacks is the inconsistent pacing, with time seeming to warp unpredictably, disrupting the flow of the narrative.

Character development fares somewhat better in this sequel, albeit with mixed results. Regrettably, the once poised and strong Amelia is portrayed as self-centred and excessively needy, casting doubt on her suitability for royal life, a sentiment echoed by Edmund's father in the previous book.

Penny, too, suffers from a lack of fulfilment in this instalment. The anticipation built around her involvement with the royal circle, including the prospect of visiting Kensington Palace, is disappointingly sidelined in favour of repetitive emotional turmoil.

The essence of the royal genre feels diluted as Edmund shoulders the majority of royal duties away from the narrative, removing the expected focus on regal responsibilities. Instead, the narrative becomes bogged down in self-pity and demanding behaviour, detracting from the charm of beloved characters.

Overall, while offering glimpses of character growth, the second book in the series falls short of its potential, leaving readers yearning for the captivating allure of its predecessor.