Review: Royal Scandal (Royal Blood, #2) by Aimée Carter
There’s something irresistibly alluring about diving into the world of royalty, filled with scandal and intrigue. Aimée Carter’s Royal Scandal, the second book in the Royal Blood series, caught my attention with its promise of royal drama, revenge, and the intricacies of family loyalty—or, in this case, betrayal. While my overall experience was a blend of fascination and frustration, I found myself compelled to sift through its layers.
A Herculean Tale of Drama and Disillusionment
To say that Royal Scandal is drama-packed would be an understatement. It picks up roughly six months after the cliffhanger conclusion of the first book, thrusting us back into the chaotic life of Evangeline “Evan” Bright. She’s battling forces that are not only intent on her downfall but are also shrouded in mystery and royal deceit. The story’s primary driver is revenge—specifically from a family member whose disdain for Evan stems from jealousy over her royal lineage. The stakes are undeniably high, with themes of gaslighting, attempted murder, and revengeful behavior swirling around Evan like a storm cloud.
Throughout the book, Evan attempts to unveil the truth, only to be met with disbelief from those she confides in. This sense of isolation resonates strongly, accentuating the psychological strains she faces, particularly as the plot unfolds with significant depictions of schizophrenia and its raw realities. Yet, despite the heart-pounding tension, I found myself grappling with feelings of boredom. I often wished to shake some characters, urging them to take action instead of succumbing to indecision and ignorance.
Carter’s writing style is undeniably polished, and she excels at crafting notable one-liners and moments of humor that bring levity to the otherwise dark plot. However, the pacing felt disjointed at times. Each chapter begins with quotes, text exchanges, and gossip articles, which, while creative, often distracted me from diving deep into the narrative. It became a game of distraction that took away from my eagerness to turn the page.
Character Dynamics and Plot Development
Naturally, a royal narrative thrives on character interplay. Unfortunately, many characters in Royal Scandal are less than appealing, exhibiting behaviors that range from annoyingly obstinate to completely outlandish. The interactions between Evan and her sister Mary are particularly frustrating, as Mary’s gradual realization of the threat to Evan felt painfully slow and contrived. While these dynamics intended to add depth, they often left me more perplexed than engaged.
At its core, Royal Scandal is a story of survival and resilience in a world where trust is scarce. While some chapters are undeniably thrilling, due to their chaos and unpredictable turns, I can’t help but question the overall purpose of this series. After two books filled with relentless turmoil, clarity remains elusive.
Final Thoughts: Who Might Enjoy This Book?
Though it’s clear I’m an outlier in this series, I recognize that those who thrive on melodrama with plenty of royal flair may find joy in Royal Scandal. Readers who appreciate stories about personal growth set against a backdrop of monarchic dysfunction might be particularly captivated. However, if you’re looking for clarity and well-rounded characters, you may need to approach this one with caution.
As for me, while I wish Aimée Carter well on her writing journey, I find my energy better spent elsewhere. This series, with its misguided anger and endless conflicts, just isn’t meant to be my cup of tea. I sincerely hope others find the enchantment I seemed to overlook in the chaos. Happy reading! 👑
Discover more about Royal Scandal (Royal Blood, #2) on GoodReads >>