The King is Dead

Product Information

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. Ultimately, though, this was a fun queer read exploring double standards and the treatment of people of colour in the public eye, with heaps of family secrets and drama. It’s out now in the UK so let me know what you think if you grab a copy! There are plenty of twists and turns. Nothing is predictable. There were several times when I thought “oh okay I know what’s happening I guess that’s fine,” only to have the rug ripped out from under me for a different reveal. 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 King is Dead | Benjamin Dean | 9781398512542 | NetGalley The King is Dead | Benjamin Dean | 9781398512542 | NetGalley

I really wanted to like this novel, but I’m afraid I found it quite boring. I know I’m not the target audience, but as I work with young people and I’ve read my fair share of YA Novels; if it didn’t interest me, I’d be surprised if it appeals to the target market. But… I never really felt like I was given enough time to grow attached to the characters. They were all kind of just there and doing things. I never was rooting of any person in particular. I liked Peter. He was cool. But otherwise they were all kind of bland.

Advance Praise

The King Is Dead by Benjamin Dean published by Simon & Schuster Inc @ ForbiddenPlanet.com - UK and Worldwide Cult Entertainment Megastore A compelling thriller that stays with you long after you've finished reading.' Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die First 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. James is a gay mixed race teenager just trying to have a secret boyfriend and stay under the radar but that all goes out the window when his dad, the King, dies and he's the heir. James is thrust into the spotlight more than ever before and is struggling with regular teenage things like family drama and relationships all under a spotlight. The tension and stress really ramps up though when his boyfriend (secret boyfriend mind you) goes missing. While this is a mystery book, it’s difficult to remember that in the beginning since the beginning focuses more on James’ relationship, his family, and his new found responsibilities all while dealing with the his grief. I definitely enjoyed this aspect, but it does make for quite the slow burn. ⁣⁣

The King is Dead by Benjamin Dean – Pretty Book Review: The King is Dead by Benjamin Dean – Pretty

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. Suddenly James can't trust anyone, even his closest confidants, then a reporter has made it his mission to tear James down and remove him, and his family, from the throne. 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 I was so excited to have been sent an ARC of How to Die Famous by Benjamin Dean, by NetGalley. This book is classed as a YA Mystery and is set to be released in July 2023. Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing -

A solid debut that we’ll written and funny - it’s just the books if you like this you’ll love this references made me expectations a little too high. I mean come on, Simon v the homosapiens agenda AND inheritance games? That’s setting up any author for failure.