In “The Rules of Royalty,” Cale Dietrich crafts a contemporary young adult romance that reimagines the classic royal romance trope through a refreshingly queer lens. As the author’s fifth novel and his second standalone work following “The Love Interest” and “If This Gets Out” (co-written with Sophie Gonzales), Dietrich demonstrates his growing confidence in crafting stories that challenge traditional narratives while maintaining their inherent charm.
The novel follows Jamie Johnson, an ordinary American teenager whose life is upended when he discovers he’s actually the heir to the throne of Mitanor, and Erik Von Rosenborg, a prince from the northern kingdom of Sunstad who becomes Jamie’s royal tutor. While the premise might sound familiar to fans of “The Princess Diaries” or similar royal transformation stories, Dietrich infuses the narrative with contemporary relevance and emotional depth that sets it apart from its predecessors.
Narrative Strengths
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its character development, particularly in how it handles Jamie’s journey from average teenager to royal heir. Unlike many similar stories where the protagonist either immediately embraces or completely rejects their royal heritage, Jamie’s reaction feels genuinely nuanced. His struggle to reconcile his American upbringing with his newfound royal responsibilities creates authentic tension that drives the story forward.
Erik’s character arc is equally compelling, though it occasionally falls into predictable patterns. His internal conflict between duty and desire is well-portrayed, even if the resolution feels somewhat rushed in the final chapters. The chemistry between Jamie and Erik develops naturally, making their romance feel earned rather than forced.
Writing Style & Pacing
Dietrich’s writing style is accessible and engaging, with dialogue that feels natural for young adult characters while avoiding common pitfalls of trying too hard to sound “teen-like.” The alternating perspectives between Jamie and Erik provide balanced insight into both characters’ worlds, though there are moments where the transitions could be smoother.
The pacing, however, presents some issues. While the first half of the book maintains steady momentum, the middle section occasionally drags with repetitive royal lessons and internal monologues. The final third picks up considerably, perhaps too much so, as several major plot points feel rushed in their resolution.
Notable Elements
Strengths:
Authentic LGBTQ+ representation
Well-developed supporting characters
Strong handling of family dynamics
Effective integration of modern social issues
Fresh take on royal romance tropes
Areas for Improvement:
Uneven pacing
Some plot resolutions feel too convenient
Worldbuilding could be more detailed
Secondary conflicts sometimes lack depth
Occasional reliance on familiar tropes
Themes & Depth
The novel explores several meaningful themes:
Identity and authenticity in public roles
The tension between tradition and progress
Family obligations versus personal desires
The impact of societal expectations on individual choices
The importance of choosing one’s own path
Cultural Impact & Representation
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its handling of LGBTQ+ themes within a traditionally heteronormative setting. Dietrich doesn’t simply insert queer characters into a straight narrative; he thoughtfully explores how sexuality intersects with royal duties and public perception. The inclusion of Hope House and discussions about LGBTQ+ youth support adds meaningful depth to the story’s social commentary.
Technical Elements
The structure of alternating POV chapters generally works well, though there are occasions where the shifts feel abrupt. The romance develops at a believable pace, with enough obstacles to create tension without feeling artificially dramatic. However, some plot points, particularly regarding royal politics and succession laws, could benefit from more thorough explanation.
Critical Analysis
While “The Rules of Royalty” succeeds in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The resolution of Erik’s family conflict feels somewhat rushed, and certain plot elements (like the prime minister’s opposition) could be developed further. The novel occasionally relies too heavily on convenience to move the plot forward, particularly in the final act.
Comparison to Similar Works
Unlike other royal romances such as “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston or “His Royal Highness” by Rachel Hawkins, Dietrich’s approach feels more grounded in contemporary issues while maintaining the fantasy elements that make royal romances appealing. The integration of social activism and youth advocacy adds a fresh dimension to the genre.
Final Verdict
“The Rules of Royalty” is an engaging addition to the YA royal romance genre that successfully balances traditional elements with contemporary themes. While it occasionally stumbles with pacing and plot resolution, the strong character development and authentic representation make it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
Recommendations
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy:
Modern takes on royal romances
LGBTQ+ young adult fiction
Coming-of-age stories
Contemporary social issues in fiction
Character-driven narratives
Target Audience
Though marketed as young adult fiction, the themes and writing style make it accessible to both teenage and adult readers who enjoy:
Romance with substance
Political elements in fiction
Stories about identity and belonging
Family dynamics
Social justice themes
Conclusion
Despite its imperfections, “The Rules of Royalty” succeeds in delivering a fresh perspective on the royal romance genre while maintaining the elements that make such stories perpetually appealing. Dietrich’s contribution to LGBTQ+ young adult literature continues to push boundaries while remaining accessible and entertaining. The novel stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of young adult fiction, where traditional narratives can be reimagined to reflect contemporary values and experiences.