In “The Rules of Royalty,” Cale Dietrich delivers a contemporary spin on royal romance that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. As his fifth novel and following the success of “If This Gets Out” (co-authored with Sophie Gonzales), Dietrich continues to explore themes of identity, fame, and forbidden love—this time within the gilded halls of European palaces.
The novel introduces us to Jamie Johnson, an ordinary American teenager whose life transforms overnight when he discovers he’s the secret heir to the throne of Mitanor. Parallel to Jamie’s story runs that of Erik Von Rosenborg, the spare prince of Sunstad, who becomes Jamie’s royal tutor. What begins as a mentorship evolves into something deeper, challenging both princes to question tradition, duty, and the price of following their hearts.
Strengths & Standout Elements
Authentic Character Development
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its character work, particularly with Jamie and Erik. Their voices feel distinct and authentic, with Jamie’s American casualness contrasting beautifully with Erik’s more formal European upbringing. Their growth throughout the story feels natural and earned, especially as they navigate their growing feelings for each other while dealing with royal responsibilities.
World-Building
Dietrich has created two fictional European kingdoms that feel remarkably real. Mitanor’s sun-soaked warmth and progressive attitudes provide an effective contrast to Sunstad’s cooler climate and more traditional outlook. The attention to detail in royal protocols, palace life, and political dynamics adds depth to the story without overwhelming it.
LGBTQ+ Representation
The novel handles its queer representation with refreshing naturalness. Neither Jamie nor Erik struggles with their sexuality; their conflict stems from royal duties and family expectations rather than their identity as gay men. This approach feels progressive and appropriate for contemporary YA fiction.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Inconsistencies
The novel’s pacing sometimes feels uneven, particularly in the middle section. While the initial setup and finale are strong, there are moments where the story loses momentum, especially during some of the royal training sequences.
Secondary Character Development
While the main characters are well-developed, some secondary characters, particularly Jamie’s American friends, feel somewhat underdeveloped. Their interactions often serve plot purposes rather than feeling like fully realized relationships.
Political Depth
The novel occasionally simplifies complex political situations for the sake of the romance plot. A deeper exploration of the political implications of Jamie and Erik’s relationship could have added another layer of complexity to the story.
Writing Style & Technical Elements
Dietrich’s prose is accessible and engaging, perfectly suited to his YA audience. The dual perspective narrative works well, allowing readers to understand both princes’ internal struggles. The author shows particular skill in writing romantic tension and emotional moments.
Notable Passages
- The initial reveal of Jamie’s royal heritage
- The dance scene at the king’s ball
- Erik’s confrontation with his grandmother about tradition versus happiness
Thematic Analysis
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- Tradition versus modernity in monarchy
- The weight of duty versus personal happiness
- The impact of public scrutiny on private life
- Family expectations and personal identity
- The courage required to challenge established systems
Target Audience & Appeal
“The Rules of Royalty” will particularly appeal to:
- Fans of royal romance and contemporary YA fiction
- Readers who enjoyed “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston
- Those interested in modern monarchy stories
- Readers seeking positive LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream fiction
Comparison to Similar Works
While the novel shares DNA with works like “The Princess Diaries” and “Red, White & Royal Blue,” it carves its own unique path. Dietrich’s focus on dual protagonists and the mentor-student dynamic adds fresh elements to the royal romance genre.
Cultural Impact & Relevance
The novel feels particularly timely, addressing questions about monarchy’s place in modern society and the evolution of traditional institutions. Its progressive handling of LGBTQ+ themes within a conservative setting reflects current social discussions.
Final Verdict
“The Rules of Royalty” is an engaging addition to the YA royal romance genre, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tropes. While it occasionally struggles with pacing and depth, its strong character work, authentic romance, and meaningful themes make it a worthwhile read.
Strengths:
- Strong central romance
- Well-developed main characters
- Engaging world-building
- Progressive representation
Weaknesses:
- Uneven pacing
- Underdeveloped secondary characters
- Simplified political elements
Recommendation
Despite its flaws, “The Rules of Royalty” is recommended for readers seeking a contemporary royal romance with heart, humor, and social relevance. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy seeing traditional institutions challenged by modern love stories.
About the Author
Cale Dietrich has established himself as a voice in YA fiction with works like “The Love Interest,” “The Friend Scheme,” and “If This Gets Out.” His understanding of young adult perspectives and skill in writing authentic relationships continues to evolve with each new work.
