Review: The Royals by J.C. Andrijeski 5 of 5 stars

The Royals by J.C. Andrijeski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jet has started her new life as a slave in the Royal House of the Nirreth but it is nothing like Jet ever imagined as the 19-year-old skag she was just outside Vancouver. She is babysitting a 9-year-old alien who has a crush on her (which can sometimes be dangerous) and then training for the Rings which is a televised Nirreth obsession where humans navigate perilous courses filled with real and virtual enemies. As the first female human to run in the rings Jet is expected to die or do so badly that she will be kicked out by the judges. Richter (leader of the human rebels) warns that Jet might not make it to the Rings at all - she first has to persuade them that she is docile enough to be trusted. In order to so that she will have to become the pet of one of the Nirreth which involves sharing their bed and being stung by the venom regularly. When Laksri, the leader of the Nirreth rebels and Richter’s military and strategic partner, offers to take that role, Jet’s relationship with the Nirreth becomes more complicated than she could ever have imagined. Can she handle it and can they fool everyone?

This was a great continuation of the story and gave us much more detail about the society in the Green Zone and the kinds of things that Jet had to do in order to fit in with society as well as to protect herself. There were some interesting relationship developments that could have confused Jet a great deal but she seemed to handle it well and be able to see clearly who (or what) was who and how seriously to take everything. I loved the sections where she was high on venom and the effect on both her and Laksri when that was done. The 9-year-old prince was a complete brat and I need to congratulate Jet on not slapping him! Lots of great developments and the Ring was amazing (for both Jet and as a concept). I've started to really like Laksri as a character and think that he is trying really hard to be honourable and treat Jet with respect even though he is obviously very attracted to her. I can't wait to find out what happens next after the bombshell ending to this story. Well written and easy to read and understand.

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