I read the above three books depicted in the Royal Diaries series: Cleopatra VII, Daughter of the Nile; Eleanor, Crown Jewel of Aquitaine; and Sondok, Princess of the Moon and Stars. The Royal Diaries was Scholastic’s spin-off of the Dear America series, but wasn’t as successful, and was cancelled sooner than its predecessor. I would recommend these books to young readers interested in historical fiction, while perhaps not looking for entirely character-driven novels. I think the downfall of this series is that each book tries to document or invent a childhood for these remarkable women of history, when these women’s greatest or most famous accomplishments happened later in their lives. The Sondok story in particular was mostly fiction, since so little is known about her to begin with. If considering a title in this series, I’d suggest Anastasia or Marie Antoinette.
Series Spotlight: The Royal Diaries
Published by C.K. Brooke
C.K. Brooke is a multi-award-winning author of young adult fantasy and historical romance novels and novellas. She has worked as a bookseller, book blogger, publishing assistant, and copy editor on her quest to authorhood. Her works have been published by 48fourteen, Limitless, and Readict, as well as indie published, garnering accolades from the 2020 Best Indie Book Award in YA Fiction to the Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Award. She’s been a guest speaker and panelist for the Romance Writers of America, Rust City Book Con, and Barnes & Noble Teen Book Fest, as well as an active member of the Greater Detroit Romance Writers. She currently resides in Rochester Hills, Michigan with her family. View all posts by C.K. Brooke