The relationships formed between the characters are so natural, and the four eventually fit together like s puzzle, Dean also shows them being both young adults and mature for ages due to their backstories and working in the industry. The things he kept a secret as a Prince can no longer live beneath the shadow he’s cloaked it in, like his relationship that James has kept hush-hush, out of fear of what would happen if the world were to know he’s got a boyfriend. I wasn’t entirely sold on how James could tell someone he loved them for the first time, find out they’re missing, then fall for someone else almost immediately afterwards.

Member Reviews | NetGalley

I also thought Benjamin echoed the experience's Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have had with the British public/press with that of James and his family was incredibly powerful, commendable and kinda badass? The plot twists were absolutely amazing and had me shocked at every turn, as every time I thought I had figured out what was going on, something else happened and changed my perception. Online articles about the case and interview transcripts are provided throughout, and Pip’s capstone logs offer insights into her thought processes as new evidence and suspects arise. Drawing on his previous career as a celebrity journalist, Benjamin Dean examines the dark underbelly of showbiz, leaving no stone unturned. In fact, not only did I read it on the train without pausing, but I also found myself reading it on the tube in London and even whilst at dinner as the book was compelling and utterly unputdownable.

He brilliantly also portrayed the way in which Black people (in particular, Black women) are held to impossible standards next to their white counterparts, with Catherine and the Queen Mother's storyline and constant comparisons made between the two being a great example of this. Dean used his background in celebrity journalism to portray a realistic inner world of celebrity, and working on a television set, in all its fake glory and lack of morals in an attempt to get viewers. Lifting the curtain on the hidden world of big production companies and their media darlings, contrasting what we see on the outside (and what sets social media on fire) with what's really going on.

The King is Dead by Benjamin Dean | Waterstones

I loved the characters and was rooting for them all the way through; the side of romance was perfect and there were many moments that had me giggling. A narrative about a Black, gay king is a fantastic idea, but I could not believe that James was actually raised to be the king. Catherine Doyle, co-author of Twin Crowns 'All hail this royal debut that twists, turns, and revels in palace intrigue and deceit. as the first black heir to the british throne, there are enough people in his country who want james out of the picture. I understand he viewed it as a welcome distraction from the mess in other facets of his life, and I certainly wanted him to be happy, but I struggled to get on board with that aspect of the narrative.I understand I can change my preference through my account settings or unsubscribe directly from any marketing communications at any time.

The King is Dead by Benjamin Dean (Paperback) – Queer Lit The King is Dead by Benjamin Dean (Paperback) – Queer Lit

Some of my Grand Ideas were right and I was a little off with others, but there’s definitely enough red herrings and twists here to keep you guessing until the end!The author does a great job to really highlight how even a Black person with the highest standing in a country will still be viewed as a Black first and thus inferior.

The King is Dead By Benjamin Dean | Used | 9781398512542 The King is Dead By Benjamin Dean | Used | 9781398512542

There was plenty good about this book though, and plenty that promises that Dean’s future efforts have a strong foundation to build on. Obviously, Young Adult books are THE best, but I do have a soft spot for poetry and adult books also. It also explores how companies treat people like rubbish and discard them when they are no longer profitable - or begin to stand up for themselves. At 17, the full weight of the crown now sits on the shoulders of James Albert Arthur Hampton, the United Kingdom’s first Black monarch.Abel Miller is on his way to Hollywood, having landed one of the lead roles in a major teen blockbuster series, Sunset High.