Royal Heirs Academy - by Lindsey Duga

About the Book

Told in alternating voices, three royal grandchildren and one fortuitous commoner compete to inherit the kingdom of Ashland while attending Almus Terra Academy.

Book Synopsis

"Gossip Girl meets Katharine McGee's American Royals" (SLJ) in this story filled with "romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets" (Kristy Boyce), where four teens living in a glamorous boarding school must compete to inherit a European kingdom.

For fifty years, King Leander Eldana has ruled Ashland without naming an heir to the crown. After sending away his grandchildren to be raised out of the public eye, it's finally time to secure his nation's future by appointing one definitive heir. The best way to appraise his successor? In the halls of Almus Terra Academy, a boarding school infamous for breeding the world's next generation of leaders--and liars.

Titus Eldana has always known he'd inherit Ashland's future. Now he must prove he has what it takes. Alaric Eldana was not raised with a silver spoon. His secondhand clothes might not be fit for a king, but he knows how to rule: with his fist. Emmeline Eldana only wants to please her neglectful parents. If that means securing the crown, she won't hesitate to destroy anyone in her way. Sadie Aurelia has no idea why she's been given a chance to bring new blood to the throne. With nothing left to lose back home, she's ready to take it.

Filled with competition, secret alliances, enemies-to-lovers romance, and cunning revenge, Royal Heirs Academy is a breathless, entertaining read set in modern-day. This gossip-filled school for the global elite is inspired by UWC of the Atlantic, which Vanity Fair has described as "Hippie Hogwarts."

Review Quotes

"Readers will swoon and ache at points, only to rage and cry at others. The blending of these emotions will ultimately keep them turning pages. Fast, engaging, and addictive."--Kirkus Reviews

" The book left me excited for a potential sequel. I liked the way it was left on a cliffhanger, kept me on the edge of my seat, and wishing for a second book. I will remember Sadie's revenge on everyone. That part, to me, was the best part of the book! This book is filled with twists, turns, alliances, and secrets, keeping you wanting more."--Rani, age 15

"Gossip Girl meets Katharine McGee's American Royals. The unfurling romantic entanglements provide ample fodder for readers of the genre. Duga has clearly created a developed world within the castle walls that invites readers to feel like they are a part of all the drama." --School Library Journal

"An intense rivals-to-enemies journey, in which four royal heirs must decide how far they're willing to go if they want to rule a kingdom. No one is who they first appear to be. Everyone has a secret. Filled with backstabbing and betrayal, this book will surprise readers in the best ways possible."
--Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling coauthor of MY LADY JANE

"I would tell a friend that this book is addicting, filled with lots of action, high stakes, and tons of drama! This author is very good at helping you get to know each character and helps you understand why they do certain things. I'm totally looking forward to reading another book from this author."--Corinne, age 14

"Deftly combines competition intrigue with the romance and friendship drama of standard boarding school settings, making for a twisty contemporary tale. "--Publishers Weekly

"A page-turning adventure from start to finish, Royal Heirs Academy is a breathlessly wild ride that readers won't want to put down."
--Kara McDowell, author of THE PRINCE AND THE APOCALYPSE

"Lindsey Duga has taken what I love most in YA novels--romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets--and swirled them together with my favorite setting: a European boarding school. At times suspenseful, swoony, and heartbreaking, Royal Heirs Academy will keep readers flipping pages (and alliances) until the very end."--Kristy Boyce, bestselling author of DUNGEONS AND DRAMA

About the Author

Lindsey Duga is the author of several YA novels and middle-grade ghost stories. With a passion for history and mythology, she's always been fascinated with royalty across cultures and fantastical worlds. She lives in Baton Rouge, LA, with her family and dog, Delphi. She invites you to visit her online at lindseyduga.com and to follow her @LinzDuga.