What do you think?
Rate this book
The Underground #2
Royale: The Underground Series Book 2
The highly anticipated second book in ‘The Underground’ series.
Samuel Carmichael’s worst nightmare became reality when he came face to face with the notorious villain Vegas. Now he can’t shake the feeling that things in her glittery casino are not what they appear. Forced to form new alliances and launch himself straight into the middle of a dangerous power conflict, Sam will do anything to make sure Ella is freed from Vegas’s clutches.
C9 began to implode the day Sam escaped to find Ella, leaving Mateo and his brother Eddie with heavy responsibilities they never asked for but now can’t run away from. As the Zone begins to collapse from the inside out, Teo must ask himself if survival is worth fighting for. His brother’s life depends on it.
Two brothers on opposite sides of a crumbling Underground face insurmountable odds to fight for the siblings they have given up everything for.
Will their lives be next?
Will a brother’s love be enough?
Praise for
“I love a good dystopian book and this just hit the mark for me.” -Bee, Goodreads Reviewer
“I’ve been on the hunt for a book that could transport me back to the way I felt when I first fell in love with the Dystopian genre and Buried went above and beyond!” -Kora Greenwood, Author of Gifted
“This one was PERFECTION!” -Annie, Goodreads Reviewer
“Wow. I am obsessed with this book and I am currently planning when I can reread it to somehow experience it again.” -Lill, Goodreads Reviewer
Samuel Carmichael’s worst nightmare became reality when he came face to face with the notorious villain Vegas. Now he can’t shake the feeling that things in her glittery casino are not what they appear. Forced to form new alliances and launch himself straight into the middle of a dangerous power conflict, Sam will do anything to make sure Ella is freed from Vegas’s clutches.
C9 began to implode the day Sam escaped to find Ella, leaving Mateo and his brother Eddie with heavy responsibilities they never asked for but now can’t run away from. As the Zone begins to collapse from the inside out, Teo must ask himself if survival is worth fighting for. His brother’s life depends on it.
Two brothers on opposite sides of a crumbling Underground face insurmountable odds to fight for the siblings they have given up everything for.
Will their lives be next?
Will a brother’s love be enough?
Praise for
“I love a good dystopian book and this just hit the mark for me.” -Bee, Goodreads Reviewer
“I’ve been on the hunt for a book that could transport me back to the way I felt when I first fell in love with the Dystopian genre and Buried went above and beyond!” -Kora Greenwood, Author of Gifted
“This one was PERFECTION!” -Annie, Goodreads Reviewer
“Wow. I am obsessed with this book and I am currently planning when I can reread it to somehow experience it again.” -Lill, Goodreads Reviewer
416 pages, Hardcover
Published July 31, 2024
About the author
Kennedy Plumb
9 books107 followersKennedy is an author of YA fairytale retellings, lover of LOVE, advocate of foster care and adoption, and mom of 5. She resides in Arizona with her family and lovingly writes in her (practically nonexistent) spare time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 8, 2026
I need book 3 ASAP! I am obsessed with thus dystopian series.
The emotions it brings out is something most can relate to. and then the banter between the characters is amazing !
fav quotes :
Isn't it funny how that works? We can know someone is lying straight to our face but can still take comfort from their lies, from the hope that maybe there is some small sliver of truth to it after all. It's those deluded shreds of hope that keep us going.
"She's been after me for a while, but I'm just really hard to get."
"You wish, Prettyboy."
"Maybe I do."
"Truthfully, I really don't have anything to offer except my life. And you can have it if that's what you need. I'd trade my life for my sister's every single time."
it really dawns on me that even though we're treated like adults-in-training, future soldiers to do the FPA's bidding, we're all still just kids. I'm just a kid.
"Every adult had a part to play in what was done to us," she says, out of characteristically bitter. "Whether they contributed actively or not. They made the world this way and then threw us into it to fend for ourselves."
Because that's what being an older brother means-you protect even when they think they don't need to be protected. You love even when they don't love back.
She could completely wreck me with a single touch, and she'd have no idea. Her world would just keep turning.
"Ya wanna let us in on the conversation, or do you and the voices in your head have it covered?"
The emotions it brings out is something most can relate to. and then the banter between the characters is amazing !
fav quotes :
Isn't it funny how that works? We can know someone is lying straight to our face but can still take comfort from their lies, from the hope that maybe there is some small sliver of truth to it after all. It's those deluded shreds of hope that keep us going.
"She's been after me for a while, but I'm just really hard to get."
"You wish, Prettyboy."
"Maybe I do."
"Truthfully, I really don't have anything to offer except my life. And you can have it if that's what you need. I'd trade my life for my sister's every single time."
it really dawns on me that even though we're treated like adults-in-training, future soldiers to do the FPA's bidding, we're all still just kids. I'm just a kid.
"Every adult had a part to play in what was done to us," she says, out of characteristically bitter. "Whether they contributed actively or not. They made the world this way and then threw us into it to fend for ourselves."
Because that's what being an older brother means-you protect even when they think they don't need to be protected. You love even when they don't love back.
She could completely wreck me with a single touch, and she'd have no idea. Her world would just keep turning.
"Ya wanna let us in on the conversation, or do you and the voices in your head have it covered?"
July 22, 2024
Had the opportunity to be a beta reader and absolutely loved it!
July 28, 2024
The cover is really striking and certainly attracts your eye and would make me pick it up in a book store to learn more about it. I don’t quite know how to explain it, other than it really has that dystopian feel. I really like the repeat of the cut out effect that you kind of look through to the other side. Its like you are peeping into another world. Probably the way Sam and Q feel when they are trying to fit into the Elite zone, seeing how the other half live.
After reading and absolutely loving Buried I was eagerly . . . though perhaps not very patiently awaiting the release of Royale. I did read the novella in the series called Matches just prior to reading Royale, though personally I think the novella could be read after Royale too. The novella made me want to know more about Veronica and Arcadius’ life straight away and though they are in Royale there is quite a time jump to where they are and we don’t really know how they got there.
Sam may have escaped C9 and found Ella but is devastated when she refuses to come with him, actually wanting to stay with Vegas. He is also feeling really guilty that not everyone escaped and some of those that did escape were injured. He has now been forced to tell the whole truth, and knows the truth about those he has banded together with. Though Q seems to forgive him for his deception she gleefully “makes him pay” at every opportunity that comes by. Beardsley however is a different matter, he flatly refuses to have anything to do with Sam. Despite Ella’s refusal to run with him, he knows there is something not quite right with his sister and he is even more determined to free her from Vegas. Sam is prepared to agree to anything and align himself with whoever will help him. When Cade, the shady leader of those at the camp agrees to help him, in exchange for a favour, he blindly agrees to it, immediately shaking hands and sealing the deal. When the time comes, he may regret agreeing to a favour.
Back in C9 Mateo is still trying his best to protect his younger brother Eddie amongst the hardships and increasingly volatile atmosphere. A new security detail arrives and a new leader takes over Sergeant Nova. The way she rules is you follow orders or you die. There are no more trials, no second chances, not even expulsion from C9, just death! Mayor Ramos is taken into custody and put in the cells but manages to get messages to Mateo, organises secret meetings and it soon becomes apparent that Mayor Ramos has a plan for Mateo, he wants him to lead everyone to safety. At first Mateo and a small group of trusted friends begin to talk about what they can realistically do and who may help. They approach the Elders, who seem to be against any type of action, they are happy to sit and wait to see what happens.
We also meet Tyro-B29 and follow her typical day of taking her blue and red pills then sitting in class under the instruction of Aunty, then doing her daily syncing with Ella. When Sam visited it changed things and Tyro-B29 is starting to rebel a little, first not syncing, then not taking the pills but this lands her in trouble with Aunty. Tyro-B29 knows something isn’t right, syncing with Ella doesn’t seem right anymore, but the consequences of not doing so make her ill herself.
Once again there are so many fantastic characters in the book, too many to mention them all, some we met in Buried and there are also a few new ones. We still have Mateo, Eddie, Sam (or Pretty Boy as Q calls him), Q and the fantastic and heroic dog Luna. Newer or secondary characters are Jones, Parker, Talia, Amanda, Steve and Zara. There’s also a growing selection of bad or possibly bad characters such as the new Sergeant Nova, Vegas, Cade, and scary dog Axel. There are also a couple of characters that I am not completely sure about whose side they are on, good or bad, such as Mayor Ramos, and newer character Callix. You do become really attached to the characters and invested in their own stories as well as the main story/plot of the book.
I was a little worried that such a long time had passed since reading Buried and at times, I admit that I did struggle to remember exactly who everyone was and exactly what had happened but this uncertainty did clear the more I read of the book. The different chapters are from the point of view & whereabouts of Sam, Mateo & Eddie and Tyro-B29.
I really loved all the smaller acts of rebellion that the Elites were encouraged to do with the Live Free Or Die element in the book and compared it to the Commoners acts of rebellion and forming a group to make a final stand. So much happens in this book, it’s like two action packed main plot lines going on at the same time, there is Sam fighting to get his sister Ella back, then Mateo and Eddie in C9 fighting for survival, in fact three main plot lines if you include what is happening in the Elite Zone including Tyro-B29.
I thought the Chapter headers along with the character name of whose point of view/situation we were reading about were great. I adored the way that although Sam and Mateo are not together they are both fighting battles for freedom and when they aren’t sure what to do they both immediately wonder what the other would do in that situation. What Would Sam Do/WWSD and What Would Mateo Do/WWMD, there is also the chapter heading “Rose could have made room for Jack” which I found quite amusing.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that there was so much packed into it. There are lots of intrigue, betrayal, friendship, love, hate, hope & despair in this action packed, unputdownable sequel to Buried......... And there are soooo many cliff hangers and so many questions I need answering! There were sections of the book where I felt like shouting Noooo! And Don’t do it! And What? Who? There really is so much that could happen, so many directions things could go, so many little character plot storylines to learn more about. I’d love more Q, Sam, and Ella, as well as some of the characters (trying to be spoilery free here) to be reunited. Then with how the book ended there is another battle/war coming as well as answers to be given about the surprise reveal character at the end!!
Summing up this book really has such a lot going on, you really do not want to put the book down once you start reading, it is highly addictive! Can't wait to read more! Hope it’s not long to wait.
After reading and absolutely loving Buried I was eagerly . . . though perhaps not very patiently awaiting the release of Royale. I did read the novella in the series called Matches just prior to reading Royale, though personally I think the novella could be read after Royale too. The novella made me want to know more about Veronica and Arcadius’ life straight away and though they are in Royale there is quite a time jump to where they are and we don’t really know how they got there.
Sam may have escaped C9 and found Ella but is devastated when she refuses to come with him, actually wanting to stay with Vegas. He is also feeling really guilty that not everyone escaped and some of those that did escape were injured. He has now been forced to tell the whole truth, and knows the truth about those he has banded together with. Though Q seems to forgive him for his deception she gleefully “makes him pay” at every opportunity that comes by. Beardsley however is a different matter, he flatly refuses to have anything to do with Sam. Despite Ella’s refusal to run with him, he knows there is something not quite right with his sister and he is even more determined to free her from Vegas. Sam is prepared to agree to anything and align himself with whoever will help him. When Cade, the shady leader of those at the camp agrees to help him, in exchange for a favour, he blindly agrees to it, immediately shaking hands and sealing the deal. When the time comes, he may regret agreeing to a favour.
Back in C9 Mateo is still trying his best to protect his younger brother Eddie amongst the hardships and increasingly volatile atmosphere. A new security detail arrives and a new leader takes over Sergeant Nova. The way she rules is you follow orders or you die. There are no more trials, no second chances, not even expulsion from C9, just death! Mayor Ramos is taken into custody and put in the cells but manages to get messages to Mateo, organises secret meetings and it soon becomes apparent that Mayor Ramos has a plan for Mateo, he wants him to lead everyone to safety. At first Mateo and a small group of trusted friends begin to talk about what they can realistically do and who may help. They approach the Elders, who seem to be against any type of action, they are happy to sit and wait to see what happens.
We also meet Tyro-B29 and follow her typical day of taking her blue and red pills then sitting in class under the instruction of Aunty, then doing her daily syncing with Ella. When Sam visited it changed things and Tyro-B29 is starting to rebel a little, first not syncing, then not taking the pills but this lands her in trouble with Aunty. Tyro-B29 knows something isn’t right, syncing with Ella doesn’t seem right anymore, but the consequences of not doing so make her ill herself.
Once again there are so many fantastic characters in the book, too many to mention them all, some we met in Buried and there are also a few new ones. We still have Mateo, Eddie, Sam (or Pretty Boy as Q calls him), Q and the fantastic and heroic dog Luna. Newer or secondary characters are Jones, Parker, Talia, Amanda, Steve and Zara. There’s also a growing selection of bad or possibly bad characters such as the new Sergeant Nova, Vegas, Cade, and scary dog Axel. There are also a couple of characters that I am not completely sure about whose side they are on, good or bad, such as Mayor Ramos, and newer character Callix. You do become really attached to the characters and invested in their own stories as well as the main story/plot of the book.
I was a little worried that such a long time had passed since reading Buried and at times, I admit that I did struggle to remember exactly who everyone was and exactly what had happened but this uncertainty did clear the more I read of the book. The different chapters are from the point of view & whereabouts of Sam, Mateo & Eddie and Tyro-B29.
I really loved all the smaller acts of rebellion that the Elites were encouraged to do with the Live Free Or Die element in the book and compared it to the Commoners acts of rebellion and forming a group to make a final stand. So much happens in this book, it’s like two action packed main plot lines going on at the same time, there is Sam fighting to get his sister Ella back, then Mateo and Eddie in C9 fighting for survival, in fact three main plot lines if you include what is happening in the Elite Zone including Tyro-B29.
I thought the Chapter headers along with the character name of whose point of view/situation we were reading about were great. I adored the way that although Sam and Mateo are not together they are both fighting battles for freedom and when they aren’t sure what to do they both immediately wonder what the other would do in that situation. What Would Sam Do/WWSD and What Would Mateo Do/WWMD, there is also the chapter heading “Rose could have made room for Jack” which I found quite amusing.
My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that there was so much packed into it. There are lots of intrigue, betrayal, friendship, love, hate, hope & despair in this action packed, unputdownable sequel to Buried......... And there are soooo many cliff hangers and so many questions I need answering! There were sections of the book where I felt like shouting Noooo! And Don’t do it! And What? Who? There really is so much that could happen, so many directions things could go, so many little character plot storylines to learn more about. I’d love more Q, Sam, and Ella, as well as some of the characters (trying to be spoilery free here) to be reunited. Then with how the book ended there is another battle/war coming as well as answers to be given about the surprise reveal character at the end!!
Summing up this book really has such a lot going on, you really do not want to put the book down once you start reading, it is highly addictive! Can't wait to read more! Hope it’s not long to wait.
October 31, 2024
This took everything I liked about the first book and made it better! It was complex, weaved together multiple storylines and POVs, and it was absolutely packed with action, betrayal, twists, and cliffhangers. I loved it. It picks up right where the first book ends, but we get way more characters in this one. It has chapters from Sam, Mateo, and Tyro-B29, and getting their stories made the plot seem much more developed and interesting. The main and side characters are fantastic, and I was immediately invested in all of them. This book is impossible to put down, because it’s so addictive, and you just need to find out what happens. I can’t wait for the third book! If you want to read-enter your dystopian era, this series would be a great place to start!
🏙️
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
🏙️
Read if you like:
▫️dystopian fantasy
▫️rebellion and fighting for freedom
▫️found family
▫️multi POV
🏙️
Thank you to Kennedy Plumb for the gifted copy. I received it for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🏙️
Connect With Me
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?i...
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
🏙️
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
🏙️
Read if you like:
▫️dystopian fantasy
▫️rebellion and fighting for freedom
▫️found family
▫️multi POV
🏙️
Thank you to Kennedy Plumb for the gifted copy. I received it for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🏙️
Connect With Me
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?i...
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
July 31, 2024
This book is an excellent sequel - no middle book syndrome to be had.
The story starts right where Buried left off. The reader is treated to non-stop action from the very beginning until the end with betrayals abound - no one can be trusted and no one is safe in Kennedy’s hands.
The character development is very good. Sam keeps his snark, but does develop some of the insecurities that come with having a crush - Q is absolutely delightful. Many of the old characters are back and we are treated to come new ones too; Zara and Jones are great additions to the cast.
Kennedy’s unique writing style shines through with a touch of humour to be found, in dogs with glitter and tinsel and a skinny Prettyboy in a tassel vest, despite the rather dark nature of the story.
I am eagerly looking forward to the third instalment… Hopefully that brings a conclusion and another dreaded cliffhanger.
I am very thankful to Kennedy for a beta copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own. I leave these thoughts voluntarily.
The story starts right where Buried left off. The reader is treated to non-stop action from the very beginning until the end with betrayals abound - no one can be trusted and no one is safe in Kennedy’s hands.
The character development is very good. Sam keeps his snark, but does develop some of the insecurities that come with having a crush - Q is absolutely delightful. Many of the old characters are back and we are treated to come new ones too; Zara and Jones are great additions to the cast.
Kennedy’s unique writing style shines through with a touch of humour to be found, in dogs with glitter and tinsel and a skinny Prettyboy in a tassel vest, despite the rather dark nature of the story.
I am eagerly looking forward to the third instalment… Hopefully that brings a conclusion and another dreaded cliffhanger.
I am very thankful to Kennedy for a beta copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own. I leave these thoughts voluntarily.
September 18, 2024
This book was just as gripping as the first one, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I’d look forward to my nightly reading sessions where I got to read it! So much happened in this book, but it was amazing. The plot all intertwined and there were so many things I didn’t see coming. The writing of this is beautiful and just outstanding. I cannot wait for book 3!
October 19, 2024
This pains me to score it so low but I just didn't feel it with this second book. There were elements I liked for sure. But some of the character motivations were just meh and the ending on another cliffhanger is just a cheat - now I'm forced to read the third to find out what happens even though I'm not sure I really care! Gah. I do love Luna and Ella pov was good. Disappointed in Q!
July 28, 2024
WOW! What a read!!!! It put me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it wondering what is going to happen next! It continues the journey with Sam and the more adventures you go on with him! Definitely a five star read!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 30, 2024
To be honest, first time reading a book of this genre. But it was just the right amount of action to keep me engaged. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is kind of in a reading slump, because this book definitely pulled me out of mine.
August 25, 2024
This books was AMAZING! That cliffy was intense but I loved the whole book! I can't wait for more! It was very well wrote, the characters were loveable, and i flew through it!!
May 1, 2025
Really enjoyed it, any wait for the next!
April 12, 2026
Love this series! Kennedy is a new favorite of mine! Need book three!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews