The Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia – An Unprecedented Biography of the Visionary Reformer and Ruthless Autocrat

by Karen House

Based on exclusive interviews, an eye-opening biography of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), head of the House of Saud, the calculating ruler of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and a central Middle East power broker.

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and former Wall Street Journal publisher, Karen House has gained unprecedented insights into Saudi Arabia and its controversial leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman through her more than forty years of experience covering the Arab kingdom.

House reveals a leader who is both Peter the Great--determined to modernize his nation--and Ivan the Terrible--a tyrant who jails his political opponents and rival princes. Drawing on extensive interviews with the Crown Prince, his royal relatives, and his inner ring of advisors, The Man Who Would Be King explains in full what shaped the man who is reshaping Saudi Arabia.

Drawing on fresh, headline-making reporting, House balances both sides of this complex ruler. We are introduced to MBS the visionary, who has ushered in reforms for women to participate more equitably, encouraged tourism to the Kingdom, and placed long term bets on green energy and trillion dollar mega-projects like The Line, a hundred-mile-long enclosed futuristic city in the desert that will be run by AI. And we meet MBS the Machiavellian prince, widely accused of having Washington Post columnist and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi murdered, and of sports washing the kingdom's reputation by investing billions in teams globally, from Premiere League soccer to the LIV (liv) golf tour to the World Cup which the Kingdom will host in 2034.

The Man Who Would Be King reveals MBS in all his complexities, from his rise to power and his vision for the future of his Kingdom, to his ruthless maneuvers to project power--a shrewd broker working to seal a viable deal with Israel and bring peace to Gaza while he cuts oil supplies to manipulate Western politics. It is an unprecedent and much needed in-depth portrait of the leader who, at only thirty-nine, will be a major player on the world stage for the next half century.

Genres: Politics, History, Biography, Nonfiction, Middle East, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2025

Reviews

[Murtaza · Rating 1 out of 5]

Karen Elliot House knows a lot about Saudi Arabia and previously wrote a great book about it but it seems like here she has just written a publicity brochure for MBS’s Vision 2030. Also the information in the book was repetitive (same information repeated as new in multiple chapters) which is a sign of bad editing.

[Umar Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll start with the positive. Karen Elliott House has a generally positive view of Crown Prince Muhammad ibn Salman and this is seen throughout the book. I share a similarly positive view of MBS and the trajectory of Saudi Arabia under his leadership.

The negative? Karen Elliott House has a seething disdain for Islam and a visceral dislike of all Saudi religious figures. Any Islamic influence is painted in very negative terms by her and hurdles that must be climbed. She even described the adhan as "haunting." She also speaks dismissively about Saudi women and paints too bleak of a picture.

That said, she does a pretty good job painting a picture of why massive reforms were needed and Vision 2030 is a must. Saudi Arabia could no longer afford corruption, an idle population, and relying exclusively on oil. Young people needed employment and entertainment options in order to survive and thrive, and in order to achieve national goals, a new spirit of patriotism was needed.

Regionally, Iran and the Ikhwan are threats posing existential challenges to the Kingdom and MBS will not play games with 5th columns within the Kingdom, the US has proven to be an unreliable ally, China, India, and Russia are new pillars of a multipolar world, and the Abraham Accords make economic sense, but not political or ethical sense after the war in Gaza (for the moment.. at least). These are the security and policy challenges examined in the book and are often done from an overly American perspective.

I encourage people to visit Saudi Arabia and formulate their own opinions. The 2030 Vision is one based on prosperity, growth, a region free or wars, cultural pride, tourism, and an Islam upon the Middle Path. Open to the world and rooted in tradition.

[Faisal AlEnizy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a compelling work, but it misses one of the most important truths about Saudi Arabia: the unbreakable bond between the Saudi people and the Al Saud family, forged not in oil wealth, but in history, sacrifice, and vision.

For over a thousand years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the heart of Arabia was left behind. The Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman empires ruled vast lands, yet their capitals and priorities lay far from here. No ruler came to invest in our future, to build our schools, to develop our cities, or to prepare our people for the modern world. Arabia remained forgotten, its people left to endure, survive, and hold on to their faith.

King Abdulaziz ended this neglect. With courage, unity, and determination, he proved that the sons of Arabia could govern themselves, protect their land, and build a nation from the sands up, long before a drop of oil changed our economy. My own family fought alongside him, and when my grandfather heard of the unification, he told my father: “Better days are coming.”

Those better days came, and they keep coming. Compare Arabia before and after the Al Saud: from a land without a single school and a population mostly unable to read or write, to a country where I could graduate from a Saudi university and pursue a professional career. This transformation is not just about leadership, it is about a shared destiny between a people and a family that has led them into the modern world.

[Michael J. Wofford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say Saudi Arabia and most picture Lawrence of Arabia, with oil rigs everywhere. Saudi Arabia is at a changing point. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salmon (MBS) A young hier of the Salmon line is trying to change that. His approach to modernity has many pitfalls. Religion, energy, freedoms, divestiture from an oil centric economy, and palace intrigue. More Americans need to be aware of these dynamics if we are going to continue to deal with Saudi Arabia. and to do that, you must understand Mohammed Bin Salmon. This book is well written by someone who has been there for decades. She sees Saudi Arabia through a western lens, making it easier to understand the direction that MBS is taking to modernize the Arabian peninsula. I loved this book.

[Sam Talkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot going on in Saudi Arabia. Fascinating.

MBS

[Majed Safaee · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author is in love with the crown Prince and not affraid to tell you that in some 300 pages. You can skip this one.

[Jerry Jonckheere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great - and timely - read about Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). MBS is the current Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and is the real leader of this very important - and changing - country.

The book provided a great history of Saudi Arabia and how MBS is completely remaking the country into a modern power. The source of the revenue is from their large oil reserves. He is using the money to bring in tourists by becoming a powerhouse in sports (soccer, golf, tennis) and updating the entertainment options available to tourists.

All this is being done while changing the role of the religious right that effectively controlled the country since its inception.

Will his ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 succeed? We'll know in a few years. The book provides an overview of the plans and thoughts on likely outcomes. For example, the NEOM megacity project has already been scaled back significantly from its early plans.

[Awais · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some useful insights, but overall lacking in informativeness and objectivity. The descriptions of MBS and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are glowing with praise, while the critiques are limited, if not glossed over. I was also struck by the book’s structure; at times it felt like a jumble of information, often repetitive. A disappointing read for a work that received significant praise from policymakers and academics. I wonder if they actually even read the full book.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich with details about a truly historic modern leader

The transformations already achieved by MBS are certainly major and more than surprising. This book provides many details about what he has already accomplished and what he aspires to accomplish, and more importantly his personality and style and insights which make it all possible.

[N Rizkalla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most interesting thing about being filthy rich is that nobody will question your sanity, until you really mess up!

The question is: Will MBS be able to utilize the Kingdom’s easy earned wealth into real progress or it will be squandered in megalomaniac projects?

KSA must wean its economy from the full dependence on oil money. Will it be wise to build the tallest building, the largest city, the World greatest park or to build the Human Resources that the kingdom is so poor in.

No doubt there is a sector in KSA society which gets world class education better than any other nation in the Islamic world. But, KSA needs to revolutionize human development for all its population. It is much deeper than allowing gender mixing in work and pop concerts or women driving- issues resolved in societies tens of years ago.

Is MBS the visionary who will be able to transform the Saudi society mentally, vocationally and even spiritually?

The book has no answer to this!

[Mp E · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a little from this book yet it felt very contrived. Parts were an over the top description of all the things MBS wants to build, other parts didn't really dig enough into the opposite sides of who he is. Just wasn't enjoyable or informative enough to consider a higher rating

[Agnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

While overall I am glad I read this book, as it helped me further my understanding of Saudi Arabia and its recent developments, this is very far from an Isaac Walterson or a Philip Short biography.

Notably the book lacks objectivity. It is always interesting to get alternative perspectives on events, notably departing from the prominent views of the West, but the author is so pro MBS that at times it feels this book might have been commissioned by him. Maybe the best example is when the author compares MBS to Napoleon, calling them both “self-made men”. To posit that the son of a king (even if the 6th son) is a self-made man is really too laughable.

More generally, the author offers praises with no real backing other than anecdotical quotes from everyday (and not named) Saudis that are sometimes unconvincing. The book also does not spend enough time on the unpleasant topics that are as foundational to MBS that his successes: how he made his fortune, his treatment of local tribes and of course, human rights abuses.

The book also disappoints when it comes to actual insights (for someone who claims great access to the country and the royal family) and political analysis. For example it spends pretty much a whole chapter describing in excruciating details the new entertainment parks and facilities but glosses over the MBS / Biden relationship in two paragraphs.

[Martin Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are individuals who fundamentally change their country and often in doing so have an impact far beyond their borders. Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) may be one of these individuals. Karen Elliot House is the former editor of the Wall Street Journal and an expert on Saudi Arabia, a country she has visited periodically for over 40 years. Her book is an excellent introduction to MBS and to Saudi politics and culture.
MBS is a vsionary and a man who as Crown Prince has brought wide and significant change to the Kingdom principally by curbing the power of very conservative Moslem clerics, by driving a very ambitious plan to wean the nation off oil, and by assuming a greater regional and international role. House does not gloss over over the problems in the MSB vision, the country, or the legal system. She does present a balanced picture and as such her book is an excellent introduction to Saudi Arabia and the man who is only 40 and may well be a major international figure for the next 40 years. The book is an easy read.
For those who want to dive deeper into the region and its history, I recommend highly Hourani's A History of the Arab Peoples, Bernard Lewis's The Middle East, A Peace to End All Peace by Fromkin, and Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson.

[Kalyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing that struck me while listening to the audiobook was that the author is a woman, yet the narrator is a man. So when I heard lines like, “I had to wear an abaya in the early days,” I found myself thinking—wait, you're a guy. It felt strange and out of place. I didn't find anything particularly special about the narrator’s voice or modulation either, so the choice seemed odd to me. Anyway, I’ll leave that there.

Coming to the book itself—I'll focus on the content, not the real-world politics around it. The book praises the MBS regime and highlights the sweeping changes under King Salman’s rule. The author is bold and candid, especially when discussing Islam and the Prophet. She demonstrates a strong understanding of the geopolitical landscape and presents a simplified yet insightful view of the relationships between the USA, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Israel, China, Russia, and the broader Middle East.

She unpacks the complexities, the interdependencies, and the “why, what, and when” of major events, raising important questions about the future and the "big ifs." Overall, I wouldn’t say the book tries to be balanced—it leans a certain way—but it is definitely well-researched. Books covering these kinds of topics on the Middle East, especially with this level of depth and clarity, are rare in mainstream public libraries.

[Jen Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The social reforms MBS has implemented in Saudi Arabia in the last decade are mind blowing, although the political repression remains. The Crown Prince’s vision for his country is admirable, and I personally believe the economic prosperity of Saudi would lead to a better world, so I hope he succeeds.

My western worldview has a hard time believing any reforms can last because there are no systems to ensure they survive the next change in leadership. Nevertheless, I think what is happening in Saudi now is more promising than what was happening in the decades before MBS became crown prince.

I rated the book only 3.5 stars (rounded up for Goodreads) because the writing was occasionally repetitive and I thought the telling of the story lacked any linear cohesion, but I found the content fascinating.

[Ahmad Alsibai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this fascinating account of Saudi Arabia under Mohammad bin Salman — an era that will likely be remembered as one of the most transformative in the nation’s history. I could hardly imagine the amount of work this young leader has accomplished over the past decade to modernize Saudi Arabia through bold social reforms and ambitious economic mega-projects.

Karen Elliott House’s writing is elegant, and her storytelling draws the reader deeply into the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the sweeping transformation taking place in this Arab country and feel genuinely happy that the people of Saudi Arabia — especially women — now have the chance to live healthier, freer lives, less constrained by the pressures of the religious establishmen

[Or-el · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating examination of modern Saudi Arabia. It takes a too-rosy view of many points in my view; while rightly noting progress, it also is premature in how it views many of those issues and leaves out many others. As a biographical work it is fascinating too, but it unfortunately suffers somewhat because the subject is presented as relatively flat. There are not nearly enough dimensions examined as to the type of man presented in the book, who I think is uniformly presented as pragmatic, overconfident at times, but whose other side featuring cruelty, iron-fistedness, etc. is seemingly overlooked by reflected in his actions (some of which are, in my view, glossed over to some extent). A valuable read, though, on Saudi leadership and society today.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was odd to have a book written by a woman narrated by a man for the audiobook and kind of threw me at first. The book did read like a promotional book for MSB and his Project 2030 and had several instances where whole paragraphs were repeated in later chapters, but it was well researched and provided information and insight on Saudi Arabia and the rapid transformation it has undergone because of the vision of MSB and other young, forward thinking Saudis. I am convinced that this is a part of the world that we would do well to try harder to understand and partner with because they are going to be an important global leader.

[Leigh Swain Tilman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected a biography but got a combination of travelogue and love letter. The book’s focus is not MBS; it’s the modernization of Saudi Arabia, and a hired public relations firm could not do a better job. When she does write of MBS, she gushes over him and makes sure to buffer any gentle criticism by justifying his actions. She glosses over the murder of Khashoggi and strongly implies that his killing was, if not necessary, then at least understandable. There’s very little substance in this book. I won’t be reading anything further from this author.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good even handed look at MBS, the man most Americans have only heard of because of the Khashoggi murder. Author is a reporter for the WSJ and this frequently feels like a bunch of long form newspaper articles stitched together. Lots of repetition. Still, I learned a lot so it was a valuable read. It is told through the eyes of a reporter, good, bad, and ugly. Even though she has had friends killed by the administration, she does not let bitterness cloud the picture she is painting.

[Eduardo Rolon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"So let it be written, so let it be done"

The Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia is a highly informative read, offering insights from someone who has been closely following the region for years.

It sounds amazing what MBS has doing to transform the country and his influence on the region.

[Roblee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely outstanding book on so many levels-depth, insight, personal observations and historical context. MBS is a man of unique vision and force. He is dragging Saudi into the 21st Century, and carefully managing Islam with a slowly becoming more secular country.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars because it was incredibly repetitive from her first book “On Saudi Arabia.” Even in the book certain subjects and topics are entirely repeated almost word for word. If it’s only MBS you are curious about, this book could have been dwindled down to 3 chapters added to the first book.

[Dodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into The Man Who Would Be King I knew very little about Saudi Arabia and Mohammed bin Salman. At times it's clear that Karen Elliott House's descriptions fall short of impartiality, nonetheless I feel that reading this book helped me understand recent happenings in Saudi Arabia.

[Ronni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Well written, explored in knowledgeable detail about a visionary leader in our time

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. I have read Ms. House's first book and have always enjoyed reading her essays in the WSJ over the last few decades.

[Tufayel Alom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add more information about the king

[Nora · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read it assuming it was a biography of the prince, but it appears to focus more on Saudi Arabia’s history and how Vision 2030 has shaped the country’s current transformation. Not recommended.

[SALAH · Rating 5 out of 5]

الكتاب، ببساطة كما هو "شعار المملكة العربية السعودية"، النخلة وقاعدتها السيفين

The book, is as simple as the "Emblem of Saudi Arabia", The palm tree and its two swords base.

[Reader]

Rich, layered, and unforgettable. The kind of book you want to talk about with everyone.