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Red as Royal Blood: A YA Murder Mystery Thriller of Royal Succession and Court Secrets
The Inheritance Games gets the royal treatment in this paperback original thriller that combines courtly intrigue, succession drama, and romance.
Ruby has never found a puzzle she couldn’t solve. Even though she’s destined to spend the rest of her life as a servant to the royal family, her mind itches for a true challenge. But no puzzle could prepare her for the king’s decision to name Ruby as the next heir to the throne just before his death.
Thrown into the viper’s nest of court, Ruby is forced to contend with a kingdom in crisis, the dead king’s angry wife, and the three entitled and annoyingly handsome princes. Then, as if being newly crowned queen wasn’t enough, she discovers a note left by the king that claims he was murdered . . . and that she might be next.
Unsure of who she can trust, Ruby makes uneasy alliances with each of the princes as she tries to solve the king’s murder. But with the clock winding down, she will face her most difficult challenge finding the truth before the killer comes for her.
Ruby has never found a puzzle she couldn’t solve. Even though she’s destined to spend the rest of her life as a servant to the royal family, her mind itches for a true challenge. But no puzzle could prepare her for the king’s decision to name Ruby as the next heir to the throne just before his death.
Thrown into the viper’s nest of court, Ruby is forced to contend with a kingdom in crisis, the dead king’s angry wife, and the three entitled and annoyingly handsome princes. Then, as if being newly crowned queen wasn’t enough, she discovers a note left by the king that claims he was murdered . . . and that she might be next.
Unsure of who she can trust, Ruby makes uneasy alliances with each of the princes as she tries to solve the king’s murder. But with the clock winding down, she will face her most difficult challenge finding the truth before the killer comes for her.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2025
29 people are currently reading
10471 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 23, 2025
I love the inheritance games series, nothing gives me the rush quite like puzzles and enigmas, and those books feel like they were written with me in mind. So when I saw Red as Royal Blood's premise, inheritance games but with royals, I jumped. I needed to get my hands on the arc, and I managed(thank you HarperCollins!), but it wasn't what I was expecting.
The description is not misleading, I was just too excited to pay attention properly lol. It is similar to that series, but in the inheritance part, the games is left out completely(a shame, since it is the part I enjoy the most).
Anyway, this is a very short read, something like 3 hours, it is young adult but I would classify it as on the younger side, and fast paced. The writing style is so fluid I devoured it in a day, it goes by really quickly because of how entertaining it is. The romance is okay, nothing surprising and the plot is quite predictable but that's fine.
Overall it was enjoyable, you should check it out if you like mysteries and suddenly-I-am-a-heiress books, it's worth your time.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!
The description is not misleading, I was just too excited to pay attention properly lol. It is similar to that series, but in the inheritance part, the games is left out completely(a shame, since it is the part I enjoy the most).
Anyway, this is a very short read, something like 3 hours, it is young adult but I would classify it as on the younger side, and fast paced. The writing style is so fluid I devoured it in a day, it goes by really quickly because of how entertaining it is. The romance is okay, nothing surprising and the plot is quite predictable but that's fine.
Overall it was enjoyable, you should check it out if you like mysteries and suddenly-I-am-a-heiress books, it's worth your time.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!
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October 29, 2025Ruby seems like that exception to the rule—the maid that secretly plays chess with one of the princes of the royal family, who managed to listen in on and learn from the royal tutors. But there’s a reason for all of that—and now Ruby has to figure it out, because she’s just been named heir to the recently deceased king in place of his eldest surviving son. Surviving, because the crown prince died under uncertain circumstances just a little while before the king himself died… that same king that has left Ruby a string of clues to find his murderer. It’s going to take all of Ruby’s smarts to strategize her way through the deadly politics and decades-old secrets that hold the court in its grip.
A fast-paced, twisty story with a pair of handsome princes, a maid whose own history is a secret to herself, and a murderer who may not be quite ready to give up their game.
A fast-paced, twisty story with a pair of handsome princes, a maid whose own history is a secret to herself, and a murderer who may not be quite ready to give up their game.
September 12, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley I got to read this title before its November release.
Red as Royal Blood is a fantastic, fast-paced mystery with a cast of intriguing characters you can't resist rooting for. Honestly, you can't help liking the bad guys right up to the very moment you discover they are the bad guys. Ruby is a maid in a king's castle, at least until the king dies and names her his heir to the throne. With the royal family on edge because their future is now uncertain, and the kingdom's growing resistance to the monarchy, Ruby must navigate not only her pathway to being queen, but she is tasked with her first duty; one sent from the king himself: she must discover his murderer. How can any reader resist following along?
Hart builds an exceptional setting. It's evocative of a Tudor court with oversized gowns, senior advisors, secret passages, an irresistible library (thank goodness we get to see it so early in the book!) and more, yet it has a modern touch thanks to easy dialogue and some forward thinking perspectives that many might say are lacking in the real world at the moment (such as contraceptives being available and same-sex marriages being readily acceptable).
As if the dreamy setting (and gowns!) in this book aren't enough to make it stand out, the dynamics between the characters and the constant wondering who to trust as you move rapidly through the story push it over the top. Every interaction between characters and every event matter in the story - let's hand it to Hart for being meticulous.
Honestly, I'm sorry I'm not a teen librarian anymore and I won't get to sell this during school visits (which is okay because I still know a lot of teen librarians), but I am excited to feature this one on our Staff Picks displays and will eagerly offer it up to the emerging adults who visit the library. It has everything: a castle, some heart-throb princes, an adorable kitten, not to mention romantic tension, a lovable heroine, and a puzzle at its core that will keep you turning pages. I'm not going to lie, I love it.
Red as Royal Blood is a fantastic, fast-paced mystery with a cast of intriguing characters you can't resist rooting for. Honestly, you can't help liking the bad guys right up to the very moment you discover they are the bad guys. Ruby is a maid in a king's castle, at least until the king dies and names her his heir to the throne. With the royal family on edge because their future is now uncertain, and the kingdom's growing resistance to the monarchy, Ruby must navigate not only her pathway to being queen, but she is tasked with her first duty; one sent from the king himself: she must discover his murderer. How can any reader resist following along?
Hart builds an exceptional setting. It's evocative of a Tudor court with oversized gowns, senior advisors, secret passages, an irresistible library (thank goodness we get to see it so early in the book!) and more, yet it has a modern touch thanks to easy dialogue and some forward thinking perspectives that many might say are lacking in the real world at the moment (such as contraceptives being available and same-sex marriages being readily acceptable).
As if the dreamy setting (and gowns!) in this book aren't enough to make it stand out, the dynamics between the characters and the constant wondering who to trust as you move rapidly through the story push it over the top. Every interaction between characters and every event matter in the story - let's hand it to Hart for being meticulous.
Honestly, I'm sorry I'm not a teen librarian anymore and I won't get to sell this during school visits (which is okay because I still know a lot of teen librarians), but I am excited to feature this one on our Staff Picks displays and will eagerly offer it up to the emerging adults who visit the library. It has everything: a castle, some heart-throb princes, an adorable kitten, not to mention romantic tension, a lovable heroine, and a puzzle at its core that will keep you turning pages. I'm not going to lie, I love it.
May 29, 2025
Ruby is a palace maid—utterly invisible to everyone except Prince Ronan, with whom she secretly plays chess in the stables. But when she’s unexpectedly summoned before the royal court, nothing prepares her for the announcement: the king is dead, and Ruby has been named his heir. She’s as shocked as anyone—and suddenly finds herself at the center of a dangerous game, racing to uncover who killed the king, why she was chosen, and who might be trying to kill her.
WOW. Not many books make me want to squeal when I finish them, but this one did. It checked all the boxes, and I absolutely loved it! It’s clever, fast-paced, romantic without being saccharine, and full of twisty palace intrigue. I could not put it down.
What impressed me most was the way the author balanced character and plot. Ruby is relatable and resourceful, a heroine who’s constantly underestimated—until she isn’t. Her growth feels earned, and her relationships (especially with Ronan) are nuanced and layered. The mystery is tightly plotted, with enough red herrings and shifting alliances to keep even seasoned readers guessing. There are some genuinely gasp-worthy moments, and yet it never feels over-the-top.
This is the perfect YA crossover—smart, immersive, and satisfying. The fictional kingdom of Lumeria is rich with possibility, and I would love to return to this world in future books. I think fans of The Inheritance Games or The False Prince will find a lot to love here.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—this is one I’ll be recommending often and rereading with pleasure.
WOW. Not many books make me want to squeal when I finish them, but this one did. It checked all the boxes, and I absolutely loved it! It’s clever, fast-paced, romantic without being saccharine, and full of twisty palace intrigue. I could not put it down.
What impressed me most was the way the author balanced character and plot. Ruby is relatable and resourceful, a heroine who’s constantly underestimated—until she isn’t. Her growth feels earned, and her relationships (especially with Ronan) are nuanced and layered. The mystery is tightly plotted, with enough red herrings and shifting alliances to keep even seasoned readers guessing. There are some genuinely gasp-worthy moments, and yet it never feels over-the-top.
This is the perfect YA crossover—smart, immersive, and satisfying. The fictional kingdom of Lumeria is rich with possibility, and I would love to return to this world in future books. I think fans of The Inheritance Games or The False Prince will find a lot to love here.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—this is one I’ll be recommending often and rereading with pleasure.
September 11, 2025
In this charming young adult historical Fiction novel we will follow the story of young girl who was a lowly castle servant. Through a strange turn of events she becomes Queen of a Kingdom. However, this newfound power will bring her a lot of enemies and the death of the previous monarch raises some questions.
Ruby has grown up never knowing her parentage and has always worked in the castle having a clise bond with the royal children. When King Octavious is suddenly dead he makes her his heir over his own children. However, she receives a letter he wrote before died explaining that his death was most likely murder. To make matters worse there are those who are plotting her own demise. Will she be able to survive to her own coronation?
Overall I adores this book and I recommend this to any young adult who is looking for a great historical Fiction novel.
I received this arc through netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Ruby has grown up never knowing her parentage and has always worked in the castle having a clise bond with the royal children. When King Octavious is suddenly dead he makes her his heir over his own children. However, she receives a letter he wrote before died explaining that his death was most likely murder. To make matters worse there are those who are plotting her own demise. Will she be able to survive to her own coronation?
Overall I adores this book and I recommend this to any young adult who is looking for a great historical Fiction novel.
I received this arc through netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
July 5, 2025
3.5 stars. This was decent—it was entertaining, about a maid who's chosen to be the king's heir, even though he has four children he could have named heir. The maid, Ruby, suspects the king was murdered and has to solve that mystery, while avoiding being murdered herself. So it was exciting, but it did lack the spark of a little something extra I was looking for. Maybe what took me out of the story was the slang: the characters spoke as if they lived in 2025 America, not some fantasy kingdom.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.
November 23, 2025
Please tell me there will be a second book here because??? I need more. This was such a fast read, I was sat and ready to pay attention and it kept me hooked. I loved the characters and absolutely need to see where they are headed after this book! A read that I think lovers of many different genres would find interesting. If the synopsis appeals, give it a shot.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy
October 24, 2025
1.5 Stars, rounded up
I just don't understand what this book was meant to be. It's not written well enough to be meant for an older audience, but the content can be too mature for the late middle school age range the writing reflects. It's not historical fiction, because it isn't based in history. But it's not fantasy because there's no magic happening. The murder mystery part of this book was the only thing that made it worth reading, and even that wasn't executed well. The characters? Bland. The worldbuilding? Horrendous. The plot? Mediocre at best.
Overall, a thorough disappointment, but I don't have the time here to dissect why. That's all for my full review, publishing November 14, 2025 at Gateway Reviews. Stop by if you want or need to commiserate.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
I just don't understand what this book was meant to be. It's not written well enough to be meant for an older audience, but the content can be too mature for the late middle school age range the writing reflects. It's not historical fiction, because it isn't based in history. But it's not fantasy because there's no magic happening. The murder mystery part of this book was the only thing that made it worth reading, and even that wasn't executed well. The characters? Bland. The worldbuilding? Horrendous. The plot? Mediocre at best.
Overall, a thorough disappointment, but I don't have the time here to dissect why. That's all for my full review, publishing November 14, 2025 at Gateway Reviews. Stop by if you want or need to commiserate.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
December 11, 2025
4,5/5 ⭐
This was so addictive and fast paced, though I did kind of predict the plot twists lol. Even though this is categorized as romantasy, I honestly didn't find anything magical or fantastical. The novel is set in a imaginary kingdom, and has a vibe of medieval England haha
The characters were very well thought out, had their own strengths and vulnerabilities. There was a plot that's not romance centered, which is refreshing considering the books coming out these days. The romance was slow burn and steamy, but without spice, that I actually quite liked!
A huge win for a debut novel! Elizabeth has her own writing style, and it's very easy to read. Though some words are getting soooo repetitive in the romantasy sphere...
A huge recommendation if you're looking for a book that's not in a series, with fast pace and great characters!
This was so addictive and fast paced, though I did kind of predict the plot twists lol. Even though this is categorized as romantasy, I honestly didn't find anything magical or fantastical. The novel is set in a imaginary kingdom, and has a vibe of medieval England haha
The characters were very well thought out, had their own strengths and vulnerabilities. There was a plot that's not romance centered, which is refreshing considering the books coming out these days. The romance was slow burn and steamy, but without spice, that I actually quite liked!
A huge win for a debut novel! Elizabeth has her own writing style, and it's very easy to read. Though some words are getting soooo repetitive in the romantasy sphere...
A huge recommendation if you're looking for a book that's not in a series, with fast pace and great characters!
June 12, 2025
Wow, I really enjoyed this one and I absolutely flew through it. This is the second book I’ve read recently where a king is murdered and it is up to the main character to figure out why.
I really like murder mysteries and the backdrop of a fantasy world made this one a little different. It’s very fantasy light as there is no magic, but the book is set in a different world.
The main character Ruby was easy to root for. She has truly come from nothing and is thrust into a totally different environment. She doesn’t know who to trust and of course there is a whole host of suspects.
I really enjoyed the romance as well. I liked all of their interactions and they had some pretty good chemistry.
I also really appreciated that this was a standalone fantasy! (Pretty much a unicorn in the book world!) Everything was wrapped up neatly and I found the ending to be satisfying.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read with an easy writing style and I had a lot of fun with it. I’m impressed that this was a debut!
I really like murder mysteries and the backdrop of a fantasy world made this one a little different. It’s very fantasy light as there is no magic, but the book is set in a different world.
The main character Ruby was easy to root for. She has truly come from nothing and is thrust into a totally different environment. She doesn’t know who to trust and of course there is a whole host of suspects.
I really enjoyed the romance as well. I liked all of their interactions and they had some pretty good chemistry.
I also really appreciated that this was a standalone fantasy! (Pretty much a unicorn in the book world!) Everything was wrapped up neatly and I found the ending to be satisfying.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast read with an easy writing style and I had a lot of fun with it. I’m impressed that this was a debut!
July 12, 2025
This was a great young adult mystery. I loved following Ruby as she transitioned from maid to queen and worked to solve the king’s murder. I really liked this book’s cast of characters as well as the story’s twists and turns. This book had some elements that reminded me of The Inheritance Games which I really enjoyed as well.
Thank you to @epicreads for the gifted copy.
Thank you to @epicreads for the gifted copy.
December 27, 2025
Could not put this down! Worth losing sleep over, too!
October 7, 2025
An intricate and enthralling fantasy by Elizabeth Hart with courtly intrigue, succession drama, and romance.
Ruby is a housemaid, an orphan who grew up in the kingdom's castle and has always watched the royal family from afar, at least, she thinks so. When the king is declared dead, mayhem breaks loose when it's announced that in his final will, he selects Ruby as the next heir. No one knows why, and speculations begin to form. The king has a promising family. Three sons, one daughter and a demanding Queen by his side.
The story is filled with mysteries waiting to be unravelled. You can guess to some extent, but the more involved Ruby gets with the family and politics, the less sure you'll become. Just like her favourite game, chess, the setting feels like a chessboard where every personage is a pawn and every move is tactical and unpredictable.
It may seem like you're average rags-to-riches story, but the way Ruby handles the situation gives her this Queenly authority. She doesn't rely on her male advisors or princes. Nor are most of them portrayed as if they know everything better. The male characters don't dominate Ruby's storyline nor the story overall. They are here for the plot. She is humble yet decisive. And as someone from a lower rank, she is the perfect fit to change the system. Her relationships with the other characters are each unique.
- She has her best friend with whom she shares lighthearted scenes that break the tense moments.
- A prince as best friend to whom she is betrothed, but it's much more complicated than 'luck'.
- Another prince who is grieving his brother, who recently died in a tragic event. (more mystery)
- A princess who keeps Ruby sharp, despite her cold attitude.
The pace was perfect for me, fast and detailed at just the right moments. The romance was a touch predictable, but put in the whole context, it delivers an emotional impact. There is a pleasing balance between character-driven plot and story-based. It has some action, but I think that the following themes were the strongest parts of the book:
- Self-discovery and character development.
- Courtly intrigue, drama, and mysteries.
- Rebellion against classism.
- Morally grey characters.
- Immersive world-building and these grandiose castle vibes.
! Bonus points for Ruby's furry companion !
Red as Royal Blood just screams regency, authority, enigma, political drama with a spoonful of sizzling romance. It is focused on a young adult audience, so do not expect to find much smut or spice. This is for the adventure and thrills.
Thank you, Elizabeth Hart and NetGalley, for an e-arc of this remarkable story.
Ruby is a housemaid, an orphan who grew up in the kingdom's castle and has always watched the royal family from afar, at least, she thinks so. When the king is declared dead, mayhem breaks loose when it's announced that in his final will, he selects Ruby as the next heir. No one knows why, and speculations begin to form. The king has a promising family. Three sons, one daughter and a demanding Queen by his side.
The story is filled with mysteries waiting to be unravelled. You can guess to some extent, but the more involved Ruby gets with the family and politics, the less sure you'll become. Just like her favourite game, chess, the setting feels like a chessboard where every personage is a pawn and every move is tactical and unpredictable.
It may seem like you're average rags-to-riches story, but the way Ruby handles the situation gives her this Queenly authority. She doesn't rely on her male advisors or princes. Nor are most of them portrayed as if they know everything better. The male characters don't dominate Ruby's storyline nor the story overall. They are here for the plot. She is humble yet decisive. And as someone from a lower rank, she is the perfect fit to change the system. Her relationships with the other characters are each unique.
- She has her best friend with whom she shares lighthearted scenes that break the tense moments.
- A prince as best friend to whom she is betrothed, but it's much more complicated than 'luck'.
- Another prince who is grieving his brother, who recently died in a tragic event. (more mystery)
- A princess who keeps Ruby sharp, despite her cold attitude.
The pace was perfect for me, fast and detailed at just the right moments. The romance was a touch predictable, but put in the whole context, it delivers an emotional impact. There is a pleasing balance between character-driven plot and story-based. It has some action, but I think that the following themes were the strongest parts of the book:
- Self-discovery and character development.
- Courtly intrigue, drama, and mysteries.
- Rebellion against classism.
- Morally grey characters.
- Immersive world-building and these grandiose castle vibes.
! Bonus points for Ruby's furry companion !
Red as Royal Blood just screams regency, authority, enigma, political drama with a spoonful of sizzling romance. It is focused on a young adult audience, so do not expect to find much smut or spice. This is for the adventure and thrills.
Thank you, Elizabeth Hart and NetGalley, for an e-arc of this remarkable story.
October 5, 2025
This book was given by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ruby, who thinks she was abandoned as a child, is a maid in the king's house until the king dies. As his last move, he has made her the queen - something no one in the kingdom understands. The king leaves Ruby a note saying that if she was reading it, he had been murdered. As Ruby seeks to figure out who murdered the king and who her real parents are, the bigger question is who around her is trustworthy.
I still dont know why this book is called what it is. I also felt like for YA, there was a bit more sexual content than I would like. I will say this was a quick and enjoyable read.
Ruby, who thinks she was abandoned as a child, is a maid in the king's house until the king dies. As his last move, he has made her the queen - something no one in the kingdom understands. The king leaves Ruby a note saying that if she was reading it, he had been murdered. As Ruby seeks to figure out who murdered the king and who her real parents are, the bigger question is who around her is trustworthy.
I still dont know why this book is called what it is. I also felt like for YA, there was a bit more sexual content than I would like. I will say this was a quick and enjoyable read.
July 14, 2025
Red as Royal Blood by Elizabeth Hart is a story about royal intrigue and jockeying to get power or at least close to power. The book revolves around a maid named Ruby, an orphan who spent her growing up years in the palace of a fictional kingdom. Not fictional are the ways characters play their parts.
The story starts with the royal family trying to overcome the shock of their brother and son, the heir to the throne, who dies by either falling or jumping from a high tower. When the king suddenly dies of an unknown illness, Ruby, the maid, is surprisingly named as the next monarch. Everyone, except the royal son Cedric who witnessed the signing of the edict, is shocked by this turn of events. No one is more confused than Ruby herself. Because she was a maid, she knows her way around the palace and she goes to the library where she notices something about one of the books that she had not seen before. There is a notch missing and she uncovers a box that holds some cryptic information from the king about why he named her monarch. She still does not understand why, but the king says if she is reading the note, he was murdered. He charges her with figuring out who killed him.
Ruby realizes she must take the crown and avenger his death. What ensues is nothing short of chaos. Ruby faces danger and she can trust no one.
It is a suspenseful read which speaks to the worst as well as the best in people everywhere. There is something for everyone in the book.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the prepublication copy to read and review.
The story starts with the royal family trying to overcome the shock of their brother and son, the heir to the throne, who dies by either falling or jumping from a high tower. When the king suddenly dies of an unknown illness, Ruby, the maid, is surprisingly named as the next monarch. Everyone, except the royal son Cedric who witnessed the signing of the edict, is shocked by this turn of events. No one is more confused than Ruby herself. Because she was a maid, she knows her way around the palace and she goes to the library where she notices something about one of the books that she had not seen before. There is a notch missing and she uncovers a box that holds some cryptic information from the king about why he named her monarch. She still does not understand why, but the king says if she is reading the note, he was murdered. He charges her with figuring out who killed him.
Ruby realizes she must take the crown and avenger his death. What ensues is nothing short of chaos. Ruby faces danger and she can trust no one.
It is a suspenseful read which speaks to the worst as well as the best in people everywhere. There is something for everyone in the book.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the prepublication copy to read and review.
July 22, 2025
I really liked this. It was quick and engaging. The romance could have been developed more for my liking but I liked the intrigue.
October 30, 2025
Red as Royal Blood is an addictive, high-stakes fantasy that hits all the right notes: mystery, romance, drama, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. Elizabeth Hart delivers a rich, fast-paced story that feels both fresh and familiar in the best way—perfect for fans of clever twists and royal intrigue.
Ruby is an absolute standout. Sharp, curious, and quietly courageous, she’s a puzzle-solver thrown into a world where every answer leads to more danger. Ruby navigates the treacherous halls of a kingdom filled with secrets—and enemies.
The royal court is brimming with tension, thanks in no small part to the late king’s three very different (and very swoon-worthy) sons. Ruby’s interactions with the princes are layered with suspicion, wit, and just the right amount of slow-burn chemistry. Each alliance she forms feels like a gamble, which only heightens the thrill of the story.
The murder mystery adds an edge to the fantasy setting, with Ruby racing against time to solve the king’s death before she becomes the next victim. The suspense is perfectly paced, and the final twist is both unexpected and deeply satisfying.
Elizabeth Hart’s world-building is elegant without being overwhelming, and her writing has a cinematic quality that brings every opulent room, whispered threat, and tense confrontation to life. Ruby’s journey is full of heart, brains, and bravery, making her a heroine worth following to the very end.
With its smart plot, layered characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, Red as Royal Blood is a true gem in the fantasy genre. A must-read for anyone who loves courtly schemes, dangerous secrets, and fierce girls who won’t back down.
Ruby is an absolute standout. Sharp, curious, and quietly courageous, she’s a puzzle-solver thrown into a world where every answer leads to more danger. Ruby navigates the treacherous halls of a kingdom filled with secrets—and enemies.
The royal court is brimming with tension, thanks in no small part to the late king’s three very different (and very swoon-worthy) sons. Ruby’s interactions with the princes are layered with suspicion, wit, and just the right amount of slow-burn chemistry. Each alliance she forms feels like a gamble, which only heightens the thrill of the story.
The murder mystery adds an edge to the fantasy setting, with Ruby racing against time to solve the king’s death before she becomes the next victim. The suspense is perfectly paced, and the final twist is both unexpected and deeply satisfying.
Elizabeth Hart’s world-building is elegant without being overwhelming, and her writing has a cinematic quality that brings every opulent room, whispered threat, and tense confrontation to life. Ruby’s journey is full of heart, brains, and bravery, making her a heroine worth following to the very end.
With its smart plot, layered characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, Red as Royal Blood is a true gem in the fantasy genre. A must-read for anyone who loves courtly schemes, dangerous secrets, and fierce girls who won’t back down.
November 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Red as Royal Blood by Elizabeth Hart
Ruby’s story is the perfect mix of intrigue, suspense, and royal drama. Suddenly thrust from housemaid to heir, she must navigate a castle full of secrets, whispered alliances, and three princes who each hold their own mysteries. Her courage, wit, and vulnerability make her a heroine you can’t help but root for.
Elizabeth Hart does an amazing job weaving tension, romance, and courtly scheming into a story that keeps you guessing. From unexpected twists to moments of quiet strength, every chapter drew me deeper into Ruby’s world.
A thrilling, smart, and satisfying read for anyone who loves royalty, secrets, and a heroine who refuses to be overlooked.
Ruby’s story is the perfect mix of intrigue, suspense, and royal drama. Suddenly thrust from housemaid to heir, she must navigate a castle full of secrets, whispered alliances, and three princes who each hold their own mysteries. Her courage, wit, and vulnerability make her a heroine you can’t help but root for.
Elizabeth Hart does an amazing job weaving tension, romance, and courtly scheming into a story that keeps you guessing. From unexpected twists to moments of quiet strength, every chapter drew me deeper into Ruby’s world.
A thrilling, smart, and satisfying read for anyone who loves royalty, secrets, and a heroine who refuses to be overlooked.
November 2, 2025
This was an ARC from NetGalley. Marketed as an Inheritance Games inspired tale, this did have some similarities with an unknown person being named for an inheritance and a flicker of a love triangle between brothers, but it doesn't have the same level of puzzles and mystery. Overall, I enjoyed this. It was a fairly standard "romantasy" plot of a girl with an unknown lineage getting thrust into royal life all while someone is trying to sabotage her and a concurrent plot of romance . Where this was different, was the pace and length. This story jumps into the meat of the plot immediately and doesn't let up. It was refreshing to read a quick complete book in this genre. The who-dun-it and twist were fairly predictable. I enjoyed the characters and plot. Nice pallet cleanser from the normal multiple book series that mirror this plot.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Elizabeth Hart for the ARC.
Full of intrigue and mystery, this book hooked me from the beginning. Who is Ruby the Maid? What will happen when she finds out? Was the king murdered? How about his eldest son, the original heir?
Some of the twists were easy to figure out, but when I say I was never certain who I could trust, I mean that. Right up until the final reveal, I still had concerns about half of the characters.
This book was gripping, fast-paced, and solidly intriguing. It was also nice to have a standalone - some stories don’t need to drag on for years, and Elizabeth Hart understood how to tell a compelling story and wrap it up with a nice bow in one incredible book.
Full of intrigue and mystery, this book hooked me from the beginning. Who is Ruby the Maid? What will happen when she finds out? Was the king murdered? How about his eldest son, the original heir?
Some of the twists were easy to figure out, but when I say I was never certain who I could trust, I mean that. Right up until the final reveal, I still had concerns about half of the characters.
This book was gripping, fast-paced, and solidly intriguing. It was also nice to have a standalone - some stories don’t need to drag on for years, and Elizabeth Hart understood how to tell a compelling story and wrap it up with a nice bow in one incredible book.
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November 4, 2025The book that 15 year old me would’ve loved! If you like red queen or the selection, you’ll like this. AND it’s a standalone too!
November 18, 2025
Fast paced and full of court politics, Red As Royal Blood was really right up my alley. The action starts off right away and did not stop until the end! I loved Ruby so much and I loved how she grew into her role as Queen amongst all the obstacles of the other royals and members of the court. The romance was one I really wasn’t expecting, but I thought it was such a delicious slow burn. There were one or two twists that I guessed (really good ones though!), but there were a few I genuinely didn’t see coming and I loved the surprises they brought. I honestly could read several more books set in this world with these characters.
Thank you to Epic Reads for the digital reader’s copy!
Thank you to Epic Reads for the digital reader’s copy!
December 29, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a pleasant surprise! I really enjoyed the suspense and twists and turns.
This book was a pleasant surprise! I really enjoyed the suspense and twists and turns.
October 28, 2025
ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fun read!!
The many twist and turns, suspense at every page.
Although, I wish the antagonist was a bit more hidden… I kinda suspected who it was early on, but I did enjoy Hart trying to steer us in different directions lol.
Justice for Rowan 😭😭😭
His heart was in the right place though. I kinda enjoyed him more than his brothers.
Cedric… He was alright, but he def needs therapy lmfao. And I enjoyed Ashter, but I don’t know…
Lowkey felt like he was missing something?
“Hate has never been our problem.”
“I was envious of my brothers, I tried to hate you, I tried.” — Idk if that was the quote word for word, but it was along those lines and 🙂↕️
Overall, this was a fun thriller. Even though I was able to figure it out a bit early, I still enjoyed the ride!!
Cecily Bednar Schmidt did a good job narrating 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fun read!!
The many twist and turns, suspense at every page.
Although, I wish the antagonist was a bit more hidden… I kinda suspected who it was early on, but I did enjoy Hart trying to steer us in different directions lol.
Justice for Rowan 😭😭😭
His heart was in the right place though. I kinda enjoyed him more than his brothers.
Cedric… He was alright, but he def needs therapy lmfao. And I enjoyed Ashter, but I don’t know…
Lowkey felt like he was missing something?
“Hate has never been our problem.”
“I was envious of my brothers, I tried to hate you, I tried.” — Idk if that was the quote word for word, but it was along those lines and 🙂↕️
Overall, this was a fun thriller. Even though I was able to figure it out a bit early, I still enjoyed the ride!!
Cecily Bednar Schmidt did a good job narrating 🤍
October 9, 2025
The Inheritance Games meets Medieval/Tudor setting! Yes please!
Red as Royal Blood is a fast paced mystery where a simple maid ends up queen and is urged to solve the mystery of the King's death. The royal family is not happy with her advancement in status and there are multiple attempts on her life. Ruby is such a relatable character, especially as she starts off with nothing and suddenly has everything. She feels out of place, like an imposter, and is struggling to accept her new reality, but aches to keep a grip on her old life. The royal family is an eclectic bunch, and you can't help but root for each of the characters in their own ways, at least up until the bad guy reveal. With all the twists and turns, it was impossible for me to put down!
The setting is probably my favorite part. It's more Tudor than Medieval but a girl can dream. This book is filled with a magnificent library I could get lost in, advisors to the crown that have their own agendas, secret passages hidden from even the servants and gowns as far as the eyes can see. Despite the setting, it does feel modern in some ways, making it much easier to connect to. There are some modern perspectives woven into the story that I really enjoyed, especially cause these topics would never have been addressed in this true timeframe.
The author does a wonderful job at weaving the characters together with their dynamics. Every moment leaves you wanting more as you wonder who you can trust. I didn't feel like there was a single moment in the book that could have been cut out. Hart did so well at making every word count on the page!
This is such a great young adult book and it was so nice to escape from the spice filled world for a couple of days while I devoured this story!
Red as Royal Blood is a fast paced mystery where a simple maid ends up queen and is urged to solve the mystery of the King's death. The royal family is not happy with her advancement in status and there are multiple attempts on her life. Ruby is such a relatable character, especially as she starts off with nothing and suddenly has everything. She feels out of place, like an imposter, and is struggling to accept her new reality, but aches to keep a grip on her old life. The royal family is an eclectic bunch, and you can't help but root for each of the characters in their own ways, at least up until the bad guy reveal. With all the twists and turns, it was impossible for me to put down!
The setting is probably my favorite part. It's more Tudor than Medieval but a girl can dream. This book is filled with a magnificent library I could get lost in, advisors to the crown that have their own agendas, secret passages hidden from even the servants and gowns as far as the eyes can see. Despite the setting, it does feel modern in some ways, making it much easier to connect to. There are some modern perspectives woven into the story that I really enjoyed, especially cause these topics would never have been addressed in this true timeframe.
The author does a wonderful job at weaving the characters together with their dynamics. Every moment leaves you wanting more as you wonder who you can trust. I didn't feel like there was a single moment in the book that could have been cut out. Hart did so well at making every word count on the page!
This is such a great young adult book and it was so nice to escape from the spice filled world for a couple of days while I devoured this story!
October 26, 2025
3.5 rounded down. Definitely a quick, fun read and the twists were 10/10 as was the chemistry between the two involved. But at times I couldn’t help but be a bit bored? It felt very YA even though the FMC was twenty. It wasn’t the best political fantasy but it was fine!
However, authors, PLEASE, for the love of fucking god STOP with the animal cruelty scenes. Anyone who can write such details about poor animals dying is a psycho and no one can change my mind. It’s so god damn unnecessary. She could’ve just found a fucking stray cat.
However, authors, PLEASE, for the love of fucking god STOP with the animal cruelty scenes. Anyone who can write such details about poor animals dying is a psycho and no one can change my mind. It’s so god damn unnecessary. She could’ve just found a fucking stray cat.
December 7, 2025
This is one of my favorite recent reads--it will probably end up on my favorite reads of 2025! The king dies after a long illness and leaves the kingdom to Ruby, a castle maid. When she enters his room (her room now), she finds a note sharing that if she was reading the note, the king had been murdered and she shouldn't trust anyone! This begins an adventure filled with secrets, love, lies, and, of course, ball gowns!
October 6, 2025
Ordinary people do win the Goodreads Giveaways!
Jokes aside, I was very lucky to be selected as one of the winners of Red as Royal Blood through the giveaway program.
I really enjoyed this book and I probably wouldn’t have picked it up had I not won the giveaway as murder mystery isn’t typically a genre I read, but I’m glad I did!
Some reviews are saying that this was predictable and I agree to some extent, but I would say that the major twists and turns weren’t predictable and left me pleasantly surprised.
I will say the ending felt rushed, but the book as a whole was a quick enjoyable read that I’d recommend if you’re looking for something that can be read in a few sittings.
Jokes aside, I was very lucky to be selected as one of the winners of Red as Royal Blood through the giveaway program.
I really enjoyed this book and I probably wouldn’t have picked it up had I not won the giveaway as murder mystery isn’t typically a genre I read, but I’m glad I did!
Some reviews are saying that this was predictable and I agree to some extent, but I would say that the major twists and turns weren’t predictable and left me pleasantly surprised.
I will say the ending felt rushed, but the book as a whole was a quick enjoyable read that I’d recommend if you’re looking for something that can be read in a few sittings.
September 16, 2025
Ruby is a simple maid who secretly meets with a prince to play chess, but her life is far more complicated than it first appears. Orphaned by war, she’s been raised in a castle by the old cook. Her only real confidante is Sara, another maid and her best friend.
Things take a sharp turn when Ruby is suddenly and mysteriously named the King's heir right after his death, despite the king having four children and no known connection to her. The story moves at a quick pace, rarely letting up as one twist follows another. That said, it does pause just enough for meaningful conversations and well-placed memories.
Some plot points felt a little too convenient or predictable. Secret passages in a castle? No way! The not-so-mysterious chess opponent, and an out-of-nowhere love confession that made absolutely no sense, also stood out. But the story still managed to surprise me, especially with the truth behind Ruby’s past, the reason the king picked her over his children, and the reveal of the murderer. A letter from the King warns Ruby that the killer is "a viper dressed in royal clothing," and the book does a solid job building up to that tension.
One scene that pulled me out of the story was a moment during a romantic encounter where Ruby is asked if she’s on birth control. It felt completely out of place for the time period and threw cold water on an otherwise steamy scene. If the author wanted to address that topic, it would have worked better in a conversation with a friend, not in the heat of the moment.
The ending ties up most of the loose ends and leaves no real need for a sequel. It’s a solid one-shot. I’d recommend this to older teens and up who enjoy a rags-to-riches story with royalty, romance, and a good murder mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.
Things take a sharp turn when Ruby is suddenly and mysteriously named the King's heir right after his death, despite the king having four children and no known connection to her. The story moves at a quick pace, rarely letting up as one twist follows another. That said, it does pause just enough for meaningful conversations and well-placed memories.
Some plot points felt a little too convenient or predictable. Secret passages in a castle? No way! The not-so-mysterious chess opponent, and an out-of-nowhere love confession that made absolutely no sense, also stood out. But the story still managed to surprise me, especially with the truth behind Ruby’s past, the reason the king picked her over his children, and the reveal of the murderer. A letter from the King warns Ruby that the killer is "a viper dressed in royal clothing," and the book does a solid job building up to that tension.
One scene that pulled me out of the story was a moment during a romantic encounter where Ruby is asked if she’s on birth control. It felt completely out of place for the time period and threw cold water on an otherwise steamy scene. If the author wanted to address that topic, it would have worked better in a conversation with a friend, not in the heat of the moment.
The ending ties up most of the loose ends and leaves no real need for a sequel. It’s a solid one-shot. I’d recommend this to older teens and up who enjoy a rags-to-riches story with royalty, romance, and a good murder mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
Very quick paced with a style that is common in YA novels. I enjoyed the concept and trying to solve the puzzle before the main character and frequently was successful though the foreshadowing isn't too obvious. Its definitely a very quick read as it only took me one 3 hour plane ride.
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