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Being the newest princess of Genovia is WAY more complicated than she expected, but Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is getting used to it. She gets to live in an actual palace with two fabulous poodles, a pet iguana, her very own pony, and, best of all, a loving family to help her figure things out!
And right now Olivia, having finally admitted that she likes Prince Khalil as more than just a friend, could REALLY use some advice. What is a princess supposed to do once she's found a prince she likes? With her half-sister Mia busy enjoying her honeymoon, Olivia turns to Grandmere for help.
The third book in the middle-grade Princess Diaries spin-off series, written and illustrated by New York Times-bestselling author Meg Cabot.
And right now Olivia, having finally admitted that she likes Prince Khalil as more than just a friend, could REALLY use some advice. What is a princess supposed to do once she's found a prince she likes? With her half-sister Mia busy enjoying her honeymoon, Olivia turns to Grandmere for help.
The third book in the middle-grade Princess Diaries spin-off series, written and illustrated by New York Times-bestselling author Meg Cabot.
314 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2017
137 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cabot
279 books35.4k followersLibrarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
August 2, 2017
I don't care that I'm absolutely not the target audience for this book: I LOVE the Genovian royal family and will continue to read anything involving them until Meg Cabot stops writing about them, even if it's a book for teens and pre-teens (and not a 26 year old "adult"). I loved the story and all the bits and pieces about Mia and Michael and their friends! I'm fascinated by Prince Khalil (yay Arabs! I always love reading about Arabs when they're not being portrayed as Bedouins or terrorists) and his relationship with Princess Olivia. And Prince Gunther is adorable. Actually, this whole book is adorable! I can't wait to read more of this series!
August 14, 2017
Ok, I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking, why are you reading a book that's for middle schoolers? Because it's a continuation of The Princess Diaries! I started reading The Princess Diaries way back in fifth grade.
This book series may not be targeted for my age, but I think it just targets people who just simply want to go back to the PD world.
I actually like this series a lot. It's about Mia's sister and there's less drama in this series than there are in the high school books about Mia. It's refreshing in that aspect. And we get to meet Michael and Mia's babies! And Rocky is growing up in this book.
I'm actually starting to prefer the books to the movies a little bit more.
I thought this was a cute, easy read. I hope there's more books coming in this series with more info about the old characters too again.
This book series may not be targeted for my age, but I think it just targets people who just simply want to go back to the PD world.
I actually like this series a lot. It's about Mia's sister and there's less drama in this series than there are in the high school books about Mia. It's refreshing in that aspect. And we get to meet Michael and Mia's babies! And Rocky is growing up in this book.
I'm actually starting to prefer the books to the movies a little bit more.
I thought this was a cute, easy read. I hope there's more books coming in this series with more info about the old characters too again.
August 22, 2017
Royal Crush is the third book in the From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess series. This series is Middle Grade.
I read this book because I read and enjoyed Meg Cabot's adult Princess Diaries book called Royal Wedding. This series focuses on Olivia, Princess Mia's half-sister.
This series is narrated by 13 year old Olivia. The book has diary/notebook entries and is a really cute account of Olivia's life.
While the previous books overlapped with Royal Wedding this book seemed (from my memory) to be all new content.
This is such a cute book and Olivia is such a sweet heart. This book would be perfect for girls aged 10-12.
I read this book because I read and enjoyed Meg Cabot's adult Princess Diaries book called Royal Wedding. This series focuses on Olivia, Princess Mia's half-sister.
This series is narrated by 13 year old Olivia. The book has diary/notebook entries and is a really cute account of Olivia's life.
While the previous books overlapped with Royal Wedding this book seemed (from my memory) to be all new content.
This is such a cute book and Olivia is such a sweet heart. This book would be perfect for girls aged 10-12.
March 14, 2019
In this third book of the series, Olivia looks forward to welcoming the royal twins and finds herself taking a trip to the mountains for the annual competition between elite private schools in Gunther's hometown. When her grandmother signs on as a chaperone, the stress level increases and so does the entertainment. I decided to read this one in hardcover so I could enjoy the illustrations. Very well done!
March 18, 2017
I love Meg Cabot. I love Princess Diaries. And Princess Olivia was the perfect "heir to the throne."
March 3, 2019
I wish there were more of these books. They are such fun.
August 7, 2017
(Can you tell I have a four day weekend?)
This was really cute! I'm glad to be reading these, but I think they're going to stay library books for me.
This was really cute! I'm glad to be reading these, but I think they're going to stay library books for me.
August 31, 2017
i loved this book i hope she writes more to this series and i was glad mia named the twins after oliva's mom and rocky's dad
June 2, 2023
2023:
- It's nice that the Royal Genovian Academy has opened its doors to some refugee children...but just how big is the RGA? Here we learn that there are two hundred or so refugee kids, which is a small number in and of itself, but even if the RGA has a thousand or more students, two hundred additional students with very little warning is an enormous change. (Olivia makes one refugee friend and otherwise carries on hanging out with the royals.) You're telling me that the RGA has found so many princes and princesses and duchesses and whatever to go to school there—and there are enough left over for the other royal academies mentioned—that it can absorb two hundred extra students and barely notice?
- I had forgotten this: in Royal Crush, a terrible flu (La Grippe) sweeps the nation. It's not deadly, but there are concerns about vulnerable populations. So what does Mia do? She happily sends Olivia and all her possibly germ-laden friends on a trip across Europe to consort with other tweenagers so that they too can bring their germs home with them. Mia, any limited props you earned for taking precautions in the early days of COVID-19 have just been wiped out in retrospect. Alas.
2017:
I wouldn't say that I have an irrational love for these books, exactly, but I do have a compulsive need to read them. It probably helps that Olivia's a lot easier to take than Mia...
Royal Crush focuses more on Olivia's time at school than the previous books have, and it's interesting to note how...I don't know how to put this. It's clearly MG wish-fulfillment, I guess? Olivia and her middle-school cohort all go around addressing each other as 'Princess So-and-So' and 'Prince So-and-So', which seems a little like belabouring the point. Also odd that they'd have these Big Deal winter games but, like, not even know who's competing in what until the very last minute.
And then this: "Really," Princess Komiko said, "that's not so bad." She pointed at the purple streak in her own hair, which was a clip-on since she said her parents would kill her if she dyed her hair. (144) It's tangential, not so much about Royal Crush itself, but I saw this article recently, so...hmmm. Interesting.
- It's nice that the Royal Genovian Academy has opened its doors to some refugee children...but just how big is the RGA? Here we learn that there are two hundred or so refugee kids, which is a small number in and of itself, but even if the RGA has a thousand or more students, two hundred additional students with very little warning is an enormous change. (Olivia makes one refugee friend and otherwise carries on hanging out with the royals.) You're telling me that the RGA has found so many princes and princesses and duchesses and whatever to go to school there—and there are enough left over for the other royal academies mentioned—that it can absorb two hundred extra students and barely notice?
- I had forgotten this: in Royal Crush, a terrible flu (La Grippe) sweeps the nation. It's not deadly, but there are concerns about vulnerable populations. So what does Mia do? She happily sends Olivia and all her possibly germ-laden friends on a trip across Europe to consort with other tweenagers so that they too can bring their germs home with them. Mia, any limited props you earned for taking precautions in the early days of COVID-19 have just been wiped out in retrospect. Alas.
2017:
I wouldn't say that I have an irrational love for these books, exactly, but I do have a compulsive need to read them. It probably helps that Olivia's a lot easier to take than Mia...
Royal Crush focuses more on Olivia's time at school than the previous books have, and it's interesting to note how...I don't know how to put this. It's clearly MG wish-fulfillment, I guess? Olivia and her middle-school cohort all go around addressing each other as 'Princess So-and-So' and 'Prince So-and-So', which seems a little like belabouring the point. Also odd that they'd have these Big Deal winter games but, like, not even know who's competing in what until the very last minute.
And then this: "Really," Princess Komiko said, "that's not so bad." She pointed at the purple streak in her own hair, which was a clip-on since she said her parents would kill her if she dyed her hair. (144) It's tangential, not so much about Royal Crush itself, but I saw this article recently, so...hmmm. Interesting.
May 6, 2019
"But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that everyone has hidden strengths (and weaknesses). It's finding out these things about the people you know that makes life so interesting."
This was a surprisingly enjoyable read. I had forgotten how much I liked this series.
I started to read this series around 2 years ago and then completely forgot all about its existence. Well, actually, I forgot all about the fact that it was still running. I just remembered a couple of months ago and I finally decided to pick it up.
Which brings me back to the fact that I enjoyed this a lot. It was exactly what I needed. The perfect lighthearted reading I was looking for.
"Helen believes the only way people (both young and old) can discover what they're truly good at is if they have time to be bored."
The fast-paced narration is very simple but very enjoyable. Even though the problems in themselves were anything even close to really serious, it wasn't difficult to put yourself in the shoes of twelve-years-old Olivia.
I really like Olivia, she's very sweet and smart, though I had a hard time believing that a twelve-years-old could be that wise and follow the advice so well, but, hey! it's possible I guess.
The variety of characters and personalities keeps the story funny and at the same time serious and focused, and I would definitely say that even though this is middle-grade it's a good book for everyone to read, I'm sure you will get something out of it.
I will never get enough of Mia´s story. I grew up watching The Princess Diaries and even though Mia is not the main character of this new series, we still get more than enough of her and her life.
"That's how I want my life to be when I'm grown-up: savory but with plenty of sweet, too."
This was a surprisingly enjoyable read. I had forgotten how much I liked this series.
I started to read this series around 2 years ago and then completely forgot all about its existence. Well, actually, I forgot all about the fact that it was still running. I just remembered a couple of months ago and I finally decided to pick it up.
Which brings me back to the fact that I enjoyed this a lot. It was exactly what I needed. The perfect lighthearted reading I was looking for.
"Helen believes the only way people (both young and old) can discover what they're truly good at is if they have time to be bored."
The fast-paced narration is very simple but very enjoyable. Even though the problems in themselves were anything even close to really serious, it wasn't difficult to put yourself in the shoes of twelve-years-old Olivia.
I really like Olivia, she's very sweet and smart, though I had a hard time believing that a twelve-years-old could be that wise and follow the advice so well, but, hey! it's possible I guess.
The variety of characters and personalities keeps the story funny and at the same time serious and focused, and I would definitely say that even though this is middle-grade it's a good book for everyone to read, I'm sure you will get something out of it.
I will never get enough of Mia´s story. I grew up watching The Princess Diaries and even though Mia is not the main character of this new series, we still get more than enough of her and her life.
"That's how I want my life to be when I'm grown-up: savory but with plenty of sweet, too."
August 4, 2017
These books are so delightful. Grandmère chaperoning a ski trip for middle schoolers is A+ material. A little disappointed that Mia & Michael didn't name their kids Luke & Leia, but I guess w haven't seen the full names yet. Still holding out hope for a middle name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2018
Starts off with a writing style that had me asking "would any kid ever think like this?" but then came that good, familiar, everything I like about this series - Olivia's closeness to Grandmère, her sweetness, and the horrible awkwardness of being a teen. A great addition to the series!
August 2, 2017
So adorable!
As much as I loved Meg Cabot's The Princess Diaries series, I just might like her From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess ones even more. We still have many of the characters we love from the YA books (Mia! Michael! Grandmere! An older version of Rocky!) but now we're seeing them through the eyes of Mia's half-sister, a current seventh grader and future wildlife artist. Add in middle school drama (which yes, is significant when you're in--or even just work with or live with those who are in--middle school, but let's face it, is waaaay less angsty than high school drama) and a main character who's not only dealing with being a newly discovered princess but also has had to move to a different country--her family's country--and you've got a great basis for a series.
In book three, Royal Crush, Olivia's got a lot going on, as usual. Mia's about ready to have her twins (and yes, she has them--and no, I'm not telling their gender or names; read it yourself!), there's a nasty strain of virus ravishing Genovia, her school is all set to compete in the Royal School Winter Games (she wants to stay home and let her new niece and nephew imprint on her like baby ducks, but her plans here might be foiled by factors beyond her control), and she's not sure why Prince Khalil doesn't seem quite as friendly as he had over the summer. And isn't sure if she cares. Because they're just friends. Or, maybe they're not. But maybe they are...
Ah, middle school.
Throughout it all, Olivia brings a fresh voice to the world of the Genovian royals and keeps us up to date with what's going on with the Renaldos. Though this book would work pretty well as a standalone--Olivia keeps us current on most of what we need to know going in to the story--it really will have the most impact if you've read the other two. Plus, the characters and writing are so much fun you're going to want to know the whole story--so go ahead and put them all on your TBR ASAP!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
As much as I loved Meg Cabot's The Princess Diaries series, I just might like her From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess ones even more. We still have many of the characters we love from the YA books (Mia! Michael! Grandmere! An older version of Rocky!) but now we're seeing them through the eyes of Mia's half-sister, a current seventh grader and future wildlife artist. Add in middle school drama (which yes, is significant when you're in--or even just work with or live with those who are in--middle school, but let's face it, is waaaay less angsty than high school drama) and a main character who's not only dealing with being a newly discovered princess but also has had to move to a different country--her family's country--and you've got a great basis for a series.
In book three, Royal Crush, Olivia's got a lot going on, as usual. Mia's about ready to have her twins (and yes, she has them--and no, I'm not telling their gender or names; read it yourself!), there's a nasty strain of virus ravishing Genovia, her school is all set to compete in the Royal School Winter Games (she wants to stay home and let her new niece and nephew imprint on her like baby ducks, but her plans here might be foiled by factors beyond her control), and she's not sure why Prince Khalil doesn't seem quite as friendly as he had over the summer. And isn't sure if she cares. Because they're just friends. Or, maybe they're not. But maybe they are...
Ah, middle school.
Throughout it all, Olivia brings a fresh voice to the world of the Genovian royals and keeps us up to date with what's going on with the Renaldos. Though this book would work pretty well as a standalone--Olivia keeps us current on most of what we need to know going in to the story--it really will have the most impact if you've read the other two. Plus, the characters and writing are so much fun you're going to want to know the whole story--so go ahead and put them all on your TBR ASAP!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 15, 2019
hey guys, I finished this book a while ago but i got to lazy to post. But anyway, this book was really good. I love the part where Olivia ends up sharing her feelings with prince Khalil. This was after he sent her love letter. The part I did cringe on was when prince Gunther told Olivia that they should get married. Because Nishi asked Olivia for pictures of prince Khalil she only got a few because of Olivia's new and really friendly relationship with Prince Khalil. It was a really good book though.
May 17, 2018
Fifth grade me would have enjoyed the story and especially the romantic details. The older me thought it was too similar to The Princess Diaries plots and that a book about seventh graders should have had less "romance." I let fifth grade me choose the rating. Although, fifth grade me disliked reading because of her fourth grade language arts teacher and didn't enjoy it again until sixth grade with Mrs. Williams.
July 25, 2017
Cute book! Definitely good for a middle grade reader, though I'd suggest starting with the first book in the series, maybe not the third like me. I found it hard to pay attention to the story and that's why I'm giving it three stars.
March 25, 2021
Aw, i loved this so much.
It was so strange reading another book in the Princess Diaries world but it’s not from Mia’s POV. I love Olivia so much, she’s such a fun character.
AHhhhh, the twins are so cute.
It was so strange reading another book in the Princess Diaries world but it’s not from Mia’s POV. I love Olivia so much, she’s such a fun character.
AHhhhh, the twins are so cute.
October 29, 2017
All the stars at it left me with a smile on my face. Seriously Meg Cabot can do no wrong.
May 4, 2018
Cute! But Nishi is super annoying.
July 7, 2018
I am delighted at the prospect of watching Olivia grow up just as much as I enjoyed watching Mia grow up.
January 12, 2019
I have loved every one of Meg Cabot's books so far, and this one is no exception. It was the last one in the series that I was reading out of order. Princess Mia's stories ran into Princess Olivia Grace's stories. I loved them all!
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January 26, 2019LOVE, of course.
November 17, 2019
Princess Olivia, age 12, receives her first love letter. Older sister Princess Mia and her BFF Lilly offer advice. OMG, I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH.
June 17, 2020
Estoy contenta de haberme comprado la continuación de esta historia a pesar de haber tenido reticencias al principio. Es muy agradable leer a un personaje como Olivia, ¡es tan optimista! Me encanta la contraposición que crea con la Mia de esa edad, tuve más de un problema con la saga principal porque Mia a veces me parecía muy pánfila, pero ¡a Olivia la veo tan distinta!
Veremos como avanza la cosa porque ahora que acaba de cumplir los trece, entra en plena edad del pavo y no se yo qué tal llevaré esa época, pero bueno ya se verá.
Reconozco que me da pena saber que solo me queda un libro, y cortito además, para terminar con esta historia, espero disfrutarlo tanto como estos últimos☺
Veremos como avanza la cosa porque ahora que acaba de cumplir los trece, entra en plena edad del pavo y no se yo qué tal llevaré esa época, pero bueno ya se verá.
Reconozco que me da pena saber que solo me queda un libro, y cortito además, para terminar con esta historia, espero disfrutarlo tanto como estos últimos☺
September 17, 2017
I'm totally not the target audience for a series of books written for junior high schoolers, but I just love the Princess Diaries world that Cabot has created. It's like pink frosting, unicorns, and rainbow sprinkles. It's my "happy place." This third book features Olivia waiting for the arrival of sister Mia's twin babies, a school athletics trip, and the discovery that she has her first ever crush on a boy.
August 3, 2017
To see review with gif click here.
The good news: I got through this book maybe within two hours.
The bad news: I am way too old for this book, and I honestly don’t know if I’m going to continue reading this series now that Mia’s babies are born and I still haven’t gotten any Michael face after three installments. Meg is really going to have to do something to hold my interest but I doubt it will be held.
So yeah, I really didn’t care too much for Royal Crush. It wasn’t that it was a bad book, but I am clearly way over its age group AND I couldn’t help but think throughout reading this book, these characters are only one year younger than Mia and Co in Book 1, but they might as well have been about ten years younger.
And yeah, thinking that they were only a year younger and that Michael was technically 18 at the start of the original series kind of gave me “Ew” thoughts about Michael and Mia because the age difference really was pretty big.
Though you couldn’t tell it with the original series (as much). Even though Mia was a grossly immature 14 year old in the first few books she was a lot mature than Olivia was about a lot of things (she certainly knew about a lot of things that Olivia seems naive about). I think in part, it’s because the book is a middle grade series so the tone is going to be different. Like, in book one of the original series Lily and Mia’s conversation is a lot more mature than Olivia’s conversations with her friends. But honestly, out of the two series I think Olivia’s conversations are a bit more realistic.
Still though, I think I prefer Mia and the original series on a whole a lot better. For one thing, Mia was a lot less of a Mary Sue than Olivia is. There is something annoyingly perfect about Olivia that rubs me the wrong way. It’s not that she’s a bad character, but at the same time…she’s just too perfect.
The plot of this one was also utterly predictable, save for Mia’s twins names. Honestly, sort of hated the names that were chosen. I know there was sentiment and all, but pretty much they were named after Mia’s parents dead significant others AND one of them Mia nor Michael never even met.
That being said, if I was about twenty years younger I think I would’ve enjoyed this more. I wouldn’t have side eyed it near as much when I read about the stupid boarding school that seems to have just royalty in it and seems even more fake in this installment than the less. I wouldn’t groan as much at how ridiculous Mary Sue like Olivia was either. Or how I could predict almost every plot twist. And seriously, the Genovia here is starting to become more and more like it was in that hideous Princess Diaries 2 movie (you know, the one where Disney’s version of JP gets with Mia when Michael dumps her to tour with his band).
Like I said, just not my age group. The thing is the first (and to a degree, the second) of these books were enjoyable enough for me to continue reading despite not being in the age group, but not this one. I think if anything, this book has me wanting a new Meg Cabot book written for adults or a new YA series.
Looking at her backlist, I noticed that it’s been years since a new YA title has been released (last one was Awaken) and while I adored her YA characters being aged up, and her newest Boy book last year, I want something new in the YA market from her. So, so, much (seriously, Meg, we need your supreme fluff in the market) Alas, when I checked to see if she had anything coming out soon I didn’t see anything listed which was sad. And with some internet sleuthing based on her answers in some interviews, I don’t think a new YA is likely from her anytime soon (major, MAJOR, bummer).
Anyway, if you have younger kids who are too young to read about the hijinks of Norman the foot stalker, I’d recommend it. It’s definitely lot more kid friendly than the original books were, yet there’s still that Meg Cabot-y quality about it that will real you again.
So yeah, not a bad book but for someone who is not in the targeted audience and grew up on the original I couldn’t help but make some cringe worthy comparisons.
The good news: I got through this book maybe within two hours.
The bad news: I am way too old for this book, and I honestly don’t know if I’m going to continue reading this series now that Mia’s babies are born and I still haven’t gotten any Michael face after three installments. Meg is really going to have to do something to hold my interest but I doubt it will be held.
So yeah, I really didn’t care too much for Royal Crush. It wasn’t that it was a bad book, but I am clearly way over its age group AND I couldn’t help but think throughout reading this book, these characters are only one year younger than Mia and Co in Book 1, but they might as well have been about ten years younger.
And yeah, thinking that they were only a year younger and that Michael was technically 18 at the start of the original series kind of gave me “Ew” thoughts about Michael and Mia because the age difference really was pretty big.
Though you couldn’t tell it with the original series (as much). Even though Mia was a grossly immature 14 year old in the first few books she was a lot mature than Olivia was about a lot of things (she certainly knew about a lot of things that Olivia seems naive about). I think in part, it’s because the book is a middle grade series so the tone is going to be different. Like, in book one of the original series Lily and Mia’s conversation is a lot more mature than Olivia’s conversations with her friends. But honestly, out of the two series I think Olivia’s conversations are a bit more realistic.
Still though, I think I prefer Mia and the original series on a whole a lot better. For one thing, Mia was a lot less of a Mary Sue than Olivia is. There is something annoyingly perfect about Olivia that rubs me the wrong way. It’s not that she’s a bad character, but at the same time…she’s just too perfect.
The plot of this one was also utterly predictable, save for Mia’s twins names. Honestly, sort of hated the names that were chosen. I know there was sentiment and all, but pretty much they were named after Mia’s parents dead significant others AND one of them Mia nor Michael never even met.
That being said, if I was about twenty years younger I think I would’ve enjoyed this more. I wouldn’t have side eyed it near as much when I read about the stupid boarding school that seems to have just royalty in it and seems even more fake in this installment than the less. I wouldn’t groan as much at how ridiculous Mary Sue like Olivia was either. Or how I could predict almost every plot twist. And seriously, the Genovia here is starting to become more and more like it was in that hideous Princess Diaries 2 movie (you know, the one where Disney’s version of JP gets with Mia when Michael dumps her to tour with his band).
Like I said, just not my age group. The thing is the first (and to a degree, the second) of these books were enjoyable enough for me to continue reading despite not being in the age group, but not this one. I think if anything, this book has me wanting a new Meg Cabot book written for adults or a new YA series.
Looking at her backlist, I noticed that it’s been years since a new YA title has been released (last one was Awaken) and while I adored her YA characters being aged up, and her newest Boy book last year, I want something new in the YA market from her. So, so, much (seriously, Meg, we need your supreme fluff in the market) Alas, when I checked to see if she had anything coming out soon I didn’t see anything listed which was sad. And with some internet sleuthing based on her answers in some interviews, I don’t think a new YA is likely from her anytime soon (major, MAJOR, bummer).
Anyway, if you have younger kids who are too young to read about the hijinks of Norman the foot stalker, I’d recommend it. It’s definitely lot more kid friendly than the original books were, yet there’s still that Meg Cabot-y quality about it that will real you again.
So yeah, not a bad book but for someone who is not in the targeted audience and grew up on the original I couldn’t help but make some cringe worthy comparisons.
August 3, 2017
Hello everyone! Can I just say that I am TOTALLY geeking out right now! Trying to keep my inner fangirl under control, but it is proving very difficult. This week I had the great pleasure of working with Rockstar Book Tours on a blog tour for Royal Crush, by Meg Cabot. Now some of you may be asking yourselves, why is that name familiar? It's because she wrote Princess Diaries!! Hence my geeking out.
Alright, I'm just going to let myself fangirl: Meg Cabot, if you're reading this, I'm a HUGE fan. I grew up reading the Princess Diaries series from the time that I was six or so. I've read the first one at least seven or eight times, and I can recite the entire movie (probably a little embarrassing, but whatever). I absolutely love your writing style. Your heroines are so awesome and relatable, and their kick butt-ness inspired me so much as a kid. Okay, fangirl time over. I'll control myself now.
Royal Crush is the third book in the "From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess" series. This spinoff is about Princess Olivia, Mia's younger sister. In this book, she grapples with all of the normal problems of a middle school girl (siblings, crushes, mean girls, school, etc) all while dealing with the pressure of being a princess. Olivia is a spunky, relatable heroine, and her commentary made me laugh out loud many times (including once in a waiting room, where I got a lot of weird looks from strangers).
Olivia is attending the Royal Genovian Academy, a school for members of Royal families. Although it is a fancy finishing school for royals, RGA has all the drama of a normal middle school. Olivia has to deal with her mean cousin Luisa, one of the most popular girls in school, and a crush on Prince Khalil, who fled a war-torn country. Meg Cabot does a great job of showing the life of a middle schooler accurately and without and disdain or patronization. Her depiction of middle school life made me shudder (oh god middle school is so awkward), cheer, and laugh as our awesome heroine discovers the ins and outs of relationships and ruling.
Meg Cabot has written another fantastic installment in the world of Genovian royalty, giving us more awesome characters to root for, places we wished we lived (I mean seriously, Genovia? The Alps? This book gave me serious world envy), and best of all a look in on our old favorites. Thanks for letting me go back to Genovia, Meg. It was a pleasure.
Overall rating- 5/5
Thanks for reading my review everyone, and until next time, happy reading :)
Alright, I'm just going to let myself fangirl: Meg Cabot, if you're reading this, I'm a HUGE fan. I grew up reading the Princess Diaries series from the time that I was six or so. I've read the first one at least seven or eight times, and I can recite the entire movie (probably a little embarrassing, but whatever). I absolutely love your writing style. Your heroines are so awesome and relatable, and their kick butt-ness inspired me so much as a kid. Okay, fangirl time over. I'll control myself now.
Royal Crush is the third book in the "From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess" series. This spinoff is about Princess Olivia, Mia's younger sister. In this book, she grapples with all of the normal problems of a middle school girl (siblings, crushes, mean girls, school, etc) all while dealing with the pressure of being a princess. Olivia is a spunky, relatable heroine, and her commentary made me laugh out loud many times (including once in a waiting room, where I got a lot of weird looks from strangers).
Olivia is attending the Royal Genovian Academy, a school for members of Royal families. Although it is a fancy finishing school for royals, RGA has all the drama of a normal middle school. Olivia has to deal with her mean cousin Luisa, one of the most popular girls in school, and a crush on Prince Khalil, who fled a war-torn country. Meg Cabot does a great job of showing the life of a middle schooler accurately and without and disdain or patronization. Her depiction of middle school life made me shudder (oh god middle school is so awkward), cheer, and laugh as our awesome heroine discovers the ins and outs of relationships and ruling.
Meg Cabot has written another fantastic installment in the world of Genovian royalty, giving us more awesome characters to root for, places we wished we lived (I mean seriously, Genovia? The Alps? This book gave me serious world envy), and best of all a look in on our old favorites. Thanks for letting me go back to Genovia, Meg. It was a pleasure.
Overall rating- 5/5
Thanks for reading my review everyone, and until next time, happy reading :)
March 30, 2018
Cabot, Meg Royal Crush (Middle School Princess #3), 314 pages. Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan), 2018. $17. Content: G.
Olivia, Princess of Genovia is getting ready for the birth of her older sister Mia’s twins and her own thirteenth birthday party. Plus, she is having problems with her friendship with Prince Khalil – does he even want to be friends. Add in the drama with her cousin Luisa and having GrandMere act as a chaperone on the school trip to the Royal School Winter Games – Olvia has too amny things to worry a bout within a very short period of time.
Cabot catches middle school drama to a point where it is almost painful to read. The diary is a bit weird format – especially when Olivia mentions she is writing while riding up the ski chairlift – what?! Or while sitting a lunch in the school dining room? The entitlement that Olivia has started buying into is beginning to become grating. It might be time to wrap up this series.
EL – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Olivia, Princess of Genovia is getting ready for the birth of her older sister Mia’s twins and her own thirteenth birthday party. Plus, she is having problems with her friendship with Prince Khalil – does he even want to be friends. Add in the drama with her cousin Luisa and having GrandMere act as a chaperone on the school trip to the Royal School Winter Games – Olvia has too amny things to worry a bout within a very short period of time.
Cabot catches middle school drama to a point where it is almost painful to read. The diary is a bit weird format – especially when Olivia mentions she is writing while riding up the ski chairlift – what?! Or while sitting a lunch in the school dining room? The entitlement that Olivia has started buying into is beginning to become grating. It might be time to wrap up this series.
EL – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
September 20, 2020
There’s a bit more drama to this book compared to the previous two so it did not feel as funny as the other books. In this book Mia gives birth to the long awaited twins though this is mostly a side plot as is Olivia’s 13th birthday. The main plot points center around the Winter Games and the start of a love triangle with Olivia in the middle along with some other relationship drama. This book also touches on some deeper themes with mention of Prince Kahlil’s home country entering a civil war and how it effects him at school. There’s not much specific detail but enough to add a layer of depth to an otherwise lighthearted book about boys and relationships. A few Princess Diaries characters make amusing cameos again (poor Boris, who’s now a famous rock star and he’s still got haters who don’t understand his music) to the delight of long time readers. Not a bad book but it didn’t light up my heart to the same level as the previous two books.
November 13, 2021
What a perfect way to prepare a whole new audience for The Princess Diaries. I loved Royal Crush and I am so excited for another book in the series! I can’t wait to see what happens with Mia and Olivia. (One of the best parts about the spin-off series is that we indirectly get to see what happens with Mia, too!) I’ll automatically buy every book in this series for sure!
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