'The Kingdom' by Jess Rothenberg is a YA science fiction thriller set in a futuristic Disney World type park where human-android hybrids called Fantasists live. The story revolves around Ana, one of the Fantasists, who is accused of murdering a park employee named Owen. The book alternates between past events, trial snippets, and the aftermath of the trial, creating a suspenseful and engaging narrative that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, ethics, and the dark secrets of the seemingly perfect theme park.

Characters:

The characters center primarily around Ana as the well-developed protagonist, while others, like Owen, feel one-dimensional and underdeveloped.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging with creative narrative techniques, though character dialogue can feel stiff and inconsistent.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a futuristic theme park where androids grapple with emotions, leading to a murder mystery and exploring ethical implications.

Setting:

The setting is a futuristic theme park that mirrors Disney, unveiling a darker corporate dystopia beneath its surface.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast with elements of suspense, though some parts can feel rushed or disjointed.

DR. FOSTER:Are you comfortable? ANA:My wrist hurts. DR. FOSTER:Security felt the cuff was necessary. I hope you can understand. ANA:[Silence.] DR. FOSTER:Do you need anything before we begin? ANA:Can ...

Notes:

The Kingdom is set in a futuristic theme park that resembles Disney World.

The main characters are called Fantasists, who are human-android hybrids.

Ana, the protagonist, is accused of murdering a maintenance worker named Owen.

The book alternates between two time periods: the lead-up to the murder and the trial that follows.

Themes of morality and AI ethics are central to the story.

The romance between Ana and Owen is criticized for feeling rushed and cliché.

The writing style alternates between present and future, which builds suspense.

The park where they live is described as a trap where the characters are controlled and restricted.

Readers noted that the mystery aspect was overshadowed by the romance in the story.

The novel explores deep questions about what it means to be human and sentient.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes around murder, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of rebellion against a controlling system.

From The Publisher:

A half-android, half-human girl is accused of murder in Jess Rothenberg's tautly-paced YA thriller, The Kingdom, perfect for fans of Westworld and The Lunar Chronicles.

"Wildly addictive and beautifully terrifying... Readers will leave this glittering theme park forgetting what is real."-Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles

Welcome to the Kingdom… where "Happily Ever After" isn't just a promise, but a rule.

Glimmering like a jewel behind its gateway, The Kingdom™ is an immersive fantasy theme park where guests soar on virtual dragons, castles loom like giants, and bioengineered species-formerly extinct-roam free.

Ana is one of seven Fantasists, beautiful "princesses" engineered to make dreams come true. When she meets park employee Owen, Ana begins to experience emotions beyond her programming including, for the first time… love.

But the fairytale becomes a nightmare when Ana is accused of murdering Owen, igniting the trial of the century. Through courtroom testimony, interviews, and Ana's memories of Owen, emerges a tale of love, lies, and cruelty-and what it truly means to be human.

Ratings (3)

Loved It (3)

Reader Stats (5):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (3)

1 comment(s)

aanowl531

Loved It

1 year

Such an interesting book the plot twists were amazing, just can't say how great this book is in words. A fantasy world but its actually a murder site ?? LIKE AMAZING

What can you read after
The Kingdom?

About the Author:

Jess Rothenberg is a writer and former editor of books for young readers, including the bestselling Vampire Academy series. Her first novel, The Catastrophic History of You & Me, has been published in more than a dozen countries. She lives in New York City with her husband and son. Visit her website to learn more.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

The Kingdom

Jess Rothenberg