Royal Heirs Academy

King Leander Eldana of Ashland refuses to let his unworthy children’s political infighting and jockeying for the crown (“My sons are worthless.... And my daughter is too frail”) compromise the kingdom’s future. Thus, he separates his grandchildren Emmeline, Titus, and Alaric from their parents to be raised ignorant of their royal statuses. When the three are 17, they’re admitted to Almus Terra Academy, a school for the international global elite. Emmeline and Titus, who were raised by wealthy families, are used to this level of grandeur, while Alaric grew up in foster care and believes that he must rely on himself. They’re joined by wildcard Sadie, the only one raised in Ashland; though she isn’t a royal, she was personally chosen by King Leander to compete against his grandchildren for the crown. Duga (Glow of the Fireflies) deftly combines competition intrigue with the romance and friendship drama of standard boarding school settings, making for a twisty contemporary tale. School divisions between the rich and powerful and the scholarship students, or the Norms, help to emphasize the issue of class disparity that permeates the primarily white characters’ every interaction. Ages 14–up. Agent: Masha Gunic, Azantian Literary. (Jan.)