A TALE OF TWO PRINCES

Accidentally separated at birth, gay identical twin brothers Edward and Billy are thrown into a royal whirlwind when their unexpected reunion interrupts both of their plans for the future.

Crown Prince of Canada Edward Dinnissen is starting his senior year of high school at an elite prep school in New York City. He’s ready to shed the bad press from a mishap on his last birthday and is busy preparing for his upcoming investiture ceremony. Meanwhile, Montana native Billy Boone is trying to find his place in the world, torn between working on his family’s ranch and carrying on his recently deceased father’s legacy and feeling like he's meant for something bigger. A gifted violinist, Billy is elated to be invited to try out for Juilliard. The two boys’ worlds are turned upside down when an accidental run-in while Billy is in New York City for the audition leads to the discovery that the presumed White 18-year-olds are in fact long-lost twins. Pax, Billy’s best friend from home, is a Black, nonbinary aspiring fashion designer whose attraction to Prince Edward takes an exciting turn. The plot is relatively engaging, with scenes that will keep many readers interested. Unfortunately, character development is weak, and as a result, the characters’ motivations come across as inconsistent and ungrounded. Since many deeper themes and feelings are spelled out rather than emerging organically, events that should evoke serious emotions often fall flat and lack resonance.

A pleasant but unremarkable coming-of-age tale.