Royal Heirs Academy

By: Lindsey Duga

Narrated by: Sarah Beth Goer, Nick Afka Thomas

In this story filled with “romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets” (Kristy Boyce), four teens living in a glamorous boarding school must compete in order to inherit a European kingdom. Perfect for fans of Elite and Maxton Hall—The World Between Us.

For fifty years, King Leander Eldana has ruled Ashland without naming an heir to the crown. After sending away his grandchildren to be raised out of the public eye, it’s finally time to secure his nation’s future by appointing one definitive heir. The best way to appraise his successor? In the halls of Almus Terra Academy, a boarding school infamous for breeding the world’s next generation of leaders—and liars.

Titus Eldana has always known he’d inherit Ashland’s future. Now he must prove he has what it takes. Alaric Eldana was not raised with a silver spoon. His secondhand clothes might not be fit for a king, but he knows how to rule: with his fist. Emmeline Eldana only wants to please her neglectful parents. If that means securing the crown, she won’t hesitate to destroy anyone in her way. Sadie Aurelia has no idea why she’s been given a chance to bring new blood to the throne. With nothing left to lose back home, she’s ready to take it.

Filled with competition, secret alliances, enemies-to-lovers romance, and cunning revenge, Royal Heirs Academy is a breathless, entertaining read set in modern-day. This gossip-filled school for the global elite is inspired by UWC of the Atlantic, which Vanity Fair has described as "Hippie Hogwarts."

For fans of the breakout television hits Elite and Maxton Hall—The World Between Us.

Critic reviews

"Lindsey Duga has taken what I love most in YA novels—romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets—and swirled them together with my favorite setting: a European boarding school. At times suspenseful, swoony, and heartbreaking, Royal Heirs Academy will keep readers flipping pages (and alliances) until the very end."—Kristy Boyce, bestselling author of DUNGEONS AND DRAMA

“Readers will swoon and ache at points, only to rage and cry at others. The blending of these emotions will ultimately keep them turning pages. Fast, engaging, and addictive.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Advance praise for Royal Heirs Academy:

"An intense rivals-to-enemies journey, in which four royal heirs must decide how far they're willing to go if they want to rule a kingdom. No one is who they first appear to be. Everyone has a secret. Filled with backstabbing and betrayal, this book will surprise readers in the best ways possible."
—Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling coauthor of MY LADY JANE

"Deftly combines competition intrigue with the romance and friendship drama of standard boarding school settings, making for a twisty contemporary tale. "—Publishers Weekly

"A page-turning adventure from start to finish, Royal Heirs Academy is a breathlessly wild ride that readers won't want to put down."
—Kara McDowell, author of THE PRINCE AND THE APOCALYPSE

Excellent character development

As an older adult I enjoyed the development of characters and found the storyline intriguing and interestingly paced. I would highly recommend this book for teens as the main characters are teens and face teenage problems with teenage skills. My intention is to gift this book to my 13 year old granddaughter.

Unique story line

Absolutely loving this book. Sadie is my favorite character love the development of all 4 characters through out the book. Unique story line and great narration.

Gripping characters in a fresh tale

You can’t help but love these characters for their talents as well as their flaws. This one had me awake all night because I couldn’t sleep until I finished it.

Such a fun read!

I love Sadie and Titus and have great empathy for Alaric. Emmaline is such a snake, Each potential heir broken by issues with their parents thanks to the king. Who can help feeling for the characters? We have all been hurt by someone who should love and protect us. These characters are all so damaged I can’t wait to see each get a happily ever after. They certainly deserve one, even Emmaline.