An intricate and enthralling fantasy by Elizabeth Hart with courtly intrigue, succession drama, and romance.

Ruby is a housemaid, an orphan who grew up in the kingdom's castle and has always watched the royal family from afar, at least, she thinks so. When the king is declared dead, mayhem breaks loose when it's announced that in his final will, he selects Ruby as the next heir. No one knows why, and speculations begin to form. The king has a promising family. Three sons, one daughter and a demanding Queen by his side.
The story is filled with mysteries waiting to be unravelled. You can guess to some extent, but the more involved Ruby gets with the family and politics, the less sure you'll become. Just like her favourite game, chess, the setting feels like a chessboard where every personage is a pawn and every move is tactical and unpredictable.

It may seem like you're average rags-to-riches story, but the way Ruby handles the situation gives her this Queenly authority. She doesn't rely on her male advisors or princes. Nor are most of them portrayed as if they know everything better. The male characters don't dominate Ruby's storyline nor the story overall. They are here for the plot. She is humble yet decisive. And as someone from a lower rank, she is the perfect fit to change the system. Her relationships with the other characters are each unique.
- She has her best friend with whom she shares lighthearted scenes that break the tense moments.
- A prince as best friend to whom she is betrothed, but it's much more complicated than 'luck'.
- Another prince who is grieving his brother, who recently died in a tragic event. (more mystery)
- A princess who keeps Ruby sharp, despite her cold attitude.

The pace was perfect for me, fast and detailed at just the right moments. The romance was a touch predictable, but put in the whole context, it delivers an emotional impact. There is a pleasing balance between character-driven plot and story-based. It has some action, but I think that the following themes were the strongest parts of the book:
- Self-discovery and character development.
- Courtly intrigue, drama, and mysteries.
- Rebellion against classism.
- Morally grey characters.
- Immersive world-building and these grandiose castle vibes.

! Bonus points for Ruby's furry companion !

Red as Royal Blood just screams regency, authority, enigma, political drama with a spoonful of sizzling romance. It is focused on a young adult audience, so do not expect to find much smut or spice. This is for the adventure and thrills.

Thank you, Elizabeth Hart and NetGalley, for an e-arc of this remarkable story.