The Royal Cousins
What if World War I had never happened?
Over five crucial weeks in mid 1914 and as Europe teeters on the brink of the most destructive war the world had ever seen, three cousins in three palaces hold its fate in their hands. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, King George V of England and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia are not only rulers but also family, first cousins bound by blood and grandsons of Queen Victoria. In this gripping alternate history, they face an agonizing choice: remain silent as rivalries push their nations to conflict or put family ties ahead of politics to stop the Great War before it starts. The clock is ticking and the world is watching.
Told in a riveting breaking news-bulletin style, The Royal Cousins drops you into the heart of a diplomatic crisis. Urgent telegrams flash between capitals, secret councils convene and public appeals stir hope across countries. Here, the three monarchs refuse to be mere spectators. Wilhelm, George and Nicholas unite in an eleventh-hour alliance of peace, determined to derail the tragic chain reaction during those five crucial weeks. Their bold diplomatic action draws on trust and brotherhood and forces each man to confront his own pride, fear and sense of duty for the greater good.
This story is a thought-provoking morality play on leadership and responsibility. As these powerful men grapple with the burden of the crown, we witness the personal and the political colliding in profound ways. Will their shared heritage and heartfelt resolve be enough to alter the course of history? The Royal Cousins invites you to reimagine a world where empathy triumphs over ego and where a handful of wise decisions could save millions of lives. The result is both thrilling and poignant. A tale that will leave you wondering “what if?” long after the final page.
For readers who love historical fiction with a twist: If you enjoy the rich historical insights of Erik Larson, Harry Turtledove and Robert Harris this book is for you. The Royal Cousins will captivate fans of The Crown’s royal drama and Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History podcast alike. It’s an emotional, intellectually stimulating journey that will intrigue you, move you and spark deeper reflection on the leaders we trust and the futures they shape. Prepare to be transported to a past that almost was and to gain a new perspective on the real history we inherited.
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