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Publised on 2023-6-14

Red Rising Review

Red Rising 1-3 Review

The Red Rising trilogy is an incredible journey that truly evolves with each book. The first novel, while a solid introduction, can feel a bit like a young adult dystopian novel, as you noted. It focuses heavily on Darrow’s transformation and his initial mission to infiltrate the society he despises, and for some readers, the driving force behind his actions can get a bit lost in the middle of all the action and spectacle.

However, Pierce Brown masterfully turns the series into something far more complex and compelling with Book 2 (Golden Son) and Book 3 (Morning Star). This is where the series truly finds its footing and becomes a standout in the science fiction genre. The narrative sheds its more simplistic origins and plunges into a world of sophisticated political intrigue, high-stakes betrayals, and morally gray characters.

The character dynamics become far richer, with Darrow’s relationships with his allies and enemies deepening in surprising and often gut-wrenching ways. The “fantastic gut-wrenching twists” you mentioned are a hallmark of these books, keeping you on the edge of your seat and constantly re-evaluating everything you thought you knew. This is where the series is at its strongest, demonstrating the author’s ability to weave an intricate and emotionally impactful story.

For readers who can push through the first book, a truly amazing experience awaits. The series transitions from a focused revenge story into an epic saga of war, philosophy, and the fight for freedom on a galactic scale. Giving the series a 7/10 is a fair reflection of the slow start but a recognition of how spectacularly it pays off. It’s an excellent recommendation for anyone looking for a series that grows with its hero and its audience.