Red Rising 1

I did not expect to be whipped away by this book as much as I was!! From the beginning of the book the whole world building, character and background introduction was immaculate. I was hooked after the first chapter and Dorrow's POV was so captivating that I finished the whole book in 2 days. The society in Red Rising is a brutally hierarchical system and the ruling class is demanding utter obedience. But the protagonist, a teenager of the lowest class, experiences hardship, tragedies and revelations that lead him to try to overthrow the system... The book is brutal, because the system and it's universe is brutal, as well as cunning, because the ruling class play their power games and intrigues with each other and the other classes. It is truly immersive and I cannot wait to read more in the next books!!! I cannot recommend this book enough!

... and give this book 5/5 stars. I am rarely fully happy with the story, but this time my discontents are so unfrequent and insignificant, that the author has turely deserved 5/5 stars. I will not go into details of the story, but I just have to highlight two things: first, the absolute tragic and touching backstory of a main character, it still won't leave my mind after finishing the book. It does not feel forced when the backstory plays small parts in the desicion-making or thoughts of the main character. Second, the story includes multiple (at least for me) not predictable plot twist, that I sat in disbelief of the ingenuity of the main character and therefore the author. (Still, the book belongs to science-fiction, and who doesn't like the genre, will not be entertained.)

Pierce Brown, the author created a whole new world with this book. It shares quite a few similarities with The Hunger Games, but it's still a book that can stand on its own. I liked reading it, because of its dystopian setting, the unusual brutality, which is described in great detail. Also the plot twists made it a book, that is not easy to set down.

Spoiler Alert!!!! I knew it. I knew it. I knew it I swear to God I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I knew that Mustang was the jackal sister. Okay now that the surprise is gone. I can go into the actual review. I started this book over two years ago. I was still working at lego. I did the audiobook at the time which is 16 hours. I think I stopped around 5 hours in because I lost interest. I know this series is loved by so many people and rightfully so. That’s why I decided to give it a second chance this year. I did the audiobook once again. I think that it is a masterpiece. The world building, the betrayal, the politics, the complexity of the characters is above and beyond. I can truly appreciate the art, but I have to admit that halfway through the games I was thoroughly bored. It felt a little bit unnecessarily long. Maybe my attention span is just much shorter now. Nada if you are reading this I am so very sorry, please don’t block me. I rarely read sci fi as an audiobook because I find it difficult to concentrate, maybe that added to the boredom? It was fight fight, betrayal, blood, more fighting. Again I really to think it is a very good book. The fact that I did not enjoy it very much does not take away from that. I will probably still continue the series. I think it is very poetic, tragic, layered and complex. I can appreciate all these elements but I do not know why I did not grow very attached to the characters. It is absolutely insane that by the end of the book he is bound to the man who killed his wife. Who makes life a living hell for his people. That is not let on me. It is also crazy that the book starts when Darrow is like 16. He is a CHILD, a child who had to go through all of that.

The story is set on Mars, deep beneath the planet’s surface in a mining colony called Lykos. Society is divided into a rigid color-coded caste system ruled by the Golds. Darrow is a Red, the lowest caste of all. As a Helldiver, he plunges into dangerous tunnels to mine helium-3, the resource needed to terraform Mars so that future generations may one day live freely on the surface. He works willingly, believing that his sacrifice will build a better world for his children. Darrow is the youngest Helldiver in history, gifted with immaculate speed and reflexes. Despite being only sixteen, he is determined to win a mining competition that could improve life for his family. Even though life is tough, he is content with what it has to offer and follows the rules that the Golds have put in place — until everything changes. After losing the competition, his wife, who dreams of a freer life, takes him to a forbidden garden reserved for higher castes in the hope of surprising him, but they’re caught and face devastating consequences. It all gets worse when Darrow finds out Reds haven’t been preparing Mars for future settlers at all—humanity has already been living on the surface for centuries. His people have been exploited, trapped in a manufactured lie. Given the chance to infiltrate the ruling class from within, Darrow decides to take up the fight—driven by grief, rage, and a fierce longing for justice. I waited far too long to start this series, and I genuinely don’t know why. Maybe I sensed it would wreck me emotionally—and it did, though not as badly as expected. Not yet, at least. I’m terrified of what’s to come though. This is a masterpiece of science fiction. The prose is sharp and evocative, the world-building precise without being overwhelming, and the story utterly gripping. Reading this felt like watching a high-budget sci-fi blockbuster unfold in my mind’s eye. The tension is relentless. I was on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. I’m not sure why this series is often labeled YA. Aside from the characters being teenagers at the beginning of the story, very little about this feels like traditional YA. The themes are brutal and adult—warfare, mutilation, rape, cannibalism. This is a cruel, high-stakes world full of brutal battles, shocking betrayals, and meaningful revelations. The plot and character arcs progress in a way that feels raw and organic. I loved every minute of it. The characters are incredibly well crafted. Darrow can be naïve and overly driven by his sense of justice, but that’s understandable for his age—and honestly, he handles everything thrown at him with remarkable strength. He learns, adapts, and never fully loses himself, even under immense pressure. I also loved the found-family aspect and the bond that forms among the characters as events unfold. Some standouts for me: Roque – the poetic diplomat with a quiet, steadfast presence. Pax – the massive warrior with a heart of gold. His excitement when he and Darrow finally join forces absolutely melted me. Sevro – my goblin/wolf king. The underestimated underdog with razor wit and fierce loyalty. I adore him more than I can say. I’m eager to find out how his friendship with Darrow is going to continue. And Virginia—smart, strategic, and a perfect partner-in-crime for Darrow. Their chemistry is fantastic… maybe too fantastic. I don’t trust it. Yet. I could ramble about this book for hours, but book two is already calling my name, so I’ll leave it at this: If this series isn’t on your TBR, you’re missing out. After countless Romantasy and Dark Romance reads (my main genres), this was the perfect palate cleanser—sharp, intense, and unforgettable. And if you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, you’ll almost certainly love Red Rising. Story: 5 ⭐️ Spice: