NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Pierce Brown’s relentlessly entertaining debut channels the excitement of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.
“Red Rising ascends above a crowded dystopian field.”—USA Today
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR—Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, Shelf Awareness
“I live for the dream that my children will be born free,” she says. “That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them.”
“I live for you,” I say sadly.
Eo kisses my cheek. “Then you must live for more.”
Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he toils willingly, trusting that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.
But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and lush wilds spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.
Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity’s overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society’s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies . . . even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
Praise for Red Rising
“[A] spectacular adventure . . . one heart-pounding ride . . . Pierce Brown’s dizzyingly good debut novel evokes The Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies, and Ender’s Game. . . . [Red Rising] has everything it needs to become meteoric.”—Entertainment Weekly
“Ender, Katniss, and now Darrow.”—Scott Sigler
“Red Rising is a sophisticated vision. . . . Brown will find a devoted audience.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch
Don’t miss any of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Saga:
RED RISING • GOLDEN SON • MORNING STAR • IRON GOLD • DARK AGE • LIGHT BRINGER
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“Red Rising” is an electrifying journey into a future society where class divisions are stark and rebellion is the only path to justice. Pierce Brown crafts a masterful narrative that hooks readers from the very first page and refuses to let go until the final, heart-pounding conclusion.
From the outset, Brown introduces us to Darrow, a member of the lowest caste in a color-coded society that mirrors the hierarchy of ancient Rome. His world is one of backbreaking labor and brutal oppression, where the ruling Golds maintain their power through fear and manipulation. But when tragedy strikes and Darrow discovers the true extent of the Golds’ cruelty, he embarks on a quest for vengeance that will reshape the fate of the entire solar system.
What sets “Red Rising” apart is its richly developed world-building. Brown paints a vivid picture of a future society where technology and mythology intertwine, where towering cities scrape the skies and sprawling mines stretch deep into the earth. Each color-coded caste is meticulously crafted, with its own customs, traditions, and societal norms, creating a vibrant tapestry that is as immersive as it is compelling.
But it’s not just the world itself that captivates; it’s the characters who inhabit it. Darrow is a protagonist for the ages, a complex and deeply flawed hero whose journey from oppressed miner to revolutionary leader is nothing short of epic. Along the way, he encounters a cast of equally memorable characters, from the fierce and loyal Mustang to the enigmatic and deadly Sevro. Each character is fully realized, with their own motivations, desires, and inner demons, adding depth and dimension to an already richly layered narrative.
And then there’s the action. “Red Rising” is a non-stop thrill ride from start to finish, with pulse-pounding battles, daring escapes, and breathtaking feats of bravery that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Brown’s prose crackles with energy and intensity, drawing readers into the heart of the action and never letting up until the final page is turned.
But beneath the pulse-pounding excitement lies a deeper message about power, privilege, and the nature of freedom. “Red Rising” is a story about the fight for equality and justice, about the lengths we will go to for the ones we love, and about the sacrifices we must make to create a better world. It’s a story that is as timely as it is timeless, resonating with readers long after the final chapter has ended.
In conclusion, “Red Rising” is a tour de force of science fiction storytelling. With its richly imagined world, unforgettable characters, and heart-stopping action, it’s a book that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. Pierce Brown has crafted a modern masterpiece that will stand the test of time, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Valeria –
I have no words to describe the beauty of this book. I found it by chance in the booktok among the recommended ones in the Sci Fi genre, I didn’t have high expectations, I was hoping it would entertain me, and instead it completely shocked me. I spent days sipping through the pages for fear that the story would end too soon. I felt a myriad of emotions, sadness, anger, despair, but also joy, euphoria and amazement. There are few books that have captured my heart, Red Rising is definitely one of them. I’ve already ordered the sequel and am eager to start it right away. 100% recommended, it’s a masterpiece.
Morgan Rae –
Blown away! What an epic beginning to a dark complex world and journey. Definitely reminded me a bit of hunger games but this world and characters feel deeper, darker and more immersive. The politics and deception so multifaceted and layered….and the twists! It was so much action!! While a sci fi it feels like a fantasy!
Cliente Amazon –
Excelente! Personagens bem escritos, com arcos de desenvolvimento interessantes e uma trama cujo avanço não é óbvio! Excelente criação de mundo. A história tem um ritmo acelerado e cheio de ação. Pra se apaixonar mesmo! E fica ainda melhor nos próximos livros da série.
Angela’s Library –
Red Rising is definitely one of those books that improves with re-reading. It’s been touted as the next big thing, a book that will knock you off your feet and fill the void left by The Hunger Games. When I finished my first read of the book, I couldn’t decide whether the hype was justified or not; Brown blew me away in the first few chapters, failed to wow me in the next few, and then alternated between “pretty good” and “outstanding” for the remainder of the book.
There were times when I struggled with the believability of Brown’s world, when I felt he wasn’t being consistent with his characterization or was losing the thread of his story. At other times, though, there were moments of true greatness, where I glimpsed the tremendous potential of this trilogy.
When six months had gone by and I still couldn’t stop thinking about Red Rising, I decided to buy a copy and read it again. The second time, I was blown away. I found myself describing it to friends as “epic,” “spectacular,” and “out of this world,” and it’s become one of my favorite books.
Red Rising takes place on Mars hundreds of years in the future, when a person’s station and function are determined by the Color they’re born into. The Reds, for example, are tasked with toiling in the underground mines of Mars to collect the elements that will be used make the planet inhabitable.
One of these Reds is Darrow, a young man respected and loved by his people for his quick hands and sharp mind. Working conditions may be hellish, living conditions bleak, but Darrow is proud to do his part for the good of humanity. His wife, on the other hand, views the Reds’ toil as slavery and urges Darrow to use his reputation and talents to free their people. Darrow, head-over-heels in love with his wife and unwilling to risk her safety and the life they’ve built together, resists.
It’s only after tragedy strikes that Darrow is forced to rethink his world view and realize his wife’s dream is one worth fighting for. Transmuted by grief and rage, Darrow joins a rebel force in a plot to bring down the Golds, the elite who rule all the other Colors. Darrow undergoes an extensive and painful transformation to pass as a Gold, the plan being for him to fight the Golds from within and rise through the ranks to a position of influence where he can start a revolution.
The first step in this ascension is to enroll in the Institute, a training ground for young Golds. Unlike traditional schools, the Institute is less of a college, more of an immense, high-stakes game of Capture the Flag or Risk. The students are divided into 12 houses and thrown into the wilderness, the objective being for one house to conquer all of the others.
This is where most people begin comparing Red Rising to The Hunger Games. While there are definite similarities, such as the fact that young people are fighting one another in an arena-like field, there are key differences between the two. The principle way Red Rising differs from The Hunger Games is that the game of Capture the Flag is not a free-for-all where only one can be left standing at the end. To succeed in the Institute you need allies, an army. You need to become a leader, bring people to your side, rally and unite your troops. You need strategy and inspiration. Watching Darrow figure out how to become not just a victor, but a leader and a legend, is one of the biggest selling points of the book.
I would say Red Rising feels more reminiscent of Braveheart than The Hunger Games, mostly due to the setting and to Darrow himself. The game of Capture the Flag is played out in a land of castles, highlands, forests, and vales. There are battle cries, ferocious warriors galloping around on horseback, animal pelts, and war paint. And like William Wallace, Darrow is fighting against oppression and has an inner fire and charisma that win people’s hearts and loyalty.
Darrow is everything you could ask for in an epic hero. For one thing, he’s self-aware and able to make sacrifices and tough decisions because he knows they are required. He regrets some of the things he must do in order to get ahead but recognizes that those actions must be taken in order to realize his wife’s dream. He’s brilliant and strong but not infallible; a leader, but one who must trust and rely on others for his ultimate success. His victories are epic, but so are his failures. I’m in awe of him and can’t wait to see his meteoric rise continue in the rest of this series.
The supporting characters in the Institute also played a huge part in winning me over. Darrow may be the grand hero, but don’t let that fool you into thinking the rest of the story’s cast are lesser beings. There are some serious power players in this book, and they each feel like real, distinct, memorable people. They’re not just characters, they’re titans, and without them Red Rising wouldn’t be half so successful.
Were there problems with Red Rising? Certainly. It can be overwhelming at times, slow at others, and there are moments when it feels like Brown is writing not a story, but Ideas, with a capital “I.” Ultimately, though, this is a brilliant book. It wowed me, moved me, and left me stunned, and I am rabid to know how the trilogy will proceed.
This review can also be found on my blog,http://AngelasLibrary.com.
Sayantani GD –
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Pierce Brown published this novel in 2014 and I’m reading and listening to it on audible in 2024 . The scenarios , the characters , the social dynamics, the constant struggle of the becoming powerful is so raw and real that it seems Brown could see the future. It’s a tale as old as time really- a divided society, people who work their hardest to earn a simple living – and people who are born with privilege and take advantage of the hard working people. The story is beautifully written , the dialogue so simple yet they leave a mark on your mind. This is not a novel to lazily read and forget- it forced me to look deeper into my own life , my country , my society , the power struggles within my community.
I loved this novel and am already reading the trilogy , ‘Golden Son’.
Sayantani GD –
I’m so glad that I got this book as the introduction to my first reading spree in years. The first maybe 100 pages can feel a little bit slow, as usual with in-depth stories that need foundation, but then it’s just amazing. I was mindblown by the environments that is showcased and, being on the 4th book now, I still think about this first one a lot.