Golden Son – Red Rising Trilogy Book #2

Author: Pierce Brown
Genre: Science Fiction
444 pages
Publisher: Random House, 2015

Synopsis
Golden Son by Pierce Brown is the second book in the Red Rising trilogy, continuing the story of Darrow, a young rebel fighting against the oppressive society of the future on Mars. The novel picks up two years after the events of Red Rising, with Darrow now a respected member of the Gold elite, working to bring down the society from within.

As Darrow navigates the complex political landscape of the Golds, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of power and intrigue. He forms alliances, makes enemies, and faces numerous challenges as he tries to stay ahead of those who seek to destroy him. The novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the true cost of revolution.

One of the central conflicts in Golden Son is the escalating war between the Golds and the rebel forces led by Darrow. As the battle intensifies, Darrow must make difficult decisions that will affect not only his own fate but also the future of Mars. The novel is filled with thrilling action sequences, plot twists, and some emotional moments that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Golden Son also delves deeper into the characters introduced in the first book, providing more insight into their motivations and backgrounds. Darrow’s relationships with his friends and allies are tested, and he must confront his own doubts and fears as he struggles to maintain his identity in a world where trust is a rare commodity. Overall, Golden Son is a fun and intense continuation of the Red Rising trilogy.

My review
Golden Son by Pierce Brown is a thrilling continuation of the Red Rising trilogy, expanding on the already rich and complex world introduced in the first book. I was thoroughly entertained with this sequel and the pacing was superb.

Darrow’s character does evolve somewhat in Golden Son, but I still find him one-dimensional and self-absorbed. Where the character development is mediocre, the world-building in Golden Son continues to be exceptional. Brown further explores the society of the Golds, providing a deeper understanding of its customs, politics, and history. The various settings, from the decadent halls of power to the brutal battlefields of war, are vividly described, immersing the reader in the world of the story.

The plot of Golden Son is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Brown expertly weaves together multiple storylines, each with its own set of challenges and betrayals, culminating in a gripping climax that left me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

Golden Son is a masterfully crafted novel that surpasses its predecessor in both scope and intensity and I highly recommend it to fans of science fiction and dystopian novels.

My recommendation: read it! While Golden Son lacked significant character development, it was still a fun and thoroughly entertaining read.