Red rising – Red Rising Trilogy Book #1

Author: Pierce Brown
Genre: Science Fiction
400 pages
Publisher: Random House, 2013

Synopsis
Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a thrilling science fiction novel set in a dystopian future society where humanity has colonized Mars. The story follows Darrow, a young Red miner living and working in the depths of Mars, believing he and his fellow Reds are pioneering the surface to make it habitable for future generations.

However, Darrow soon discovers that the surface has been habitable for centuries and that the Reds are being oppressed by a ruling class of Golds, who control society through a strict caste system. Determined to overthrow this oppressive regime, Darrow undergoes a transformation to become a Gold himself and infiltrates their society to bring it down from within.

As a new Gold, Darrow enters the Institute, a brutal training school where the elite of society are trained to become leaders. Here, he faces challenges, betrayals, and battles as he fights for survival and seeks to gain the power and influence needed to spark a revolution.

Throughout the novel, Darrow navigates political intrigue, engages in intense combat, and forms alliances with other students, all while grappling with questions of identity, loyalty, and morality. As the story unfolds, Darrow’s mission becomes increasingly complex, and he must make difficult choices that will determine the fate of not only himself but also the future of Mars and its people.

My review
Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a action-packed science fiction novel that blends elements of dystopia, rebellion, and adventure into a thrilling story. I had so much fun with this series it was hard to put it down and I was able to overlook the lack of character development. Set in a future society on Mars, the book follows the journey of Darrow, a young miner from the lowest caste, as he rises up against a brutal and oppressive regime.

One of the standout features of Red Rising is its world-building. Brown creates a vivid and immersive world on Mars, complete with intricate social hierarchies, complex political dynamics, and unique cultural elements.

Where the novel let me down was in character development. I found Darrow superficial and he lacked real introspection that would have brought life and believability to his character. The supporting characters also lacked depth and development, making it difficult for me to connect with or care about their fates.

The plot of Red Rising is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns. I rate the story, world-building, and focus on technology, a 4.5. Mediocre character development brings my overall rating to a 4.

My recommendation: read it! If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced and highly entertaining series, you can’t go wrong with Red Rising.