“Red Rising” is a somewhat overlooked science fiction novel that became my favorite read of 2024. A colonized solar system, a color-coded caste system, and a rebellion for freedom — that’s just a small taste of what readers will experience in this incredible book.
Book review: Red Rising
- Author: Pierce Brown
- Series: Red Rising
- Publisher: January 28, 2014 by Del Rey
- Format: 382 pages, Hardcover
- ASIN 0345539788
- Language: English
Storyline
In the bleak depths of a distant future, humanity has colonized the entire solar system. The Golds, the ruling elite, manipulate society, while the LowColors, including Darrow, struggle to survive at the bottom of the social pyramid. Born on Mars and blinded by propaganda, Darrow is one of the cogs in the Golds’ oppressive machine until fate reveals the truth to him and thrusts him into the heart of a rebellion.
My opinion
I can’t believe I waited so long to read Red Rising! What struck me first was the author’s subtle sarcasm and dark humor. The colorful language and biting wit lighten the mood amidst the intense and often heartbreaking events. Pierce Brown does a masterful job of combining the heavy themes of oppression and rebellion with a compelling and sometimes even unexpectedly funny narrative.
The caste system based on skin color is complicated, and while it took some time to understand all the nuances, it is this very complexity that makes the story so compelling. Brown creates a unique world by weaving together familiar elements — some of which might remind readers of The Hunger Games or Divergent. As the story progresses, however, it becomes clear that he has created something entirely his own by blending these influences into a fresh and exciting narrative.
If you’re looking for a gripping story full of unexpected twists and turns, Red Rising is the book for you. Darrow is a protagonist who captures your attention from the very first page. It’s absolutely captivating to see him evolve from a simple miner to a relentless fighter, always walking the fine line between humanity and ruthlessness. The tension is palpable as you wonder whether his secret will be revealed, whether he will lose himself or whether he will remain true to his mission.
Rating
Darrow’s journey is an absolute 5-star experience. Red Rising has everything you could want — action-packed scenes, deep psychological character studies and a plot that delves into the darkest corners of the human soul while giving hope that the spirit of rebellion can triumph even in the bleakest of circumstances.
“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 spends his life willingly, knowing 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 already reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks 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.
