Red Rising Books Ranked: From Worst to Best
The Red Rising saga by Pierce Brown has established itself as a cornerstone of modern science fiction, often compared to epic sagas like Star Wars and Dune. Set against the harsh backdrop of the surface of Mars, the series follows Darrow, a Red, as he leads a rebellion against the ruling Golds. In this post, we’ll explore the Red Rising books ranked from worst to best, considering the impact on future generations of fans.
6. Iron Gold (Book #4)
Iron Gold, the fourth book in the Red Rising saga, struggles to shine compared to its counterparts. Acting as a bridge between the original trilogy and the second series, Iron Gold introduces multiple perspectives and a more mature tone, but with mixed results. The book feels like a setup for Dark Age and Lightbringer, offering little resolution on its own. New characters, while intriguing, don’t quite match up to favorites like Sevro and Mustang. Overall, it’s a solid entry but lacks the punch of other novels in the series.
5. Red Rising (Book #1)
The first book in the series, Red Rising, is often seen as one of the weaker entries in the Red Rising saga. Drawing heavily from classics like Ender’s Game and The Hunger Games, it adheres to familiar tropes, making the story somewhat predictable. However, Brown’s ability to craft compelling characters ensures readers are hooked, setting the stage for the more innovative storytelling that follows.
4. Morning Star (Book #3)
Morning Star is the powerful conclusion to the first trilogy and ranks fourth on this list. The book delivers on the promises of Red Rising and Golden Son, evoking a broad spectrum of emotions. However, its predictability and less impactful twists compared to Golden Son keep it from reaching the top. Nevertheless, it’s a satisfying end to the initial trilogy.
3. Light Bringer (Book #6)
The most recent release, Light Bringer, ranks third and is a testament to Pierce Brown’s evolution as a writer. Shifting focus from epic battles to the intricate relationships between characters, Light Bringer explores the psychological toll of war and trauma. This shift results in a more intimate story, while still delivering the action and emotional depth fans expect. For many, this could easily be the favorite in the Red Rising saga.
2. Golden Son (Book #2)
Golden Son is where the Red Rising saga truly takes off. With Golden Son, Brown begins to tell the story he’s always wanted, expanding the world and deepening the stakes. The book is fast-paced, yet it doesn’t neglect character development, making the epic battles even more impactful. Golden Son is a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
1. Dark Age (Book #5)
The top spot goes to Dark Age, arguably the best book in the Red Rising saga. From colossal space battles to deeply emotional moments, Dark Age delivers a relentless narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The darker tone, combined with complex character arcs and multiple climaxes, makes Dark Age not only the best in the series but also one of the finest sci-fi novels ever written.
Conclusion
This ranking of the Red Rising books reflects the evolution of Pierce Brown’s storytelling and the growing complexity of the saga. Do you agree with our Red Rising books ranked? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you enjoy content like this, join our community and follow us on social media. Hail Reaper!