If you’re a fan of science fiction epics or the Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown, you’ve probably heard that the second installment, Golden Son, takes the series to dazzling new heights. In this book review, we’ll dive into why this “middle book” is anything but filler—it’s a masterpiece that cements the Red Rising series as a must-read for any sci-fi or fantasy lover. Spoiler alert: light spoilers for the previous book (Red Rising) ahead, but no major plot points for Golden Son. If you haven’t read it yet, drop everything, grab a copy, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
READ our Review of Red Rising HERE
Where the Series Truly Begins
Golden Son is where the Red Rising Trilogy transforms from a contained, survival-focused narrative into a sprawling, galactic epic. While Red Rising introduced us to Darrow O’Lykos and his infiltration of the Gold Society—a brutal ruling class built on a rigid color-coded caste system—it was relatively confined to a single, high-stakes setting: the Institute.
But in Golden Son, the scope explodes outward. This is where the story becomes the sweeping space opera fans crave. Expect interplanetary wars, epic space battles, and a deeper dive into the intricacies of this vividly built universe.
Brown balances world building with exhilarating action. Unlike some sci-fi stories that keep you at a distance with spaceship dogfights and techno-babble, Brown brings a tactile, visceral energy to every skirmish. Think less Star Trek and more Game of Thrones meets Lord of the Rings in space. Combat is raw, personal, and bloody, with razors, armor, and pulse-pounding stakes that feel more medieval than futuristic.
Find Our Rankings of the Red Rising Books HERE
The Return of Dynamic Characters
One of Golden Son’s greatest strengths is how it evolves its cast of characters. Darrow, Mustang, Sevro, and others return, but they’re no longer sheltered students playing war games. They’re thrown into the brutal real-world hierarchy of the Gold Society, where political machinations and powerful enemies like the ArchGovernor of Mars make survival a near-impossible task.
Watching these beloved characters grow and struggle is deeply satisfying. Brown gives them room to shine, balancing their strengths with vulnerabilities. Darrow, in particular, steps fully into his role as both a rebel and a reluctant hero. The relationships feel raw, genuine, and heartbreakingly human, even in the backdrop of interstellar conflict.
The 10 Best Red Rising Characters
Plot Twists That Will Leave You Reeling
If you love jaw-dropping twists, Pierce Brown is a master of the craft. The final act of Golden Son will leave you gasping, much like the most shocking episodes of HBO’s Game of Thrones. Political betrayals, sudden alliances, and brutal deaths pack these pages with tension and heartbreak.
The last 200 pages fly by as the stakes build to a fever pitch, culminating in an ending so audacious and game-changing that you’ll want to reread it immediately just to catch every detail. This is a book that knows how to surprise even the most seasoned sci-fi readers.
Conclusion: A Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Golden Son isn’t just a “middle book”; it’s a turning point that elevates the entire Red Rising Trilogy. With its intricate plotting, dynamic characters, and thrilling science fiction action, it stands tall as one of the best sequels in modern speculative fiction. For these reasons, Golden Son earns a perfect 10/10.
If you’re a fan of epic sci-fi storytelling and haven’t yet read Golden Son, what are you waiting for? This is the book where everything clicks—an unmissable entry in a series that demands to be read.
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