I finally caved. After hearing my friend rave about Red Rising by Pierce Brown for what felt like forever, I decided to give it a shot. Admittedly, I was hesitant—after all, everywhere I looked, the book seemed to be labeled as “Hunger Games in Space.” In a market that’s positively flooded with dystopian tales and battle royales, I had to wonder: Is Red Rising still worth your time in 2024? Buckle up as I dive into this spoiler-free review to share my thoughts and final verdict on the first installment of the Red Rising series.
READ our Red Rising Book Ranking HERE
A Quick Spoiler-Free Summary
Red Rising is a science fiction adventure set in a distant, dystopian future where society is rigidly divided by a color-coded caste system. The story follows Darrow, a lowborn Red, who discovers harrowing secrets about the ruling Golds and their oppressive control over society. Fueled by vengeance after a heart-wrenching betrayal, Darrow joins an underground rebellion determined to overthrow the elite Golds.
Through pulse-pounding action, intricate world-building, and characters grappling with moral ambiguity, Red Rising weaves a tale of survival, betrayal, and revenge. It’s a story packed with suspense, memorable characters, and vivid imagery.
Red Rising’s Complex Characters: Gray Morality Everywhere
Let’s talk characters. Red Rising gives us Darrow, the protagonist whose perspective dominates the narrative. Pierce Brown’s choice to write in a first-person, present-tense format immerses readers deep into Darrow’s mind. While this allows us to experience his pain and motivations firsthand, it does come with a caveat: Darrow’s inner monologue can get repetitive. His driving motivation—his late wife’s dream of a freer world—is emotionally powerful. After several iterations of the same thought, it loses some of its punch.
That said, where Darrow shines is in his interactions with others. His evolving relationships with a fascinating supporting cast provide some of the book’s most compelling moments. Sevro, for instance, is an underdog Gold who steals the show with his unpredictable antics and fierce loyalty. In a world as morally gray as this one, the line between hero and villain blurs beautifully. Surprisingly, you’ll find yourself empathizing with some of the Golds, the very antagonists Darrow aims to defeat, thanks to their complex motivations and tragic backstories. Pierce Brown excels at humanizing even the most unsavory characters, which keeps the narrative layered and intriguing.
However, I found myself wanting more character-driven moments. The action and politics are gripping, but I craved more scenes where Darrow connects with his allies. For a story built around a rebellion, the relationships sometimes take a back seat to Darrow’s solo musings.
Is Red Rising Just “Hunger Games in Space”?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, at first glance, Red Rising does bear similarities to The Hunger Games. You’ve got a society where the elite rule over an oppressed population. Before long, Darrow is thrust into a battle royale-style contest where the stakes are life and death. Sounds familiar, right?
However, Pierce Brown adds enough originality to set Red Rising apart. While the arena-style battles are a significant part of the plot, they’re only the beginning. The novel explores themes of systemic inequality, evolution, and political intrigue in ways that feel fresh. Where The Hunger Games stays firmly rooted in young adult fiction, Red Rising ventures into far darker, more violent territory.
This is not a YA novel. Despite occasional marketing that might lump it in with The Hunger Games or Divergent, Red Rising tackles mature themes head-on. Graphic violence, sexual assault, and extreme cruelty are scattered throughout, making it a grimmer, grittier read. While some readers will appreciate this unflinching approach, others may find it excessive. If you enjoy the Grimdark genre and don’t mind disturbing content, Red Rising will fit right in with your favorite reads.
A Dystopian Solar System with Stunning World-Building
One of Red Rising’s biggest strengths is its world-building. Pierce Brown’s futuristic society is both sprawling and richly detailed. The color-coded hierarchy, where each caste has specific roles and genetic modifications, is a fascinating concept that gives the world a unique flavor. The Golds, who sit atop this hierarchy, are physically and mentally superior, and Brown does an excellent job of making their overwhelming power felt. When a Gold enters the scene, you can almost sense the weight of their authority.
I only wish we got more of this expansive universe outside the confines of the battle arena. The glimpses we do get of the larger world—the societal structures, technological marvels, and hints of cultural complexities—are tantalizing. The “razor,” a whip-like weapon akin to a lightsaber, was a standout detail that I couldn’t get enough of. But I wanted more! It seems Brown holds back on fully diving into the world until the later books, and I’m eager to see the story’s universe expand.
Should You Read Red Rising in 2024?
So, is Red Rising worth picking up in 2024? Despite a few hiccups, I’d say yes. While the story treads familiar ground with its battle royale setup, Pierce Brown does enough to make the journey unique and engaging. The blend of dark, grim themes with complex characters and a rich dystopian world makes for an engrossing read, especially for fans of sci-fi and Grimdark fiction. Just be prepared for some heavy subject matter.
If you’re new to the sci-fi or dystopian genres, Red Rising can serve as a thrilling introduction—though its intense violence and first-person POV may take some getting used to. Overall, I give Red Rising a 6/10, but it’s clear that the series has potential. I’m already diving into the sequel, Golden Son, which promises to delve even deeper into the world and characters that Pierce Brown has built.
Final Thoughts on Red Rising by Pierce Brown
If you’re a fan of dark, gritty sci-fi with a touch of dystopian intrigue, Red Rising is well worth your time. As the series continues to grow in popularity—and with rumors swirling about a potential TV adaptation—now is the perfect time to join the legions of fans who have been captivated by Darrow’s journey. With its heart-pounding action, morally complex characters, and a world that leaves you craving more, Red Rising stands tall as a solid entry into the Grimdark and sci-fi genres.
Pingback: Red Rising Books Ranked: From Worst to Best - Fantasy Archives