Reviews with content warning for Violence - Red Rising

First of all, this book is very violent, but it is set in a dystopian world on Mars, so it was not surprising. The violence was not over the top and fit in with the plot and events that were occurring.

The main character, Darrow, is very well written and has a believable personality. Oppressed and tragic beginning, pain and struggle to rise, more pain and struggle to try and accomplish his goals, etc. He is a character that I found myself rooting for as I read.

When reading a dystopian novel, it is always interesting to see how the people are divided and what “sets” their rank in the hierarchy of power and privilege. Pierce Brown did an excellent job of describing the differences between the colors and their roles in this society.

I did not give this book a full 5 out of 5 because, while I would read it again, I’m not sure I like it enough to purchase it for my library. That may change once I am done reading the series. Excellent book, recommend for upper teens and above.

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saskiajva's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. I love the concept and the plot, the whacky and interesting characters you meet, and the detailed world building. It’s often formulaic but it’s a formula i love dearly. This book is fast paced, and occasionally left me wishing the author used more show-don’t-tell, however it was typically the gorier parts that weren’t shown so for many readers I imagine it’s appreciated. There were even a few key moments that happen fully off page, and as someone who loves big epics with intense battles and mind games, i was left wanting more.

Even with these faults, I ended up plowing through this in just a couple days and am excited for book 2 and 3. I highly recommend this for fans of the Hunger Games and anyone who loves world building that features the cruelest of humanity and those moments that make you go “holy shit, that’s messed up”. The audiobook narrator also does a great job, though there was at least one line i couldn’t understand what he said even after rewinding, and it was hard to tell who was talking on occasion, but overall it did not take away from my enjoyment.

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has3000's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Well, that was the fastest I’ve finished a book in a long time. In many ways, this has a lot of similarities to the Hunger Games. Dystopian future where young adults fight each other to the death for the entertainment of the rich, as the main character works to undermine the whole society. But in many ways this stands clearly as its own story.

It’s much more of an adult book. Not explicit, but it contains rape, murder, and mutilation. The character interactions and politics are complicated and ever-changing.

One huge point in favor of this book is that it’s across space. The story takes place centuries in the future, after mankind has colonized not just Luna and Mars, but most of the moons in the solar system.

The main character has plenty of flaws, and fights within himself to control his instincts for the sake of the better, harder path. He also grows as a person and his view of others changes from very black and white into more complex hues (if you’ll pardon the pun).

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katharina90's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

2.0

I could never really get into this. It was boring, I didn't like any of the characters, and the writing/language wasn't my thing.

I didn't care for the audiobook narration either.

Not going to pick up the sequel.

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lillygm's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

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kayadargusch's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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fabacious's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced

4.0

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defymavity's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This is an intense book, unlike most other books I've read. I was not expecting anything in this book. I tried to make predictions but my predictions didn't matter in the end.
Definitely recommend, but it is not for everyone. Not a full 5 stars only because the characters were all very similar-ish. But not in a bad way, i just like a little more development I think.

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