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necessitteem's review against another edition
3.0
Still interesting to get an inside look into the Ares organization. Still not a fan of the artwork. Looking forward to Pierce Brown releasing the next book!
carrot_xo's review against another edition
4.0
One less star because of the art style.
Time spent: 48min
Time spent: 48min
urlphantomhive's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
I have been with the Red Rising series from when the first book was published, and I have been enjoying it a lot. So naturally, I would enjoy all the little extras that are being published in the same universe. In this case, the graphic novels focus on parts of the story that take place before the events in Red Rising (I will try not to say too much in case of spoilers).
I liked the story of these first two volumes - even if one already knows where it is heading. The art itself, however, is not really my style. But to each their own, of course.
If you plan on reading this, make sure to start with the books first - especially Red Rising. It will all make a lot more sense that way.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I have been with the Red Rising series from when the first book was published, and I have been enjoying it a lot. So naturally, I would enjoy all the little extras that are being published in the same universe. In this case, the graphic novels focus on parts of the story that take place before the events in Red Rising (I will try not to say too much in case of spoilers).
I liked the story of these first two volumes - even if one already knows where it is heading. The art itself, however, is not really my style. But to each their own, of course.
If you plan on reading this, make sure to start with the books first - especially Red Rising. It will all make a lot more sense that way.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
mlarson92's review against another edition
2.0
Edit: I listened to the GraphicAudio version after being impressed with the first ones quality. Once again, I thought the actors did a good job. But the story is pretty meh - it suffers from “prequelitis” where I wonder what the point is as it doesn’t add too much to the main series. There is one reveal that is intriguing, but it hasn’t come to fruition in the main series. To which i ask, “what’s the point then?” There is a 3rd volume on the horizon, so perhaps it’ll be better weaved into the main story soon enough.
I didn’t care for the first volume, and I found this one to be worse. It picks up right after volume 1, with Fitchner’s quest to avenge his murdered wife. From there, it just seems to meander, and many sections had sloppy writing along with some cringy and melodramatic (a staple of this franchise) dialogue.
Speaking of sloppy, the artwork is terrible; it’s static with emotionless characters. It’s the same style as the previous issues, as it is the same artist, but it just seems worse than before, as though this was rushed. Reading the authors note at the beginning about how the art coveys the emotional resonance and the bloody action is the polar opposite of the finished product.
There were a couple of interesting ideas, but they only take up a few panels and we quickly move on from them to the next set piece.
It’s cool that this series has expanded into comics, a medium I really enjoy, but it seems to really miss the mark. It doesn’t really add anything or expound upon the world - it feels confined. The writing is poor as the characters are cardboard cutouts who don’t react to much and don’t seem to suffer consequences. It’s like a hastily written outline was transcribed and illustrated with no thought as to how to make this a completed, effective story.
Also as someone who is not a huge fan of this series anyway, this just might not be for me.
I didn’t care for the first volume, and I found this one to be worse. It picks up right after volume 1, with Fitchner’s quest to avenge his murdered wife. From there, it just seems to meander, and many sections had sloppy writing along with some cringy and melodramatic (a staple of this franchise) dialogue.
Speaking of sloppy, the artwork is terrible; it’s static with emotionless characters. It’s the same style as the previous issues, as it is the same artist, but it just seems worse than before, as though this was rushed. Reading the authors note at the beginning about how the art coveys the emotional resonance and the bloody action is the polar opposite of the finished product.
There were a couple of interesting ideas, but they only take up a few panels and we quickly move on from them to the next set piece.
It’s cool that this series has expanded into comics, a medium I really enjoy, but it seems to really miss the mark. It doesn’t really add anything or expound upon the world - it feels confined. The writing is poor as the characters are cardboard cutouts who don’t react to much and don’t seem to suffer consequences. It’s like a hastily written outline was transcribed and illustrated with no thought as to how to make this a completed, effective story.
Also as someone who is not a huge fan of this series anyway, this just might not be for me.
therensistance's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Suicide, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Racism and Classism
nancyjpcarr's review against another edition
4.0
I’m loving all of this backstory, the artwork just isn’t my favorite.
marareading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this. Pierce Brown can do no wrong for me. This is the continuation of the story of the Son of Ares. I love these graphic novels. Especially the artwork. It is wonderful to get to see the vision of the author through this lense.
Please be aware these graphic novels have MAJOR SPOILERS for the first Red Rising trilogy books, so if you have not red the books I recommend reading the books first then returning to the graphic novels afterward.
Please be aware these graphic novels have MAJOR SPOILERS for the first Red Rising trilogy books, so if you have not red the books I recommend reading the books first then returning to the graphic novels afterward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury