Reviews

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

keeleysmh's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.75

baylee_03's review against another edition

adventurous challenging tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

hotdogair's review against another edition

adventurous dark sad fast-paced

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

4.0

readwithsuzie's review against another edition

5.0

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (closed door)
Trigger Warning: gruesome murder, torture, mentions of rape

Darrow is a Red, the lowest of the castes, yet despite his hardships, he believes he's working for a better future. When tragedy strikes and takes everything he loves, he is given an opportunity to infiltrate the outside world and become part of a growing rebellion to defeat the Golds, the leaders and suppressors of society. As Darrow is forced to murder and befriend his enemies to claim a spot at the top, his values and beliefs will be challenged. Can he trust the very people who stole everything from him?

I actually went into this book thinking I would be bored since science fiction isn't my go-to genre. Well, I'm eating my words because the hype is absolutely real for this series. While the ages of the characters could technically make this a YA novel, the content is definitely more appropriate for mature readers. This was sort of like a mash-up of Hunger Games and Game of Thrones- brutal and cutthroat with characters questioning their beliefs and morals. I instantly liked Darrow and felt his heartache during the events that set him on his path of rebellion. There were so many times that my heart hurt for him, and I could feel his struggle as he had to befriend those who he plans to eventually betray. I loved all the other characters in this as well, with Mustang, Cassius, and Sevro being some of my personal favorites. Watching Darrow and the others battle it out at the Institute had me on the edge of my seat. There were several times I was shocked by a reveal, so I never felt the story was predictable or boring. Clearly, Darrow's journey has just begun, and I will be diving into book 2 ASAP!

nicolecc67's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark fast-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

5.0

dozeydoe's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

samhenrichs's review against another edition

adventurous dark sad medium-paced

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

4.75

rhazelton's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

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

4.5

leafer94's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious 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

4.75

nadiakawczynska's review against another edition

adventurous tense

4.75