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A review by beccisays
Red Rising (1 of 2) - Graphic Audio by Pierce Brown
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
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
5.0
I can’t rate this as anything less than 5 stars. The combination of the incredible book and an amazing production by Graphic Audio is just unmatched in terms of reading experience.
As readers, we are pulled immediately into heart breaking and gut wrenching action. I remember crying within the first hour or two of listening. The pacing of the story itself is great, even the less action packed moments are full of character insight and development.
I’ve heard some fans get a bit defensive when this series is compared to The Hunger Games.. I’m so sorry to those people but despite my best efforts I can’t help but be constantly reminded of it. That’s not a criticism or a suggestion this is a carbon copy, I think there are enough differences to set these apart that they don’t feel identical. However there are undeniable echoes and similarities. Starting with the most obvious, there’s the caste system based on industry and skills, the lethal games and trials made by design to toy with and mould the recruits, Darrow’s wife’s protest song (it’s even whistled at one point), all the violence and death being deliberately broadcast. Hell, the recruits can even be “sponsored” by wealthier benefactors and the team drafted in to do a makeover are crassly overindulgent and out of touch with the reality outside of their bubble. This might lessen as the series goes on, it is early days.
That being said, this part finished at a loose end so I’m off to listen to the rest.
As readers, we are pulled immediately into heart breaking and gut wrenching action. I remember crying within the first hour or two of listening. The pacing of the story itself is great, even the less action packed moments are full of character insight and development.
I’ve heard some fans get a bit defensive when this series is compared to The Hunger Games.. I’m so sorry to those people but despite my best efforts I can’t help but be constantly reminded of it. That’s not a criticism or a suggestion this is a carbon copy, I think there are enough differences to set these apart that they don’t feel identical. However there are undeniable echoes and similarities. Starting with the most obvious, there’s the caste system based on industry and skills, the lethal games and trials made by design to toy with and mould the recruits, Darrow’s wife’s protest song (it’s even whistled at one point), all the violence and death being deliberately broadcast. Hell, the recruits can even be “sponsored” by wealthier benefactors and the team drafted in to do a makeover are crassly overindulgent and out of touch with the reality outside of their bubble. This might lessen as the series goes on, it is early days.
That being said, this part finished at a loose end so I’m off to listen to the rest.