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A review by tiamango
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Read if:
- You like rebellious, dystopian sci-fi
- You are a boy (lol)*
*I've had many men tell me this is a favorite of theirs and even one that said "no woman I've ever talked to has rated it higher than a 3/5"
I get it. I understand it is a great dystopian, sci-fi book. The world was interesting, the devious plotting and politics is fun and entertaining. It is a great start and I'm still curious about where this story goes.
It's only a 3.5 for me because the main character is pretty flat (and of course he's so good at everything he does even though he's more or less an average guy, also 16 years old and SUCH a "my wife" guy?? I might just be scarred from the Try Guys guy but still...) and the women in this might as well be non-existent (see spoiler below for more details).
Darrow's main motivation of avenging Eo, like again I get it but meh... He's 16 years old and such a WIFE GUY?? Like if life expectancies change in the future sure, but there's no way a 16 year old is like this. Then his new love interest Mustang, who's twin brother is Darrow's main enemy, so easily abandons and backstabs her family for him without any second thoughts. No moral dilemmas here because she is a woman and purely a plot device.
At the end of the day, I get it, I can see why so many people love this story. But personally, I need stronger character development and women that are more person than warm bodies. THAT BEING SAID, if you can compartmentalize and/or you just read for the vibes (no judgement here), it's still a fun read.
- You like rebellious, dystopian sci-fi
- You are a boy (lol)*
*I've had many men tell me this is a favorite of theirs and even one that said "no woman I've ever talked to has rated it higher than a 3/5"
I get it. I understand it is a great dystopian, sci-fi book. The world was interesting, the devious plotting and politics is fun and entertaining. It is a great start and I'm still curious about where this story goes.
It's only a 3.5 for me because the main character is pretty flat (and of course he's so good at everything he does even though he's more or less an average guy, also 16 years old and SUCH a "my wife" guy?? I might just be scarred from the Try Guys guy but still...) and the women in this might as well be non-existent (see spoiler below for more details).
At the end of the day, I get it, I can see why so many people love this story. But personally, I need stronger character development and women that are more person than warm bodies. THAT BEING SAID, if you can compartmentalize and/or you just read for the vibes (no judgement here), it's still a fun read.