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A review by sveni
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-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
No one can convince me that Darrow isn't bisexual. That man couldn't stop talking about the hot honey skin, golden curls, handsome faces, strong jawlines of the Gold Men. Always describing the ways their fingers felt on his skin, their breath on his face, how he would reach out to grab their napes because touch gives words more meaning.
The bi panic wasn't the only reason I enjoyed the book, of course.
I loved that the MC, Darrow, was flawed. His arrogance, anger and at time cruelty not only made him hard to like sometimes, it made him a credible character. It also made character growth possible and had me rooting for him. his motivation, the decisions he makes, make sense considering his experiences.
The supporting characters are amazing as well. Though they aren't exactly good people, have all committed brutal crimes, I came to like them, thanks mostly to their loyalty to Darrow.
The love interests are both okay. Definitely likeable, good people. But Eo was mostly a tool to give Darrow a motivation for what he does (which I think is fine, though, because characters have to be given motivation somehow).
The flatness of Mustang's character (I can't even remember her actual name) bothered me more. While she was likeable, righteous and capable, she wasn't much more. The only motivation, as far as could see, was to do the right thing - which can be enough of a character motivation but not if they are as passive and as quick to give up leadership as she was.
Plot was good (even tough I would have liked to read more about Darrows transformation and Ares Sons - the organization Darrow ends up working for, but that might just be me), pacing was good, well written.
I don't think this passes the Bechdel Test, though.
The bi panic wasn't the only reason I enjoyed the book, of course.
I loved that the MC, Darrow, was flawed. His arrogance, anger and at time cruelty not only made him hard to like sometimes, it made him a credible character. It also made character growth possible and had me rooting for him. his motivation, the decisions he makes, make sense considering his experiences.
The supporting characters are amazing as well. Though they aren't exactly good people, have all committed brutal crimes, I came to like them, thanks mostly to their loyalty to Darrow.
The love interests are both okay. Definitely likeable, good people. But Eo was mostly a tool to give Darrow a motivation for what he does (which I think is fine, though, because characters have to be given motivation somehow).
The flatness of Mustang's character (I can't even remember her actual name) bothered me more. While she was likeable, righteous and capable, she wasn't much more. The only motivation, as far as could see, was to do the right thing - which can be enough of a character motivation but not if they are as passive and as quick to give up leadership as she was.
Plot was good (even tough I would have liked to read more about Darrows transformation and Ares Sons - the organization Darrow ends up working for, but that might just be me), pacing was good, well written.
I don't think this passes the Bechdel Test, though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape