Book Review: Red Rising (Red Rising Trilogy #1) by Pierce Brown

Genre: Sci-Fi/Dystopian

Pages: 382 (Paperback)

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Spoiler-free Review!

Summary

As a low-level Red, the bottom of the barrel in a color-coded society, Darrow knows nothing but sweat, hard-work and red soil. Living beneath the surface of Mars, he believes himself and his people are creating a livable world above for the future generations. But, when Darrow's wife Eo suffers a terrible fate for her rebellion against the hierarchy, Darrow will make a choice. A choice to avenge his wife, learn a deafening truth and defy the order of the world.

My Review

First and foremost, this was not what I was expecting. I'm not really sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. The novel started off pretty solid. Underground with Darrow, learning the ways and culture of the Red's. Some fairly simple world-building and a look into the hierarchy of the Society.

I will be honest, I didn't really get into the book until about 100 pages in due to the writing style. Red Rising is written in first person and present tense (my least favorite POV). But getting used to the first person was an easy adjustment, the issue I had was with the writing itself. Pierce Brown tends to use very short, abrupt sentences. Which makes it difficult for the words to really hold any emotion. "I am in agony." "I am afraid." I prefer the show-don't-tell style of writing. This however, is just my personal preference and there may be some people who don't mind this way of creative writing.

The concept of the color hierarchy was very interesting and something I enjoyed learning more about. The "Game/Institute" wasn't what I thought it would be and different from your basic "games and trials" themed storylines. Making it very enjoyable to follow! The first half of the plot was a little rushed...which made the amount of time that passed through the book feel off by the second half. If that makes any sense. Maybe I'm just forgetting how much time he said passed...I don't know. However, the second half of the book is when the plot really took off and became so much fun to read. We watch as Darrow becomes the man he needs to be to lead this rebellion and truly defy the order of the Society.

While the side-characters do change throughout the book, each one is just as likeable as the last. We don't get much backstory on all the side characters, however this is only the first book in a trilogy and I'm sure we will get more in depth as the story continues.

All in all this was an incredible read. Fast paced, violent and devastating, Pierce Brown created an incredible world and story. And I am so excited to continue reading and follow along with Darrow. Red Rising is for anybody and everybody and I would highly recommend giving this epic story a read!