Lady Danielle

4.5 stars 

I took a shitload of notes, I’ve used sticky notes to mark certain pages; yet, I still don’t know what to say about this book. I’m trying to form all of it into a review and it’s hard because there are so many things I want to talk about. So, I’m going to start off with this:

This book is nothing like the fucking Hunger Games. I wish these damn publishers would stop claiming every Dystopia novel that gets published as “the next Hunger Games!” “a reminiscent of the Hunger Games!” “if you loved the Hunger Games, you’ll love this!” (Suzanne Collins is not the creator of survival and rebellions. That shit goes back to the birth of humankind when Eve decided to eat the apple… or, if you don’t believe in that, when one of the apes decided he ain’t gon’ stay an ape anymore and evolved into a man*.)

So STOP. Just stop. I hated the HG; saying that almost made me run in the other direction. The reason why I didn’t was because of Litchick’s review.

I usually hate made up swear words, but I’m going to let the ones in here slide (also, I seem to being saying bloodydamn a lot). I must admit, some of these made up terms for objects could get a little confusing in the beginning, but I promise you’ll get used to it around page 40.

The characters in Red Rising are so believable. I’ve grown attached to Sevro and Pax (view spoiler) They are my absolute favourites. There’s a particular character in here that I’m really looking forward to seeing more of in the next installment: Cassius. When we’re first introduced to him he’s a total Draco Malfoy; you’d think Darrow would pull a Harry Potter and turn away from him, but he doesn’t. He befriends him; pretty soon, you really start to understand Cassius and can’t help but like him. I loved that Pierce Brown did this — not making the “bad guys” out to be bad guys at all. 

I really loved that Darrow was not some fearless character even though at times he may come off as that; however, inside he’s absolutely terrified. 

"I should want to kill him; instead, I want to run and hide at the thought of his name."

No. I’m not saying he’s a coward throughout the book. He had enough courage to fight and stand up for himself even though he didn’t want to; that’s what makes this protagonist a believable character, because not everyone is fearless — everyone is afraid, but our morals and purpose are what gives us the strength to fight and stand up for ourselves. That’s what makes us courageous. 

"I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war.


I am no Gold. I am a Red.”


Darrow wasn’t always a Gold. He was a Helldiver, a Red, on Mars digging at the bottom of the planet for Laurels. Reds are the lowColors, the lowest of the color cast system. They are not considered humans, they are slaves to the higher Colors (Gold being the highest, of course. Rulers). The Reds have never seen the stars and skies. They don’t eat much, but they have each other. Darrow had Eo and was perfectly fine with that… until tragedy struck his life and discover the truth that has been obscured for hundreds of years.

"The city is one of spires, parks, rivers, garden, and fountains. It is a city of dreams, a city of blue water and green life on a red planet that is supposed to be as barren as the cruelest desert. This is not the Mars they show on the HolocCam. It is a place of lies, wealth, and immense abundance."

What would you do if you found out everything you’ve been told was a lie? The cities your rulers said were destroyed, but discover it’s still thriving with wealth and people? 

I don’t understand how Pierce Brown made mythology and Dystopia work together. They shouldn’t be in the same book, but it is in here and it all makes sense. Red Rising is more than just fighting — it’s about cleverly crafted manipulation, alliances, friendships, and hidden truths. The romance? What romance? There is none in here (view spoiler) and that’s what makes this book even more fucking awesome. No insta-love, no fucking angst, no love triangles. NONE. 

This book has gore, loads of it. My stomach was constantly clenching and I found myself crying out in horror at times. I thought I should warn you in case you’re not into gore; even if you aren’t, still give this a shot….

***I hope y’all enjoy this book!***


* If you got offended, I’m sorry. I’m trying to be funny. I have nothing against everyone’s beliefs/non-beliefs.