Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the colour-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he toils willingly, trusting that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children,
Darrow is the main protagonist throughout the book. You immediately connect with Darrow and the world in which he wants to provide for his family. The character building and arch of Darrow is an interesting one as is the growth in his character. Eo, Darrow’s wife, while not in the story for long, starts a chain reaction in Darrow and what he wants out of life. The other characters that surround Darrow such as Virgina, Adrius, Cassius, Roque and Servo all add to the story in different and interesting ways.
Pierce Brown creates a intricate world set in space using planets everyone knows. Mars is the centre of Red Rising, everything starts from Mars and the way the people are treated. The description of Mars as well as the different areas in the city. When Darrow goes to the school for Golds, Brown describes the area so wonderfully you can picture where Darrow is.
There are many themes in Red Rising such as class, politics and warfare. Class is distinguished in the social structure in Red Rising by colours. There are the low colours, mid colours and high colours which are also split into different colours. The low colours are made up of Brown, Obsidian, Pink and Red. The mid colours Blue, Yellow, Green, Violet, Orange and Gray. The high colours are made up of Gold, Silver, White and Copper. Each colour as a certain job that they perform in society. There is also tiers which are Peerless Scarred, Carvers, Stained, Rose and lowRed. Within class structure, politics is important within the structure but also the society throughout Red Rising. The social politics that is built into Red Rising is the underlying factor throughout the story and the main force in what Darrow is doing. Politics is an important aspect of what Darrow needs to navigate throughout the story as everything is new to him and he is out of his depth. However, Darrow is quick to pick up important information when it is needed. Warfare is seen to be of the highest regard. Only the Golds are allowed to lead legions to war and they are taught this in school. Darrow gains first experience in how any means is necessary to win the battle.
All in all, Red Rising is the perfect mix of Sci-fi, Dystopian and Fantasy. It is a fast paced story which you don’t want to put down. The characters and world is crafted in a such a way that makes you connect with them and you care what happens to them.
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Lara Jane Reviews 