Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

Kyera (8 KP) rated Golden Son in Books

Feb 1, 2018  
Golden Son
Golden Son
Pierce Brown | 2015 | Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.7 (12 Ratings)
Book Rating
Golden Son takes place more than a year after Red Rising. Darrow has left the Academy, formed bonds with new people and has a new role in society. It was a little confusing to be thrown into the story with all those new elements because it made me feel like I had missed a book. I had to keep piecing together what happened and who these new characters were. Once it became more natural, the book was much more enjoyable to read.

The second book has just as much (if not more) deception, death, and destruction as the first, and that’s saying something. It is full of action, betrayal, hope, and horror that leaves you on the edge of your seat and tears your emotions apart as you read the final pages – you just need to immediately start the finale. Highly recommended, but read Red Rising prior to this as it would make absolutely no sense without it.
  
Sons of Ares
Sons of Ares
Pierce Brown | 2018 | Comics & Graphic Novels, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
While I'm not a fan of the novel series, the graphic novel won me over.
I’m not a fan of the Red Rising novel series. I think it’s safe to state that seeing that I’ve never successfully made it through the first book without falling asleep. I want to like it – there’s no reason I shouldn’t like it- but the audible version just hits my snooze button instantly. For me, with the trouble sleeping I have, that’s not actually a bad thing, but it doesn’t bode well for my opinion of the book. So… I knew I was taking a risk in checking out Red Rising: Sons of Ares. However, I hoped the graphic novel format would keep my attention a bit better. I was right. I thoroughly enjoyed Red Rising: Sons of Ares Vol 1.

The writing in Sons of Ares is well-done. The story told was surprisingly engaging (though to be honest it did take a couple of issues before I got fully involved with it). I wasn’t expecting to find myself rooting for Fitchner and Brynn, but by the end of the novel I was goggle-eyed at what I thought was going to happen. There might have been a few swears and threats made in the direction of the pages a few times.

Speaking of swears… I wasn’t a fan of the fact that some had apparently taken a black marker to the curse words, though. I mean, if you’re old enough to read about graphic violence that involves people getting limbs cut off, I think you can handle a dirty word or two. Especially given that right after a few swears are marked out, there’s threats of ‘sack’ removal. Someone’s priorities are a bit sideways, yeah?

The pacing for Red Rising: Sons of Ares was great. There was the perfect amount of action. The dialogue was believable. The plot was interesting and I was happy by the end of the volume because I felt like it had been a solid mini story arc. I didn’t like Fitchner, but I don’t feel like I was supposed to like him either. I did like Brynn, though, and there were a few panels that had me cheering her.

My only issue with the graphic novel was the art. The quick, sketchy art style always looks to me like they were more concerned with pushing the issues out rather than taking their time and doing it properly. I’m aware some people like it and feel that it suits the story. I’m not one of them. So I really think it’s just personal preference.

Overall, Red Rising: Sons of Ares is a captivating story that managed to keep my attention even when the art did nothing for me. I know it’s a prequel, but given that I haven’t managed to read the books themselves, I can’t say if it gives any spoilers for the series.

It’s worth checking out.
  
40x40

Tayla (27 KP) rated Red Rising in Books

Jun 19, 2018  
Red Rising
Red Rising
Pierce Brown | 2014 | Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
9
8.4 (34 Ratings)
Book Rating
Futuristic Story (2 more)
Strong Characters
Good Momentum
How do you get power when you are born to less?
How do you get power when you are born to less? You take it. I love Pierce Brown's story of Darrow, a low red, rising above his color to infiltrate the golds to start an uprising. Red Rising is one of my favorite books. Even though the setting is on Mars it is still relevant to our society today. Some people are born more privileged than others and at times it take a miracle to overcome those obstacles. This book reminds us to fight for not only what we want, but for what is right.

This book has good momentum throughout. At no point was I bored by the story. The ending really builds for the second book, gently encouraging you to continue with the story. I've both read and listened to this book and recommend each. Listening after reading, allowed me to really paint a clearer picture of Mars in my mind and develop more love for the series.

I recommend this book to those who like The Hunger Games or Divergent. Additionally, if you are a fan of the movie Gattaca (1997), this will be right in your wheelhouse! The similarities are striking!
  
40x40

Christine A. (965 KP) rated Red Rising in Books

Nov 14, 2018  
Red Rising
Red Rising
Pierce Brown | 2014 | Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.4 (34 Ratings)
Book Rating
"Red Rising" is the first book in the "Red Rising Saga" by Pierce Brown. I read this book switching between a printed copy, an E-book and, when in the car, listened to the audio book. While this story is not a new concept the story is engaging and a quick read. At the start of the book, Darrow, a member of the lowest caste is full of hate and rage toward the dominant Gold caste. (SPOILERS FOLLOW) Throughout the story, and even toward the end, Darrow is surprised to learn he likes, and has become friends with, some of the Golds. He learned not all members of a group are the same. At the end of the novel, he is still full of rage and hate but it's now directed mainly at specific people, not just all members of the ruling Gold caste. I would like to see this story added to required reading lists for students. This book is a subtle way to teach tolerance. I will read the rest of the series but at this time. I had read twice. The 1st read (in 2015) was for me. The 2nd read (in 2018) was for a book club.
  
40x40

Jessi Martin (3 KP) created a post in Red Rising Universe

May 4, 2018  
What better way to start an Orb dedicated to a book series then by asking everyone which of the (released) books in the series is your favorite?

Although this is a tough question, I'll lead by example and start! My favorite book, thus far, is probably Morning Star. It is hard to top such an epic finale -- even if it does turn out to be only the end of the first act.

With that being said, I actually had to think long and hard about this question. Iron Gold far exceeded my expectations and Red Rising will always hold a special place in my heart.