Almost everyone has that one series they wish would be adapted into something. Be it film, anime, books, or video games, there’s something out there they know exists that would make for an excellent adaptation if placed in the right hands. The idea of us seeing that thing on screens big or small is something that excites us.
One such series is the Red Rising saga by Pierce Brown.
Published in the 2010s (2014, 2015, and 2016 respectfully), the trilogy tells us the story of Darrow, a Heldiver and a Red, living underground on Mars where society has been classed based on eye and hair color (Golds, Silver, Bronzes, Reds, Pinks, etc), each one maintaining some genetic benefit or another. Each color has a ranking in the class system, with Golds being the highest and Reds being the lowest.
With book two, we find that things have drastically changed since we last saw Darrow. We find him two years after the events of book one, commanding a fleet alongside his friends, Roque and Tactus. They are participating in a test for the Academy and House of Mars, the final an almost easy win for Darrow.
It is a test that he fails spectacularly.
Now, he has new struggles to overcome and must be reminded of what it is that he’s fighting for and why he has come so far. In Golden Son we meet new enemies and allies. We see just how deeply The Society’s control actually goes and the lies they’ve upheld for so long.
With this premise in mind, Brown weaves for us a captivating narrative that draws us into this world and the new struggles that Darrow must overcome if he is to lead his rebellion against the Golds. The character narrative immediately pulls us in and holds a grip that refuses to let go. However, the key difference this time is that while there are some battles, this book is mostly a battle of politics within the world of The Society, but manages to make those battles as thrilling and intense as the ones from The Institute.
New characters also make an appearance, some quickly becoming fan favorites while others become fearsome enemies who present new threats to Darrow and his mission to take down the Golds who rule The Society with an iron fist.
Questions from book one are answered and new questions arise in book two, all of which lead to an ending that will make readers immediately reach for book three. If you are seeking a Roman inspired sci-fi read with a second book that doesn’t fall flat, then run to our library and pick up Golden Son at once. You can also read my post about book one here.
Written By:
Lauren Lapinski
Information and Digital Services Assistant
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 