Professor Birdbrain: Red Rising Review

 
Red Rising
Red Rising Trilogy Book One
Written by Pierce Brown
Reviewed by the Hubby
Science Fiction, Dystopian
Published January 28th 2014
400 Pages
The Earth is dying. Darrow is a Red, a miner in the interior of Mars. His mission is to extract enough precious elements to one day tame the surface of the planet and allow humans to live on it. The Reds are humanity's last hope.

Or so it appears, until the day Darrow discovers it's all a lie. That Mars has been habitable, and inhabited, for generations, by a class of people calling themselves the Golds. A class of people who look down on Darrow and his fellows as slave labour, to be exploited and worked to death without a second thought.

Until the day that Darrow, with the help of a mysterious group of rebels, disguises himself as a Gold and infiltrates their command school, intent on taking down his oppressors from the inside. But the command school is a battlefield, and Darrow isn't the only student with an agenda.
Anyone that follows Diva Booknerd, will know that occasionally I convince my husband to put down the game controller and read. Although Red Rising wasn't for me, I knew it was a series that he'd enjoy, so of course I had to convince him to guest review again.
This dystopian take on science fiction is a journey into the unknown, a fantastic blend of two worlds crashing into one another with utter devastation left in its wake. The story starts out with meager beginnings in Lycos a mining colony underneath the inhospitable surface of Mars. Darrow is what is known as a Hell Diver, a drill operator where he and his fellow miners are mining Helium 3, the life source of the civilization. Helium 3 is the life blood of terraforming technology and it is needed to transform the surface of Mars.

A tyrannical government is in power all people are divided by colour, Reds are the workers that toil away under the surface to transform their world they are the lowest of the low, pinks born into a life of slavery to the pleasures of the upper echelons of the society. The top of the pile are the Gold population and as their name suggests, who sport the arrogance of royals, and use brutality as their weapons against all other. They are monstrously over sized with the aid of genetic engineering and ugenics. The golds demeanor is quite evident that they are gods among men, and with their technology this is at least partly true.

After a tragic incident involving Darrow and his wife Eo, his world collapses around and nothing will ever be the same. Contacted by the terrorist group The Son's of Ares, Darrow undertakes a mission to change the face of the society for ever.

The reader will be fully immersed within the story. There are plot twists galore, but they are all done extraordinarily well. The immersion just keeps drawing you deeper and deeper into the story and before you know it, it's over, and will be left wanting more. The writing style is first person and very well done. The author has mastered the art of capturing the emotions of the characters and portraying them to the reader as if it were you in Darrow's shoes.

I liked the blend of science fiction and dystopian, all neatly set around a plausible near future technology and I applaud the author for doing his research into the field of future fuel sources and its uses. Some of the technology is still a bit far afield, however it still falls well within the realistic realm.

What I didn't like at the beginning, the story seemed to lack explanation. I found out later in the story that was required at the time for the flow of the story to make sense all the way through.

I would recommend reading this book to anybody who enjoys dystopian, but be warned this is not the Hunger Games or Divergent style of dystopian, this is a unique take from a science fiction fantasy take on a totally corrupt power system. But if you enjoyed that style of writing this is definitely your cup of tea. And let's face it, who doesn't enjoy seeing a government system collapse that was based on brutality and slavery.

My only complaint is that the ending seemed too rushed.

42 comments

  1. I started reading this and was really enjoying it but I wanted a lighter read where I didn't have to take so much in so put it down, I will get back to it soon! There are so many things to remember and take in about this world that it can be pretty heavy. I do enjoy dystopians though, probably my favourite after contemporary! I'll have to pick this up soon.

    Great Review Kelly! <3

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    1. Oh no, not my review. Hubby reviewed this one. I knew he's enjoy it as it felt like a more masculine read to me. He loved it!

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  2. Oooh i like science fiction and dystopia so this definitely sounds like a book for me! I've seen a lot of hype around this but for some reason I've never really wanted to read it urgently. I looove plot twists because they're so unexpected.

    Haha I love how you make your husband read, that's so funny.

    Great review

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    1. Once I read him the synopsis, he was really excited to read it. He absolutely loved it. Definitely give it a go, if you like out of the ordinary dystopian and science fiction then you'll absolutely adore this one.

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  3. "Reviewed by The Hubby", lol. The synopsis itself has scared me because I'm not much into sci fi, particularly dystopian, but I'm still intrigued to read it. Awesome review!

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    1. He's a super fussy reader as well, so seeing how much he absolutely loved it, I'd have no hesitation in recommending the series to anyone. I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  4. Seeing as most people are doing the Red Queen/Red Rising comparison, I kind of feel compelled to see what it's all about. I wasn't really intrigued in Red Rising to begin with (and then I saw the picture of the author and um, I was a tad persuaded. HAHAHAAHA I'm kidding. Of course I'm not that shallow. Of course) Dystopia's such a hit and miss (mostly miss) for me though. Hopefully I like this one though. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Rushed endings often ruin the whole experience for me though. Fantastic review, ?? Kelly's Husband? (ha, I'm just going to step away and pretend that this is less awkward than it is for me LOL)

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    1. He's actually one of the few authors I've seen where readers are calling for a topless author photo. My husband isn't one of them though, even though he absolutely loved this! I've read around a third of Red Rising and I can't see the comparisons to Red Queen personally, it felt far more masculine. I'm sure he'd be demanding you read this one Jess, he said it certainly lived up to the hype.

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  5. I've heard so many good things about this one (and everyone keeps gushing about Golden Son) so I know I just have to pick it up. I', quite happy this isn't like The Hunger Games or Divergent in terms of the dystopian world but i'm more than okay with that. We already have one Hunger Games and on Divergent, I want Red Rising to stand in a league of it's own. Lovely review!

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    1. Exactly, and according to hubby it does exactly that. We already have so many books trying to emulate The Hunger Games and Divergent, it's about time we see new dystopians that aren't afraid to set their own tone and differ from the rest. Hopefully it'll regenerate the genre as well.

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  6. Yay to fast paces, solid dystopias and future tech. This sounds incredible!

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    1. It's so universally loved, I really hope you give it a try Mawa.

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  7. I'm *still* nervous to pick this one up! I think I'll see if I can flip through it at the library

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    1. It does take a while to get going, but the world building is absolutely incredible. I can't even begin to tell you how much my husband loved both books so far. Considering he's not a reader either.

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  8. This book intimidates me, and I don't know why. I love the sound of it, and it's great to hear that the plot twists are done really well...though I don't like the sound of lack of explanation or a rushed ending...other than that, this sounds as though I better give it a go! I've seen a few mixed reviews, so I'm curious as to which side of the fence I'd be on. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kel. <33

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    1. I think you'd absolutely love it. The world building itself is phenomenal, it's one of the rarer dystopians that really stands on it's own merits.

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  9. Hi, Kelly's husband, nice review! I'm loving the sound of the plot twists, it's great when a book can surprise you, even better if you can become fully immersed in the story.

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    1. I think that's what we all look for in our next read Alise, couldn't have said it better myself. He loved this, and Golden Son even more so. I think I may be able to make a reader of him yet!

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  10. I don't know why, but this reminds me of Total Recall LOL. For no other reason than the 'Mars' thing.

    I always love a bit of sci-fi, so this might be my cup of tea!

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    1. My husband said you're spot on Allie, now that you've mentioned it, it reminds him of it too. It's so well loved, even the fussiest readers have loved it madly. I'd love to see what you think of it!

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  11. Haha, I just love that you make your husband read Kelly! Hello to Kelly's husband! I'm so glad you enjoyed this book. I've been hearing amazing things about it from literally everywhere. LITERALLY everywhere now haha! I'm no so worried about a rushed ending so I'll have to pick this one up soon. I'm sure I'd adore it!

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    1. Even though I've got him into reading and he even offered to review, he won't reply to comments. Really, I need an intern. The pay is non existent, but since I cook his meals, he'd be wise to pitch in with the comments.

      And yes! You'd love this one Laura!

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  12. Ooooooh!!! I love stories that involve space conspiracies! I've got this on my to-read list to get to one day and when I do, I'll be very excited!

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    1. Then you'll absolutely adore this one Renee. The world building alone is absolutely incredible!

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  13. Great review Professor Birdbrain! I heard from Kelly that you really enjoyed this book and its sequel, I totally agree that the writing captures emotions really well and I just LOVE the sci-fi/high fantasy setting. I'm reading Golden Son at the moment and it's awesome!

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    1. He loved both, but grumbling that he now has to wait for book three. In between, I plan on keeping him busy with more young adult set in space, he's going to be reading These Broken Stars next.

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  14. Awesome to hear from Mr Diva Booknerd, I’m not sure if I could be like you though Kelly and share my books I’m very protective and because I like every genre theres nothing that I ever want to pass on. This book sounds awesome with its blend of dystopian and science fiction fantasy the perfect combination in my mind. I’m definitely adding this on to the want list. Thanks for the great review Professor Birdbrain.

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    1. Oh no, he knows how particular I am about my precious books and of course I can keep an eye on him too.

      I think you'd absolutely LOVE this series Katie. He's such a fussy reader and this completely sucked him in. I can't think of any higher recommendation.

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  15. Thanks for your honest thoughts. Normally I wouldn't be all that curious about this one (I don't read a lot of dystopia/sci-fi) but I have heard a lot of great things so I'm definitely hoping to check it out.

    -lauren

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    1. It's one of those titles that even non dystopian fans would enjoy Lauren. I hope you can grab a copy soon, would love to see what you think of it.

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  16. Hahahah I'm glad you loved it Professor Birdbrain! I loved it as well! Are you planning to read the sequel?

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    1. He already has, AND reviewed it. Might have found myself a coblogger it seems.

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  17. Is it sad that I get this book mixed up with Red Queen? I know that Red Queen isn't out yet but all this red in dystopian YA novels, such a dark depression color. If I read this it would be for the science fiction. I LOVE sci-fi. I've heard mixed things about this but I'm going to give it a try. Great Review! It always nice to hear from a guys perceptive now I know to what to buy for my guy friend.

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    1. Actually, I've seen a few comparisons to Red Queen, but both really are chalk and cheese. Red Queen is my type of read, where Red Rising was one my husband absolutely loved. Even rattling tin foil in front of him couldn't distract him.

      That's probably the best endorsement for having this one on your shelf Taylor.

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  18. "Reviewed by the hubby' HAHA! Great review. I've been meaning to read this, and will get around to it VERY soon. I'm intrigued.

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    1. You need this book in your life Naban, it has the husband seal of approval.

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  19. I read this one too. :) Although, honestly, I did not enjoy it...At first, YES, very much! But then when you-know-who died, I felt so sad and it all fell down for me. :( Beautiful quotes, but for me the story missed its mark. I might try book 2 when having the time, though. Beautiful review, Diva!!

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    1. It was actually my husband who read and reviewed, but I'll be sure to let him know Lola. I think this is one of a whole new band of young adult books that will also encourage guys to get back into reading too.

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  20. The very reason why I loved this book so much is because it really shows the torment and suffering of people under a very oppressive and tyrannical society. I mean I read a lot of Dystopians before but none of them really show it this extent and none of them successfully make me want to cry out for the pain Darrow and his people go through. Beautiful review, Professor Birdbrain! I want to see what you'll think of the next book!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. He said the exact same thing Faye, I think you've found a kindred spirit. He loves this just as much as you did. He loved Golden Son even more so, which is rare for the follow up book in any series. It'll be a long wait for the finale now though. You two might need to join a support group.

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  21. Oh man, I'm going to be reading this book this month and I just can't wait!! I haven't read it yet because I wanted Golden Son to be out but now I'm going to devour it! Great review :)

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    1. You'll love it Cristian, no doubt. It's one of those series that appeals to both sexes and isn't weighed down by a gushy romance. I think that's one of the things my husband loved about it.

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