Hubby's Review: Golden Son by Pierce Brown


Golden Son
Red Rising Trilogy: Book Two
Written by Pierce Brown
Reviewed by the Hubby
Science Fiction, Dystopian
Published January 13th 3015
446 Pages
Thank you to Hachette Australia
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The astonishing, unforgettable sequel to Red Rising, which the Examiner called 'properly a-ma-zing, like an adrenalin shot for the imagination.' Ender's Game meets The Hunger Games in this, the second in an extraordinary trilogy from an incredible new voice.

'I'm still playing games. This is just the deadliest yet.'

Darrow is a rebel forged by tragedy. For years he and his fellow Reds worked the mines, toiling to make the surface of Mars inhabitable. They were, they believed, mankind's last hope. Until Darrow discovered that it was all a lie, and that the Red were nothing more than unwitting slaves to an elitist ruling class, the Golds, who had been living on Mars in luxury for generations.

In Red Rising, Darrow infiltrated Gold society, to fight in secret for a better future for his people. Now fully embedded amongst the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his dangerous work to bring them down from within. It's a journey that will take him further than he's ever been before, but is Darrow truly willing to pay the price that rebellion demands?

Hic sunt leones.

A life or death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown's continuing status as one of fiction's most exciting new voices.
The second installment of the Red Rising trilogy, is not the slow building to the crescendo as one might expect out of the second book in a series. Simply a masterpiece, adding layer upon layer of intrigue and depth to a rich and vast world. Darrow must overcome his biggest fears and crush his demons to move forward. His true destiny begins to unfold before his eyes, his future seemingly out of his hands.

After being thrust back into the academy, The Reaper is smashing and obliterating all that oppose his forces, he too shall learn of defeat and the true cost of mistakes caused by gold arrogance. The academy is focused on fleets and how to conduct battle amongst the society's claim to the solar system. Many personal tragedies will befall Darrow, but you really see his character shining through.

The reader will be bathed in the true horrors of war and gold blood being spilt. The fall of the Roman empire seems to be a true inspiration here, betrayal by friends also with some unexpected surprises. The reader immersion has been stepped up for Golden Son. Not only do you feel as if you are wearing Darrow's gravity boots, but you feel like you are breathing the same air as Darrow. Simply put, you will NOT be able to put this book down . Prepare to forgo sleep.

There are so many twists, turns and sub plots going on here, that its' hard to keep track of them all. But they all tie in together and give the story a much deeper sense that this world is truly alive. As before, the author utilises his mastery of emotions through the characters.

I liked the pure epicness and vastness of the Society's reach, both in power and that of their fleets. Because let's face it, space battles are the embodiment of epicness in their own right. Thousands of tons of steel hurtling through space toward the enemy, firing fighter wings and nuclear missiles for one aim, to destroy, to crush, to obliterate and to break the chains.

There is nothing that I didn't like about Golden Son, other than it had to end. Now I fear it will be a year before I can read the next, and final part of the trilogy. I recommend this book to science fiction and dystopian fans alike. For anyone who is looking for a rich, deep story that will take you on a ride you never expected, from meager beginnings of toil under the surface of Mars, riding a drill. Five stars for Golden Son simply isn't enough. I would be dumb founded if movie producers aren't falling over each other to offer movie deals to the author. It's a modern day masterpiece.

15 comments

  1. I wasn't a huge fan of Red Rising, unfortunately, because everyone seems to be loving this series! I'm glad that Golden Son was even better than it's previous instalment and didn't suffer from middle book syndrome!

    Brilliant review!

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    1. The hubby really loved it, even more so than book one. Now he's got the long wait until the finale is released. I'm trying to find him more 'space' books to read now. Wish me luck, or it'll be a long twelve months.

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  2. I can't wait to read Red Rising and Golden Son, but now that I know it's a trilogy I'm thinking that it might be better if I waited until the last book comes out. It is so painful waiting for the next installment in a trilogy or series, and my bookish heart does not feel like going through that pain again. *cough* The Lunar Chronicles *cough*

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    1. And that long wait is horrid isn't it Ana. I tend to buy and then watch those books torment me from my bookshelves. I end up picking them up and reading them anyway. Grab a copy of both though, the wait won't be THAT long and at least you can start them and read both slowly leading up to the release. I really think you'll adore this series.

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  3. I AGREE GOLDEN SON WAS THE BLOODY SHIT. This was even more epic than Red Rising in so many ways, and I swear, the space battles made the bloody in my veins cry out because they were simply so well-written. I admit to rolling on the floor over and over and over because I just couldn't keep still... ahem.

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. Every review I've come across for it so far, including yours too Faye, have all had nothing but absolute praise for Golden Son. Considering it's a sequel as well, is incredible. So glad you loved this one as well.

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  4. YESSS how freaking amazing was this book? EVERYTHING was epic. It was emotional, full of action and so many twists and turns! I can't wait for the sequel either. Great review Mr Booknerd!

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    1. He can't either Jeann! He loved it even more so than Red Rising. So glad you loved it as well.

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  5. INSPIRED BY THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE?!?! Gimme, gimme! I am a HUGE historical nut of the Roman Empire, especially during the period of Caesar's reign. Totally sold on this series already heh. I need to purchase a copy of Red Rising before venturing into this, glad to know it's even bigger and better than the first book.

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    1. I'll just have to take his word for it, but he DOES watch a hell of a lot of documentaries so I can imagine the similarities are pretty spot on Joy. It sounds like you need a copy of Red Rising and Golden Son. Stat.

      I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  6. Everyone has said so many good things about this one! I need to read Red Rising ASAP so I can join along in the all the fanfare! Lovely review :)

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    1. You totally do Lily. I have a feeling this series will be right up your alley.

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  7. I haven't read Red Rising yet, but I will hopefully get to it next month! I'm a little nervous though, because I'm not exactly a huge fantasy lover, but I'm definitely trying to read more of the genre this year. The amazing things I've been reading about both books is giving me the extra push I need as well! Great review, and beautiful blog btw :)

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    1. Thanks Martika.

      Me either. Hubby read this one and he's a gamer, not a reader so you can imagine how fussy he is. But not only did he enjoy the series so far, but absolutely loved it! It's more dystopian than fantasy, so the series might be a great choice to ease you into the genre.

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  8. I actually DNF Red Rising *hides* lol I'm planning on starting it again, because almost everyone I know seems to love this series. I really do want to like it now, but let's see xD I'm glad you're enjoying the series though! Great review<3 <3 Benish | Feminist Reflections

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