Books & Literature
Red Rising
Red Rising is a science fiction book series written by Pierce Brown. Set in a dystopian future where humanity has colonized the solar system, the story follows Darrow, a young miner from Mars who infiltrates the ruling Gold elite to bring down the color-coded caste system from within.
"I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war."
The Series
The series is divided into two trilogies. The original trilogy follows Darrow's rise from a Red miner to a revolutionary leader. The second trilogy, known as the Iron Gold trilogy, takes place ten years later and expands the story through multiple perspectives.
Original Trilogy
- Red Rising (2014) Book 1
- Golden Son (2015) Book 2
- Morning Star (2016) Book 3
Iron Gold Trilogy
- Iron Gold (2018) Book 4
- Dark Age (2019) Book 5
- Light Bringer (2023) Book 6
A seventh and final book, Red God, is planned to conclude the series.
The Color System
Society in Red Rising is divided into a rigid caste system based on Colors. Each Color is genetically engineered for specific roles, with Golds ruling at the top and Reds serving as the lowest laborers.
The Hierarchy
Why I Love This Series
- Epic Scale — Battles span planets, fleets, and generations
- Character Depth — Complex characters with genuine growth and moral ambiguity
- Political Intrigue — Machiavellian schemes and shifting alliances
- Action — Brutal, visceral combat with high stakes
- Themes — Explores class, revolution, freedom, and the cost of war
- Prose — Pierce Brown's writing is poetic and quotable
- World-Building — A fully realized future with its own history, culture, and technology
"Break the chains. Live for more."
Memorable Quotes
- "I am the Reaper, and I know no fear."
- "The measure of a man is what he does when he has power."
- "Rise so high, in mud you lie."
- "Hic sunt leones." (Here be lions.)
- "Per aspera ad astra." (Through hardships to the stars.)
Adaptations
A film adaptation has been in development for years, with the rights currently held by Universal Pictures. Pierce Brown has been involved in writing the screenplay. The complex world and epic scope make it a challenging but potentially incredible adaptation.