By Jove- I thought Iron Gold was a great continuation of the Red Rising Saga– but I didn’t know quite how *awesome* these sequels were going to get (though having read the previous series, I had some idea 😉 ). Action-packed from the start and full of the intense politicking we’ve come to expect, the plot doesn’t let up for even a split second. Rollercoaster ride doesn’t come close to describing it. Because bloodyhell, there were fresh horrors and twists galore! Intensely addictive, the multiple povs upped the stakes and made me feel like no one was safe!!
What I especially liked about the characterisation was how it didn’t just grave rob the previous series- there was actual, logical growth here. And even better, the new characters were just as intriguing as the old (I am an especial fan of Lysander!)
I’ve also been very impressed by the ideas behind this trilogy. *Slight spoiler for Red Rising*- this explores the world after victory, dealing with the destructiveness of man alongside how hard it is to maintain power and implement justice. For me personally (being a massive nerd) I’d say the best way to describe this is it’s the direction the new Star Wars sequel trilogy should’ve gone (which, you’ll just have to trust me on, because it’s so hard to talk about without spoiling the entire plot!). It’s just so gorydamn good.
Beyond the plot, there were so many intertextual and historically complex references, which all threaded together to make a beautiful tapestry. The writing was as quotable as ever. I had to stand back and admire it.
This was by far one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in a while- I’m going to need the next one fastlike!
Rating: 5/5 bananas
So, have you read any of the Red Rising books? Do you plan to? And are you enjoying this continuation as much as I am? Let me know in the comments!
Oh, I am so happy to hear you love it! You know how very much I adore adore adore the Red Rising series and I liked Iron Gold, but something has stopped me from picking up Dark Age. I need to get to it eventually, but it’s such a huge book haha Still, great review! I am glad the continuation of the saga isn’t a disappointment.
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I really did!!! hahaha I hear you! I probably didn’t get to it for ages cos of the length! Thank you! It really isn’t- I thought this was better than Iron Gold- Brown writes incredible middle books!
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That’s really good to know! 🙂
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The Red Rising series is so well thought and with so many subplots ! I haven’t finished all the books yet but it’s a really good series indeed !
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Ahh I really agree!!
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Love this series! I thought Dark Age had some spots that were personally too dark for me, but I still enjoyed the book overall. Definitely excited to get the last book and get (what’s hopefully) the real last finale!
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Me too! 😀 Ah I can understand that- there were some parts that shocked me so much I had to put the book down for a moment (but then I was also compelled to pick it up again, cos it’s so well done, even if it’s super dark). Yes! Me too!
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Sounds fun! I still haven’t read this series, but I mean to!
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Oh *definitely* recommend it!!
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Dark Age was one of my favourite reads of last year. It was fantastic and I loved how dark it got at times.
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It was awesome! And completely agree!
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Yess, Dark Age was such a roller coaster of emotions, I loved that book. What a wild ride.
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Yes!! Completely agree!!
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Great review! I love when the past comes to haunt us in a good way!❤️
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Thank you! Ah yes! ❤
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