by Pierce Brown
Series: Red Rising #2
Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
Debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within. 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.
“It’s not victory that makes a man. It’s his defeats.”
As many of you know, Red Rising by Pierce Brown made my top ten list for 2014. Pierce blew me away with his masterful dynamic storytelling and descriptive world building. It was with trepidation that I began the second book, Golden Son. Could Brown continue to hold me captive in this brilliant world? The answer my friends is yes! Golden Son was stunning as Darrow and his motley crew of colors moved closer to freeing society from its chains. The story was intense, with panoramic views and a flawed hero worthy to be King.
Brown drops us right back into this strategic game of Chess and deceit. Our hero Darrow struggles in the first part of the book making me a tad nervous that my hero had lost his mojo. Thankfully, we witness his rebirth as he seeks alliances, ferrets out the truth and finds the power from within as he sets his eyes on the prize. Golden Son the second in the Red Rising Trilogy is brilliant in its own right and has a different feel than its predecessor. Second book syndrome is not a part of Brown’s vocabulary as he continues to flesh out the world and the characters.
Golden Son, raises questions as we navigate political strategies, begin to understand the different colors and learn that even a bad idea can come from the best intentions. Through Darrow, we learn more about the complexities of this world and its people. Brown will make you question how the oppressed can be happy and why those in power are never satisfied. Darrow’s inner circle is among my favorite. They are unique individuals with their own personal scars and unwavering loyalty to him. I grew attached to them, felt their sorrow and joy. Brown ripped some of them away from us, reminding us that war is ugly and requires sacrifice.
“Gorydamn”
Darrow is such an impressive hero. Brown shares his inner struggles as he moves his pawn forward; eyes forever on the prize. Darrow mourns every life lost and has this unique ability to understand his enemy. We see tremendous growth in him as he allows those loyal to him within his confidence. His treatment of the colors was brilliantly portrayed. There were moments of greatness, for example when they gained control of an enemy ship. His speech to the crew made the hairs on my arms raise as I watched him go from warrior to a man who could lead them all.
“For seven hundred years, my people have been enslaved without a voice, without hope. Now I am their sword. And I do not forgive. I do not forget. So let him lead me onto his shuttle. Let him think he owns me. Let him welcome me into his house, so I might burn it down.”
What makes this trilogy stand out in the science-fiction fantasy genre is the incredible dystopian setting and unique cast of characters. Brown’s vivid descriptions and perfectly paced story captivate the reader allowing the rest of the world to slip away. When I can close my eyes and see both the world and the characters, I obtain this euphoric book high that makes me want to demand everyone read and experience it. Marketed in the young adult genre the Red Rising trilogy will appeal to the masses. Epic battles, complex relationships, deceit, alliances and secondary characters will have you enthralled. Darrow is a hero we can all relate to as he strives to do what is right, even as it hurts him. A climatic ending will leave the reader eager for the final installment.
I cannot stress enough how brilliant this trilogy is. Golden Son was breathtaking and one heck of a ride. Brown has endeared me to this world and its characters.
Sharyla
What an AMAZING review! Not normally my genre, but you’ve got me 110% interested!!
kimbacaffeinate
Might be fun to step out and try it
Jennifer
I grabbed the 1st book for my Nook when it went on sale and because Jonetta loved it and she reads even less YA than I do. I’m thinking of giving it a go on audio though. LOL
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: I bought the audio version too Jennifer after I read it. I am hoping to get my hands on signed hard copies of both books
Tressa
Well, I didn’t read Red Rising because there were some mixed reviews although they all said there was huge potential. I decided to wait to see how the next book would go and now I know that I’ll just have to add this series to my list. I’m glad you loved this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Omg..I thought Red Rising was brilly
Bookworm Brandee
I’m glad to see you enjoyed this second installment, Kimba. Lexxie put this series on my radar…I’m thinking I need to snatch up Red Rising! A wonderfully built world and a brilliant cast of characters sound good to me!
kimbacaffeinate
I know you need to snatch up Red Rising Brandee!!
Olivia
Oh man, this sounds like such a good series. And everyone seems to love this second book more than the first! Gah, can’t wait to get my hands on it!
kimbacaffeinate
I cannot wait to see what you think
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I really need to read Red Rising, this series has received so much praise; I’m pleased to see the sequel was just as wonderful.
A great review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…you need to read it *mentally sends vibes for you to one-clicky Red Rising*
Candace
He’s signing here tomorrow and it would be nice to go but I have a client signing the next day and two in a row won’t work for me. I know I need to get the first book, everyone raves about it!
Okay- just bought it on kindle. Thanks for sharing the sale!
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo..glad you nabbed the deal. I would sell my soul for signed copies.
Nicci
I just rec’d a notice from Amazon, my copy is on its way to my grabby hands. Yes! Meantime, I trying to finish up reading Andromeda’s Fall. I can’t wait to read Golden Son.
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! *dances in excitement for you*
Lauren
Ooh a five cup read?! *happy dance* I’m SO excited to read this now – can’t wait! Lovely review
kimbacaffeinate
Must read…so good Lauren!
Christy
Meh, it was alright, I guess. -snort- Yeah, right … this was AMAZING x10! Yes, yes, yes to everything you said. I would be willing to do very unsavory things to get the next book as soon as possible.
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, we should start planning a break in at Random-Penguin now..lol
Debbie Haupt
Oh Wow Kim I need this series. On my list thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes…a must read Debbie:) Hope your holidays were wonderful. I know you don’t hop around on weekends..but please do check out my recent Sunday Post and the announcement I made..squee
blodeuedd
I am intrigued
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I do think you would love the world and Darrow…hehe I would love to read a review from you about it.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Sweet! I’m hoping my library gets this is audio. I’ve been enjoying fantasy this way. I can’t wait to get started!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..this series Melissa..a must!
Lupdilup
I can’t wait Kimba!!! I’m triple excited…Wow! I can’t even imagine, this book made in my top five, but sadly the narration didn’t and that’s because it took me a little to get used to the narrator’s style, but by the end I still love the book…So I think it’s going to be a different story when it comes to the narration for The Golden Son I feel it’s going to be Aces all around!
Wonderful review!
kimbacaffeinate
So the narration gets better? Because I friggin love this series so hard.
Lupdilup
He’s a very experienced narrator, and a very good one, it’s a matter of getting used his style, which oddly enough I did by listening to another Fantasy book narrated by him. I just think he didn’t sound like a sixteen year old (to-me) so I was a little disappointed at that. But he’s got plenty of 5 stars on audible for Red Rising, so it could be just me. The book still made my top 5, and I think I”m going to be more than fine with The Golden Son. Just a few hours!..LOL
Heidi
Alright you and Christy have convinced me to give this series a whirl!
kimbacaffeinate
Squee!!! I hope you love it as much as we do Heidi!!
Lily
It seems that everyone’s reviewed this one today! I still haven’t started the Red Rising trilogy but I’ve been meaning to get my hands on it. I love that this sequel didn’t suffer form second book syndrome and that the significant time jump worked for you. I promise to read this one soon!
kimbacaffeinate
Tomorrow is release day…this series is amazingballs Lily!
Brandi Breathes Books
I still need to get my hands on the first one, esp with such high ratings from you.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…I hope you snag it while it is 1.99
Nick
Ahhhh! This is such a great review, Kim! It has me all excited to start Red Rising soon. Darrow sounds like he’s a badass and like I would enjoy this book a lot. I can’t wait!
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh Nick If I could I would come watch you read them..enjoy.
Tammy
Yes, I loved this as well! A wonderful second book that really stands up to the brilliance of Red Rising:-)
kimbacaffeinate
I was so worried..but it was bloodydamn brilliant
Braine Talk Supe
Alright, alright, alright! I’m caving in, I’m getting book 1 for my dad and son. Good lord! So much gushing it’s so irresistible!
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..I hope they love it even 1/5 as much as I did!
Carmel
I only skimmed your review because I’ve officially decided to listen to this series ‘just for me’ once my Audible credits have been replenished (thanks in large part to you, and Loupe). As you know, YA isn’t really my thing; however if it falls on the dystopian side of the genre spectrum, I actually don’t mind it.
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! To be honest when I read Red Rising..I classified it as adult, and was shocked it was listed as YA. The audio version is amazing too
kindlemom1
I am jumping up and down right now Kim! Yay! Wasn’t this just mind blowing? That ending was brutal and I am dying for book three now. I can’t believe how much this series has blown me away and taken me by surprise with how much I love it. It is definitely a series that I want everyone I know to read.
kimbacaffeinate
It gave me such a book high..thanks Ali
Lexxie
Amazing review, Kim! And I agree with every single word you said! Red Rising was one of my top favorites of 2014, and Golden Son more than lived up to my high expectations. The writing is so beautiful, and as you said, the characters and the whole universe they evolve in is very well done
Happy reading
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! I am so glad you love them as much as I do Lexxie. Aaaaand now we wait for book three *le sigh*
Lexxie
I know, that makes me so sad! A whole year *cries* I wish I could live inside Brown’s brain for a while… because that ending :O
nj
The book sounds good but I might not read it because its a series and I am reading too many series at the moment
Silvia
I’ve been hearing a lot about this Trilogy and it seems like many are really into it. I must admit that it sounds breathtakingly wonderful, so I’ll probably get to it at some point as well!
Thanks for reviewing, Kimberly
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you read them Silvia.
Jennifer Bielman
EEEEEE! I am so excited to start this series. I don’t know one blogger who hasn’t loved it so far.
kimbacaffeinate
Squeeeeee!
Melliane
wow it sounds so good! I know I need to try this series mainly after all the wonderful reviews I saw and I don’t know why it’s not done yet but I hope so that I’ll be able to do that soon…. so many books… arrghhh. Great reviews!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..yes you need to read these..if you don’t love them I shall give up coffee for a week.
Alreem
wow sound like a great book, i have not read the first book yet byt i will soon,, lovely review
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy and I hope it gives you all the book highs I experienced.