My theory for why the series got so dark: at first Pierce Brown was a nice fellow wanting to right an epic sci fi story but one where you also loose some people you love cuz otherwise it'd be kinda lame. Then slowly he realized the tears of his readers are really delicious so he made the books darker and darker and now wants to dethrone and usurpe our Dark Lord Joe Abercrombie
Same here! Thanks mike. Read these because of you in 2020 and it’s sooo good. The action, the characters, the plot, the politics, betrayals, it’s a really intense series. Sequel trilogy is darker as mentioned, but if you’re like me who likes dark serious moments/ sh** hitting the fan you’ll be ok.
my sister had been trying to get me to check out this series, she even purchase the first trilogy for me. i didnt dive in until i had seen your videos on them a couple years ago (which ruffled her feathers; “why dont you trust me, you only trust Mike”) and had a great time! waiting until a release date to start the second trilogy.. thanks for another great recommendation!
@@mikesbookreviews same thing happened with Greatcoats and Farseer too. you encouraged me to read all her favorites, she can’t be upset about that. thanks again!
One of the most epic book series I've ever read. Gripping & intense, while breaking through barriers of social classes that seem to reflect the direction of life today. Must be noted, Darrow was nothing without his friends & the people in his life who helped him, through those friendships he showed his own strength & determination. I love how many characters Pierce Brown brings in to the story & how many different story lines are going on. He greatly expanded the magnitude of the story as it went along. Though, I hate that Ragnor had such a short appearance, but Pierce made up for it with Cassius. No joke, I had tears of joy in Dark Age.
Some authortubers I follow described Pierce Brown as the master of twists, and now this video - I'll have to bump these books higher on the to-read list.
I'm starting the Red rising series today. Decided to "buckle down" and read it before 1/3rd of your video was through. This is my first video from you as well. Loved the content and the delivery of your review. You've gained a follower and fan in me. And, dare i say, given Mr Brown a fan too.
I am now going to try to push through on the first one. I enjoyed it but stopped to start another book and haven't picked it up in awhile. I just bought the rest of the series last month to try and pick back up. Thank you for this. It made my morning. Been watching at work. Trust me you are not with the S word we shall not write out loud. But you show you on a lot thought to give you a try and love your content. PLEASE make videos, as much as you want or as less as you want. bust just create the content.
This is one of my favorite series. The epicness, the scope, the fight scenes, the friendships are all just incredible. I’m right there with you about book 1, I was pretty meh on it. But I started book 2 right after, and my god. The quality of writing, plot, and action just shoot up ten fold. This series will always have a special place in my heart.
My son recommended these to me and I finally started them about 10 days ago. I found myself up until 2am several nights as I couldn’t put them down. I read quite a lot (mainly sci-fi and fantasy) and I found the characters very endearing. I also found some very beautiful prose in book three. Loved them.
He's also got Paradice Lost in there, lol. I was listening to a speech by a bad guy, and it was a a legitimate rendition of Satan's address to the fallen angels in Paradice lost. I thought that was so cool how he leaves little easter eggs like that
Due to your recommendation almost 2 years back, I picked up the Red Rising novel and loved it. Mainly for the characters. The story was good but the characters were special. Needless to say I’ve read them all at least twice and eagerly awaiting the final 6th book
Loved you take on the series, you have sold me to try it again! I have had the first book on my shelf for years after co-workers raved about it and the timing wasn't right - only recently began reading fantasy and sci fi!!
Started this series thanks to your videos and read all 5 in about 3 weeks. Absolutely addicted. Can't wait to read book 6 but I'm also so afraid to see how this story ends.
This series is high on my radar. This summer/fall is looking a lot more open, so I may be able to finally go to this. I have been looking forward to it!
I wached this video when you put it out in Feb and I had already added the first book to my wish list. Today I finished the first book and I'm so excited to go on with the second one! I must say, this guy made me cry a few times just in this first one so I'm buckling up for what's to come XD I love his prose, it's not super flowery and it's easy to go through. I will definitely start the second book soon. Thank you so much for recommending this series!
I'm through Golden Son and have Morning Star on the TBR for April. I agree with nearly all of your assessments on the series so far. Picked up the series because of you and definitely recommend it to anyone that loves grimdark fantasy but are interested in seeing what sci-fi is about. Thanks, Mike!
I picked up a hardcover of Iron Gold for $2 at a charity book sale a few weeks ago. The series was always on my TBR but I think its gonna move up that list quickly now :)
Great series, I read the first 3 after your last video on this topic. Well worth it. I have the next two ready to go, was waiting until we get close to the release of the last volume before I finish.
Thanks Mike, the review is beautifully done and is worthy of the series. A path of no return… After finishing the first trilogy I heard about the darkness that awaits in the next. But I also knew there is no turning back. Took me a year to build up the courage; today, a new journey of heartaches begin. Here we go, to the howlers…
I read Red Rising a few years ago. I really enjoyed it, but life got in the way and I did not continue. I hope to re-read it and continue on, since I have already purchased the second and third books. However, if I had not already read it, this video certainly would have convinced me. Thanks for sharing!
I got Red Rising sitting right on the shelf above my desk, just waiting for me to dive in. I just don't know when yet, but this video amped up my excitement
I remember reading Red Rising back when the hype around it was it's biggest. And I found it weird, because to me it read as an Adult Hunger Games and I couldn't get past that aspect... I'm thinking now that it's been a few year that I may check it out from my library again and give it another go. I did enjoy Pierce Brown's writing and storytelling, so it may be worth it to push through and try to finish up the first trilogy.
I’ve read all 5 books but I took a long break after reading the first trilogy and then books 4 and 5. The series is so intense, action packed and brutal that I needed a break. That worked well for me though as I really enjoyed Iron Gold and Dark Age.
Just finished sharp ends by Abercrombie a few hours ago, tomorrow I plan to start Red Rising and it’s all thanks to you Mike and your “ why you should read” video.Hell you even made my wife want to read it as well,you are already 1 for 1 with your recommendation of first law(read it all except age of madness trilogy) let’s see if you were right about Red Rising as well!
I've only read the first book so far, and like you, I thought it was okay. I do plan to read the rest of it. After watching this it's pushing me to read it sooner rather than later though. Side note: One of my internet friends actually got into the series recently because he'd seen me talking about having read the first book. And also the board game that just came out based on this world. He too thought it was okay, I told him though based on what I've heard from you and others who have read the series that it gets better and darker. Anyway, great video!
After reading all 5 books I found the loss of characters hit harder than ASOIAF, mainly because I was way more attached to most of them. As dark as this series goes I wonder at what kind of ending he will give us...I think Bitter Sweet might be optimistic but in war nobody wins.
I'm halfway through Golden Son and really liking. But I hope it doesn't veer into shockjock, edgelord territory like Sons of Anarchy or some crap like that. Death for the sake of death, backstabbing for the sake of a "twist," etc.
I read Red Rising back when it came out and enjoyed it quite a bit. I think I’ll reread it and see if I want to continue. Thanks for the series review.
Seeing you posting about this video on Instagram convinced me to pick the series back up, polished off red rising in 2 days, currently desperate to pick up golden sun. Hopefully the character death isn’t too much for me
We read Red Rising in my book circle, most readers there (non-fantasy/sci-fi) thought it was a bit too violent. But overall quite positive feeling about it. I loved it however and continued with the triolgy. I'll get into the second one during 2022 hopefully
Started reading the first book yesterday because of you. So far I see the YA comparison (but more violent yes😂) so far pretty decent. Will save my judgement after book 2 because I know people say book 1 is the "bad" one.
I decided to read this series based on your "why you should read it" video. Thanks for the recommendation, because I really like this series alot. I even liked book 1. If I had to choose something to put in the bad category, I felt like the original three books was a very solid trilogy where everything was wrapped up nicely for me. I didn't need to series to go on. But there was no way I could ignore books 5 and 6. In Iron Gold, I did not like that we moved to a four person POV story. I liked it all coming from Darrow. Regardless, the only characters I did not connect with in Iron Gold was Ephraim. Still, a very solid book. In Dark Age, I felt it was a bit long, but there was some very good story told there, especially Victra. Man, did she shine. Her parts were fantastic to read. Dark Age made my top 10 last year. That being said, I can't wait to read book 6.
Trying my best to avoid spoilers, but I just finished Morningstar on audiobook. Near the end I lost my shit and hated a character that I was starting to like. Then just before the very end there's a moment in the bunker where I stopped the audio and just said, "wow...holy sh*t" because of how savage it was and other characters felt the shock of the savagery. Couldn't agree more about how awesome razors are. I love this first trilogy and cannot wait to start Iron Gold. Thanks for bringing this series out into to the spotlight, at least for me. It is slightly concerning if the 2nd trilogy is getting darker to the level you describe, but I can't stop now.
Great video,it reminded me how much I loved reading the first trilogy last year.I will continue with the sequels when the sixth book will be released.Until this day,the scene that shocked me the most,ever is at the beginning of the first book.
I loved this trilogy quite a lot. The end fizzled out a little bit for me, but the twists and turns really get you. The world is also very interesting even though there wasn't a lot expansion of the world building beyond Mars and a few auxiliary places. Overall, the whole trilogy is very solid with lots of interesting ideas and amazing battles.
@@mikesbookreviews Good to know. I'm just finishing Jade Legacy (Book 3 of Greenbone Saga) and John Gwynne's Valour and will be moving on to Iron Gold. I'm loving John Gwynne's books, by the way. I started reading them on your recommendation and they're really good. Lots of characters that are easy to love.
I enjoyed the original Red Rising trilogy. I thought they were all pretty good with Golden Son being my slight favourite. I felt the characters and the story were the strongest aspects of the series. I haven't started the second trilogy yet. I'm not sure whether to read them now or wait until Book 6 is announced so they stay fresh in my mind for the finale.
@@mikesbookreviews Thanks for the input! I have a lot of other series to get to, so I think I’ll read those first then get hyped for Red Rising again once Book 6 is announced.
It's insane how my eye is always drawn straight to your Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling is the Author that started my love of reading. I grew up along-side Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Something I thought was cool about these books is how razors were talked about for a long time but the specifics about them weren't revealed until much later (I think the second book during the duel?).
I think I've read the first trilogy in about three weeks time, absolutely devoured it. 4 and 5 I definitely needed a couple breaks. I was just so emotionally invested, there were points in the story where it got so tense I actually had to lay the book aside and clear my head. It's so action packed, with the single POV you're slowly preparing for big moments it feels like but with the multiple POV you can never catch a break haha, theres always something going on, lots of crazy stuff. I definitely prefer the second series (cant really call it a trilogy anymore since he announced TWO more books, yay). I thought a certain part of book 2 was the worst Pierce Brown could ever make me feel but my god Dark Age is something else man. Can't wait til May!
This has convinced me to continue after the first book (which I'm not loving that much), but I don't really liek the "anyone could die" thing. I think that's often lazy writing. It's only meaningful if when people die there's a reason for it. Just killing off a character for shock is not good writing.
You will find there is always a reason for the killings after the first book. The author improves with each of them. Take into account red rising was his first serious book.
@@JimmyDThing and I feel like thematically the second trilogy is better. You may not like the plot as much, I did. But the treatment of the consequences of was, the pass of time, the feeling of loosing purpose as years go by... It was just great
I enjoyed The Hunger Games but always felt it was lacking a little something. Red Rising was such a breath of fresh air I always looked at it like it was what I wanted out of The Hunger Games and then some. I was expecting similar out of the sequel but you're right, Brown evolved his characters and likely himself so much. I've enjoyed the trilogy immensely. 4 and 5 were tougher for me to get through. So many point of views. That's just me. I understand others dig it. I'm still looking forward to Lightbringer and since this video was made a 7th installment, Red God has been announced. While the later entries have been harder for me the high points are well worth the grind. I can't wait to see how this all turns out. I have my predictions. I hope I'm wrong and I'm sure I will be because this ride has been extremely unpredictable.
100% Agree with the whole thing, there were some parts where it was frustrating he didn't reveal some of the stuff beforehand, but I always saw it as a device to keep the interest and action going. The first one was definitely slower paced and was alot like the hunger games, but I'm neutral on it. The strategy in the whole book series was phenomenal and the second and third were so fast paced that I couldn't put them down. I finished the first book in like a week but read the second and the third in two days flat. I'm waiting on the third one in the second trilogy series to come out to start back up again, if they're as fast paced as the last two, I'm not going to want to wait hahaha. I'd honestly love a prequel trilogy if he did that as well!!! Last thing I will say is that it's definitely not a prose style book series, but it's better prose than Hemingway's jarring style that was often slow paced when I read for whom the bell tolls, literally could not read it, but also not John Steinbeck where he spent wayyy too long describing stuff.
I don’t think he was a Mary sue. He was built to be the best by the powers that be…. BUT. He’s constantly found out if his element. He’s never the smartest man in the room. In the first two books, He’s 100% learning all the time and realizing he’s got a lot to figure out about his opponents. In the third book he leans on his people so hard for great ideas. It’s incredible
I been planning to read the series since you're first review. I'm planning to start reading the first one after I finish the 8 Malazan book (already 60% done)
My theory for why the series got so dark: at first Pierce Brown was a nice fellow wanting to right an epic sci fi story but one where you also loose some people you love cuz otherwise it'd be kinda lame. Then slowly he realized the tears of his readers are really delicious so he made the books darker and darker and now wants to dethrone and usurpe our Dark Lord Joe Abercrombie
This is a theory I subscribe to.
Nobody summarizes things without spoiling them better than you do. I think this has to go on my tbr, even though it is already miles long.
Awesome to hear! Hope you dig it.
Darrow’s speeches alone are worth reading these books.
Hail Reaper.
I 100% started this series because of Mike’s recommendation and it has become one of my favourite book series of all time .. thank you sir!
Same here! Thanks mike. Read these because of you in 2020 and it’s sooo good. The action, the characters, the plot, the politics, betrayals, it’s a really intense series. Sequel trilogy is darker as mentioned, but if you’re like me who likes dark serious moments/ sh** hitting the fan you’ll be ok.
So glad to hear it!
my sister had been trying to get me to check out this series, she even purchase the first trilogy for me. i didnt dive in until i had seen your videos on them a couple years ago (which ruffled her feathers; “why dont you trust me, you only trust Mike”) and had a great time! waiting until a release date to start the second trilogy.. thanks for another great recommendation!
Ha ha sorry to start a family drama
@@mikesbookreviews same thing happened with Greatcoats and Farseer too. you encouraged me to read all her favorites, she can’t be upset about that. thanks again!
This is funny. Mike sells it, indirectly, and maybe your sister just gifting them to you wasn't convincing enough.
An excellent sales job, Mike! I appreciate your honesty here and the useful information. Sounds like a series I’ll be picking up someday!
I think you'd be really into how much ancient Rome, Greece, and Prussian ideals he mixes in.
Read it! Don’t be a pixie!
One of the most epic book series I've ever read. Gripping & intense, while breaking through barriers of social classes that seem to reflect the direction of life today. Must be noted, Darrow was nothing without his friends & the people in his life who helped him, through those friendships he showed his own strength & determination. I love how many characters Pierce Brown brings in to the story & how many different story lines are going on. He greatly expanded the magnitude of the story as it went along. Though, I hate that Ragnor had such a short appearance, but Pierce made up for it with Cassius. No joke, I had tears of joy in Dark Age.
This is the best format for a book review that I've ever seen!
This video rocks! The Iron Rain scene in bk 2 just completely blew my mind-I don’t think I’ve ever been as gripped to the page as I was during that.
Iron Rain scenes are amazing.
The pre-battle comms chats are my favorite. When they all just start bantering over comms
Mike, I'm glad you convinced me to give the Red Rising saga another try three years ago. It's one of the best series I've read in the last 25 years.
So happy to hear that!
I always love the Red Rising content Mike. You made me discover my new favourite sci-fi series!
Happy to help!
Some authortubers I follow described Pierce Brown as the master of twists, and now this video - I'll have to bump these books higher on the to-read list.
You won't regret it!
I'm starting the Red rising series today. Decided to "buckle down" and read it before 1/3rd of your video was through. This is my first video from you as well. Loved the content and the delivery of your review. You've gained a follower and fan in me. And, dare i say, given Mr Brown a fan too.
Thanks for watching! Hope to see you around more.
I wouldn't have started this series if it hadn't been for your recommendation, thanks for introducing me to this world. It's great stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love em! Started Iron Gold this week. Definitely one of the most quotable series ive read in the last handful of years
Sevro is a quote machine.
Your contribution to this series is incredible
I am now going to try to push through on the first one. I enjoyed it but stopped to start another book and haven't picked it up in awhile. I just bought the rest of the series last month to try and pick back up. Thank you for this. It made my morning. Been watching at work. Trust me you are not with the S word we shall not write out loud. But you show you on a lot thought to give you a try and love your content. PLEASE make videos, as much as you want or as less as you want. bust just create the content.
Mike’s videos are the best!!
Thank you! I don't intend to stop. Hoping it's just a rough patch.
This is one of my favorite series. The epicness, the scope, the fight scenes, the friendships are all just incredible. I’m right there with you about book 1, I was pretty meh on it. But I started book 2 right after, and my god. The quality of writing, plot, and action just shoot up ten fold. This series will always have a special place in my heart.
It was like when the first season of a TV is just okay and then season 2 melts your face off.
@@mikesbookreviews Absolutely, 10000%.
Your channel has come a long way man , your definitely one of best booktube channels 👍
Appreciate that!
My son recommended these to me and I finally started them about 10 days ago. I found myself up until 2am several nights as I couldn’t put them down. I read quite a lot (mainly sci-fi and fantasy) and I found the characters very endearing. I also found some very beautiful prose in book three. Loved them.
Awesome! Welcome to the Rising.
He's also got Paradice Lost in there, lol. I was listening to a speech by a bad guy, and it was a a legitimate rendition of Satan's address to the fallen angels in Paradice lost. I thought that was so cool how he leaves little easter eggs like that
Great observation.
You persuaded me. Half way through golden son and loving it. Didn’t realise there was a sixth book to come. The more the merrier.
Buckle up! Golden Son is a wild ride.
Due to your recommendation almost 2 years back, I picked up the Red Rising novel and loved it. Mainly for the characters. The story was good but the characters were special. Needless to say I’ve read them all at least twice and eagerly awaiting the final 6th book
His character relationships are just prime.
Loved you take on the series, you have sold me to try it again! I have had the first book on my shelf for years after co-workers raved about it and the timing wasn't right - only recently began reading fantasy and sci fi!!
Enjoy!
I am halfway through the second book and I have already had my fair share of goosebumps, tears, laughter and epicness.
I just finished book 5 and I have truly loved the series - can't wait for book 6
Can't wait for book 6 because it will get even more brutal
Started this series thanks to your videos and read all 5 in about 3 weeks. Absolutely addicted. Can't wait to read book 6 but I'm also so afraid to see how this story ends.
Yeah, nervous excitement on book 6 ha ha
I have books 1, 4 & 5 sitting in my TBR pile. I appreciate you doing this video. This is a series a plan to read.
Hope you love it!
You sold me on these, Mike! May not be my very next read but very soon!
Awesome!
This series is high on my radar. This summer/fall is looking a lot more open, so I may be able to finally go to this. I have been looking forward to it!
I know you'll dig it.
I wached this video when you put it out in Feb and I had already added the first book to my wish list. Today I finished the first book and I'm so excited to go on with the second one! I must say, this guy made me cry a few times just in this first one so I'm buckling up for what's to come XD I love his prose, it's not super flowery and it's easy to go through. I will definitely start the second book soon. Thank you so much for recommending this series!
Iron Rain strategy is something to behold and I had goosebumps while reading it.
When the NASA Twitter account called for an Iron Rain I thought it was just the best.
@@mikesbookreviews 🤯
I've been considering this series, so thanks for steering clear of spoilers while still giving us a good idea of the pros and cons. :)
No problem! Hope you enjoy.
I'm through Golden Son and have Morning Star on the TBR for April. I agree with nearly all of your assessments on the series so far. Picked up the series because of you and definitely recommend it to anyone that loves grimdark fantasy but are interested in seeing what sci-fi is about. Thanks, Mike!
Excited for you. The ending of Morning Star is wild.
I started this book last night because of seeing it repeatedly on your channel.
Wonderful!
I picked up a hardcover of Iron Gold for $2 at a charity book sale a few weeks ago. The series was always on my TBR but I think its gonna move up that list quickly now :)
Excellent choice.
I’ve had this in my library for a year now. I finally have a little time to read on the weekends so I’ll be diving in here and there.
Enjoy!
Now I've just up this series on my tbr list. Thank you Mike!
Great series, I read the first 3 after your last video on this topic. Well worth it. I have the next two ready to go, was waiting until we get close to the release of the last volume before I finish.
Yeah my wife loved the trilogy and refused to start the sequel trilogy until it was done. I envy her not having this wait ha ha
i do not think I've read a series on repeat like red rising it is amazing
I love how you flesh out taste cos no two peoples’ are the same. I like stuff that’s character-based and driven too.
Thanks Mike, the review is beautifully done and is worthy of the series.
A path of no return… After finishing the first trilogy I heard about the darkness that awaits in the next. But I also knew there is no turning back. Took me a year to build up the courage; today, a new journey of heartaches begin. Here we go, to the howlers…
I read Red Rising a few years ago. I really enjoyed it, but life got in the way and I did not continue. I hope to re-read it and continue on, since I have already purchased the second and third books.
However, if I had not already read it, this video certainly would have convinced me. Thanks for sharing!
Hope you enjoy it!
Because of u I started this. Now on second book…. Wow. THANK YOU. Savro for the win!! !!
I got Red Rising sitting right on the shelf above my desk, just waiting for me to dive in. I just don't know when yet, but this video amped up my excitement
I think you'll like it.
Keep doing things like this, Mike.
I certainly plan to!
My favorite series of all time. Not the best series, for sure, but my favorite, the one I will reread happily every year!
I'm excited to do a re-read leading up to the release of book 6.
I will definitely be checking this out now. Thanks, Mike!
My pleasure!
Red Rising Series is one of the best book series out there. Glad you liked it.
I remember reading Red Rising back when the hype around it was it's biggest. And I found it weird, because to me it read as an Adult Hunger Games and I couldn't get past that aspect... I'm thinking now that it's been a few year that I may check it out from my library again and give it another go. I did enjoy Pierce Brown's writing and storytelling, so it may be worth it to push through and try to finish up the first trilogy.
Yeah, that's why I almost didn't continue. But I'm very glad that I did.
Love this series. Finished the first and now on the beginning of the second. World building is insane
I’ve read all 5 books but I took a long break after reading the first trilogy and then books 4 and 5. The series is so intense, action packed and brutal that I needed a break. That worked well for me though as I really enjoyed Iron Gold and Dark Age.
Yeah, there were moments I had to take a break due to mental exhaustion. First time that had happened since Song of Ice & Fire.
Just finished sharp ends by Abercrombie a few hours ago, tomorrow I plan to start Red Rising and it’s all thanks to you Mike and your “ why you should read” video.Hell you even made my wife want to read it as well,you are already 1 for 1 with your recommendation of first law(read it all except age of madness trilogy) let’s see if you were right about Red Rising as well!
Outstanding!
I've only read the first book so far, and like you, I thought it was okay. I do plan to read the rest of it. After watching this it's pushing me to read it sooner rather than later though. Side note: One of my internet friends actually got into the series recently because he'd seen me talking about having read the first book. And also the board game that just came out based on this world. He too thought it was okay, I told him though based on what I've heard from you and others who have read the series that it gets better and darker. Anyway, great video!
Hope you enjoy book 2!
After reading all 5 books I found the loss of characters hit harder than ASOIAF, mainly because I was way more attached to most of them. As dark as this series goes I wonder at what kind of ending he will give us...I think Bitter Sweet might be optimistic but in war nobody wins.
It’s right there with ASOIAF and First Law as a series where character deaths really hurt.
What a great review. I’ve always wanted to get into this series.
No better time than now!
Have all five books on the shelf ready to go near the end of the year.
Fun!
I'm halfway through Golden Son and really liking. But I hope it doesn't veer into shockjock, edgelord territory like Sons of Anarchy or some crap like that. Death for the sake of death, backstabbing for the sake of a "twist," etc.
I love the fact that he bought the rights back to his own stories rather than allow them to make a sub-par version of his vision
Yeah, at the book signing he basically said he'd rather it not be made than be made wrong.
i will never forget the fist time i read the word "pulsefist"
Pulling up this video, I’m so scared what you’re going to say!! 😬 this has been on my TBR a while
Man, this channel has exploded!
I struggled a lot with book 1 but I am currently reading book 2 and am loving it so far
Golden Son is amazing
I read Red Rising back when it came out and enjoyed it quite a bit. I think I’ll reread it and see if I want to continue. Thanks for the series review.
Enjoy!
Seeing you posting about this video on Instagram convinced me to pick the series back up, polished off red rising in 2 days, currently desperate to pick up golden sun. Hopefully the character death isn’t too much for me
I literally bought all the released books so far in hardcover just because of you haha. (Doesn’t hurt they also look good on the shelf)
I'm always happy to help you guys spend your money.
Red Rising is one of the best series ive ever read.
It is quite good, yes
We read Red Rising in my book circle, most readers there (non-fantasy/sci-fi) thought it was a bit too violent. But overall quite positive feeling about it.
I loved it however and continued with the triolgy. I'll get into the second one during 2022 hopefully
He does love him some stabby.
Just finished dark age this week. Very excited for the final book!
Same page, my man.
Just announced - Book 6 May 20, 2023, and Book 7 TBC, yep two new books.
Started reading the first book yesterday because of you. So far I see the YA comparison (but more violent yes😂) so far pretty decent. Will save my judgement after book 2 because I know people say book 1 is the "bad" one.
I know this is the series for me when the "bad" section of the video sounds great to me
Ha ha, right?
Just finished the first book and I had another book planned after but I liked this so much I dove right into the second.
Per Goodreads, book 6 will be titled Lightbringer and will release this year. I doubt both but hey figured I’d throw it out there
Yeah, I've seen that. Would be an interesting title choice.
I decided to read this series based on your "why you should read it" video. Thanks for the recommendation, because I really like this series alot. I even liked book 1. If I had to choose something to put in the bad category, I felt like the original three books was a very solid trilogy where everything was wrapped up nicely for me. I didn't need to series to go on. But there was no way I could ignore books 5 and 6. In Iron Gold, I did not like that we moved to a four person POV story. I liked it all coming from Darrow. Regardless, the only characters I did not connect with in Iron Gold was Ephraim. Still, a very solid book. In Dark Age, I felt it was a bit long, but there was some very good story told there, especially Victra. Man, did she shine. Her parts were fantastic to read. Dark Age made my top 10 last year. That being said, I can't wait to read book 6.
The sequels are certainly divisive. I appreciated the multi-POV choice. Made the universe feel bigger. But I get it when others didn't.
Trying my best to avoid spoilers, but I just finished Morningstar on audiobook. Near the end I lost my shit and hated a character that I was starting to like. Then just before the very end there's a moment in the bunker where I stopped the audio and just said, "wow...holy sh*t" because of how savage it was and other characters felt the shock of the savagery. Couldn't agree more about how awesome razors are. I love this first trilogy and cannot wait to start Iron Gold. Thanks for bringing this series out into to the spotlight, at least for me. It is slightly concerning if the 2nd trilogy is getting darker to the level you describe, but I can't stop now.
If you make it to Dark Age, that moment will seem tame by comparison ha ha
Ok tnx for the non spoiler and im on it now and because the summary and no spoilers are spot on also a like a new subscriber❤
Literally just finished morning star 5 minutes ago🔥 this video is perfect timing for me!
Perfect!
Great video,it reminded me how much I loved reading the first trilogy last year.I will continue with the sequels when the sixth book will be released.Until this day,the scene that shocked me the most,ever is at the beginning of the first book.
It's so good!
I loved this trilogy quite a lot. The end fizzled out a little bit for me, but the twists and turns really get you. The world is also very interesting even though there wasn't a lot expansion of the world building beyond Mars and a few auxiliary places.
Overall, the whole trilogy is very solid with lots of interesting ideas and amazing battles.
He does expand the solar system quite a bit in the sequels. Love the stuff on the outer planets.
@@mikesbookreviews Good to know. I'm just finishing Jade Legacy (Book 3 of Greenbone Saga) and John Gwynne's Valour and will be moving on to Iron Gold.
I'm loving John Gwynne's books, by the way. I started reading them on your recommendation and they're really good. Lots of characters that are easy to love.
The audiobooks are top 5 in Audible. Tim Gerard Reynolds does INSANE narration
Great list. I adored the first trilogy and I’m patiently awaiting book 6 before I start Iron Gold.
So jealous you don't have to wait.
I enjoyed the original Red Rising trilogy. I thought they were all pretty good with Golden Son being my slight favourite. I felt the characters and the story were the strongest aspects of the series. I haven't started the second trilogy yet. I'm not sure whether to read them now or wait until Book 6 is announced so they stay fresh in my mind for the finale.
At this point I'd say to wait. But do what works for you, my friend.
@@mikesbookreviews Thanks for the input! I have a lot of other series to get to, so I think I’ll read those first then get hyped for Red Rising again once Book 6 is announced.
Comment for the algorithm -- great review, Mike
Thanks!
It's insane how my eye is always drawn straight to your Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling is the Author that started my love of reading. I grew up along-side Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
I’ve had this series on my radar for some time now. I just need to get around to it.
Here's hoping!
Bought it. Will read this year. Thanks.
Something I thought was cool about these books is how razors were talked about for a long time but the specifics about them weren't revealed until much later (I think the second book during the duel?).
Razors are so legit. I love them.
I actually just bought “The Red Rising” and that is a thanks to you. Otherwise I never would’ve picked it up.
Finished Dark Age yesterday. One thing I know is that when he kills characters I like in a good way it’s gonna be good. Painful, but good.
VERY painful.
I think I've read the first trilogy in about three weeks time, absolutely devoured it. 4 and 5 I definitely needed a couple breaks. I was just so emotionally invested, there were points in the story where it got so tense I actually had to lay the book aside and clear my head. It's so action packed, with the single POV you're slowly preparing for big moments it feels like but with the multiple POV you can never catch a break haha, theres always something going on, lots of crazy stuff.
I definitely prefer the second series (cant really call it a trilogy anymore since he announced TWO more books, yay). I thought a certain part of book 2 was the worst Pierce Brown could ever make me feel but my god Dark Age is something else man. Can't wait til May!
This has convinced me to continue after the first book (which I'm not loving that much), but I don't really liek the "anyone could die" thing. I think that's often lazy writing. It's only meaningful if when people die there's a reason for it. Just killing off a character for shock is not good writing.
You will find there is always a reason for the killings after the first book. The author improves with each of them. Take into account red rising was his first serious book.
@@guilleyo161 have to agree. Haven't read the second trilogy, but the other 2 books were better than the first.
@@JimmyDThing and I feel like thematically the second trilogy is better. You may not like the plot as much, I did. But the treatment of the consequences of was, the pass of time, the feeling of loosing purpose as years go by... It was just great
@@guilleyo161 def gonna read it at some point.
I enjoyed The Hunger Games but always felt it was lacking a little something. Red Rising was such a breath of fresh air I always looked at it like it was what I wanted out of The Hunger Games and then some. I was expecting similar out of the sequel but you're right, Brown evolved his characters and likely himself so much. I've enjoyed the trilogy immensely. 4 and 5 were tougher for me to get through. So many point of views. That's just me. I understand others dig it. I'm still looking forward to Lightbringer and since this video was made a 7th installment, Red God has been announced. While the later entries have been harder for me the high points are well worth the grind. I can't wait to see how this all turns out. I have my predictions. I hope I'm wrong and I'm sure I will be because this ride has been extremely unpredictable.
You convinced me. Just read the first 300 pages of Red Rising today.
Outstanding!
Woohoooo!!! Maybe this will be the kick in the pants I need to finally start Iron Gold!!!
DEWIT
100% Agree with the whole thing, there were some parts where it was frustrating he didn't reveal some of the stuff beforehand, but I always saw it as a device to keep the interest and action going. The first one was definitely slower paced and was alot like the hunger games, but I'm neutral on it. The strategy in the whole book series was phenomenal and the second and third were so fast paced that I couldn't put them down. I finished the first book in like a week but read the second and the third in two days flat. I'm waiting on the third one in the second trilogy series to come out to start back up again, if they're as fast paced as the last two, I'm not going to want to wait hahaha. I'd honestly love a prequel trilogy if he did that as well!!! Last thing I will say is that it's definitely not a prose style book series, but it's better prose than Hemingway's jarring style that was often slow paced when I read for whom the bell tolls, literally could not read it, but also not John Steinbeck where he spent wayyy too long describing stuff.
I don’t think he was a Mary sue. He was built to be the best by the powers that be…. BUT. He’s constantly found out if his element. He’s never the smartest man in the room. In the first two books, He’s 100% learning all the time and realizing he’s got a lot to figure out about his opponents. In the third book he leans on his people so hard for great ideas. It’s incredible
“Punch you in the heart endings”
Ah, so you speak of Golden Son.
I been planning to read the series since you're first review. I'm planning to start reading the first one after I finish the 8 Malazan book (already 60% done)
You'll fly through this series after reading a Malazan book ha ha