Review: Golden Son (Red Rising Saga #2)

Author: Pierce Brown

Started reading: October 27t 2020

Finished the book: December 13th 2020

Pages: 430

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, YA

Published: January 6th 2015

Source: E-book

Goodreads score: 4.44

My score:

Synopsis

As a Red, Darrow grew up working the mines deep beneath the surface of Mars, enduring backbreaking labor while dreaming of the better future he was building for his descendants. But the Society he faithfully served was built on lies. Darrow’s kind have been betrayed and denied by their elitist masters, the Golds—and their only path to liberation is revolution. And so Darrow sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good for which Eo, his true love and inspiration, laid down her own life. He becomes a Gold, infiltrating their privileged realm so that he can destroy it from within.

A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love—but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind’s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution—and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo’s principles of love and justice to free his people.

He must live for more.

My thoughts

Thanks to Arjen for doing this buddyread with me. Usually we're not that divided in our ratings, but he gave the book 3 stars, and I gave the book 5 stars. I'm totally addicted to this series as of now. The first book had some parts where it was all a bit confusing, but this book really has everything I need in a good series. The amazing cast of characters and awesome plot twists remind me of the Throne of Glass series by SJM.

Pros

• Plot: The first book had some big question marks for me while reading. I didn't understand everything that was happening and the worldbuilding was sometimes a bit vague. But not this book! This story is so well written. I had no idea what was going to happen, it was one thrilling ride for me. The story was flowing and I had no questions what so ever. Everything felt like it made sense and the plot twists were tha bomb!
• Fast paced: This book is fast paced and so exciting to read. The chapters were short and there was happening a lot. I was at 30% of the book in no time. The action scenes were great and there were many of them as well, physical and verbally! Especially the political stuff where some of the characters go head to head were really some of the scenes I enjoyed.
• Cast: This series has an amazing cast of characters. I'm sure there is a favorite for everyone. I'm still a huge Darrow fan, but I know other people like other characters better. I also loved the humor and banter between some of the characters in this book.
• Emotions: That was something that the first book kinda lacked for me. I know the characters had loads of emotions, but I didn't feel it and I was craving that connection. This book had some scenes that made me tear up and gave me all the feelz!
• Ending: BROKE. MY. HEART.

Cons

Bloodydamn no!

Overall

Yes! One of those series that I can totally lose myself in, like ACOTAR and TOG. This series will definitely be on that list to pull out when someone asks you for a great Fantasy series. I'm so curious what other readers thought about this book, but I think the Goodreads score says a lot! I'm also glad that Arjen decided to keep reading this series with me, even though he didn't love it as much as I did. #realbuddy But yeah, anyway, READ THIS SERIES!

Other opinions on this book

"Stirring... Comparisons to The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones series are inevitable, for this tale has elements of both."

- Kirkus Reviews

"Brown writes layered, flawed characters, but plot is his most breathtaking strength. Every action seems to flow into the next."

 - NPR

Memorable quotes from this book

"Home isn't where you're from, it's where you find light when all grows dark."

Thanks for reading!

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