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Emily May's Reviews > Red Rising
Red Rising (Red Rising Saga, #1)
by
2 1/2 stars. Red Rising isn't really a bad book - 2.5 stars still means halfway between "it was ok" and "I liked it", after all. And many other reviews will tell you how amazing most people found it, but I struggled to locate the magic that so many other people seem to have found within its pages.
Red Rising is considered and marketed as dystopian/sci-fi, which technically it is, but it reads with a dense wordiness that is reminiscent of high fantasy novels. This fact will only be a negative for some readers. It has the same high level of technical term usage, lengthy descriptions and a slow, plodding plot that has made me put aside many fantasy favourites.
Oh, and then there's Darrow. Khanh's description of him is hilarious and spot on, but I cannot write this review without adding something myself about why he is a Gary Stu of epic proportions.
The guy is absolutely perfect in that despairingly average way that seems to be the defining factor of YA heroes and heroines. He gets everything right, he is faultless, the story is built up around him being so good that he's able to do what everyone else cannot. And yet, he's also your average Joe in a way that I suppose is meant to make us readers relate to him.
Unfortunately, he felt like a cardboard cutout. Khanh was right, he would make a fantastic face of a revolution, but in terms of characters I can get behind, root for and care about... he wasn't doing it for me.
The reason this book does work is the real sense of tension, nastiness and drama. It's easy to get caught up in the atmosphere of the story. You get the feeling throughout that the author isn't afraid to rip your heart out, shred it, and stand laughing amid the fallen pieces. Which enabled me to read on with some interest, despite the slow-moving plot.
While there were a number of things I enjoyed, this book never managed to cross the line between "not bad" and "actually good" in my mind. Perhaps it was just too dense and slow-moving, or perhaps Darrow ruined my enjoyment... but I am surprised to see quite so many five star reviews.
One final thing I want to say is about the language. Everyone seems to love it. I have yet to read a review where the language hasn't been praised as well-written, emotive, beautiful, powerful... take your pick. But I found all the political language incredibly melodramatic.
There was something so contrived, even scripted, about it. You know in kids' films when it gets to the climax and it looks like the bad guys are going to win? Then the hero makes a big emotional, dramatic speech about why they're going to beat the bad guys with epic music playing in the background? This whole book felt a bit like one of those speeches.
Like preachy political propaganda, spoken on a clifftop with sword pointed in the air. It made me roll my eyes more often than it made me feel inspired.
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by
“I am the Reaper and death is my shadow.”
2 1/2 stars. Red Rising isn't really a bad book - 2.5 stars still means halfway between "it was ok" and "I liked it", after all. And many other reviews will tell you how amazing most people found it, but I struggled to locate the magic that so many other people seem to have found within its pages.
Red Rising is considered and marketed as dystopian/sci-fi, which technically it is, but it reads with a dense wordiness that is reminiscent of high fantasy novels. This fact will only be a negative for some readers. It has the same high level of technical term usage, lengthy descriptions and a slow, plodding plot that has made me put aside many fantasy favourites.
Oh, and then there's Darrow. Khanh's description of him is hilarious and spot on, but I cannot write this review without adding something myself about why he is a Gary Stu of epic proportions.
The guy is absolutely perfect in that despairingly average way that seems to be the defining factor of YA heroes and heroines. He gets everything right, he is faultless, the story is built up around him being so good that he's able to do what everyone else cannot. And yet, he's also your average Joe in a way that I suppose is meant to make us readers relate to him.
Unfortunately, he felt like a cardboard cutout. Khanh was right, he would make a fantastic face of a revolution, but in terms of characters I can get behind, root for and care about... he wasn't doing it for me.
The reason this book does work is the real sense of tension, nastiness and drama. It's easy to get caught up in the atmosphere of the story. You get the feeling throughout that the author isn't afraid to rip your heart out, shred it, and stand laughing amid the fallen pieces. Which enabled me to read on with some interest, despite the slow-moving plot.
While there were a number of things I enjoyed, this book never managed to cross the line between "not bad" and "actually good" in my mind. Perhaps it was just too dense and slow-moving, or perhaps Darrow ruined my enjoyment... but I am surprised to see quite so many five star reviews.
One final thing I want to say is about the language. Everyone seems to love it. I have yet to read a review where the language hasn't been praised as well-written, emotive, beautiful, powerful... take your pick. But I found all the political language incredibly melodramatic.
“You do not follow me because I am the strongest. Pax is. You do not follow me because I am the brightest. Mustang is. You follow me because you do not know where you are going. I do.”
There was something so contrived, even scripted, about it. You know in kids' films when it gets to the climax and it looks like the bad guys are going to win? Then the hero makes a big emotional, dramatic speech about why they're going to beat the bad guys with epic music playing in the background? This whole book felt a bit like one of those speeches.
Like preachy political propaganda, spoken on a clifftop with sword pointed in the air. It made me roll my eyes more often than it made me feel inspired.
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Reading Progress
June 3, 2013
– Shelved
June 12, 2013
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Started Reading
June 15, 2013
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Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 70 (70 new)
message 1:
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Emily May
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rated it 3 stars
Jun 03, 2013 04:04PM
LOOOL. Very soon, I promise! :D
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Emily, I read an excerpt from Red Rising online & it's like crack! (Not the butt kind!) How on earth am I going to wait until February? It's the author's first published book & it's going to be a TRILOGY! Where did this guy come from? Seriously, it's like discovering a new flavor of ice cream or something. Love finding a new YA writer, especially a good male POV.
Glad to see I wasn't the only one that didn't connect with this one. I just read the sample and I was left confused and not feeling it. Great review.
I've been seeing so many 5 star reviews of this one, but there are plenty who DNF'ed this one. I guess this one of those books that only appeal to a certain type of reader. I'm kind of hesitant about giving this a shot, but I might... in the future...
Your review encapsulated my feelings to a T. I've been struggling through this book, expecting more, waiting for the plot to kick into high gear.
This book makes me think of the Bone Season--a big preempt that everyone seems to be going nuts over, but it's just very complicated and difficult and won't appeal to everyone.
Thank you, all.As with every book, this will obviously appeal to some and not others. I just think most of the initial reviews were by people who love this kind of thing. Now, the ratings seem to be becoming more balanced.
Well said. I think you hit the nail on the head. These were all the same issues I had with this book. I really wanted to like it - apparently everyone else does! - but it was just okay for me.
message 9:
by
Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies
(last edited Feb 07, 2014 10:00PM)
(new)
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rated it 2 stars
I gave it the same rating, only I rounded down :PI agree with Mackenzi, the beginning was very reminiscent of the info-dumping in Bone Season.
preachy political propaganda? I love those! they make me laugh so hard :PI guess it's my cynical side since I'm a law student. SO I wonder, why politics?
Sharon wrote: "preachy political propaganda? I love those! they make me laugh so hard :PI guess it's my cynical side since I'm a law student. SO I wonder, why politics?"
I basically chose politics because I couldn't make up my mind between English, History and Classics/Philosophy... lol, so I picked a course that was a combination of them all :)
Nice review, Emily. I totally get what you and khanh were saying but I still loved this one. It is always interesting to see the other opinions.
I'm scared to read this one. It feels like, based on the reviews I am seeing, that it simply another YA book written in the hopes of becoming a movie. Seeing as how the screenplay is already written and sold, I'm skeptical if I should try it. We will see.
@Heather Thank you :) I'm glad you liked this one more than I did.@Stacie Oh, I can definitely see that - this book feels made to be a movie. But many GR members did love it, so there's still a chance you will too :)
I'm really intrigued by your and Khanh's pronouncement of Darrow as a Gary Stu. I can definitely see some places where this really was the impression (The whole opening before the passage. Ugh... that part of the book is NOT a strength IMHO.) For me though Darrow didn't come off completely perfect for a few reasons. His early failure to assume power in Mars, the way he accumulates power ultimately leading to failure with [what happens early] and later how much he relied on his commanders and troops to win for him, exercising their judgement or exploiting their skills. (Or course their devotion to him... IDK if I buy it 100% for everyone.)I think I was more disappointed with the way women were portrayed in the book. Eo was so flat and so obviously this perfect symbol it left a bad taste in my mouth and Mustang has her own character/passions/goals only in the books beginning and end. Does any of that make sense? Anyway, thanks for making me think!
I read the first few chapters of this and it was fine, but I haven't felt moved to pick it up again. Hmm.ETA: Also, I agree with the high fantasy feel.
Emily, I love reading your reviews! Even when I don't agree with them. This one I can say I do agree with it already... And I am only on page 50-ish. Mentioning all of these color castes and houses (i.e. house of mars), and even character names remind me of A Song Of Ice and Fire. I love ASOIAF but it seems out of place in a YA dystopian novel. Still working through it but I can't guarantee I won't put this one down at the first opportunity. :/
Thanks, Ashley. Though I'm sorry to hear it's disappointing for you too :/
I wholeheartedly agree with this review. I am very split about it, because while the writing is fantastic and clean, it caters to a type of writing that's clearly...meant to make the $$$ and his preachy political under-themes are very evident. Can't say I disagree with them entirely, but it sure as hell makes me uncomfortable. Like Ayn Rand but in the other direction.
My thoughts exactly. It just feels too... agenda-driven, perhaps.
Great review Emily! I'm actually surprised you finished it because after 130 pages, I pretty much tossed this into my DNF pile. You pretty much hit the nail on the head.... I think it was the over the top, melodramatic speeches that turned me off. It came off kinda cheesy and made me so freaking uncomfortable. The writing style wasn't bad by any means but like Khanh said.. there is so. much. telling. It's a shame too because Pierce Brown seems like a cool dude :/
I found the descriptions pretty tame, but I was incredibly disappointed in the ending of the game. *spoiler* What kind of book just ends with the bad guy handed over like a Christmas present? So anticlimactic. I was ok until that point.
Emily, I loved your review and I agree with Colin, but I did get a bit further before I just couldn't take anymore.
Got to disagree. I loved the language, it felt just right to me.
Oh goodness! So glad I ran into your review.... Absolutely couldn't get invested into this book because I felt it was written way too dramatically... All the melodrama was off putting and I'd read reviews praising its writing and thought, "people like thebsuper dramatic?"... Felt like it was trying too hard... I got the arc for the second book and was confused the first few chapters only to then find out there was a first... I had to wade thru the first to read the second... And now that I'm done... And the few more chapters I've read... The melodrama!s is too much for me. DNF the 2nd... Not for me... And yet couldn't understand the inflated language... Cause the circumstances spoke so much already...
Spot on. I'm reading it now, and the use of the phrase "wends his way" to describe forward motion made me giggle/snort.
...That said, I'm really enjoying the angsty plot.
Haha, glad you're enjoying it despite some of the language, Alison :)
Good review, tho I totally and completely disagree with it. :) I LOVED these books. But, i know how it feels to just not be able to get behind a series. I absolutely abhored Twilight AND Hunger Games. I still have claw and bite marks from voicing my negative opinion on those two.
The only part of your review i dont really get is your description of darrow. I didnt find him to be perfect at all. Far from it. As a gold, he may be physically perfect, but he certainly doesnt read perfectly in any other way to me. He makes a million bad decisions in each book and i wanted to wring his neck half the time. Maybe it would help if i knew who gary stu was? ;)
Your other points are totally understandable. the language is definitely a bit melodramatic, but i enjoyed it and felt it blended well with the world the author created and his characters.
I can also agree that it is a bit wordy and full of lengthy descriptions, but again, i enjoyed that and found it flowed pretty good for me, or at least was much more tolerable than some other series have been in that department.
All in all i found this series more mature than others in the same genre. And i love and appreciate that the author stayed far away from the cliche and angsty love crap and instead focused mostly on friendship and loyalty.
Thanks for your review! It was actually the one that got me to read the book! And again, who is gary stu?!?
Ashley wrote: "Good review, tho I totally and completely disagree with it. :) I LOVED these books. But, i know how it feels to just not be able to get behind a series. I absolutely abhored Twilight AND Hunger G..."
Hey Ashley,
I think I can answer re: Gary Stu. Are you familiar with the concept of a Mary Sue? "Gary Stu" is the male equivalent. It usuallyrefers to a character who is perceived as a thinly veiled author-insert who can do no wrong and is inexplicably the answer to the main plot. I'm not sure if I'm at all describing this well and Emily, if you're willing to clarify how you're using the term specifically that would be great. TV Tropes (warning, a very addictive Wiki) offers more lengthy explanations of Mary Sue (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php...) and Marty/Gary Stu (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php...).
Edited to add: The perception of Darrow as a Gary Stu is actually not one I really saw as 100% accurate. I did have a pretty big problem with women's roles in the book though and the first third dragged for me.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it though, I'll bet it feels great to be on the popular side of a book after suffering at the hands of Twihards and Hunger Games fans.
Ah! Thanks for the explanation, Caitlin! that makes sense! Haha. I probably shouldve known that, Im new on GR ao hopefully you guys can forgive me. Im actually suprised I liked Red Rising as much as I did, Im usually pretty hard to please in this genre.
Ashley wrote: "Ah! Thanks for the explanation, Caitlin! that makes sense! Haha. I probably shouldve known that, Im new on GR ao hopefully you guys can forgive me. Im actually suprised I liked Red Rising as much a..."We're all new at some time and it's actually a weird internet thing not specific to GR (like, I think I learned about it in my fanfiction days?) Welcome and I hope you like the site!
Daniel wrote: "Why would a society with technology advanced enough to terraform an entire planet have to use human slave labor? The entire scenario seems very implausible...even in 2015, mines that used to requir..."Daniel to go there, it would mean we have to go into spoilers... but think of it as a means of control. I won't specify completely but there is a reason behind it.
To clarify, I'm just answering your (hoping not rhetorical) question - no motive to tell you to read or not to read the book. I, too, am siding with Emily on this one as this series was not quite for me.
I love your reviews and was wondering if I could get some book recs for holiday?
you're not the only one in finding that the language is melodramatic! I was shocked to find that people liked it. Everything is emphatic.Every other sentence needs a new line.
Because everything is so.
Important.
/gags.
I used to write like that when I was 13 and thought overly dramatic, manipulative prose was beautiful too. Too bad Im twice that age now.
Hmm I have been following your reviews with interest as I saw we liked a lot of the same books so thought I could pick up a few recommendations. I read Ember in the Ashes based on your positive review and I did enjoy that but funnily I felt it was quite cliché and melodramatic. I agree Red Rising is too, but no less than classics like 1984 or Brave new world. I don't even think this book is unduly melodramatic given the events that happen in the first few chapters. This book is absolute gold compared to the majority of YA dystopians out there (can't believe I managed to finish that nightmare that was Delirium). It actually builds an intriguing world and characters. The first several chapters did make me think oh god it's just another hunger games rip off. But then things got interesting and it describes the world more than hunger games ever attempted to. It also delves into minor characters more than hunger games. It constantly surprised me and made me interested in learning more about the characters, a really great book I'd say.
Zoe wrote: "Hmm I have been following your reviews with interest as I saw we liked a lot of the same books so thought I could pick up a few recommendations. I read Ember in the Ashes based on your positive rev..."I'm glad you liked it, Zoe. I have also second-guessed my rating/review of Ember in the Ashes - I read it as an ARC and just found it super enjoyable, but it never occurred to me that it would become so popular (or over-hyped, one might say).
This book just never did it for me, personally. I disagree that the language wasn't more dramatic and cliche than 1984/Brave New World, both of those are quite subtle, in my opinion. But whatever, I definitely agree that this is 10x better than Delirium, which was a mess. Though, I think it pales in comparison to some of my favourite YA dystopias: The Drowned Cities, The House of the Scorpion, Genesis and Unwind.
Hi Emily! I guess you are right about 1984 and brave new world being more subtle. Although the prose is very different to modern YA books so probably not right to compare. I feel like books in general from the last decade, mostly young adult, are very Hollywood with some big dramatic reveal and action in every chapter. Not that I'm complaining as they make for a fun read. YA dystopians also mostly seem to be from 1st person POV and obsessive over the "chosen one" theme. I guess writers are just giving the audience what they want and walking a fine line between compelling and melodrama. I do like Ember in the Ashes it just reminded me of Game of Thrones SO MUCH to the point it was distracting. And thanks for your recommendations Ill definitely check them out!
I just need to say that I take back the positive comments I made on this book and feel a bit stupid haha. I had read about half of it when I posted last and made the naive assumption that the book would continue being great and thrilling... WTF how can a book change so much in tone and writing style and pacing in the matter of a chapter ?? I was so enjoying the world building and plot until we got to the bloody battlefield in The Institute. I hoped this kids playing castle thing would only go on for a couple of more chapters but it seemingly dominates the whole second half of the book ?!?! I can't take it. I hate how the writing style has suddenly changed to very short sentences describing dozens of different characters indepth battle sequences. I honestly don't care about all these characters they suddenly introduced. And the main guy has become quite detached, only seeming to think about battle tactics. I haven't been able to read more than a few pages for the last few days so looks like it's gonna be a DNF ... I might try and listen to the rest on audiobook in case that helps me get through the boring parts but having skimmed a bit it seems I have a long way to go
I can understand how some of you might have had a negative reaction to the language and layout of this novel. Though in truth it's one of the best books I've read in years. I think the difference between your experience and mine was that I listened to the audio version. Tim Gerard Reynolds did a phenomenal job voicing the characters. The way that he tells the story and navigate through the descriptions and language of the book really ties it all together. I would definitely suggest listening to the book and giving it another try!
Thank you for writing this review! You expressed my thoughts much better than I did ;-) I liked the Mars mining part, but the whole competition seemed so derivative that I couldn't work up much enthusiasm for that part.
Lol, you're not alone. I stopped it at 60% at the time, after it took me 3 hours to read 4 more %. The thing is, eaxh time I look at one of these books it seems that they're right up my alley, but in truth, they're really not. I wasn't a big fan of the writing either. Oh well. Great review.
Awesome review Emily!
Totally respect everyone's opinion on this book not being your cup of tea, but I while reading Emily's review and others... I can't but think that the book I read is the same book that was read by many here. Darrow is far from a 'cardboard cut-out'. In fact his decisions are what leads him him to making several major mistakes because what he believes is right is not always the case. This is one of those science fiction books that really got me loving it through and through compared to a lot of other similar books that are currently out. Not only did I love the story, but Brown is a great writer. Loved the rest of the books in the series and can not wait until Iron Gold makes it debut sometime next year. Anywho... not knocking anyone on not liking the book. I love reading both sides of the reviews and not just the ones that I agree with.
crap im not sur how to use this, but here goes.I hear you, I understand what you're saying. I am on number 2 Golden Son.
I have to say I despaired at the first four chapter n wondered if this book is worthy of my time.
firstly I am curious whether this book was written purely on the heels of Katniss. I am expecting some song about a 'hanging tree' n have already seen the signs of a motif of splendor to rally the lowColour masses.
here are a few things I do like about the books so far. The writer understands political strategy. he understands the theoretical underpinning of ebb n flow.
what he doesn't 'get' is human connection. it's all very clinical n staid. Terry Goodkind, Patrick Rothfuss n Sarah Maas 'get' it. They all write about characters who do connect in relationship.
I believe that a writer can only take us as far as they themselves have been. Give him a decade n he'll be writing in that vain.
your review is good, thanks it made me think.
get off your high horse
exactly why I stopped reading it, Asterix the Gaul has more elaborate human connections
"You get the feeling throughout that the author isn't afraid to rip your heart out, shred it, and stand laughing amid the fallen pieces"Am I the only person who this didn't happen to?
