In Red Rising by Pierce Brown, Darrow, a sixteen-year-old Red, lives in a dystopian society on Mars where his caste is oppressed by the ruling Golds. Following the execution of his wife Eo, Darrow joins a revolutionary group, undergoes physical transformation to infiltrate the Golds, and enters their Institute to challenge the entrenched power structure from within. The book contains instances of violence and trauma, including executions.

Pierce Brown's Red Rising captivates with its imaginative world-building and compelling protagonist, drawing readers into a gripping tale of rebellion and survival. Critics praise its fast-paced narrative and intricate plotting. However, some find the gritty violence excessive and the character development occasionally lacking. Overall, a thrilling and ambitious sci-fi saga.

Fans of Red Rising by Pierce Brown are likely to enjoy dystopian futures, relentless action, and complex characters. If you appreciate the brutal intensity of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or the epic scale of Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, this gripping space opera will captivate you.

Gritty / Suspenseful / Dark / Adventurous / Emotional

**Darrow**  
The protagonist of *Red Rising*, he is a Red from Lykos, a mining community beneath Mars. Known for his leadership skills, Darrow transforms into a Gold to infiltrate society and fight for freedom.

**Eo**  
Darrow's wife and a Red, her death serves as the novel’s inciting incident. Eo encourages Darrow to lead a revolution against the oppressive Golds.

**Mustang**  
A Gold and Darrow's love interest at the Institute. Known for her intelligence and courage, she questions the Society's social model and values freedom.

**Cassius**  
Darrow's friend and rival at the Institute, belonging to a prominent Gold family. Known for his physical prowess and strong sense of honor.

**ArchGovernor Nero au Augustus**  
A powerful Gold and father to Mustang and the Jackal, he embodies the ideals of competitiveness and dominance within the Society.

**Dancer**  
A high-ranking member of the Sons of Ares, influential in guiding Darrow's transformation and rebellion against the Golds.

**Fitchner**  
The Proctor of House Mars, he provides Darrow with important insights into the war game and has a complex, mentorship-like relationship with him.

**Julian**  
A Gold and brother to Cassius, Julian becomes a significant figure during a critical event at the Institute.

**Titus**  
A violent and aggressive Gold at the Institute, he serves as a foil for Darrow and presents challenges due to his vengeful nature.

**Mickey**  
A Violet Carver hired to transform Darrow into a Gold, known for his unique aesthetic approach to altering human bodies.

**The Jackal**  
An antagonist and Mustang's twin brother, renowned for his manipulative and cunning nature.

**House Apollo’s Proctor**  
A Gold who obstructs Darrow's efforts at the Institute and acts as an antagonist.

**Sevro**  
A cunning and resourceful Gold who assists Darrow, known for his wild battle strategies and leadership of the Howlers.

**Tactus**  
A Gold from an important family, initially antagonistic but becomes loyal to Darrow.

**Uncle Narol**  
Darrow's uncle, he collaborates with the Sons of Ares, aiding Darrow in becoming a Gold revolutionary.

Pierce Brown

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Red Rising Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Slave” 

Prologue-Part 1

Red Rising Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Reborn”

Part 2, Chapters 7-12

Red Rising Part 2, Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-19

Red Rising Part 2, Chapters 13-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Gold”

Part 3, Chapters 20-26

Red Rising Part 3, Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 27-33

Red Rising Part 3, Chapters 27-33 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 34-38

Red Rising Part 4, Chapters 34-38 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 39-44

Red Rising Part 4, Chapters 39-44 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Red Rising Character Analysis

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Themes

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Red Rising

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