Red Rising is a thrilling dystopian science fiction novel by Pierce Brown, released in 2014. Exploring themes and ideas of revenge this book tells a magnificent story.

The story takes place far in the future after the people of earth have over populated the planet and need to find other planets to live on. Mars, being the only place they can find the substance to create earth-like atmosphere on other planets, is where the main character, Darrow, is from. Having a hierarchy based on colors with Gold based people at the top of the pyramid and red at the bottom, and many colors in between. This hierarchy sets up jobs and expectations for each color, giving everyone a unique place in society, whether it be bad or good. Some people work as servants while others are trained from birth to be killers, this book explores each aspect of the human mind and body in so many different ways.

The book follows the track of Darrow who is originally a Red who is what they call a helldiver. Diving deep into the surface of Mars to collect the rare substance. This is before he is scooped up by rebels from the capital city to become their symbol. Before he was brought to the city, darrow had no idea that there were people outside of the red clan's living on mars. The Rebels took him and he undergoes a physical and mental transformation through what they call “carving”. Taking everything that made Darrow Red and making it Gold.

Darrow is then placed into the Institute, the most prestigious school that raises the future Gold leaders of Mars. The Rebels goal is to get Darrow to the top of the food chain so that he might be able to influence as many people as possible. While climbing the ranks at school Darrow meets new people, friends and foes, but the knowledge that in the end he will have to betray all of them might just be his breaking point.

Exploring the themes of social injustice, the fight for freedom, as well as revenge, Brown brings to life this futuristic point of view that captures the essence of human nature. From tears to revenge, and an old life to a new one, the life of Darrow is truly an exciting and engaging one. With an average 4.8 star review, Red Rising is a highly recommended saga to read.