Okay now that I am finally caught up with the series and with book 6 right ahead, it's now time to make a statement: Red Rising has become my second favourite series of all time.
There it is, I said it.
Now that ranking isn't only this books fault, but this book made me truly aknowledge and cement it.
Having books like Golden Son, Morning Star or even the original Red Rising - books that in my opinion are one of a kinds - perfect accidents that just are unrepeatable. So many factors of storytelling just working together perfectly to reach highs of excitement, action and emotion, I didn't even know were possible.
For that reason, it was - until now - just unbelieving for the series to be able to keep up that standard. But you know what: It seems to be, because as of finishing Dark Age, Pierce Brown has yet to write a book, that isn't on that incredible level of bonkers...
So before we go deeper into my thoughts on Dark Age, why everyone should read it even if it's supposed dark and bleak nature might for some be a bit deterrent; and why this works so well, let me get out my ranking of the series so far:
1. Book 2: Golden Son
2. Book 3: Morning Star
3. Book 5: Dark Age
4. Book 1: Red Rising
5. Book 4: Iron Gold
And you know what? They all were almost perfect books for me - even the controversial first one.
And yes, I put that one above Iron Gold... Wanna know why? I don't know. Nostalgia maybe? Idk.
But now let's get to Dark Age, shall we?
Now in the german edition (that I only read because of a complete set lol), Dark Age is split into two books. This will be the full review for both parts, so it will probably be posted on both books pages. So know that it might contain spoilers for the second half.
Even if not split up, Dark Age is a weird one. It doesn't follow the structure of the previous Red Rising books, even differs pretty vastly from it's predecessor Iron Gold with it's newly introduced POVs.
These are still there, so don't worry about new ones in here. And because Iron Gold did all the legwork and introduction to these characters that aren't Darrow, Dark Age has you invested with them from the first page; so back to business as usual in the series.
Therefore, I feel like this is the first time in the sequel series, where the investment in the storylines is back to the level of the first trilogy.
What makes it kind of weird though, is how the POVs and Plotlines are placed throughout the novel.
There are four parts in Dark Age, and every one of them kind of focuses on one or two POVs, the others mostly being abscent or reduced. A decision, that makes perfect sense in my opinion, as this makes the narrative thrust and urgency work again in the first place.
What was a bit jarring at times with Iron Gold now gets turned into a strength: No streak of incredible chapters and scenes from one POV/Location gets interrupted by a different one, that maybe is not at that level at the moment.
Especially the first and fourth part of this heavily benefit from this. And as every part feels so distinct and different, I will also structure this review into these parts - maybe spreading in some additional thoughts and criticisms on certain things while I go.
Part 1: Mischief instantly kicks this book off with the most impressive and gut-wrenching action sequence in the entire series - as this is nothing but one big battle. If you have read book 4, Iron Gold, you probably know, to which POVs this section is focusing on, if I tell you that this is the struggle for Mercury.
After some chapters of slow build up and converging/slowly crashing the plotlines of Darrow and Lysander, Pierce fully lets loose on everything he has in his arsenal.
Iron Rain, Nuclear devestation, raids, high-tech weapons, blood-pumping duels, maneuvers, betrayals, strategy, revenge, heroism, character deaths, trauma etc. Hell, now he even throws fucking Mechas in!
The only difference from - lets say the battles in Golden Son or Morning Star - is the brutality at display.
Red Rising was never for those easily disturbed, but this book takes this to a next level.
The descriptions, of what these weapons and these decisions of our protagonists do to human bodies, what they do to the little individual or civilian on the battlefield, is absolutely terrifying at times. For me: I love these things. But especially in the later parts of this book, there were scenes, where I truly got why some people might have to put the book down for a second. And all of this starts here.
Part 2: Craft & Part 3: Treason are where the book switches focus towards the other cast of characters - mainly Ephraim and Lyria, as well as Mustang. And this section of Dark Age is also, what I'd consider the weakest. I have to admit, that there were actually (a first for Red Rising) moments, where this felt kind of lackluster to me. Especially Ephraims storyline was kind of disappointing for me, but that mostly came from its focus being on an element of the Red Rising world, that I am personally just not that interested in.
BUT (a big but that is), there are still PHENOMENAL moments, revelations, sequences and the likes in here.
Virginias/Mustangs storyline features some of the most series-changing events in the story, some of the most jaw-dropping revelations and encounters.
Lyria actually gets a very important purpose and her storyline features so many emotional highlights, so much growth and so much exploration of the deeper themes of Red Rising.
The only problem for me was, that it felt so "split up" in a way. The POVs don't flow together as nicely as they could maybe have. I also know, that this was probably an impossible task to accomplish, especially since the insane narrative thrust the series is known for would not be possible otherwise.
How it is, you get sections of chapters, that comlpetely grab you, that you can't put down and are completely engaged in. When it eventually switches to a different one at some point, that works similar, but might just be for a storyline, that you are not as invested in, as the previous one.
But why did I not enjoy Ephraims POVs this time?
His voice is probably the most unique in the series; his cynical view of the world, his constant swearing, his drug-abuse, his nihilism, etc. are normally what I loved to read.
But here, he is basically shrugged to the side, to deal with a storyline and worldbuilding, that apparently was forgotten to be implemented into the story earlier.
During the entirety of Dark Age, he deals with the Obsidian culture, so basically the space-vikings of Red Rising. I just feel like this culture isn't as interesting and deep, to justify this amount of page-time.
Especially since at times it even feels like a storyline, that gets implemented new beats just for the sake of playing a role in the endgame of Red Rising.
Especially the introduction of a new Antagonist - arguably even THE antagonist - comes out of nowhere and honestly kind of disappointed me from what I was normally expecting from this series.
Now don't get me wrong: 'Out of nowhere' for Red Rising still means it was built up, but just not as well as it could have been. Not as well as it should have been to justify the huge role it plays.
Frankly, I also have to give to Pierce Brown, that once again he invented something truly remarkable with that antagonistic force.
It is absolutely nightmare fuel. Some of the darkest and most cruel things we have seen yet. The introduction they get alone was one of the most gripping sequences in the book and has me still thinking about it. Written superbly, once again!
By the way, that "new" antagonist thing happens another time in Dark Age, probably being even more significant here, on face-value being even more random and out of nowhere.
But without getting into spoilers (as it is really a revelation, you won't see coming at all), I preferred how this was handled.
It is directly connected to the characters, building emotional stakes and providing a guideline for the reader as to what the purpose is; it is really suprising (think the Sharan reveal in Wheel of Time maybe); plus, it is instantly subverted and brought to a next level, avoiding every chance of feeling like a trope/clichee/overused plot element. Again: So fucked up and twisted what Pierce came up with - this time on a human/psychological level.
And lastly going a bit into Lyria. She has such a great arc in here. Basically a complete 180 for her character and I found myself being more and more invested in here, the more shit she and her party got into.
Speaking about said party: That was another highlight.
For the most part of the novel, she finds herself in company with some of the coolest female characters of the series. Three powerhouses that could not be more different, and constantly growing as a team. One of them already was one of my favourite characters in the series, and once again proved, that she deserves EVERY praise.
What she goes through here... My goooood this is dark. So many trigger-warnings, as there is a moment in here, that many people in the readalong I partook in, said had them put the book down for a couple of days.
But enough of that: This plotline is messed up, but also really satisfying, as it was an element that was in the background for so long. Seeing it finally being brought up and dealt with - especially in the way it is dealt with haha - was hugely entertaining.
And last but not least:
Part 4. Pride. The grand finale. Back into full-speed, no brakes action. Some of the most memorable scenes, once again. Some of the craziest battles and fights in the book. Total destruction as one could say.
What happens here, changes everything, down to the direction, the series is getting into. And what it changed most prominently is the enjoyment of one perticular character.
Oh my god does he suck. Please, someone strangle that piece of trash.
Again: This is dark stuff, this is NOT satisfying to read. In fact, it completely suberts, what the reader previously expected and plays a lot with mirroring of previous events.
How this book ends, will leave you breathless and eager for book 6: Lightbringer.
I honestly have no idea, how all the people were able to wait so long. I have to know!!!
So despite some small nitpicks, that naturally come from the size of the book and story combined with the nature of the writing, this is among the best books I know.
Although it might not be an easy read, as the previous ones were - just for how dark and fucked-up it is - I surely had a blast.
And now I am even more excited for Lightbringer and eventually Red God after that.
Hail Reaper!