A Goodreads user
asked:
Don't take this the wrong way, it's just a question. Red Rising is an "Over hyped" book I avoid because I have been a victim of hype several times. Not only that, but from other reviewers, Darrow is a bit of a Gary-Stu. He's perfect. While the premise for the trilogy is interesting, I am very apprehensive about reading it. Should I? Or do I just not read it?
To answer questions about
Morning Star,
please sign up.
T.W. Time
Darrow is nuanced, complex, troubled, emotionally immature and unstable. He is so far from perfect that at times you really want to hit him. But, he's not even the reason this book is worth reading. The world building is phenomenal. Every nook and cranny is addressed--either in the first or second book. The supporting characters are so well fleshed out that you might just find your favorite among them instead of the protagonist. Definitely worth a read.
Remy Blas
In my opinion, Darrow is not a Gary Stu at all. It bothers me a bit that since the term became popular, people keeps putting the lavel of Gary Stu to every character that seems slightly too "perfect" at least in some aspects.
But Darrow grows in this story, he makes mistakes and learns from them, he changes, he evolves. He's complex and interesting. And he is really good at what he's good at, yes, but that doesn't make him perfect, only talented in some aspects, and flawed in others.
It's just that people is way too used to characters whose flaws are announced and remarked all the time just so they don't sound too perfect. And they end up doing stupid things until they managed to overcome them by some deus ex machina.
Pierce Brown is not afraid to show a character that learns quickly from his mistakes, that takes action to move the story forward instead of just going with the flow and reacting to what happens out of his control. No, he TAKES control. And I love him for it.
I also use to think Red Rising might be an over-hyped book. I thought "oh great, another YA dystopy". But then I started reading and it blew my mind.
But Darrow grows in this story, he makes mistakes and learns from them, he changes, he evolves. He's complex and interesting. And he is really good at what he's good at, yes, but that doesn't make him perfect, only talented in some aspects, and flawed in others.
It's just that people is way too used to characters whose flaws are announced and remarked all the time just so they don't sound too perfect. And they end up doing stupid things until they managed to overcome them by some deus ex machina.
Pierce Brown is not afraid to show a character that learns quickly from his mistakes, that takes action to move the story forward instead of just going with the flow and reacting to what happens out of his control. No, he TAKES control. And I love him for it.
I also use to think Red Rising might be an over-hyped book. I thought "oh great, another YA dystopy". But then I started reading and it blew my mind.
Neil Beaton
To be honest, I don't think it is hyped enough. I had only heard of it when i joined goodreads and was reading reviews of another book :-). I can see why you would assume the main character is a Gary-Stu. As other people have said, he makes too many mistakes to be viewed of as such. The character development of Darrow, as well as the other characters means that you feel like you know them. The plot also changes dramatically so many times. Honestly, I have never looked forward to a book being released so much in my life as I ahve with 'Morning Star'. I can't recommend enough.
Heather
Most people don't consider these books overly hyped so you're likely safe. Unlike most YA, there is real violence with gray morality, which you almost never see in books with this target (perhaps it should be New Adult). I think the second book is stronger and there is less overly emotional bits. Gotta love an author willing to kill off main characters.
David
I never heard of Red Rising until Golden Son came out and that was because I'm in charge of updating our copies of the New York Times best sellers lists. I found the first book good. Darrow is not a Gary-Stu and shoots himself in the foot multiple times. Definitely worth a read
Nickolas
I avoided Red Rising for a looooong time because of the hype. The comparisons to Hunger Games completely turned me off from it. When Golden Son came out I decided to give Red Rising a try and the fact is that the series is the rare outlier that not only deserves the hype but deserves MORE. Darrow is not a Gary-Stu in the least. I didn't even like him at first. He earned my respect and admiration. But he fumbles and stumbles plenty. He's not perfect in any way.
Bethany
This is late but I just finished Golden Son last night and let me tell you, Darrow is absolutely NOT a "Gary-Stu." Idk who said he was but I disagree a thousand percent.
Jaffray Rhett
I would mirror T.W. Time. I'm an admitted Tom Clancy fan, John Sandford, Dan Brown, Lawrence Block, Frederick Forsyth, Herman Wouk, Leon Uris, Craig Johnson, Stephen Coontz, Michael Crichton, Lee Child, James Fenimore Cooper, just to give some insight... Pierce Brown has done a fantastic job creating a plausible break from reality, completely absorbing. Give it a go! Sheath the protection of your paranoia and ease into it as you would a warm tub after a day of wood cutting or other hard, physical, labor, and find yourself suspended in a reality where you can, and do, hope for the best with every fiber, and, live with the result. There is no short-change here!
Robert Moore
I was browsing a bookshop in Pittsburgh Airport while awaiting my flight. I picked up Red Rising just to look at it. I almost missed my flight, but I had the book in hand. It was that good. When I was asked about something for my birthday, I said "Golden Son". It was just as good and even more intense. I should mention that I am a cynical 61 year old man who will roll his eyes and quit a book or a series if it disappoints. So far, my eyes have not rolled nor have I been disappointed.
Gabbo Parra
It starts a bit slow, but if you let Darrow be what he is, a young man, and you walk with him until he gets involved with the rebels, you are in for an awesome ride.
CatAmongThePages
I got Red Rising as an advanced proof from the sales rep long before publication date. Never heard of Pierce, there was no hype about. Nothing. I read it because that's my job. I LOVED it. Oh and the publishers never pushed it as YA. It's sci-fi/fantasy fiction. But some YA readers are enjoying it.
Robin
(If you are uncertain or concerned about investing money and time in a book, may I remind you, this is what public libraries are for! Among many other things.) If you are a Science Fiction fan you will love these books. They are beautifully written, with story-telling so rich and imaginative, character development so believable, the author has no need to resort to fantastical aliens and circumstances to entertain -- heads above most in this genre. Just read them!
Malcolm
I felt the same way after the first book, but in the first 50 pages of Golden Son, he screws up, he screws up really bad, as in plot changing bad.
So read it, its interesting, it develops characters more and some really cool new characters are introduced, Yes, I'm looking at you Ragnar.
So read it, its interesting, it develops characters more and some really cool new characters are introduced, Yes, I'm looking at you Ragnar.
Cozen
One of my more favorite moment -
“You're just as much an outsider as I am. I've read your dissertations."
"You have?" She's surprised.
"Believe it or not, I can read too." I shake my head. "It's like everyone forgets I only missed one question on the Institute's slangsmarts test."
"Ew. You missed a question?" She wrinkles her nose as she picks a practice razor from a bench. "I suppose that's why you weren't in Minerva.” - Red Rising.
I do as well understand that force feeding someone into reading a book and making them like it is pointless. I don't like giving into the hype regarding books either (It took until book four of the Harry Potter series before Istarted to read them). But I think it is fair to say that the reason for not reading Red Rising, is in fact the reason why the book is written that ay. In it Darrow may have been made into a perfect Gold but he is far from it as he realizes his mistakes (half way through the book) and learns from them. In the second book, The Golden Son, he further relizes that he has so much more to learn. While the first book deals with him learning how to become a leader the second takes a swing at the polical side of things. Darrow has never had to deal withunder handed people like plenny before and realizing how easy people can brush you off like garbage imakes his character become stuck.
My advice... Get the audiobook for it. The narrator, Tim Gerard Reynolds, was awesome. He is a broadway actor/performer like Peter Petkoff. Both of these men have an amazing ability to narrate.
In all if you don't truly want to take my word on this series and deside to read it, then have someone else do it for you. Hope this helps.
“You're just as much an outsider as I am. I've read your dissertations."
"You have?" She's surprised.
"Believe it or not, I can read too." I shake my head. "It's like everyone forgets I only missed one question on the Institute's slangsmarts test."
"Ew. You missed a question?" She wrinkles her nose as she picks a practice razor from a bench. "I suppose that's why you weren't in Minerva.” - Red Rising.
I do as well understand that force feeding someone into reading a book and making them like it is pointless. I don't like giving into the hype regarding books either (It took until book four of the Harry Potter series before Istarted to read them). But I think it is fair to say that the reason for not reading Red Rising, is in fact the reason why the book is written that ay. In it Darrow may have been made into a perfect Gold but he is far from it as he realizes his mistakes (half way through the book) and learns from them. In the second book, The Golden Son, he further relizes that he has so much more to learn. While the first book deals with him learning how to become a leader the second takes a swing at the polical side of things. Darrow has never had to deal withunder handed people like plenny before and realizing how easy people can brush you off like garbage imakes his character become stuck.
My advice... Get the audiobook for it. The narrator, Tim Gerard Reynolds, was awesome. He is a broadway actor/performer like Peter Petkoff. Both of these men have an amazing ability to narrate.
In all if you don't truly want to take my word on this series and deside to read it, then have someone else do it for you. Hope this helps.
L Cam
It is not. I thought it was. I've plowed through the first two books in a matter of days ( because life got in the way). Pierce Brown really knows how to just stick it to his readers in both a good and bad way. The only thing that could really be considered a turn off is the genre. The writing is phenomenal and the characters are so unpredictable (mostly). You love characters he wants you to hate when you realize their role in the story line. And the plot twists are just....they make you feel sooo good. No. It is not over hyped by any means.
Laure Porché
Definitely read it. This is one of the most complex human character I've read in all my career as a reader, and that's saying something. There is no perfection here. The series is just phenomenal, and the third book doesn't disappoint.
Denise Alcaraz
I know the feeling of the "over hyped" book, I hate getting suckered. I will read all the bad reviews and some good just to be sure it is worth my time. I resisted for a bit only because I love Dystopian stories, but not necessarily SciFi or Space Operas. This is NOT a YA novel despite the the characters age. He is NOT a Gary Stu, nor does this story to this point jump any sharks. But the biggest point to make with this series is PB's writing style. It is simply poetic. Pierce Brown has convinced me to start reading SciFi now.
Stephanie Nguyen
To be perfectly honest, I didn't like the beginning of the first book. It started very slow and I wondered if it was worth reading at all. Book 2 and 3 blew my mind. It starts slow... so keep that in mind.
Abu Bakar
Read it and persevere...
Guillermo Badenes
Its actually quite bad. Quite hollow. Teenager stuff
Brooke Wallace
I think you should definitely read it! Darrow is a great character, complex and always changing. I also think it's worth noting that the character development for the "beta" characters is really wonderful -- I cared about their future just as much as Darrow's. He ebbs and flows throughout the series and I think he is a well designed character. The series wasn't hyped to me before I read it, so I had no expectations, but I blazed through the whole series in about 2 weeks.
Donquixote01
Read it. I think most YA sucks these days, but this one was good. Darrow is a bit of a Gary Stu, but personally, I barely noticed it because of so many other good things happening.
David Ray
I say just READ it. If you don't like it after the first 44 pages then by all means give up.
Audrey
I read the book and loved it. I suggested it to my dad (who rarely reads books for fun because he thinks everything I read is trash) and he loved it. In fact, he preordered the third one a few months ago right after he finished reading Golden Son. The plot is complex and original. Thank goodness for that last part because all the other books in the "Young Adult" category are dry and predictable... wish the third one would come out faster.
Kelsey
Its worth it trust me. I was nervous going into it as well, but is now one of my favs!
Dirk Stephenson
How is "it an overhyped book" a question. Makes me think you are a noob.
Jerry
reaf it its a masterpices i love books 1 to 2 i am on this one now
Kenneth
I agree with you. Darrow is perfect. Just like many other lead characters in this genre. Underdog with humble beginnings, rising star, does not trifle etc... Someone responded that he is imperfect but I find his 'imperfections' perfect imperfections. LOL. To me, he's just a cliche. You know the outcome no matter what. The world build is beautiful though and the plot even though not new was told in a very interesting way.
John Gates
When in college, several of my classmates chose not to read books chosen by the professor (mind you with the option to read something of their own choosing), because those books were a path everyone in the classroom of 'robots' was expected to read - to get the point of whatever the teacher was hoping to direct. I pity those fools. I read all of them along with the ones those fools read.. and more of course. The only question is simply, "What will it set you back?"
Probably nothing, right?
I liked Racing in the Rain as a movie better. I think I would like the Red Rising series as a movie more, as well, but that probably won't happen. Reading Racing in the Rain and seeing a New York Times Bestseller stamp on the book was one of my biggest motivations to start writing.
My only question to everyone else is simply, "How on Earth is this like Hunger Games?" There is no 'game', so don't follow their lead in that regard. The book is more like GATTACA on steroids.
Enjoy, if you may..
Probably nothing, right?
I liked Racing in the Rain as a movie better. I think I would like the Red Rising series as a movie more, as well, but that probably won't happen. Reading Racing in the Rain and seeing a New York Times Bestseller stamp on the book was one of my biggest motivations to start writing.
My only question to everyone else is simply, "How on Earth is this like Hunger Games?" There is no 'game', so don't follow their lead in that regard. The book is more like GATTACA on steroids.
Enjoy, if you may..
Iulian Ifrim
Well, it might surprise you about Darrow perfection ;-) Read it.
John Cheeseman
Nope he's not perfect or the best at everything by any means. He's not Mr Average either as i dont believe many people would want to read a book about someone average doing something mediocre.
Jeroen Smits
Darrow is a character that I am very indifferent to. He's got no personality. He makes lots of mistakes, but he can't die because the book is written in (his) first person perspective. This perspective also doesn't allow for any of the other characters developing, so I ended up not caring if something bad happened to someone who's name I'd already forgotten.
Also, the people who's name you will remember have very standard roles to the story. If you've read any trilogy, you know exactly what to expect in this middle part.
Also, the people who's name you will remember have very standard roles to the story. If you've read any trilogy, you know exactly what to expect in this middle part.
Del Benjamin
Perfect? Darrow is deeply flawed. Hes a good man. But flawed. A Gary-Stu would have found better solutions to virtually every challenge he came up against. He found solutions that worked, but they were far from perfect.
Catherine
He is far from perfect. That's why you care. And this trilogy is fascinating, with plenty of interesting things as well to say about the way human beings classify each other and how damaging that tendency is.
Wayne Moore
It and the others are crummy. Read Greg Bear's Eon and you can se the difference.
Pyramids Ubiquitous
Do not read it. I fell into the hype and it is one of the worst series I have ever read. It's like reading a transcript of a Michael Bay movie. But if that sounds appealing to you, then go for it. There is no center of gravity to any of the characters. They all just ceaselessly backstab each other at the author's whim. It's written like a kindergarten war fantasy.
Joyce
I thought the series was pretty boring and much as I tried, I was unable to care about any of the characters. Even though you spend the entire series in Darrow's head, I never felt close to him at all or like he was a real person -- same for every other character. Definitely over hyped from my perspective.
Ivon Moya
If you don't do it you are going to regret it for sure. I have to be honest, the first book is just not that good. you will feel like you wouldn't even understand why is this all hype about. i am already giving you lower expectations so once you start the first book you feel comfortable while reading it.
I don't want to give you any spoiler but i will tell you how i did it and continue to read even when back in that time this was brand new and not so many people were talking about this.
To me what made so interested in this series although i DID FIND FLAWS IN THE FIRST BOOK IN TERMS OF WRITING, PLOT. is that you were so attracted to the many possibilities to come in the future that you have the necessity of reading what's coming next. The last 2 books improve in a way that you would not believe it. and i have never ever loved more the last book of a series. this time, I did, and you want to scream at the end .. because you will be so hyped. and i have read many of these movie--adapted over hyped series "before they became famous by the way". So if that gives you a clue of what you want to expect just be prepared, there is no freaking way you will turn the series down if you finish the first book. NO WAY. and you will love each and one of the characters, even the craziest and the most evil. each one of them will give you a reason to like them.
Also I like when things made sense in a book in a way that you can see how the author did the proper research with historians, scientists, whatever , point is -- the story and the universe is believable.
Good luck, and see you on the other side :)
I don't want to give you any spoiler but i will tell you how i did it and continue to read even when back in that time this was brand new and not so many people were talking about this.
To me what made so interested in this series although i DID FIND FLAWS IN THE FIRST BOOK IN TERMS OF WRITING, PLOT. is that you were so attracted to the many possibilities to come in the future that you have the necessity of reading what's coming next. The last 2 books improve in a way that you would not believe it. and i have never ever loved more the last book of a series. this time, I did, and you want to scream at the end .. because you will be so hyped. and i have read many of these movie--adapted over hyped series "before they became famous by the way". So if that gives you a clue of what you want to expect just be prepared, there is no freaking way you will turn the series down if you finish the first book. NO WAY. and you will love each and one of the characters, even the craziest and the most evil. each one of them will give you a reason to like them.
Also I like when things made sense in a book in a way that you can see how the author did the proper research with historians, scientists, whatever , point is -- the story and the universe is believable.
Good luck, and see you on the other side :)
Christian Maulsby
Awesome Awesome Awesome ... however dont try and binge this book. In opinion this reads almost as if its 3 separate books. Truly a Great series that has a sincere balance of Science fiction and fantasy. That is hard to do and I really cant compare any series that has done better.
Olly Foster
I didn't read any reviews before reading the first book in the trilogy. I read the first book in a day, couldn't put it down. Excellent.
Tom Lu
How did you get the idea that Darrow is perfect?
Benjamin
You should, all 3 books are out, they get better as the series advances, i was on the fence too.....glad read them, fun series, nice to be able to read all 3 in a row, you don't have much to lose, and won't have to wait for the end, nice ending btw
Ashley
Did you end up reading it? If so, what did you think?? Personally, I think the term "Gary stu" is overused, or maybe I just don't get it, bc a lot of people saw Darrow as GS, but he made so many mistakes and poor decisions, it's hard to see why someone would see him as "perfect". In a lot of ways I don't think Darrow is perfect at all, but in some ways I can agree with some of the people that dislike him for it. I think, for me, it's more to do with that attitude that "I HAVE to save the world and only I am capable of it." But Darrow is certainly far from perfect.
Uri Baruchin
I totally get your point, I was skeptic too as the ingredients are very familiar, but it's masterfully executed and absolutely riveting. However - make sure you start with the first book.
Gillian
I understand the fear of reading an overhyped book and come out disappointed in the end. Trust me, it happened to me. I first know of Red Rising's existence at Christine's YouTube channel (a book reviewer). She mentioned scarcely on what it's about based on the summary and I was intrigued. Soon after, i found it in one of my local bookstores and boy, I did not stop reading. Honestly, I'm afraid of cliche books. The ones that give you the whole "chosen one", save the world, villains, side characters, lover and other lot but I was so impressed by the first book. Every scene was complexly beautiful. Give it a try. Period.
Matthew Martin
One of the best things about this series are the varied abilities and perspectives of each character. Yes, they are all incredibly capable and incredibly smart...but this series does well at showing how even highly intelligent highly capable people can be incompetent idiots. Emotions of each character drive the story highlighting the ludicrous concept of the perfect person. So no...not a gary-stu...but a play on how there is no such thing as a gary-stu.
Kathy
I completely get your trepidation. I am finishing up the trilogy and yes, it is worth it.
Ken Hulse
the first book in the series was excellent. I anticipated a great second book. Actually, I found the second book dull and thought there was too much "filler" to make the book length. I don't know if I will read the last after that experience.
Wolfkin
I would say that Red Rising isn't over hyped. Darrow isn't quite the Gary Stu I assume that's like a male Mary Sue? that you might fear. He's good but he's not "so good it's offputting". But around Darrow is a very tight very good narrative. In the second book Darrow is more flawed but the narrative is looser.
If you don't have completionist tendencies I'd gladly say pick up Red Rising and try it out. If you don't like it. I won't recommend the 2nd installment.
If you don't have completionist tendencies I'd gladly say pick up Red Rising and try it out. If you don't like it. I won't recommend the 2nd installment.
S
Read it and decide for yourself.
That's my recommendation.
That's my recommendation.
Julian
Worth a read. I believe the book will surprise you. But always good to be guarded
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more