Red Rising (Red Rising Saga #1) by Pierce Brown -- Restarting August 1st 2025

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

40% (view spoiler)[This book has been a lot harder to read than I thought it would be. I love the premise, and I love the whole idea of what is happening, but I am not connecting with it at all. I am not connecting with the characters at all. The world building is good, but can be quite confusing at times. I don't feel like I have a grasp on what is actually going on. I am following along, but I feel like I am on the outside looking in. I am not immersed in the story like I would like to be. -sigh-

Darrow going through all of their testing was strange. When they were accepted and went to the Institute, I was kind of shocked (okay, maybe not totally shocked) that half of the students had to kill the other half. It's pretty gruesome, but I can see how the Golds would prize such ferocity. (hide spoiler)]

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️]

Natalie wrote: "Ch19


...Did he just..."

Yeah, I was totally baffled by this.

[Adriana]

Going to start this over the weekend (:

[faith]

starting.

[faith]

10%
(view spoiler)[
interesting, too many ranks, Gamma got the Laurel, really?! it kind of reminds me of Hunger Games where the Capitol has a favorite district. Gamma don't share to the starving? they keep everything to themselves. terrible conditions

the concept of the Colors as social classes is realy interesting, but there are way too many ranks and people and I cannot keep them all straight.

it really annoyed me that Gamma got the Laurel even though Darrow earned it especially because they know the Lambdas need it more. it's terrible how the Golds/Tinpots favor Gamma, they basically just leave the other clans to starves while the Reds of Gamma get to stuff themselves full. and Gamma doesn't even try to share with the other clans, they just keep it for themselves.

it was also really bad learning about the conditions the Reds had to live in. they literally have to urinate and sweat for 8 hours in a closed suit, seriously?! and then they don't even get proper showers, to "wash," there's only what is essentially a strong gust of wind.

after Eo said her goodbye to Darrow, I feel like she is going to resist or do something to get herself hanged because she doesn't want to be a slave and live without really living. what's even worse is I think Darrow will have to pull her feet :(
(hide spoiler)]

[faith]

20%
(view spoiler)[
yep, Eo died :(
I understand how she wanted to bring freedom and liberty to the Reds, but I feel as if getting hanged was the right way to do it. I don't really think anyone agreed with her even after she died it.

at first I thought Darrow was actually "reborn" into a new life, which, now that I think about it, is actually kind of what happened. he has been taken away from everything he knows, including his family and shoved into a new environment.

I think Narol, Eo, Dio, and even Darrow's mother were probably allied with the Sons of Ares, is that why Eo asked to see Dio and Dio didn't tell Darrow what she said?

I'm wondering what the task assigned to Darrow was. he obviously doesn't want to do it, but he's been through so much, so the task must be really difficult.
(hide spoiler)]

[faith]

40%
(view spoiler)[ it was so disgusting, at Mickey's club, where they had Pinks in tubes dancing just so people could watch them. Mickey was also pretty creepy. he treated Darrow like his pet, not like a real human, which kind of reminds me of the book Perfected. Mickey treated and touched Darrow like he was an object.

I thought the Institute was going to be terrible and full of self-righteous Golds and all that, but I it was so much worse. on not even the second day, they make half of the House kill the other house. seriously?! they make these teenagers murder each other just to "bond them together" and to show them how merciless they are meant to be.

it's really sad how Darrow was forced to murder Julian, especially. I'm sure Cassius will find out it was him eventually, and who knows what he will do to Darrow after that. at least they didn't put Julian against Cassius, that would be even worse.
(hide spoiler)].

[faith]

60%
(view spoiler)[ the Institute is literally just the Hunger Games and teenagers fighting (sometimes to thr death....) no wonder the government is so messed up on Mars, the Golds never actually learn anything!

I didn't realize Cassius was still that upset about Julius. I feel like somehow, Cassius will find out it was Darrow that killed him and he will either kill Darrow or Darrow will have to kill him :/

I cannot believe that Titus is a Red! he's just the opposite of Darrow, following the path of venegence and violence in his anger. I wonder exactly how many Reds were turned into Golds and whether or not they were actually able to keep their wits like Darrow.

it's rather sad how Darrow has made all of these friends and forged close bonds with all of these Golds, but really, one day, he is going to lead a revolution against them and possibly slaughter them. :(
(hide spoiler)].

[Adriana]

Starting this tonight (:

[Adriana]

Chapters 1 - 4

(view spoiler)[ I like Eo. She's got the right attitude and she sees Darrow for what he is - a leader. I wonder how he is going to act once he realizes what Eo says is true. They are slaves. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Chapters 5 - 8

(view spoiler)[ They killed Eo! She is the catalyst that starts it all. Nice.

Darrow trying to kill himself. Understandable. After he sees they've all been deceived he's going to go crazy. I can't wait to see what he does next. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Chapters 9 - 12

(view spoiler)[ Ooh!!!!! Darrow has become a thing. It's ridiculous what they've done to him. Will they remember him in the history books or will they see him as Gold no matter what? (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Chapters 13 - 20

(view spoiler)[ Cassius is sure to find out that he killed his brother. I know he's going to have to face him and Titus later on and win.

And why does Cassius want to know who killed his brother?Does he think he could kill him or what? (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Chapters 21 - 24

(view spoiler)[ Wow, Titus needs to die. Cassius thinking Titus killed his brother... that's going to still get back to Darrow one way or another. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Chapters 25 - 28

(view spoiler)[ Ahhh!!!! TWIST! I hope he tells him. That's the way to get him on his side. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Chapters 29 - 36

(view spoiler)[ He's learning so much! Such a good idea to get whipped too. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Done

(view spoiler)[ DAMN! Great ending. I can't believe Mustang didn't betray him. I'm sure she would. What will she say when she finds out who he is? What he wants? A rebellion. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

Date Changed. Restarting August 10th 2017. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[— Massiel]

Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[ BORED (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[I'm loving Matteo, I hope he will be around a lot. To be honest, I started to skip some paragraphs but now it is interesting I hope it gets better I was bored to death. (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 17

(view spoiler)[I think Darrow will realize that not every Gold is bad but I can't wait to see how this will development in the plot (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 23

(view spoiler)[I'm still bored is like this book is roller coaster it goes high but then down, high, down, high, down. I'm tired. (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 30

(view spoiler)[Not surprise at all that Tito was a red, I though there will be others red in the test still what Tito did was wrong in so many ways and the "justice" part was wrong too it had to be Darrow not Casio.

I wanna know what would happen when Casio finds out Darrow killed his brother. Is a little more interesting but I keep skipping a few paragraphs. (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 34

(view spoiler)[Finally! I got more interesting now.

Finally Casio find out that Darrow killed his brother but I was a little disappointing when Casio almost killed Darrow and I knew he wasn't going to die that Mustang will safe him and she did. I like that the author isn't creating a freaking romance and is more about the plot I would hate if Darrow falls in love with Mustang or any other character.

I can't believe that Roque is dead I loved him so much he was one of the reason I keep reading aw :(

I wasn't a surprise that all the proctors were being threat to let the ArchGoverno's son win.

I love so much Sevro! OMG <3 (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 39

(view spoiler)[OMG THIS IS SO GOOD RIGHT NOW. SINCE THE FOUR PART EVERYTHING IS AMAZING WHY THE HECK WASN'T LIKE THAT IN THE PAST PARTS? I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHERE THIS GOES.

SEVRON FINALLY BABE <3! (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Chapter 42

(view spoiler)[HOLY SHIT! (hide spoiler)]

[— Massiel]

Finished

(view spoiler)[OMG SO MANY DEADS, I LOVED IT.
So sorry about Pax's dead he was a lovely bear! I can't believe how many characters died I can't wait to see Matteo again and more Sevro. I was hoping Mustang betrays him but didn't happen. AND ROQUE IS ALIVE, WUJU.

This book was so damn good after the 4th part is so sad that the past parts were so boring. Still I don't know if read the second book because I'm afraid I would be bored like this :( (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

***********************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

Date changed. Restarting December 11th 2017. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Abi]

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Reading from the 25th of January 2018

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Jenn]

Part 1, Chapters 1-6: (view spoiler)[ Not as much world building as I would like. I'm still a little confused on the hierarchy, I just know Reds are the bottom and Golds are the top. Really sad that Eo died for what she believed in. And while Darrow was just hanged, pretty sure he's not dead so this should be interesting to see how he gets out of it. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapters 7-13: (view spoiler)[So they basically stripped him of everything that made him Darrow and rebuilt him into something Gold. Interesting. I wonder if when he meets back up with his Reds if he will be able to convince them that he's himself. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Finished Part 2 (so through chapter 19): (view spoiler)[ I had a sinking feeling that he would have to kill Julian. How sad because he seemed relatively nice despite being a Gold. And I wonder how this will affect his relationship with Cassius when Cassius finds out that Darrow killed his brother. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapters 20-26: (view spoiler)[ so I really dislike this Titus character. And I really hope he dies soon along with the worst of his followers. The mars house just seems to be a giant clusterfuck but hopefully that's about to change with Darrow having the Minerva standard. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapters 27-31: (view spoiler)[ this book is brutal. Yet I can't decide if I like it or not but I'm interested and want to know how they're going to get out of this. I really hope Rogue isn't dead. The house of Mars is really tearing itself apart. Pretty sure that's not the way to leadership. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapters 32-36: (view spoiler)[ well this is an interesting turn of events. Darrow is slowly learning what it means to lead but I feel the worst is yet to come with both Cassius and this jackal character. Also where is sevro? (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ I knew that Virginia was hiding something but never thought that the Jackal was her brother. Glad she didn't turn on Darrow. But this thing with Cassius is going to cause problems. Hopefully they can come together. And does Servo know Darrow is a Red?? Also so happy that rogue is alive! (hide spoiler)]

[Ananya]

Hello! I'll be joining this :)

[Ananya]

Part 1 (view spoiler)[ OH MY GODDD I DID NOT EXPECT EO TO DIE :((((( I REALLY had hope that Darrow would free Eo and both of them would escape but :”( Ahhhhhhhhhhhh I really really hate the colour segregation going on. BUT!! even though it took me a while to get into this book, I’m happy that Eo’s death made things go faster. 100% sure Darrow’s not dead. (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

I'm joining in too!

Part 1 (ch 1-6) - (view spoiler)[ I really liked EO, but I understand why they killed her off. No one was going to get Darrow to act until he was good and mad and had nothing less to lose. And we know he isn't dead because he is the main character - though I am interested to see how they resurrect him.

So far, it has a lot of the same feel as Hunger Games - they are all fighting for food, there are ridiculous "rules" and customs that serve to isolate them and keep them from sharing resources and thus uniting. One of the things I don't get is the forbidden dance?
The song I understood because of the inflammatory words against the Golds, but I still don't see how a solo dancer could do the same. I hope we find out at some point! (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Part 2 (ch 7-19) - (view spoiler)[ Whoa! First, genetically making him into a Gold in a creepy Frankenstein way - I did not see that coming. Of course, I really didn't understand how different the Golds were until I read that part.

And this school is messed up too! I can't believe he had to kill Julian. He seemed like a nice guy. I wonder how this will play a part when it comes to trying to get a sponsor from Cassius's parents, etc. If they own the biggest fleet, then he really has to try to do that, right? Arch Governor is not an option, I don't think. But perhaps that would really be the ultimate snake in the nest? (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Part 3 (only chapters 20-31) - (view spoiler)[ Alright, I gotta say it. Darrow needs to smarten up! Darrow is the "leader" of the House of Mars, and both he and Roque seem to know what the game really is about, but they don't just come out and say it to the group? We've been led to believe that Darrow is smarter than that. He could use his words more to succeed. Instead he clams up and is forced onto a tougher path.

I guess we have to see what comes of his stumbling. I think this new plan he has could have some merits, but he is dumb to leave his house behind with so many players that want to take over his spot. (hide spoiler)]

[Jennifer]

Finished - (view spoiler)[ I really thought Cassius was going to forgive him there. The whole "go easy on him because he has been torn up about what he did to you" made me believe it was going to happen, but alas...no.

I am glad that Mustang didn't betray him. It would have really upset me if she spouted all that "we should be better" BS and then didn't live up to it. I AM worried that once she finds out that Darrow is a Red, she will turn on him, but that will likely happen in a much later book.

I was also very surprised that he went with the Arch Governor at the end. I realize that he will be in a key position for his "mission" and will get to see the girl, but I thought it would have been more dramatic to hear the other offers before deciding.

I hope he at least stays in touch with Servo and Roque. (hide spoiler)]

[Ananya]

I don’t have my laptop so I’ve been delayed in writing my updates. So i’m just uploading them from my phone. Hope it turns out right!

Part 2 (view spoiler)[ It took me a while to get used to the writing style but I’m finally getting the hang of it. Feels as if this whole part was written in fast forward mode where all the events over several months happened in the blink of an eye. I’m scared Darrow will turn into someone he hates. The part where he had to take the tests and chose to enslave the elves gave me chills. Poor Julian :( Seems very Hunger Games-esq (hide spoiler)]

Part 3 (view spoiler)[ I was trying so hard to place who Fletchner reminded me of AND I figured out that he reminded me strongly of Haymitch from the hunger games. Also, I don’t understand how Cassius and Darrow became friends. Seems like every Gold will be vying to be primus and the best. I’m really loving the book so far. Wonder how Darrow will recover though. (hide spoiler)]

[Ananya]

Sorry for the late update but I didn’t have proper wifi till now so :”) Also, this update is from my phone so I hope it comes fine!

Finished (view spoiler)[ I DID NOT EXPECT MUSTANG TO BE THE TWIN of Jackal. Also, Jackal disgusts me to the core. I couldn’t stop smiling when Darrow took on the Proctors :)) I feel like the rest of his army almost play an equal role in Darrow’s win. I LOVE Servo. Wonder if he knows Darrow is a red now. AHHH i can’t wait to read the next book. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

Date Changed. Restarting February 7th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Alaina]

Prologue: (view spoiler)[The ArchGovernor sounds like a douche. Can I vote Darrow for president because he wants to destroy everything and everyone?!? I think so. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[I think it's weird and funny at the same time that Darrow just accepts these two people taking him away from the mine?!? Like, "Oh they look like they are apart of the rebellion group so it's okay if they take me." Also, I kind of want a six wheel vehicle!! or a space ship. anything to get me out of traffic now a days. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[I feel bad for Darrow because he regrets killing Julian but uh oh well. Move on buddy. What's done is done - there's no reversing that! (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 28: (view spoiler)[Ugh I didn't like Titus and thought he was a complete douche but now HOW can I not like him?! I like Darrow and they are doing something that they think is right because of how they were wronged. UGH I'm torn people! (hide spoiler)]
Finished: (view spoiler)[Well shit on a stick guys! I didn't expect any of that to go down, like at all. I'm so happy for Darrow though. I was whooping and jumping up and down like a lunatic (probably). I'm so freaking proud of him. (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Reading from the 11th of March 2018

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Emma]

I'm keen for this buddy read! been wanting to read this book for ages!

[Rae]

Jumping in on this!!

[Grace =^_^=]

me too!