Red Rising series: spoiler-free review

I've read every book in the Red Rising series twice, and I loved them just as much the second time. If you want a series that you'll race through on holiday, this is one of the best.

This review is completely spoiler-free. It covers what the series is like, why we loved it, what age it's suitable for, and the reading order.

Age rating in short: there's no official age rating for Red Rising. It has some quite harrowing moments, so we'd recommend it for late teens and adults.

Our quick verdict

Worth taking if: you love fast-paced, action-packed stories with a hero you're desperate to see succeed.

Probably not for you if: you're buying for a younger teen, or you prefer a gentle, slow-burning story.

Best format for a holiday: Kindle, so you can carry the whole series and go straight from one book to the next.

What is Red Rising? (No spoilers)

The series is by Pierce Brown. It's set on a future Mars where society is divided by colour, with each colour born into its own role. Darrow is a Red, one of the miners at the very bottom, who believes he's working to make the planet habitable for future generations. What he discovers changes everything, and sets him on a path to take on the people at the top.

Why we loved it

• Darrow is a brilliant main character. You're rooting for him from the very start, and his successes and failures are equally gripping.
• It's incredibly fast. The books are packed with action, and there's very little time to catch your breath.
• Darrow always finds a way. He keeps finding unique ways out of impossible situations, and you never quite know how he'll do it.
• It's worth reading twice. I've read the whole series twice and enjoyed it just as much the second time.

What age is Red Rising for?

Red Rising doesn't have an official age rating, but there are some quite harrowing moments in the series, including violence and some dark themes. We'd recommend it for late teens and up.

If you're thinking of buying it for a teenager, it's worth reading the first book yourself first so you can decide whether they're ready for it.

Is it a good holiday read?

Yes. It's fast and exciting from the first chapter, so it's perfect for long days by the pool or a long-haul flight. Be warned that most people go straight from one book to the next, so take more than one.

That's where a Kindle really helps. You can carry all six books in about 158g instead of a stack of paperbacks.

Red Rising reading order

The series is split into two parts. The first three books tell Darrow's original story, and the next three pick up years later.

1. Red Rising
2. Golden Son
3. Morning Star
4. Iron Gold
5. Dark Age
6. Light Bringer
7. Red God (not out yet)

Our verdict

Red Rising is one of my favourite series. Darrow is a hero you'll never stop rooting for, the action never lets up, and it's just as good the second time around. Just keep the harrowing moments in mind if you're buying for a younger reader.

If you love it, we think you'll also love The Will of the Many, which has a similar feel with a lot more mystery.