Red Rising is a dystopian science fiction story set on Mars more than 700 years after mankind has colonized the Solar System.   It is the first book in a series which starts with our main character working in the mines under Mars.   We soon find out that he is a member of the lowest “caste” of humanity, the Reds.   There are many levels, with genetic and social engineering used to place everyone into a specific role in society.    The Golds oversee all others, enforcing roles, responsibilities and privileges.   But this is not an egalitarian society and democracy has no place in the class system.   Darrow works a dangerous job in the mines and he and the other Reds work long hours, but receive little in return.   Any dissent is met with an iron fist.

The stable civilization is maintained with close oversight and severe repercussions.   Within this structure, Darrow faces devastating injustice and he vows revenge.    The author’s clever development of plot mimics early stories of gladiators in Ancient Rome.

“I read the play Antigone. I had read it before for school. Maybe I wasn’t looking for stories when I first read it. Whatever the case, a week later, on a mountain hike, I saw Mars bright in the sky. A seed planted by Antigone began to grow. What if I took ancient Greece, added stars, spaceships, opera, Romans, twists, betrayal and blood!?

Two months later, I had Red Rising.”

The book has lots of action, and there are many new challenges faced by Darrow and the Sons of Mars Movement (which wants to take down the existing governmental system).   The central part of the plot is the Gold’s Institute, a survivor’s camp to test candidates for their leadership capacity.    The only way to survive, and possibly win the contest,  is to use cunning, strategic planning, courage, and ruthless decision-making.  The Institute is really a form of apprentice warfare.

I was often astonished by the storytelling.    Themes of power, leadership, courage, compassion, vengeance, equality, and atonement weave throughout the book and in the end the character of Darrow rises above all the struggles, reflecting the author’s views.   This was a satisfying conclusion, and I chose to read the next book in the series (a separate review).

A recommended science fiction book.    My rating – 4.6 out of 5.0 stars4.6

An audiobook excerpt (an outstanding reader):