Just finished my second read of Red Rising and wow, it hit even harder this time. The first time around, I was on the fence—some parts blew me away, others felt uneven. But six months later, I couldn’t stop thinking about Darrow’s journey. Had to grab a copy and dive back in.

This book is *epic*. Imagine Hunger Games meets Braveheart, but with way more strategy, betrayal, and raw emotion. Darrow’s transformation from a Red miner to a Gold infiltrator is painful, brutal, and utterly gripping. The Institute’s high-stakes battles? Pure adrenaline. It’s not just about survival—it’s about becoming a leader, rallying allies, and outsmarting enemies.

What stuck with me: the supporting characters. They’re not just props—they’re titans. Mustang, Sevro, Pax… each one leaves a mark. And the violence? Brutal, but it serves the story. No sugar-coating here.

Flaws? Sure. Some pacing dips, and the world-building can feel heavy-handed. But when this book soars, it’s *spectacular*. Already devoured Book 2 and now counting days till Book 3. If you love dystopian sagas with heart, rage, and twists, this is your next obsession.