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Golden Son

Red Rising Saga #2 / 7 ✓
by Pierce Brown
Golden Son (Red Rising Saga #2) by Pierce Brown
  ★ 8.76 / 8
1★2★3★4★5★16★17★8★39★310★

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR, BUZZFEED, AND BOOKLIST • With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom.

As a Red, Darrow grew up working the mines deep beneath the surface of Mars, enduring backbreaking labor while dreaming of the better future he was building for his descendants. But the Society he faithfully served was built on lies. Darrow’s kind have been betrayed and denied by their elitist masters, the Golds — and their only path to liberation is revolution. And so Darrow sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good for which Eo, his true love and inspiration, laid down her own life. He becomes a Gold, infiltrating their privileged realm so that he can destroy it from within.

A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love — but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind’s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution — and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo’s principles of love and justice to free his people.

He must live for more.

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Standard Shelves
Updated 04/07/2025
Category: Science Fiction, Dystopia
Release date: January 2015

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Pierce Brown

Pierce Brown

Pierce Brown is an author whose work has reshaped the landscape of modern science fiction, blending brutal action with profound philosophical musings on power, society, and freedom. Best known for his Red Rising series, Brown’s gripping tales of rebellion and survival in a brutal, hierarchical future have captivated readers worldwide, drawing them into a universe where every victory comes with a cost, and every betrayal stings deeply.

Born in 1988 in Denver, Colorado, Brown’s writing journey began with a fascination for the human spirit and the complexities of society. He was drawn to the idea of dystopian worlds not merely as settings for adventure but as mirrors reflecting our own struggles with inequality, power, and oppression. This thematic focus is at the heart of his Red Rising saga, where the fight for justice plays out across a harsh society divided into rigid color-coded classes. The series, beginning with Red Rising, follows the journey of Darrow, a low-born miner who becomes a revolutionary force in a society built on the backs of the oppressed.

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Brown's narrative style is as sharp and intense as the political struggles he writes about. His prose is fast-paced, yet it carries emotional depth, drawing readers into the emotional core of his characters. The relentless action and high stakes of his world are counterbalanced by his ability to explore what makes characters human, from their deepest fears to their most hopeful desires. It’s a rare combination that has allowed his books to stand out in the crowded field of science fiction.

The Red Rising series has earned critical acclaim and a devoted following, spawning multiple sequels, a prequel, and even the start of a potential movie franchise. The books have been lauded for their world-building, emotional resonance, and relentless exploration of themes like freedom, loyalty, and sacrifice. Brown’s work isn’t just about rebellion against oppressive systems; it’s about what happens to the soul when that rebellion is pursued at any cost.

In addition to his literary success, Brown’s impact extends beyond the page. His dedication to his craft is reflected in the meticulous way he constructs his novels, layering intricate political plots with dynamic character development. His work often draws comparisons to the likes of The Hunger Games and Ender's Game, but Brown’s signature blend of Greek tragedy, political intrigue, and modern sci-fi sensibilities gives him a voice that feels uniquely his own.

Through his writing, Brown has created a world that challenges readers to examine the price of power and the sacrifices that come with fighting for what is right. His words resonate because they aren’t just about the future—they’re about the present, and the choices we face in our own time. As he continues to expand the universe of Red Rising and explore new narratives, it’s clear that Pierce Brown is a force in science fiction, crafting stories that are as intellectually stimulating as they are thrilling.

A quote from Pierce Brown that perfectly encapsulates his approach to storytelling is, “It’s not about the world you’re born into; it’s about the one you make.” This ethos runs through every page of his work, reminding us that our choices shape the world around us.

Red Rising Saga

Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series is a pulse-pounding blend of science fiction, dystopian intrigue, and space opera, delivering a gripping tale of rebellion, power, and sacrifice. Set in a brutal caste-based society spread across the solar system, the saga follows Darrow, a young miner from Mars, as he rises from the lowest class to challenge the oppressive rule of the elite. With its masterful world-building, morally complex characters, and relentless twists, the series has captivated readers worldwide.

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Blending elements of political thrillers, war epics, and deep character drama, the story explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the cost of revolution. Fans of Dune and The Hunger Games will be drawn to the richly layered conflicts and cinematic storytelling that make each book an intense, emotionally charged experience.

Since its debut, the series has earned critical acclaim, topping bestseller lists and gaining a dedicated following. With a planned TV adaptation in the works, its impact on modern science fiction continues to grow. Whether you're a fan of action-packed sagas or thought-provoking speculative fiction, this epic tale of resistance and transformation is a must-read.


Red Rising Saga consists of six books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Red Rising (Red Rising Saga #1)
  ★ 8.68 / 16
Golden Son (Red Rising Saga #2)
  ★ 8.76 / 8
Morning Star (Red Rising Saga #3)
  ★ 9.28 / 7
Iron Gold (Red Rising Saga #4)
  ★ 10.00 / 3
Dark Age (Red Rising Saga #5)
  ★ 10.00 / 4
Light Bringer (Red Rising Saga #6)
  ★ 9.62 / 8
Red God (Red Rising Saga #7)
  ⧗ 9.88 / 125


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