Alright, so you've heard whispers about this series called Red Rising. Maybe a buddy wouldn't shut up about how good it is, or you saw some buzz online. Now you're thinking, "Okay, I wanna dive in, but... where the heck do I even start? What's the actual reading order for all these Red Rising books?" Don't sweat it. Figuring out the exact sequence for Pierce Brown’s sprawling, brutal, and utterly addictive sci-fi universe can feel a bit like navigating a maze blindfolded at first, especially with all the sequels and spin-offs popping up. I remember staring at the bookstore shelf, trying to piece it together myself before just grabbing the first one. Let’s break down every single Red Rising book in order, so you can jump in without any confusion. This isn't just a list thrown together – we're talking deep dive into what each book delivers, why the order matters, and honestly, my own two cents on the journey.
The Core Experience: The Red Rising Saga Reading Order (Publication Order is King)
Listen, for your first trip into this world, stick rigidly to the order Pierce Brown released them. Trust me on this. Jumping around or trying to be clever with the timeline will just spoil major twists and rob you of the gut-punch reveals Brown expertly sets up. This is the undisputed path:
| Book Title | Series Position | Publication Year | Format (Pages Approx.) | One-Liner Hook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rising | Book 1 | 2014 | Paperback (382), Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook | Miner becomes warrior in a brutal caste-system revolution. |
| Golden Son | Book 2 | 2015 | Paperback (464), Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook | Revolution ignites; space battles & political knives fly. |
| Morning Star | Book 3 | 2016 | Paperback (524), Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook | All-out war for the future of the solar system. |
This trilogy? It’s often called the original trilogy or the "Red Rising Trilogy." It tells a complete, mind-blowing story arc for Darrow, the Red-turned-Gold protagonist. You could theoretically stop after Morning Star feeling satisfied. But... why would you want to? The story expands massively.
Red Rising: The Spark That Ignites Everything
"I live for the dream that my children will be born free. That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them." Darrow of Lykos starts here – a Helldiver in the Martian mines, a Red believing he's helping terraform Mars for humanity's future. The brutal reality? He's a slave in a rigid, color-coded society (Gold at the top, Reds like him at the bottom). After a horrific personal tragedy fueled by this injustice, he's recruited and physically transformed by rebels to infiltrate the Gold elite. The bulk of the book is his harrowing journey through the Institute, a crucible designed to forge Gold leaders through savage warfare and manipulation. Think Hunger Games meets Ender's Game cranked up to eleven with swords and betrayal. It lays the groundwork for the entire saga – the caste system (Colors), the key players (Mustang, Cassius, Sevro, Roque), and Darrow's burning rage disguised as ambition. Honestly, the first 100 pages can feel a *tad* slow as it sets the grim mining world, but once Darrow gets to the Institute? Buckle up.
Golden Son: Where the Stakes Get Galactic
If Red Rising was the boot camp, Golden Son is Darrow unleashed on the galaxy. He's risen within Gold society, but maintaining his facade while trying to dismantle it from within is a knife's edge walk. This book explodes the scope. We go from planetary battles to full-blown fleet engagements in space. Politics become deadlier than any PulseFist. Alliances shift like sand. Betrayals cut deep. The pacing is relentless, the action sequences are jaw-dropping (that gala scene!), and the ending... oh man, the ending is one of the most devastating cliffhangers I've ever read. You WILL immediately need Morning Star. Pierce Brown doesn't hold back here. The costs of revolution become brutally real. Some folks argue this is the best in the entire series – the sheer ambition and execution are staggering. It takes everything built in book one and launches it into the stratosphere.
Morning Star: The Explosive Finale (of the First Arc)
Picking up directly after the soul-crushing events ending Golden Son, Morning Star is all about consequences and catharsis. Darrow is broken, captured, defeated. How does a rebellion survive that? This book is about regrouping, finding unlikely allies, and one final, desperate push against the seemingly invincible Gold overlords. It's packed with emotional reunions, impossible missions, heartbreaking sacrifices, and battles that feel truly epic in scale. Brown masterfully pays off threads seeded from the very first book. Does it deliver a satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy's central conflict? Absolutely. But it also cleverly opens the door to the vast, messy reality of what comes *after* you topple the tyrants. You close the book exhilarated but also knowing the story isn't truly over. The war might be won, but peace is a different beast.
Personal Take: The original trilogy is a masterpiece of modern sci-fi. It’s brutal, emotionally draining, but incredibly rewarding. Brown’s prose is visceral and propulsive. The character arcs, especially Darrow and Sevro (oh, Sevro!), are phenomenal. If you only ever read these three, you've read something special. Finding the correct Red Rising books in order starts and fundamentally relies on these three.
Beyond the Trilogy: The Iron Gold Saga (The Next Era)
Think the story ended with Morning Star? Think again. Pierce Brown jumped ahead ten years to explore the messy, fragile peace Darrow and his allies fought so hard to achieve. This is where the narrative expands significantly, adding multiple viewpoint characters alongside Darrow. It gets darker, more complex, and politically intricate. The reading order remains straightforward – publication order is still your guide.
| Book Title | Series Position | Publication Year | Format (Pages Approx.) | One-Liner Hook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Gold | Book 4 | 2018 | Paperback (624), Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook | 10 years later: peace crumbles; revolution's costs come due. |
| Dark Age | Book 5 | 2019 | Paperback (757), Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook | Solar system-wide war; brutality reaches new depths. |
| Light Bringer | Book 6 | 2023 | Paperback (640), Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook | Paths converge; hope glimmers in the darkest age. |
This is often called the "Iron Gold Tetralogy" (wait, tetralogy? Yep, because there's a fourth book coming!). It fundamentally changes the narrative structure and deepens the world.
Iron Gold: The Fractured Legacy
Ten years after Morning Star. The Solar Republic exists, but it's fragile. Darrow's still fighting, believing threats on the fringes (like the Ascomanni) require an iron fist, even if it means stretching the Republic's ideals. But we're not just in Darrow's head anymore. Iron Gold introduces three new major POV characters alongside him:
- Lyria of Lagalos: A Red refugee whose life was destroyed by the war Darrow won. She offers a ground-level view of the revolution's broken promises.
- Ephraim ti Horn: A disgraced Gray mercenary and thief, drowning in grief and addiction. Pure cynicism and dark humor.
- Lysander au Lune: The grandson of the former Sovereign, raised in exile. He believes Gold was meant to rule for stability.
Dark Age: Descent into Chaos (And It's Glorious/Devastating)
If you thought Golden Son or Morning Star were intense, Dark Age laughs and cranks the dial past the breaking point. Widely considered the darkest, most brutal book in the series – and that’s saying something. War engulfs the entire solar system on multiple fronts. Betrayals are catastrophic. Beloved characters suffer immensely. Pierce Brown pulls zero punches. Multiple POVs continue (Darrow, Lysander, Virginia, Lyria, Ephraim), each strand weaving a tapestry of utter devastation and desperate survival. The action is relentless and often horrifyingly visceral. The political maneuvering is cutthroat. The psychological toll on everyone is palpable. It ends on multiple cliffhangers that will leave you gasping. It’s a demanding read emotionally – genuinely bleak at points – but it’s also a staggering achievement in epic storytelling. The scale is immense. You absolutely must read Iron Gold first to understand the intricate setup that Dark Age demolishes. Finding the proper Red Rising novels in order is crucial here to avoid complete narrative whiplash.
Light Bringer: A Ray of Hope in the Gloom?
The most recent main entry (as of late 2023). It picks up the shattered pieces after Dark Age. Without spoilers, the title offers a clue: it seeks glimmers of light, hope, and maybe even redemption amidst the overwhelming darkness. It refocuses slightly, bringing some character arcs closer together. The relentless brutality of Dark Age is tempered (slightly) by more introspection, philosophical debates about war and peace, and a stronger focus on camaraderie and healing while still fighting. Darrow gets some much-needed character development centered on consequences and leadership burdens. Fan-favorite characters get significant moments. It feels like a course correction towards the final climax, setting up the pieces for the upcoming final book. Reactions are strong and varied – some miss the unrelenting intensity of Dark Age, others welcome the shift. It’s still packed with incredible action and emotional gut-punches, but perhaps with a slightly different flavor. Essential reading in the sequence.
Personal Take: The jump to multi-POV in Iron Gold was jarring initially, but necessary. Dark Age? That book haunts me. It's a masterpiece of grimdark sci-fi, but man, it leaves a mark. Light Bringer felt like a necessary breath, trying to find some humanity again amidst the carnage. The series feels more ambitious and complex than ever. Stick with publication order for these – Iron Gold, then Dark Age, then Light Bringer.
Wait, There's More? The Spin-Offs and Short Stories
Pierce Brown hasn't just stuck to the main sequence. He's enriched the universe with complementary stories. Where do they fit into the Red Rising books in order? It depends:
Red Rising: Sons of Ares (Graphic Novel Series)
This is a prequel story, focusing on the origins of the Sons of Ares rebellion and key figures like Fitchner (Sevro's dad!) and Ares himself. It dives into the early resistance against the Society.
- Reading Order: Vol. 1: Conviction, Vol. 2: Wrath, Vol. 3: Forbidden Song.
- When to Read: BEST enjoyed after the original trilogy (Red Rising, Golden Son, Morning Star). Reading it before the trilogy spoils significant reveals about characters and the rebellion's founding. It adds fantastic context and depth to the world once you know the stakes established in the main books.
Short Stories
Several short stories exist, often found in anthologies or as e-book exclusives:
- "Red Rising: The Percy Jackson Story" (Cancelled, snippets exist online): A fun curiosity, but non-essential.
- "Bloody Place" (included in some editions of Morning Star): Follows a minor character during the events of Morning Star. Read after Morning Star.
- "The Sons of Ares" novella (e-book): A prose version adapting the graphic novels. Read after the original trilogy if you prefer prose over comics.
My Recommendation: Main Sequence First. Focus on getting through the core six books (Red Rising to Light Bringer) in publication order. Treat the Sons of Ares graphic novels as a rich dessert you enjoy after the main course of the original trilogy. The shorts are optional garnishes.
How to Actually Get Your Hands on These Books
You know the order now. Where do you find them? Options abound:
| Format | Where to Buy/Borrow | Approximate Cost (New) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, local independent bookstores | $10 - $18 per book | Readers who prefer physical copies, affordability | Mass market or trade paperback available. Check editions. |
| Hardcover | Amazon, Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores (newer releases) | $20 - $30 per book | Collectors, fans wanting durable/larger print | Newer books (Light Bringer) easier to find hardcover. |
| Audiobook | Audible, Libro.fm, Libraries (Libby/Overdrive) | Audible Credit (~$15) or purchase $20-$35 | Commuters, multitaskers, immersive experience | Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds (highly acclaimed!). Library free option great. |
| eBook | Kindle, Kobo, Nook, Google Play Books, Apple Books, Libraries | $7 - $15 per book | Travelers, minimalists, instant access | Library apps like Libby offer free loans. |
| Graphic Novels (Sons of Ares) | Comic book stores, Amazon, bookstores | $15 - $25 per volume | Fans of visual storytelling, prequel depth | Collects individual comic issues. |
**Libraries are your best friend!** Seriously, check Libby or Overdrive through your local library. You can often borrow ebooks or audiobooks for free, letting you tackle this massive series without breaking the bank. The audiobooks, especially, are phenomenal – Tim Gerard Reynolds *is* Darrow for many fans.
Red Rising Books in Order: Your Burning Questions Answered (FAQs)
Is there a specific book number I need to start with, or can I jump in anywhere?
Absolutely start with **Red Rising (Book 1)**. No exceptions. The story builds relentlessly on prior events. Jumping into Golden Son or Iron Gold first will leave you utterly lost and spoil massive plot points from earlier books. The correct Red Rising series order begins at the beginning. Trust the process.
How many Red Rising books are there in total? Is the series finished?
As of right now (late 2023/early 2024):
- **Six main saga novels:** Red Rising, Golden Son, Morning Star, Iron Gold, Dark Age, Light Bringer.
- **One final main saga novel planned:** Red God (expected, but no official release date yet).
- **Three Sons of Ares graphic novel volumes.**
- A few short stories (non-essential).
Should I read the Sons of Ares graphic novels? Where do they fit?
They are excellent and add significant depth to the lore, particularly Fitchner's backstory and the early rebellion. However, **read them AFTER the original trilogy (Morning Star)**. They contain spoilers for reveals that happen in the first three books. They enhance the experience but aren't required reading before the main Iron Gold arc.
Is the series appropriate for young adults?
Proceed with caution. While the protagonist starts young, this is **NOT** typical YA. It features:
- Extremely graphic violence and gore (war, torture, dismemberment).
- Strong language throughout.
- Complex political themes and moral ambiguity.
- Intense psychological trauma.
- Sexual references and situations (though not overly explicit).
I heard Dark Age is super dark. Is it too much?
It is undeniably the darkest book in the series. Suffering is pervasive, hope is scarce, and beloved characters endure horrific fates. It's emotionally taxing. Why is it necessary? It shows the catastrophic cost of the ongoing war and the depths the antagonists will sink to. It makes the glimmers of light and resistance more potent. If you loved the intensity of Golden Son and Morning Star, you *can* handle it, but be prepared for a grim journey. Light Bringer does offer slightly more reprieve.
Should I read Iron Gold and Dark Age? I heard mixed things after the original trilogy.
This is a common point of contention. The original trilogy is a tight, focused narrative. Iron Gold and Dark Age widen the scope dramatically, adding complexity (multiple POVs) and a bleaker tone. Some readers miss the simpler focus on Darrow and find the new characters or pacing jarring initially. However, skipping them means missing:
- The evolution of the world and consequences of the Rising.
- Incredible new characters like Ephraim and Lyria.
- Some of the series' most epic and devastating moments.
- The continuation of Darrow's incredibly complex journey.
- The setup for the final conclusion (Red God).
When is the next book, Red God, coming out?
Ah, the million-dollar question! As of writing this, Pierce Brown is actively working on *Red God*. He's shared snippets and progress updates, but there is **no official release date announced yet**. Based on past gaps between books (Dark Age 2019 to Light Bringer 2023), a late 2024 or 2025 release seems plausible, but it's purely speculative. Sign up for his newsletter or follow his publisher (Del Rey) for the official announcement. The wait is painful!
Is there a chronological order different from publication order?
Technically, yes, but **I strongly advise against it for first-time readers**. Here's why:
- The Sons of Ares graphic novels (prequel) chronologically happen *before* Red Rising.
- Events within the main books unfold linearly per publication.
How long are these books? Is it a big commitment?
Yes, it's a significant commitment, but utterly worth it for fans of epic sci-fi.
- Red Rising: ~380 pages
- Golden Son: ~460 pages
- Morning Star: ~520 pages
- Iron Gold: ~620 pages
- Dark Age: ~750 pages (the longest!)
- Light Bringer: ~640 pages
The Final Word: Why Getting the Order Right Matters
Look, diving into a series this big can be daunting. You see those shelves or online lists with all the titles and think, "Where do I even begin?" Trying to shortcut the established Red Rising books in order – publication order – is a recipe for confusion and spoiled plot points. Pierce Brown meticulously crafts reveals, character developments, and escalating stakes that depend entirely on you experiencing the story the way he laid it out. Starting with Sons of Ares first robs Red Rising of its power. Skipping to Iron Gold without the emotional foundation of the original trilogy makes the new POVs feel disconnected and lessens the impact of seeing Darrow changed by time.
It's a journey. A brutal, exhilarating, heartbreaking, and ultimately rewarding journey through a solar system teetering between tyranny and a fragile dream of freedom. The visceral action, the complex characters (Sevro remains an all-time favorite of mine, flaws and all), the shocking twists, the sheer scale of it all – it demands to be read properly. Grab Red Rising. Give it until the Institute kicks in. If it hooks you (and chances are high it will), then just follow the order laid out here. Before you know it, you'll be desperately counting down the days until Red God like the rest of us pixies. Hail Libertas!
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