I started reading the second book in the Red Rising series this week and it is more than living up to expectations so far. Like many sequels, it kicks off with a time skip, some epic action, and a big setback for the main character. Ships exploding in space and the main character Darrow attempting to turn himself into a human torpedo is a start that I just can’t put down. I love how Brown is so willing to lean into established plot archetypes and tropes, knowing that his characters and the world he has built are so strong on their own that nobody is going to complain about seeing the same old story beat we’re all used to. It hooked me in instantly and I’m hoping this book is going to be even better than the last! Can’t wait to see how Darrow figures his way out of this one.

Thank you for reading,

Benjamin Hawley