Red+Rising

//Red Rising// by Pierce Brown



This is actually an adult book but I can see the appeal for YA. If you like Hunger Games you'll like this. The world building is very well done, the themes are little bit more mature and well drawn, but it is very violent. The protagonist is 16 at the beginning of the book, 18 by the end. And this is the first in a trilogy. The first book stands on it's own though. The major themes are revolution, overcoming oppression and breaking out of caste system roles. Meritocracy over privilege etc. I enjoyed it very much and am reading the second book now (even more violent than the first). Definitely for older teens and it will appeal to boys. The main character is male. Sylvie -- Nesmith

Darrow is a Red, in a hierarchy where Reds are the slaves of society, and Golds are the cream of the crop. After tragedy strikes, Darrow undergoes an impossible transformation to become a Gold, and infiltrate society. He tests into the Institute, and must survive all that it entails, and thrive, if he's to be able to instigate change. Not a quick read, it felt fresh, even if it does bear striking similarities to many other Dystopian novels. Published for adults, appropriate for teens. Will appeal to both boys and girls. I agree that it stands on its own perfectly well. -Kirsten Rundquist Corbett, Sandown PL