2023 Re-read: Still fantastic. Basically a world building book after the core series is completed, and really flushes out so much with different perspectives this time around. A Harrowing ending that only builds to that, and then Dark Age, which absolutely crushes it. Can't wait to re-read that piece, but this is a excellent set-up book.

I think it's safe to say Red Rising series will go down as one of my favorite series ever created in any medium.

Pierce Brown has created such a vast and interesting world, with so many multilayered characters that it's hard not to be envious. When I finished Morning Star (The third title) I told myself I'm glad it's over, a great finishing chapter. Then came Iron Gold and I forgot how MUCH I freaking love this universe.

So it's 10 years after the events of morning star. The universe is not at peace. Sure some things are better for sure. However, the universe is still very much at war with itself. Darrow is trying to hold it all together but the political game has gone too far, too quick, and heads begin to roll. This book also introduces 3 new points of view. Lysander, who you might remember from Morning Star as the young gold boy who was being raised by the insane sovereign bitch. Lyria the red who is very similar to Darrow at the start in the red rising but can see how different she truly is. Ephraim, a broken man who lost almost everything but instead of pity himself decides to dish it back by being a thief of sorts. Somehow all these people collide into one big mash of hell over the entire universe.

Good: Each character is given time to grow and breath. Each so different yet similar traits because after all we are all human and most of us have similar views or ideas somewhere in life. The fights in this are fantastic and the improvement on the writing of them is notable. The faith of the characters are always dire and you feel the sense of urgency. I also loved the dialog once more as it's always engaging and never feels biased towards one side of the argument.

Bad: Some chapters break the otherwise great pacing of this book by offering a slower world building experience that kind of feels hunkered down at times.

Overall this is a great book. While I believe Golden Son remains my favorite still this is on par with Morning Star and in some ways this is better. Actually, I believe this is the best WRITTEN story so far but it's just that Golden Son has some of the greatest moments ever. So saying that I'll be giving this a 4.5 out of 5 and once again say this series is fantastic and needs to be read by everyone. Enjoy!