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Red Rising

Red Rising is a 2014 dystopian science fiction novel by American author Pierce Brown and the first book in the Red Rising Saga.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Red Rising is a 2014 dystopian science fiction novel by American author Pierce Brown and the first book in the Red Rising Saga. It follows Darrow, a lowborn Red miner on Mars who infiltrates the ruling Gold elite in a color-coded caste society. The novel launched a long-running series that expanded beyond its original trilogy.

Plot premise

The novel follows Darrow, a miner from Mars who learns that his world is built on deception and inequality. He enters the ranks of the Gold elite to undermine the ruling system from within.

Series context

Red Rising began as the first book in a trilogy, later expanded into a larger saga. Published follow-ups include Golden Son, Morning Star, Iron Gold, Dark Age, and Light Bringer, with Red God announced as a later instalment.

Themes

The book deals with class hierarchy, rebellion, sacrifice, and political power. Its society is structured around a rigid caste system that shapes identity and opportunity.

Adaptations and reception

The series has attracted a large readership and has been discussed for screen adaptation. The book is widely identified as a major entry in contemporary dystopian science fiction.

Key facts

  • It is the first novel in the Red Rising Saga.
  • The story centers on Darrow, a Red from the lowest social caste.
  • The novel is set in a future human society organized by color-coded castes.
  • The book was first published in 2014.
  • The series continued beyond the original trilogy with later novels including Golden Son and Morning Star.
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Canadian context

The novel has a substantial readership in Canada through mainstream English-language book retail, libraries, and science fiction fandom, but it is not specifically set in Canada or centered on Canadian history.

Frequently asked questions

What is Red Rising?
Red Rising is a dystopian science fiction novel by Pierce Brown, published in 2014 and set on Mars in a future caste society.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Darrow, a lowborn Red miner from Mars who infiltrates the ruling Gold class.
Is Red Rising part of a series?
Yes. It is the first book in the Red Rising Saga, which began as a trilogy and later expanded into additional novels.
What genre is Red Rising?
It is generally classified as dystopian science fiction.
What is the setting?
The story is set in a future human society on Mars and across the Solar System.

References

  1. Pierce Brown — https://www.piercebrown.com/redrisingsaga
    Supports: Identifies Red Rising Saga and describes Darrow as the central rebel figure.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Rising
    Supports: States that Red Rising is a 2014 dystopian science fiction novel by Pierce Brown and the first book in the series.
  3. Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/series/117100-red-rising-saga
    Supports: Lists the Red Rising Saga as a multi-book series and notes the original trilogy and later continuation.
  4. Barnes & Noble — https://www.barnesandnoble.com/series/red-rising-series
    Supports: Describes the series as a dystopian science fiction saga set in a future society with class divisions and Mars as a major setting.
  5. IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/red-rising-books-in-order
    Supports: Summarizes the plot premise, series structure, and publication order of the books.