Author: Victoria Aveyard
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication date: February 10, 2015
Pages: 383
Price: $20.62 CAD (hardcover) at Indigo Books & Music Online
Synopsis
This is a world divided by blood – red or silver. The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime. But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.
First Sentence
“I hate First Friday.”
Review
I’m always quite hesitant when picking out a new series to read. I’m the kind of person who goes all in or not at all. So when I first heard of Red Queen I wanted to read it, but at the same time I wasn’t sure I’d want to read all the books that followed it because at the time, we had just gotten news of War Storm’s upcoming release.
I’m happy I chose to pick up this series because it was actually rather enjoyable. I immediately fell in love with Mare, Cal, Gisa, and Kilorn. They were such fun and unique characters! I got really easily attached lol.
“I’m an accident. I’m a lie. And my life depends on maintaining the illusion.”
― Red Queen
I also enjoyed this futuristic setting thats taken a turn for the worse sorta vibe going on because we know that the story takes place in the future but there’s not really dates or times so it remains something to ponder on. The discrimination between reds and silvers was also something I could make ties to with this day and age (colour of blood/colour of skin yanno?) and the silver abilities made things so cool! I loved how they all had a different power depending on their house! Overall, I love all the ideas in this book!
There was a couple times where I was really confused with the book, though I’m pretty sure its because I read it in French and my French is terrible. Other than that I have no complaints with this story. It was flowy and interesting and really enjoyable!
“The truth is what I make it. I could set this world on fire and call it rain.”
― Red Queen
But I must address the GIANT plot twist at the end of the book because OMG that BETRAYAL! I was so shocked and was totally not expecting anything like that! I was pissed but a the same time I could not WAIT to pick up the sequel.
Final Review/Recommendation
I really enjoyed Red Queen. I’m happy to have started this series and I am going to follow through with the rest of the books from the series! I’d recommend this novel to anyone who enjoyed The Hunger Games or would like to pick up a new and fun dystopian series!
“Anyone can betray anyone.”
― Red Queen