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Red Rising Saga #6
Light Bringer
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Science Fiction (2023)Darrow returns as Pierce Brown’s New York Times bestselling Red Rising series continues in the thrilling sequel to Dark Age.
“The measure of a man is not the fear he sows in his enemies. It is the hope he gives his friends.”—Virginia au Augustus
The Reaper is a legend, more myth than man: the savior of worlds, the leader of the Rising, the breaker of chains.
But the Reaper is also Darrow, born of the red soil of Mars: a husband, a father, a friend.
The worlds once needed the Reaper. But now they need Darrow. Because after the dark age will come a new age: of light, of victory, of hope.
“The measure of a man is not the fear he sows in his enemies. It is the hope he gives his friends.”—Virginia au Augustus
The Reaper is a legend, more myth than man: the savior of worlds, the leader of the Rising, the breaker of chains.
But the Reaper is also Darrow, born of the red soil of Mars: a husband, a father, a friend.
The worlds once needed the Reaper. But now they need Darrow. Because after the dark age will come a new age: of light, of victory, of hope.
682 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2023
About the author
Pierce Brown
57 books38.8k followersHello. I'm Pierce Brown, the author of the Red Rising Saga, a NYT #1 bestseller.
I figured I'd write you myself than have corporate copy pasted below my totally natural author photo.
In my books you'll find stories of men and women finding their inner strength when all seems lost. You'll also find me exploring themes of love, violence, hope, and power--what it means, why people seek it, and how they hold onto it.
IG @piercebrownofficial
Twitter @pierce_brown
I figured I'd write you myself than have corporate copy pasted below my totally natural author photo.
In my books you'll find stories of men and women finding their inner strength when all seems lost. You'll also find me exploring themes of love, violence, hope, and power--what it means, why people seek it, and how they hold onto it.
IG @piercebrownofficial
Twitter @pierce_brown
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,994 reviews
September 25, 2023
This review is a copy of the transcript of my video review on Light Bringer
Light Bringer is a bloodydamn near perfect space-opera masterpiece.
*Clang Clang Clang* Can you hear that?
That’s the sound of blades clashing announcing the arrival of Light Bringer as the biggest contender for the best book of 2023. Pierce Brown has done it. I have been a diehard fan of Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga for almost seven years. My admiration and passion for this series has pushed me to willingly read the series from the beginning again—despite how busy I am—in preparation for the arrival of Light Bringer, the sixth and penultimate volume in the series. Although I have unbridled fondness for the series, I am not afraid to admit my favorite book in the entire series prior to the existence of Light Bringer has always been one of the books in the first Red Rising trilogy. On my first read-through up to Dark Age, Golden Son was my favorite installment. On my second read, Morning Star received an escalation to my favorite instead. And I did have a blast in my second read of Iron Gold and Dark Age as well. Dark Age, in particular, received a significant reading experience upgrade for me. But now that I've read my most anticipated release of the year, Light Bringer, I can say with a shattered and mended heart that is filled with contentment and satisfaction, Light Bringer is my favorite book in the entire series so far. I have no idea how Pierce Brown can top this book in Red God. Light Bringer was just that sublime.
Light Bringer begins 8 months after the end of Dark Age, and I strongly believe this is a return to the best of the first Red Rising trilogy while employing the expansive military space opera aspects of Iron Gold and Dark Age. And more. I have mentioned this in my review of Dark Age. For context, Dark Age is one of the darkest books I’ve ever read. Brown went all out on the gore, darkness, violence, and bleakness of the circumstances and threats Darrow and his friends faced to mercilessly showcase the darkness and cruelty of war and violence. And Brown succeeded at this. There is nothing wrong with this direction. On my second read, I acknowledge this is a necessary and firm foothold needed to be established for Brown to bring the massive emotional reckonings and self-discovery in Light Bringer. But on that review of Dark Age, especially on my first read without a sign of Light Bringer in sight back then, I felt Brown did not implement his most outstanding gift as a storyteller. That is to mix the themes of hope, friendship, love, and light into the chaos of destruction the characters encounter. This blend of chemistry made the first trilogy shine so brightly in many reader’s hearts. Fortunately, as I said earlier, Brown brought that back in Light Bringer multiply without losing the epic scope he meticulously prepared in Iron Gold and Dark Age. As Brown himself said. Light Bringer is a book about journeying through darkness toward light, toward home. It is a book about war, loss, and hope, but most of all, it is a book about friendship and how the bonds we make with those we love are stronger than duty, blood, or chains. And Brown is firing on all cylinders here. Lux ex Tenebris. Light comes after darkness.
Does it mean Light Bringer is less dark or intense compared to Dark Age? No. I will argue the intensity has been heightened even further. There were many moments in the book where I felt like my heart was leaping out of my throat. Part 1 out of 4 of the novel is relatively safe in tension and heartbreak. But remember, we are in the sixth book of seven in Red Rising Saga. My emotional investment (and I think the same notion is felt by other Howlers) toward the characters is real. Darrow and the surviving characters from the first trilogy are not simply fictional characters. Our affection and worries for them are genuine. A slight damage to them could mean a critical emotional hit for us readers. As we learn from the previous books in Red Rising Saga and many other science fiction and fantasy series, being a paragon of honor and virtue doesn’t immortalize or guarantee peace. War portends death, hatred, and vengeance. To form a unity with an armor of love or to be indivisible and invincible could be tougher than waging vengeance. Especially when Darrow and the characters live in a dehumanized world ruled by a ruthless hierarchy where the rule of might make right is absolute. This is, among many other reasons, why Light Bringer is so bloodydamn brilliant. The character’s work, characterizations, and development were masterfully written. My mind and heart swirled with fear, anxiety, love, happiness, and sorrow throughout every page. The sense of care I have for the main characters felt too much, and as I saw them constantly endure heavy adversities, it felt like I spiritually persisted with them, too.
I’ve read more than 600 novels since I read the first Red Rising trilogy for the first time. And the fact that I still regard the brotherhood in Red Rising Saga to be one of—if not—the best portrayal of brotherhood in fiction I’ve ever read is a testament to Brown’s complex, mature, and layered plotting and character motivations. I did mention this at the beginning of this review. Light Bringer brings the series back to its core. In Iron Gold and Dark Age, Darrow is mostly separated from the main characters from the first trilogy. It is why I think there is a bit of a more mixed reception toward both Iron Gold and Dark Age. Even if overall, they were still super positive. But this separation does bring worthy and rewarding payoffs in Light Bringer. I’m trying to not mention the character’s name here to make this review as spoiler-free as possible, but the theme of brotherhood exhibited in Light Bringer was so bloodydamn good. I would consider myself blessed to be able to read more books with this level of believable friendship and brotherhood. With more responsibilities and the march of time, their friendships aren’t as relatively simple as they were before in the first trilogy when they had fewer designated main missions and priorities. The brotherhood between Darrow and his brothers has obstructions, and they are bravely fought for, understood, and nurtured.
Red Rising Saga is still my number 1 favorite sci-fi series. It never feels like work to do a second read of the series from the beginning, and honestly speaking, I am glad I did that before reading Light Bringer. One of my favorite things about Light Bringer is how Pierce Brown totally made sure that crucial and pivotal events from each previous book in the series do matter. A lot. They were established and reflected, and they exponentially enhanced the emotional value I have with the series. When you analyze the storyline and conflicts in Iron Gold up to Light Bringer, especially Light Bringer, you will see many of them are the downfall and results of Darrow’s actions in the first trilogy. And I am not only talking about the endgame in Morning Star, but to mention one, what Darrow decided to do in the Battle of Ilium in Morning Star has a lot of devastating repercussions that can still be felt in Light Bringer. I am so pleased with this storytelling decision. I also think more authors and storytellers should include snippets of recollections or flashbacks like Brown did here. We, readers, have gone through the series from the beginning. In sequels or long series, characters' momentary recollections of the past and their journey can magnificently increase my emotional attachment to the characters and their struggle.
As a result, for the first time in the series, after all the development, I can now say Darrow has become one of my top favorite main characters. This is new to me. Sevro has always been my favorite character in Red Rising Saga. But Darrow is flawed, and his character's arc and development throughout the series are phenomenal. In Light Bringer, I love reading how Darrow took a step back to observe the unforgettable sins of his past. The weight of his guilt was never neglected, and he took action upon them. It is all so incredible. Brown's multiple first-person narration was compelling and engaging, as always. There were many passages I highlighted because they resonated a lot with me. Although Darrow and Lysander's POV chapters have the most spotlights in Light Bringer, the book or series never felt it was exclusively about them. It is about them, their loved ones, their beliefs, and the ruthless hierarchy of their world. And speaking of Lysander, let me say this... He is one of the most despicable and self-righteous characters I've read in speculative fiction. It takes something special to make me want to put my hand inside the pages of a book to strangle a character, and Lysander has achieved this in Light Bringer. Multiple times.
Finally, let’s talk about action scenes. I consider The Battle of Ilium in Morning Star one of the greatest space-opera warfare sequences I’ve ever read. And, of course, Light Bringer won’t reach the critical acclaim it has without the prominent clash of conflicts evident throughout the series. Pierce Brown brought that back again. He features not only one but TWO big battle sequences. And they were absolutely breathtaking. The brutality in The Battle of Phobos was rampant and terrifying. The tone was filled with grim menace, dread, and disorder. And then there’s more… *Clang Clang Clang*. You might have seen those who read Light Bringers mention: “Clang. Clang. Clang.” This is the sound of flashing blades producing a superbly thrilling iconic duel that will be discussed by the Howlers for many years to come. Ashvar is hands down the finest duel scene in the entire series. It was pure energy crystallized by Brown’s narrative. I am in awe. I don’t know how Brown did it. The frantic bedlam and bloodshed he conjures never fails to transport me into his books easily. The free movement in the battle-flow of the breath of stone was incredibly mesmerizing to me. My pulse pounded. I forgot I was reading a book. It was like a vortex of vivid wind had opened its invitation for readers to fly together with the howling lunatics following godkillers in a hunt. I can’t say more than this. If you haven’t read Light Bringer, you will know when you get there. The entire sequence was extremely well-written; I swear any author would be gratified to pen a sequence of chapters reaching that superlative quality. Light Bringer is epic. Also, the three gorgeous maps on the front pages of Light Bringer, illustrated by Joel Daniel Phillips, helped realize the ambitious scope of Brown’s vision in Red Rising Saga.
Picture: The Moon Io & The Moon Europa by Jose Daniel Phillips
Whether it's the cover art or the content, Light Bringer is the crowning glory of Red Rising Saga. This is an example of a marvelous book that reminds me why I love reading. The resonating themes of camaraderie, family, brotherhood, and hope were precisely combined with the grimness of the fine-tuned actions, sacrifice, and darkness. Light Bringer contains some of the most emotional scenes in the series so far, and believe me, it means a great deal. Especially when you put how many hearts have been broken and repaired by the events in the series into the equation. Light Bringer is the best penultimate book I've ever read out of any series. By bringing Light Bringer into existence, Brown has everlastingly carved his name into the archives of science fiction history as one of the greatest sci-fi authors of all time. Only one book remains. It will be bittersweet to read the series to its completion. And I am not sure how Brown can exceed Light Bringer in Red God. But if anyone can, it would be Howler One. Per Aspera ad Astra.
You can order this book from: Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Aliysa, Anastasia, Andrew, Andrew W, Annabeth, Arliss, Barbara, Biskit, Brad, Cade, Casey, Chris, Cullen, David, Dernerror, Diana, Donna, Donuts, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Ellen, Frank, Garrick, Gary, Gregory, Hamad, Helen, Jenn, Jesse, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Justin, Kristina, Lara, Luis, Melinda, Michael, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Norbert, Radiah, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Scott, Shawn, Tori, Tracy, TS, Wendy, Wick, Xero, Yuri, Zoe.
Light Bringer is a bloodydamn near perfect space-opera masterpiece.
“For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother. —Homer”
*Clang Clang Clang* Can you hear that?
That’s the sound of blades clashing announcing the arrival of Light Bringer as the biggest contender for the best book of 2023. Pierce Brown has done it. I have been a diehard fan of Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga for almost seven years. My admiration and passion for this series has pushed me to willingly read the series from the beginning again—despite how busy I am—in preparation for the arrival of Light Bringer, the sixth and penultimate volume in the series. Although I have unbridled fondness for the series, I am not afraid to admit my favorite book in the entire series prior to the existence of Light Bringer has always been one of the books in the first Red Rising trilogy. On my first read-through up to Dark Age, Golden Son was my favorite installment. On my second read, Morning Star received an escalation to my favorite instead. And I did have a blast in my second read of Iron Gold and Dark Age as well. Dark Age, in particular, received a significant reading experience upgrade for me. But now that I've read my most anticipated release of the year, Light Bringer, I can say with a shattered and mended heart that is filled with contentment and satisfaction, Light Bringer is my favorite book in the entire series so far. I have no idea how Pierce Brown can top this book in Red God. Light Bringer was just that sublime.
“The path is made of many stones that look all the same. When you trod upon evil, do not rest or look down because goodness is only a step away. The next may bring ruin, the next joy, but these stones are not your destination, they are but your journey to the path’s end.”
Light Bringer begins 8 months after the end of Dark Age, and I strongly believe this is a return to the best of the first Red Rising trilogy while employing the expansive military space opera aspects of Iron Gold and Dark Age. And more. I have mentioned this in my review of Dark Age. For context, Dark Age is one of the darkest books I’ve ever read. Brown went all out on the gore, darkness, violence, and bleakness of the circumstances and threats Darrow and his friends faced to mercilessly showcase the darkness and cruelty of war and violence. And Brown succeeded at this. There is nothing wrong with this direction. On my second read, I acknowledge this is a necessary and firm foothold needed to be established for Brown to bring the massive emotional reckonings and self-discovery in Light Bringer. But on that review of Dark Age, especially on my first read without a sign of Light Bringer in sight back then, I felt Brown did not implement his most outstanding gift as a storyteller. That is to mix the themes of hope, friendship, love, and light into the chaos of destruction the characters encounter. This blend of chemistry made the first trilogy shine so brightly in many reader’s hearts. Fortunately, as I said earlier, Brown brought that back in Light Bringer multiply without losing the epic scope he meticulously prepared in Iron Gold and Dark Age. As Brown himself said. Light Bringer is a book about journeying through darkness toward light, toward home. It is a book about war, loss, and hope, but most of all, it is a book about friendship and how the bonds we make with those we love are stronger than duty, blood, or chains. And Brown is firing on all cylinders here. Lux ex Tenebris. Light comes after darkness.
“I think of the eighth understanding. We achieve perfection first by acknowledging our failures. We increase understanding first by recognizing our ignorance.”
Does it mean Light Bringer is less dark or intense compared to Dark Age? No. I will argue the intensity has been heightened even further. There were many moments in the book where I felt like my heart was leaping out of my throat. Part 1 out of 4 of the novel is relatively safe in tension and heartbreak. But remember, we are in the sixth book of seven in Red Rising Saga. My emotional investment (and I think the same notion is felt by other Howlers) toward the characters is real. Darrow and the surviving characters from the first trilogy are not simply fictional characters. Our affection and worries for them are genuine. A slight damage to them could mean a critical emotional hit for us readers. As we learn from the previous books in Red Rising Saga and many other science fiction and fantasy series, being a paragon of honor and virtue doesn’t immortalize or guarantee peace. War portends death, hatred, and vengeance. To form a unity with an armor of love or to be indivisible and invincible could be tougher than waging vengeance. Especially when Darrow and the characters live in a dehumanized world ruled by a ruthless hierarchy where the rule of might make right is absolute. This is, among many other reasons, why Light Bringer is so bloodydamn brilliant. The character’s work, characterizations, and development were masterfully written. My mind and heart swirled with fear, anxiety, love, happiness, and sorrow throughout every page. The sense of care I have for the main characters felt too much, and as I saw them constantly endure heavy adversities, it felt like I spiritually persisted with them, too.
“If we demand restitution for all the evils that have been done to us, there will be no end to this war. It will consume us and the people we claim to lead. The future is more important than our wounds… The purpose of war must not be vengeance. It cannot be to kill your enemies until none are left. That is barbarism. That’s how Earth and its multitude of nations strangled itself… The purpose of war must be to find the road back to peace.”
I’ve read more than 600 novels since I read the first Red Rising trilogy for the first time. And the fact that I still regard the brotherhood in Red Rising Saga to be one of—if not—the best portrayal of brotherhood in fiction I’ve ever read is a testament to Brown’s complex, mature, and layered plotting and character motivations. I did mention this at the beginning of this review. Light Bringer brings the series back to its core. In Iron Gold and Dark Age, Darrow is mostly separated from the main characters from the first trilogy. It is why I think there is a bit of a more mixed reception toward both Iron Gold and Dark Age. Even if overall, they were still super positive. But this separation does bring worthy and rewarding payoffs in Light Bringer. I’m trying to not mention the character’s name here to make this review as spoiler-free as possible, but the theme of brotherhood exhibited in Light Bringer was so bloodydamn good. I would consider myself blessed to be able to read more books with this level of believable friendship and brotherhood. With more responsibilities and the march of time, their friendships aren’t as relatively simple as they were before in the first trilogy when they had fewer designated main missions and priorities. The brotherhood between Darrow and his brothers has obstructions, and they are bravely fought for, understood, and nurtured.
“So what you’re saying is, without your friends , you’d be slagged and the Rising would be ashes?... Welcome to the club, asshole. Where do you think I’d be without you? Without our friends? Dead in a ravine, that’s where. We hold each other up. We always have. That’s not weakness. That’s the only strength we’ve got. More than anyone, you’ve been there for me. You’ve been my engine for half a life. My turn.”
Red Rising Saga is still my number 1 favorite sci-fi series. It never feels like work to do a second read of the series from the beginning, and honestly speaking, I am glad I did that before reading Light Bringer. One of my favorite things about Light Bringer is how Pierce Brown totally made sure that crucial and pivotal events from each previous book in the series do matter. A lot. They were established and reflected, and they exponentially enhanced the emotional value I have with the series. When you analyze the storyline and conflicts in Iron Gold up to Light Bringer, especially Light Bringer, you will see many of them are the downfall and results of Darrow’s actions in the first trilogy. And I am not only talking about the endgame in Morning Star, but to mention one, what Darrow decided to do in the Battle of Ilium in Morning Star has a lot of devastating repercussions that can still be felt in Light Bringer. I am so pleased with this storytelling decision. I also think more authors and storytellers should include snippets of recollections or flashbacks like Brown did here. We, readers, have gone through the series from the beginning. In sequels or long series, characters' momentary recollections of the past and their journey can magnificently increase my emotional attachment to the characters and their struggle.
“In the cold prison of our minds, we are alone with our self-hatred, our doubts, and guilt… A friend may reach through the bars and hold our hand, but they cannot open the door for us. Only the prisoner has the key. All I can do is remind him we’re waiting for him when he gets out.”
As a result, for the first time in the series, after all the development, I can now say Darrow has become one of my top favorite main characters. This is new to me. Sevro has always been my favorite character in Red Rising Saga. But Darrow is flawed, and his character's arc and development throughout the series are phenomenal. In Light Bringer, I love reading how Darrow took a step back to observe the unforgettable sins of his past. The weight of his guilt was never neglected, and he took action upon them. It is all so incredible. Brown's multiple first-person narration was compelling and engaging, as always. There were many passages I highlighted because they resonated a lot with me. Although Darrow and Lysander's POV chapters have the most spotlights in Light Bringer, the book or series never felt it was exclusively about them. It is about them, their loved ones, their beliefs, and the ruthless hierarchy of their world. And speaking of Lysander, let me say this... He is one of the most despicable and self-righteous characters I've read in speculative fiction. It takes something special to make me want to put my hand inside the pages of a book to strangle a character, and Lysander has achieved this in Light Bringer. Multiple times.
“Did Silenius and Akari love war? Did they use war to line their own purses, to vent their rage against the ungrateful masses? Or did they wage war to sculpt the chaos natural in humanity into a future of order and prosperity? Our sacred ancestors knew what we have forgotten: that peace, not war, is our sacred calling. That we were to lead by our example, not to be led by our greed, our hunger for power. I look around, and I am humbled by your acts of valor and sacrifice, but we are no longer a people united by our sacrifice or by our convictions. We are united only in our propensity for self-interest, infighting, and greed.
Finally, let’s talk about action scenes. I consider The Battle of Ilium in Morning Star one of the greatest space-opera warfare sequences I’ve ever read. And, of course, Light Bringer won’t reach the critical acclaim it has without the prominent clash of conflicts evident throughout the series. Pierce Brown brought that back again. He features not only one but TWO big battle sequences. And they were absolutely breathtaking. The brutality in The Battle of Phobos was rampant and terrifying. The tone was filled with grim menace, dread, and disorder. And then there’s more… *Clang Clang Clang*. You might have seen those who read Light Bringers mention: “Clang. Clang. Clang.” This is the sound of flashing blades producing a superbly thrilling iconic duel that will be discussed by the Howlers for many years to come. Ashvar is hands down the finest duel scene in the entire series. It was pure energy crystallized by Brown’s narrative. I am in awe. I don’t know how Brown did it. The frantic bedlam and bloodshed he conjures never fails to transport me into his books easily. The free movement in the battle-flow of the breath of stone was incredibly mesmerizing to me. My pulse pounded. I forgot I was reading a book. It was like a vortex of vivid wind had opened its invitation for readers to fly together with the howling lunatics following godkillers in a hunt. I can’t say more than this. If you haven’t read Light Bringer, you will know when you get there. The entire sequence was extremely well-written; I swear any author would be gratified to pen a sequence of chapters reaching that superlative quality. Light Bringer is epic. Also, the three gorgeous maps on the front pages of Light Bringer, illustrated by Joel Daniel Phillips, helped realize the ambitious scope of Brown’s vision in Red Rising Saga.
Picture: The Moon Io & The Moon Europa by Jose Daniel Phillips
“So why are we fading? Because we don’t wanna be here. We wanna be on the other side of this shit. We’re waiting to live. But this is it. This is our life until we change it. That’s all right. Like Darrow said, it’s a blessing. It is our privilege to fight. So let’s stop eating ourselves, chewing on each other’s legs. It’s stupid. It’s endless. We got more to do.”
Whether it's the cover art or the content, Light Bringer is the crowning glory of Red Rising Saga. This is an example of a marvelous book that reminds me why I love reading. The resonating themes of camaraderie, family, brotherhood, and hope were precisely combined with the grimness of the fine-tuned actions, sacrifice, and darkness. Light Bringer contains some of the most emotional scenes in the series so far, and believe me, it means a great deal. Especially when you put how many hearts have been broken and repaired by the events in the series into the equation. Light Bringer is the best penultimate book I've ever read out of any series. By bringing Light Bringer into existence, Brown has everlastingly carved his name into the archives of science fiction history as one of the greatest sci-fi authors of all time. Only one book remains. It will be bittersweet to read the series to its completion. And I am not sure how Brown can exceed Light Bringer in Red God. But if anyone can, it would be Howler One. Per Aspera ad Astra.
“I’m not really blessed at keeping friends. But you are. I truly respect that. I know how special your friends are to you, how protective you are of them. And it means…quite a bit to me that you’ve invited me into your pack and made me feel welcome. No…it means everything, really. Without this, without your friends, I’m very much alone. You’ve put a lot of faith in me. Faith that I don’t think I’ve always deserved. I just want to say…thank you, Darrow.”
You can order this book from: Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Aliysa, Anastasia, Andrew, Andrew W, Annabeth, Arliss, Barbara, Biskit, Brad, Cade, Casey, Chris, Cullen, David, Dernerror, Diana, Donna, Donuts, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Ellen, Frank, Garrick, Gary, Gregory, Hamad, Helen, Jenn, Jesse, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Justin, Kristina, Lara, Luis, Melinda, Michael, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Norbert, Radiah, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Scott, Shawn, Tori, Tracy, TS, Wendy, Wick, Xero, Yuri, Zoe.
July 27, 2023
Please don't let anything happen to Darrow. Or Sevro. Or Mustang. Or Victra. Or Holi. Or Lyria. Or Volga. Or Kavax. Or Cassius. Or the kids...
Make Lysander suffer though.
UPDATE: Pierce did it again. The man ripped my heart out and left it in a million tiny pieces.
Make Lysander suffer though.
UPDATE: Pierce did it again. The man ripped my heart out and left it in a million tiny pieces.
Read
January 5, 2024Full video review here: https://youtu.be/STirP2cBd3Y
Spoiler discussion (featuring HowlerPod) here: https://youtube.com/live/Sza_p3nhPiQ
After an incredibly long wait, Light Bringer is finally here. I had my fingers crossed for an ARC but the publisher ghosted me for whatever reason. But when I had Pierce Brown on the channel he said “I got you” and that he did. I was sent an uncorrected proof by Pierce personally in exchange for an honest review.
With so much time between books the theory crafting and speculation can go a little crazy. 4 years is a long time but definitely not in the Song of Ice & Fire kinda long wait that made my theories and speculation dry up. I had many coming into this book and I gotta say; I was wrong on all of them.
What Pierce has done in this book is take the series back to its roots in that this is Darrow’s book. One of the gripes in Iron Gold and Dark Age was too much time away from the OG. Darrow gets the bulk of the page time outside of one stretch in part II where he’s gone for almost 100 pages. But trust me, it’ll be worth it.
We spend so much time with Darrow and his companions (you’ll find zero spoilers here!) that you feel a bond like you haven’t felt those early days back at the Institute. Pierce gives me some team ups and group adventures I’ve been waiting for since Golden Son. And it’s just special.
On the other hand, I do wish we had gotten more Victra and Kavax in this one. Part II has maybe the biggest space battle the series has ever had and it’s amazing, but if you’re hoping for a lot of Victra like we had in Dark Age you might be missing her a little. Characters go MIA the second half of the book but I think it’s for good reason.
The events happening in each Part (4 parts in total) are paced in such a way that to hop across the solar system might be a little jarring. When you’re in a massive space battle, the last thing you want is to jump to another location for a territory dispute. Less hopping makes the book more cohesive but you will miss some of those side characters for long stretches.
I don’t like to say too much, but the last 50 pages of Light Bringer hit me harder emotionally than any other similar stretch in the series. While I didn’t sob I will say that I rolled a manly tear but if I wasn’t at my office I may have wailed. Pierce continues to write a sci-fi epic that hits emotionally every bit as hard as he does with his action (clang clang clang! …you’ll see 😏). That’s what makes this series so special. In the end, he always examines his characters humanity and what makes them tick.
For those worried this will feel like a “bridge” or set up book, fear not. Pierce has delivered another stunning volume to what is my favorite modern sci-fi series and has taken things in a direction I didn’t expect but I’m anxious to see the conclusion for in Red God. Pick this one up on day one because you don’t want that final act spoiled for you. Hail Reaper.
Spoiler discussion (featuring HowlerPod) here: https://youtube.com/live/Sza_p3nhPiQ
After an incredibly long wait, Light Bringer is finally here. I had my fingers crossed for an ARC but the publisher ghosted me for whatever reason. But when I had Pierce Brown on the channel he said “I got you” and that he did. I was sent an uncorrected proof by Pierce personally in exchange for an honest review.
With so much time between books the theory crafting and speculation can go a little crazy. 4 years is a long time but definitely not in the Song of Ice & Fire kinda long wait that made my theories and speculation dry up. I had many coming into this book and I gotta say; I was wrong on all of them.
What Pierce has done in this book is take the series back to its roots in that this is Darrow’s book. One of the gripes in Iron Gold and Dark Age was too much time away from the OG. Darrow gets the bulk of the page time outside of one stretch in part II where he’s gone for almost 100 pages. But trust me, it’ll be worth it.
We spend so much time with Darrow and his companions (you’ll find zero spoilers here!) that you feel a bond like you haven’t felt those early days back at the Institute. Pierce gives me some team ups and group adventures I’ve been waiting for since Golden Son. And it’s just special.
On the other hand, I do wish we had gotten more Victra and Kavax in this one. Part II has maybe the biggest space battle the series has ever had and it’s amazing, but if you’re hoping for a lot of Victra like we had in Dark Age you might be missing her a little. Characters go MIA the second half of the book but I think it’s for good reason.
The events happening in each Part (4 parts in total) are paced in such a way that to hop across the solar system might be a little jarring. When you’re in a massive space battle, the last thing you want is to jump to another location for a territory dispute. Less hopping makes the book more cohesive but you will miss some of those side characters for long stretches.
I don’t like to say too much, but the last 50 pages of Light Bringer hit me harder emotionally than any other similar stretch in the series. While I didn’t sob I will say that I rolled a manly tear but if I wasn’t at my office I may have wailed. Pierce continues to write a sci-fi epic that hits emotionally every bit as hard as he does with his action (clang clang clang! …you’ll see 😏). That’s what makes this series so special. In the end, he always examines his characters humanity and what makes them tick.
For those worried this will feel like a “bridge” or set up book, fear not. Pierce has delivered another stunning volume to what is my favorite modern sci-fi series and has taken things in a direction I didn’t expect but I’m anxious to see the conclusion for in Red God. Pick this one up on day one because you don’t want that final act spoiled for you. Hail Reaper.
August 24, 2023
What a ride!
After 4 years of waiting, I truly wanted to savour this book and read it slowly. However, once I reached 30% mark, the tempo of the story sped up rapidly and it was unable to put it down.
Light Bringer utterly and completely consumed my thoughts. It hit all the right buttons for me. Battle and fight scenes were pure perfection. Once again I not merely read but I LIVED the book written by Pierce Brown. In my opinion, I don't exaggerate when I say that he is master storyteller of our generation.
Brown's characters evolved in this installment, yet they stayed true to themselves. It all felt very natural and I truly enjoyed reading it. Kudos to the author, his writing style has evolved too.
So even though Light Bringer is not as grandiose and emotionally exhausting as Dark Age, this book was worth the wait! I will definitely re-read it many times over while I wait for next and final instalment of this spectacular series.
PRE-REVIEW:
It is official! Book #6 LIGHT BRINGER will be out on July 25th 2023! And afterwards we will get book #7 RED GOD (goosebumps!), which means that two novels are needed to finish this saga.
After Dark Age I am super excited for and simultaneously dreading this book.
After 4 years of waiting, I truly wanted to savour this book and read it slowly. However, once I reached 30% mark, the tempo of the story sped up rapidly and it was unable to put it down.
Light Bringer utterly and completely consumed my thoughts. It hit all the right buttons for me. Battle and fight scenes were pure perfection. Once again I not merely read but I LIVED the book written by Pierce Brown. In my opinion, I don't exaggerate when I say that he is master storyteller of our generation.
Brown's characters evolved in this installment, yet they stayed true to themselves. It all felt very natural and I truly enjoyed reading it. Kudos to the author, his writing style has evolved too.
So even though Light Bringer is not as grandiose and emotionally exhausting as Dark Age, this book was worth the wait! I will definitely re-read it many times over while I wait for next and final instalment of this spectacular series.
PRE-REVIEW:
It is official! Book #6 LIGHT BRINGER will be out on July 25th 2023! And afterwards we will get book #7 RED GOD (goosebumps!), which means that two novels are needed to finish this saga.
After Dark Age I am super excited for and simultaneously dreading this book.
April 5, 2024
Apart from Red Rising (book 1) back in 2018, Light Bringer is the only book in the Red Rising Saga to get only 3 stars from me. After pondering on this rating for some time, I honestly cannot bring myself to give it any more. I see you, reading this short, meager paragraph, and going: “but 3 stars is still a good score!” And in fact, it is. Light Bringer is an good book, filled with beautiful character arcs, unexpected plot lines, heart-wrenching battles and monstrous villains. But after 5 books short of perfection, Light Bringer feels like a massive downgrade.
In each and everyone of the installments, Pierce has constantly upped his games. From the Institute we go to civil war, from civil war we go to a full scale rebellion: making the stakes and scope of the story bigger and scarier every step of the way is one of the elements I like most about the series. Combined with its unpredictability, Red Rising is truly up there is the Olympus of best sci-fi (or sci-fantasy) ever written. In Light Bringer, everything just stalls. The many villains introduced in Dark Age shrink to a smaller number, some plot lines are dropped at the very beginning or just not touched upon. Months after reading Light Bringer, I am still angry and disappointed at how many characters were handled, above all Lyria and Sevro. If you have read the book, you already know what I’m talking about. Pierce wrote himself into a corner in Dark Age, and had to quickly find excuses to patch everything together. Some parts of Dark Age (especially Virginia’s pov) were unfortunately written in a haste; a dire error that has made cutting plot threads necessary, given the scope the story had evolved to. Pierce went overboard in DA and introduced a myriad of new, compelling events that he couldn’t bring himself to juggle with in the sequel. I understand, it was necessary, but it was still disappointing. I waited 4 years to get resolutions, continuations, and in the end I got a handful of dust.
I could go on and talk about the heartbreaking deaths and the long-awaited reunions, but it would be redundant. Many reviewers - you loved this book way more than me - did it already, and I honestly don’t feel in the mood to praise something that, in the end, left me with more complaints than any other book in the series. Light Bringer is still able to deliver a lot of emotional punches and the leave reader curled in a ball of tears. Red Rising is an amazing series, its core are the humanae gestae and the characters, a cast that, after 5 years since first starting the series, feels like home. I hope Red God doesn’t get a mind of its own and comes out on Christmas 2024.
~
1/8/2023 I feel violated. I am crying like baby and I can’t stop.
~
14/2/2023 Pierce has delivered the completed manuscript his editors! The word count is higher than Dark Age. Expect a 750+ pages beast!
~
27/9/2018 I need this, like, now. And I need Sevro to be happy.
In each and everyone of the installments, Pierce has constantly upped his games. From the Institute we go to civil war, from civil war we go to a full scale rebellion: making the stakes and scope of the story bigger and scarier every step of the way is one of the elements I like most about the series. Combined with its unpredictability, Red Rising is truly up there is the Olympus of best sci-fi (or sci-fantasy) ever written. In Light Bringer, everything just stalls. The many villains introduced in Dark Age shrink to a smaller number, some plot lines are dropped at the very beginning or just not touched upon. Months after reading Light Bringer, I am still angry and disappointed at how many characters were handled, above all Lyria and Sevro. If you have read the book, you already know what I’m talking about. Pierce wrote himself into a corner in Dark Age, and had to quickly find excuses to patch everything together. Some parts of Dark Age (especially Virginia’s pov) were unfortunately written in a haste; a dire error that has made cutting plot threads necessary, given the scope the story had evolved to. Pierce went overboard in DA and introduced a myriad of new, compelling events that he couldn’t bring himself to juggle with in the sequel. I understand, it was necessary, but it was still disappointing. I waited 4 years to get resolutions, continuations, and in the end I got a handful of dust.
I could go on and talk about the heartbreaking deaths and the long-awaited reunions, but it would be redundant. Many reviewers - you loved this book way more than me - did it already, and I honestly don’t feel in the mood to praise something that, in the end, left me with more complaints than any other book in the series. Light Bringer is still able to deliver a lot of emotional punches and the leave reader curled in a ball of tears. Red Rising is an amazing series, its core are the humanae gestae and the characters, a cast that, after 5 years since first starting the series, feels like home. I hope Red God doesn’t get a mind of its own and comes out on Christmas 2024.
~
1/8/2023 I feel violated. I am crying like baby and I can’t stop.
~
14/2/2023 Pierce has delivered the completed manuscript his editors! The word count is higher than Dark Age. Expect a 750+ pages beast!
~
27/9/2018 I need this, like, now. And I need Sevro to be happy.
May 21, 2019
Looking forward to this more than GoT #6.
August 7, 2023
Well, I did say I was ready to be hurt again. This book is everything I wanted it to be. Probably more. I am speechless. Angry that I must wait *however long* for Red God. I can't talk about it yet. It's too soon. I need to think...
Okay, I'm ready. In the interest of not spoiling anything for anyone else, I must be brief. This book follows four characters, the newest of which (though not technically a new perspective to the series, just the newest compared to the others) is probably the weakest in the book (in my opinion). There were also a surprising amount of grammatical errors, but that's to be expected in an "uncorrected" copy, so I won't hold that against it.
Darrow and Lysander have strong showings, as you'd expect, no matter how you feel about Lysander (I'm talking about a particular reddit board, iykyk haha!). But Lyria's story and her budding friendship with a particular character really caught me off guard. She didn't steal the scenes in this book (that honor belongs to someone else), but she did rise in my "favorite character" standings.
Now, if you love these books, you know how twisty and turny they can be. So, for that reason, I don't want to share my feelings on characters too much because it might give stuff away. But I will say, if you loved Iron Gold and Dark Age, you will love this one. And like me, you will laugh, you will cheer, you will gasp, you will stress eat, and you will probably cry.
Please, Mr. Brown. I can't wait four more years for Red God. But also, I don't want this story to end. So...do with that what you will.
*Netgalley graciously gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, I'm ready. In the interest of not spoiling anything for anyone else, I must be brief. This book follows four characters, the newest of which (though not technically a new perspective to the series, just the newest compared to the others) is probably the weakest in the book (in my opinion). There were also a surprising amount of grammatical errors, but that's to be expected in an "uncorrected" copy, so I won't hold that against it.
Darrow and Lysander have strong showings, as you'd expect, no matter how you feel about Lysander (I'm talking about a particular reddit board, iykyk haha!). But Lyria's story and her budding friendship with a particular character really caught me off guard. She didn't steal the scenes in this book (that honor belongs to someone else), but she did rise in my "favorite character" standings.
Now, if you love these books, you know how twisty and turny they can be. So, for that reason, I don't want to share my feelings on characters too much because it might give stuff away. But I will say, if you loved Iron Gold and Dark Age, you will love this one. And like me, you will laugh, you will cheer, you will gasp, you will stress eat, and you will probably cry.
Please, Mr. Brown. I can't wait four more years for Red God. But also, I don't want this story to end. So...do with that what you will.
*Netgalley graciously gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2023
I still have not recovered.
July 31, 2023
Easy, easy favorite of the series for me. The last 25% of this book is unfairly good. Light Bringer makes me want to start this entire series over immediately.
10/10
10/10
August 1, 2023
Surprising exactly nobody, I loved this book. Also surprising nobody.... Spoilers ahead.
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
LYSANDER BETTER MEET HIS GRUESOME DEMISE IN RED GOD. IF THAT LITTLE TWAT ISN'T SPLIT IN HALF FROM ROOT TO STEM. IF HE ISN'T GIVEN A ONE WAY TICKET TO THE CENTER OF THE SUN. IF HE ISN'T REDUCED TO ATOMS SO HELP ME I WILL FREAK OUT.
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
LYSANDER BETTER MEET HIS GRUESOME DEMISE IN RED GOD. IF THAT LITTLE TWAT ISN'T SPLIT IN HALF FROM ROOT TO STEM. IF HE ISN'T GIVEN A ONE WAY TICKET TO THE CENTER OF THE SUN. IF HE ISN'T REDUCED TO ATOMS SO HELP ME I WILL FREAK OUT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
Absolutely incredible and pretty comfortably my favorite in the series so far (with Dark Age right behind it). Was the perfect combination of so many of my fav aspects of the series but also provided so many amazing scenes I was yearning for in the first 5 books. Also, the character work in this one is fantastic and the absolute highlight for me.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
I. Need. Red. God.
Time to reread the series again?
Clang. Clang. Clang.
I. Need. Red. God.
Time to reread the series again?
Currently reading
November 11, 2023Buddy read with Wren. Please be better than Dark Age.
Spending the next two years making book 6 predictions when we know PB will shatter at least one within the prologue again
Spending the next two years making book 6 predictions when we know PB will shatter at least one within the prologue again
August 19, 2023
This is the most heartbreaking, soul crushing book I have read. Words cannot even begin to express the effect this book has had on me. The best book I have read this year. There’s nothing else to say.
The Man Who Killed Fear.
The Man Who Killed Fear.
January 10, 2024
I swear if anything happens to Darrow or Pax I’m gonna s c r e a m. I need this book now holy mother of gods I can’t wait
Want to read
January 18, 2023Omg!!!!! I just saw this!!!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
August 12, 2023
«نورآور» با ساختار و هویت منحصربهفرد مستقل خود تبدیل به یکی از بهترین کتابهای مجموعه قیام سرخ میشود.
گفتاری در باب ستایش نویسنده:
پیرس براون ثابت میکند یکی از کاربلدترینهای ادبیات گمانهزن و به ویژه علمیتخیلی در سالهای اخیر است، او در کتاب ششم مجموعه به نوعی کمال و پختگی در شخصیتپردازی رسیده است، شخصیتهای او همگی خود را پذیرفتهاند و با اشتباهات خود کنار آمدهاند و میدانند چگونه با نقصهای خود زندگی کنند، از سویی دیگر پیرس براون در اکشننویسی و توصیف صحنههای نبرد بهترین است، هیچکس به مانند پیرس براون بلد نیست صحنههای اکشن را اینگونه دراماتیک و نفسگیر بنویسد، تنشی که با میدانهای مبارزه یا چگونه عرض کنم قتلگاههای پیرس براون حس کردم را در هیچ اثر متنی یا تصویری دیگری ندیدم.
کلاس درس پیرس براون در خلق کشمکش:
براون میداند که چگونه بحرانهای مختلف را درهم انگیزد و به وسیله تنشی که از همزمانی تمام بحرانها در طی روایت پدید میآید کتاب خود را به یک ترن هوایی تمامعیار تبدیل کند.
به عبارتی کشمکش بهوسیلهی برخوردِ دو نیروی متضاد که مانعِ تحقق خواستهی یکدیگر میشوند، شکل میگیرد. «نورآور» در خلق تنش به وسیلهی طرحِ سلسلهای از خُردهبحرانها و خُردهکشمکشهای درهمتنیده و انباشتهشده عالی عمل میکند. بخشِ نبوغآمیزِ ماجرا این است که گرچه مخاطب با هجوم بیامانِ مشکلاتِ مختلف مواجه میشود، اما داستانگویی هرگز بهطرز سردرگمکنندهای درهمبرهم و غیرقابلهضم نمیشود. علتش ساده است: گرچه این خُردهبحرانها در ظاهر پراکنده به نظر میرسند، اما پیرس براون از یک ریسمانِ تماتیک برای مُتصل نگه داشتنِ آنها استقاده میکنند؛ ریسمان تماتیکی که همان سوال اصلی مجموعه قیام سرخ است؛ چه کسی شایسته حکومت است؟
همهی این خُردهبحرانها محصولِ کشمکشِ اصلی داستان هستند و در مدار سؤال دراماتیکِ اصلی قیام سرخ میچرخند. به بیان دیگر، این خُردهبحرانها دلبخواهی و مندرآوردی نیستند، بلکه نتیجهی اُرگانیکِ اصطکاکِ نوع نگرشِ متفاوت کاراکترها هستند. آنها محصول رویکرد و انگیزههای شخصیِ متضادِ کاراکترها برای حل کردنِ مشکل مشترکشان هستند.
مثال خوب خلق کشمش به وسیله درهم تنیدن بحرانهای مختلف مجموعه «نغمهای از یخ و آتش» است، ما در مجموعه فانتزی استادانه مارتین با همزمانی بحرانهای مختلفی طرف هستیم، از طرفی مشکلات حکومت مرکزی و دسیسههای درباریان را داریم، از سمتی دیگر خرده و کلان روایتهای قارهای به غیر از وستروس را که یکی از بازیگران ا��لی داستان آنجا حضور دارد شاهد هستیم، در کنار همهی موارد ذکر شده یکدونه عامل آخرالزمانی لعنتی نیز وجود دارد که در پشتپرده ماجرا میلولد، همزمان شدن تمام بحرانهای موجود باعث خلق کشمش و تنشی شده است که مجموعهی «نغمهی یخ و آتش» را تبدیل به یکی از بهترین آثار ژانر خود کرده است. مثال بد ماجرا هم میخواهم بزنم: جایی دوری نمیروم، همین «نغمهی یخ و آتش» مثال بد ماجرا نیز هست، ولی خوشبختانه کتاب از همچین اشتباهاتی بری است و اشتباه اصلی گردن سریال و مخصوصاً فصل آخر تباه آن است، فصل آخری که نویسندگان فاجعه آن به واسطه تقسیم بحرانها و اختصاص دادن دو قسمت به بحرانهایی که هفت فصل گذشته برای آنها زمینهچینی کردند فاجعهای تکرارنشدنی خلق کردند که هنوز که هنوز است از یاد طرفداران پاک نشده است.
در باب پیچشهای داستانی «نورآور»:
دلهره، بهتزدگی و سردرگمی ناشی از واژگون شدن ناگهانی داستان که موقتا قدرت تفکر و تکلممان را ازمان سلب میکند، واقعیت را مثل آوار در سرمان خراب میکند، و پیش از آنکه فرصت جنبیدن داشته باشیم، زمین سفت و قابلاتکای زیر پایمان را به خلایی بیانتها تبدیل میکند، چنان تجربهی فراموشناشدنیای را رقم میزند که نمیتوانیم دست از صحبت کردن دربارهی آن بکشیم؛ تعریف پیچشهای داستانی در کتاب ششم قیام سرخ همین است، توییستهایی که یکی دوتا نیستند.
در باب ارگانیک نبودن بعضی خطوط داستانی:
پیرس براون «اوتلاینر» آنچنان خوبی نیست و بعضی از خطوط داستانی او حاصل اقدامات و پیشآمدهای ارگانیک داستان نیستند، و صرفاً رویدادی برای جلو رفتن داستان طبق خواستهی او هستند، از محدود ایرادهایی که میتوانم از «نورآور» بگیرم همین است.
در باب انتظار برای کتاب آخر مجموعه:
«ایزد سرخ» قطعاً آخرین کتاب مجموعه قیام سرخ است، من خوشبختانه «دوران تاریک» را در روز انتشار نخواندم و خواسته یا ناخواسته مدت کمتری به انتظار کتاب ششم مجموعه نشستم ولی حدس میزنم اولین فارسیزبانی باشم که «نورآور» را تمام میکنم و خدا میداند باید چقدر منتظر آخرین کتاب مجموعه که حکم خداحافظی را دارد بمانم، در واقع نمیدانم ناراحت باشم یا خوشحال.
امتیاز کتاب:
اندکی با ارفاق به «نورآور» پنج ستاره میدهم، با اینکه از خیلی جهات بهترین کتاب مجموعه است ولی نسبت به «دوران تاریک» که بیشک شاهکار است آنچنان حرفی برای گفتن ندارد، در واقع اگه بخواهم کتابهای مجموعه قیام سرخ را به ترتیب علاقه شخصی خودم دستهبندی کنم به ترتیب دوران تاریک، پسر زرین، نورآور، زرین پولادتن، ستاره سپیدهدم، قیام سرخ را قرار میدهم.
ریویو بنده از اینجا به بعد اسپویل ناموسی دارد.*
گفتاری در باب دورهمنشینی شخصیتها:
«نورآور» مملو از گردهمایی شخصیتهایی هست که من عاشق آنها بودم، دارو و کسیوس، در مقطعی از کتاب دارو، کسیوس و سورو، که من از کتاب دوم منتظر همچین روبهرو شدنهایی بودم. اگر بخواهم صحبت بیشتری راجع به شخصیتها بکنم باید بگویم که کتاب ششم، کتابی بود که من بالاخره از لیریای آزاردهنده هم خوشم آمد، لیریایی که اینبار نقش تقریباً تاثیرگذاری در داستان داشت و یاد گرفت کمتر احمق باشد. از لیریا بگذریم باید به سراغ شخصیتی برویم که اینقدر راجع به او صحبت نکردم تا زمانی که پیرس براون سنگدل او را از من گرفت، کسیوس، بله، قهرمان بیچون و چرای قیام سرخ، آرک رستگاری خود را میگیرد و از داستان به گونهای تراژدیواری خارج میشود، شخصیتی که بدون شک بهترین شخصیت قیام سرخ بود. در نهایت به حرامزادهترین شخصیت تاریخ ادبیات گمانهزن لیسندر میرسیم، کتاب ششم ثابت کرد که من حتی میتوانم بیشتر از او بدم بیاید، حرامزادهای تکرارنشدنی که در نهایت حماقت تنها یاور خود را کشت و به فرای مرزهای حماقت رهسپار شد.
گفتاری در باب دوئلها و نبردهای فضایی:
کتاب ششم قیام سرخ بهترین کتاب مجموعه از نظر نبردهای تن به تن است، باید عرض کنم که نهتنها تعداد همچین نبردهایی در کتاب ششم زیاد است، بلکه کیفیت آنها نیز خون را در رگهای شما منجمد میکند.
در رابطه به نبردهای فضایی در مقیاس عظیم، «نورآور» نبردی دارد که صد صفحه به درازا میکشد، و از نظر زیبایی درست در کنار نبرد عطارد و نبرد ایلیوم برای من قرار میگیرد، نبردی که دارو در آن حضور ندارد و بار آن را به تمامی ویکترا و ماستنگ در دفاع از مرزهای فوبوس به دوش میکشند. ناگفته نماند لیسندر حرامزاده خوب رنده میکند و جمهوری را به گوشهای کشانده است.
گفتاری در باب ستایش نویسنده:
پیرس براون ثابت میکند یکی از کاربلدترینهای ادبیات گمانهزن و به ویژه علمیتخیلی در سالهای اخیر است، او در کتاب ششم مجموعه به نوعی کمال و پختگی در شخصیتپردازی رسیده است، شخصیتهای او همگی خود را پذیرفتهاند و با اشتباهات خود کنار آمدهاند و میدانند چگونه با نقصهای خود زندگی کنند، از سویی دیگر پیرس براون در اکشننویسی و توصیف صحنههای نبرد بهترین است، هیچکس به مانند پیرس براون بلد نیست صحنههای اکشن را اینگونه دراماتیک و نفسگیر بنویسد، تنشی که با میدانهای مبارزه یا چگونه عرض کنم قتلگاههای پیرس براون حس کردم را در هیچ اثر متنی یا تصویری دیگری ندیدم.
کلاس درس پیرس براون در خلق کشمکش:
براون میداند که چگونه بحرانهای مختلف را درهم انگیزد و به وسیله تنشی که از همزمانی تمام بحرانها در طی روایت پدید میآید کتاب خود را به یک ترن هوایی تمامعیار تبدیل کند.
به عبارتی کشمکش بهوسیلهی برخوردِ دو نیروی متضاد که مانعِ تحقق خواستهی یکدیگر میشوند، شکل میگیرد. «نورآور» در خلق تنش به وسیلهی طرحِ سلسلهای از خُردهبحرانها و خُردهکشمکشهای درهمتنیده و انباشتهشده عالی عمل میکند. بخشِ نبوغآمیزِ ماجرا این است که گرچه مخاطب با هجوم بیامانِ مشکلاتِ مختلف مواجه میشود، اما داستانگویی هرگز بهطرز سردرگمکنندهای درهمبرهم و غیرقابلهضم نمیشود. علتش ساده است: گرچه این خُردهبحرانها در ظاهر پراکنده به نظر میرسند، اما پیرس براون از یک ریسمانِ تماتیک برای مُتصل نگه داشتنِ آنها استقاده میکنند؛ ریسمان تماتیکی که همان سوال اصلی مجموعه قیام سرخ است؛ چه کسی شایسته حکومت است؟
همهی این خُردهبحرانها محصولِ کشمکشِ اصلی داستان هستند و در مدار سؤال دراماتیکِ اصلی قیام سرخ میچرخند. به بیان دیگر، این خُردهبحرانها دلبخواهی و مندرآوردی نیستند، بلکه نتیجهی اُرگانیکِ اصطکاکِ نوع نگرشِ متفاوت کاراکترها هستند. آنها محصول رویکرد و انگیزههای شخصیِ متضادِ کاراکترها برای حل کردنِ مشکل مشترکشان هستند.
مثال خوب خلق کشمش به وسیله درهم تنیدن بحرانهای مختلف مجموعه «نغمهای از یخ و آتش» است، ما در مجموعه فانتزی استادانه مارتین با همزمانی بحرانهای مختلفی طرف هستیم، از طرفی مشکلات حکومت مرکزی و دسیسههای درباریان را داریم، از سمتی دیگر خرده و کلان روایتهای قارهای به غیر از وستروس را که یکی از بازیگران ا��لی داستان آنجا حضور دارد شاهد هستیم، در کنار همهی موارد ذکر شده یکدونه عامل آخرالزمانی لعنتی نیز وجود دارد که در پشتپرده ماجرا میلولد، همزمان شدن تمام بحرانهای موجود باعث خلق کشمش و تنشی شده است که مجموعهی «نغمهی یخ و آتش» را تبدیل به یکی از بهترین آثار ژانر خود کرده است. مثال بد ماجرا هم میخواهم بزنم: جایی دوری نمیروم، همین «نغمهی یخ و آتش» مثال بد ماجرا نیز هست، ولی خوشبختانه کتاب از همچین اشتباهاتی بری است و اشتباه اصلی گردن سریال و مخصوصاً فصل آخر تباه آن است، فصل آخری که نویسندگان فاجعه آن به واسطه تقسیم بحرانها و اختصاص دادن دو قسمت به بحرانهایی که هفت فصل گذشته برای آنها زمینهچینی کردند فاجعهای تکرارنشدنی خلق کردند که هنوز که هنوز است از یاد طرفداران پاک نشده است.
در باب پیچشهای داستانی «نورآور»:
دلهره، بهتزدگی و سردرگمی ناشی از واژگون شدن ناگهانی داستان که موقتا قدرت تفکر و تکلممان را ازمان سلب میکند، واقعیت را مثل آوار در سرمان خراب میکند، و پیش از آنکه فرصت جنبیدن داشته باشیم، زمین سفت و قابلاتکای زیر پایمان را به خلایی بیانتها تبدیل میکند، چنان تجربهی فراموشناشدنیای را رقم میزند که نمیتوانیم دست از صحبت کردن دربارهی آن بکشیم؛ تعریف پیچشهای داستانی در کتاب ششم قیام سرخ همین است، توییستهایی که یکی دوتا نیستند.
در باب ارگانیک نبودن بعضی خطوط داستانی:
پیرس براون «اوتلاینر» آنچنان خوبی نیست و بعضی از خطوط داستانی او حاصل اقدامات و پیشآمدهای ارگانیک داستان نیستند، و صرفاً رویدادی برای جلو رفتن داستان طبق خواستهی او هستند، از محدود ایرادهایی که میتوانم از «نورآور» بگیرم همین است.
در باب انتظار برای کتاب آخر مجموعه:
«ایزد سرخ» قطعاً آخرین کتاب مجموعه قیام سرخ است، من خوشبختانه «دوران تاریک» را در روز انتشار نخواندم و خواسته یا ناخواسته مدت کمتری به انتظار کتاب ششم مجموعه نشستم ولی حدس میزنم اولین فارسیزبانی باشم که «نورآور» را تمام میکنم و خدا میداند باید چقدر منتظر آخرین کتاب مجموعه که حکم خداحافظی را دارد بمانم، در واقع نمیدانم ناراحت باشم یا خوشحال.
امتیاز کتاب:
اندکی با ارفاق به «نورآور» پنج ستاره میدهم، با اینکه از خیلی جهات بهترین کتاب مجموعه است ولی نسبت به «دوران تاریک» که بیشک شاهکار است آنچنان حرفی برای گفتن ندارد، در واقع اگه بخواهم کتابهای مجموعه قیام سرخ را به ترتیب علاقه شخصی خودم دستهبندی کنم به ترتیب دوران تاریک، پسر زرین، نورآور، زرین پولادتن، ستاره سپیدهدم، قیام سرخ را قرار میدهم.
ریویو بنده از اینجا به بعد اسپویل ناموسی دارد.*
گفتاری در باب دورهمنشینی شخصیتها:
«نورآور» مملو از گردهمایی شخصیتهایی هست که من عاشق آنها بودم، دارو و کسیوس، در مقطعی از کتاب دارو، کسیوس و سورو، که من از کتاب دوم منتظر همچین روبهرو شدنهایی بودم. اگر بخواهم صحبت بیشتری راجع به شخصیتها بکنم باید بگویم که کتاب ششم، کتابی بود که من بالاخره از لیریای آزاردهنده هم خوشم آمد، لیریایی که اینبار نقش تقریباً تاثیرگذاری در داستان داشت و یاد گرفت کمتر احمق باشد. از لیریا بگذریم باید به سراغ شخصیتی برویم که اینقدر راجع به او صحبت نکردم تا زمانی که پیرس براون سنگدل او را از من گرفت، کسیوس، بله، قهرمان بیچون و چرای قیام سرخ، آرک رستگاری خود را میگیرد و از داستان به گونهای تراژدیواری خارج میشود، شخصیتی که بدون شک بهترین شخصیت قیام سرخ بود. در نهایت به حرامزادهترین شخصیت تاریخ ادبیات گمانهزن لیسندر میرسیم، کتاب ششم ثابت کرد که من حتی میتوانم بیشتر از او بدم بیاید، حرامزادهای تکرارنشدنی که در نهایت حماقت تنها یاور خود را کشت و به فرای مرزهای حماقت رهسپار شد.
گفتاری در باب دوئلها و نبردهای فضایی:
کتاب ششم قیام سرخ بهترین کتاب مجموعه از نظر نبردهای تن به تن است، باید عرض کنم که نهتنها تعداد همچین نبردهایی در کتاب ششم زیاد است، بلکه کیفیت آنها نیز خون را در رگهای شما منجمد میکند.
در رابطه به نبردهای فضایی در مقیاس عظیم، «نورآور» نبردی دارد که صد صفحه به درازا میکشد، و از نظر زیبایی درست در کنار نبرد عطارد و نبرد ایلیوم برای من قرار میگیرد، نبردی که دارو در آن حضور ندارد و بار آن را به تمامی ویکترا و ماستنگ در دفاع از مرزهای فوبوس به دوش میکشند. ناگفته نماند لیسندر حرامزاده خوب رنده میکند و جمهوری را به گوشهای کشانده است.
January 6, 2024
Some thoughts after I read Dark Age and hated it despite loving the first four books of the series:
1) We better get a solid resolution to that baby Jackal bullshit Pierce pulled out of his ass in Dark Age.
2) Mustang better rule over all these hoes by the end of the series.
3) Hopefully the Rim will actually be important to the plot in this book.
4) Volsung Fa needs to die a painful death.
5) How the hell is Cassius still alive? I need answers.
6) FUCK LYSANDER
09/04: Just heard that this book series is being dragged out for TWO MORE BOOKS, Lightbringer and Red God. Honestly I’m fucking tired and pissed. Pierce better redeem himself from the gore fest and torture porn wank festival that was Dark Age, and the fact that there are now TWO more books in this series and it’s taking forever for them to get published is PROOF that the man fucked things up plot wise so badly in Dark Age that he needs extra time to redeem his nonsense. I hope for improvement but if Lightbringer is long and wanky like Dark Age I can at least pretend that only the original trilogy existed.
1) We better get a solid resolution to that baby Jackal bullshit Pierce pulled out of his ass in Dark Age.
2) Mustang better rule over all these hoes by the end of the series.
3) Hopefully the Rim will actually be important to the plot in this book.
4) Volsung Fa needs to die a painful death.
5) How the hell is Cassius still alive? I need answers.
6) FUCK LYSANDER
09/04: Just heard that this book series is being dragged out for TWO MORE BOOKS, Lightbringer and Red God. Honestly I’m fucking tired and pissed. Pierce better redeem himself from the gore fest and torture porn wank festival that was Dark Age, and the fact that there are now TWO more books in this series and it’s taking forever for them to get published is PROOF that the man fucked things up plot wise so badly in Dark Age that he needs extra time to redeem his nonsense. I hope for improvement but if Lightbringer is long and wanky like Dark Age I can at least pretend that only the original trilogy existed.
January 9, 2024
post-read review:
did it take me 4 months to read this? maybe! but that doesn't mean that i didn't love every bit of this book every time i picked it up - i just needed to take it in small doses to prepare for the intense trauma and suffering that my favourite characters ALWAYS seem to be experiencing. thanks Pierce.
anyway, not a whole lot i can say about this without spoiling, just that i wish my loves would catch a damn break, and also i miss victra and virginia. not enough content of my favourite murderous women!! or even enough murderous sevro content. but i did love lyria's growth, as well as her platonic bond with cassius. both those characters really moved up my favourites list this book!! also super proud of darrow and his development - sometimes i miss book 1 darrow, but his maturity and resolve, and the way he's grown throughout the series is phenomenal.
as per usual, this book was powerful, terrible, and awfully realistic (what do you mean the good guys don't always win??), and i'm horribly attached to some characters who might actually be bad people... whoops. but being a good person is tricky! morals are so complicated, and while the road to hell is paved with good intentions... surely it means something that they have those good intentions at all? maybe i'm just biased (it's definitely that - sevro could go on a random killing spree and i'd be like "eh, justified").
only one book left in this series (or is there...) and i just hope that my 4 main loves (darrow, sevro, virginia, victra) don't die! PLEASE 🙏.
~~~
pre-read review: i'm terrified of this but also dying to read it but also scared for my life... it's a confusing combo.
did it take me 4 months to read this? maybe! but that doesn't mean that i didn't love every bit of this book every time i picked it up - i just needed to take it in small doses to prepare for the intense trauma and suffering that my favourite characters ALWAYS seem to be experiencing. thanks Pierce.
anyway, not a whole lot i can say about this without spoiling, just that i wish my loves would catch a damn break, and also i miss victra and virginia. not enough content of my favourite murderous women!! or even enough murderous sevro content. but i did love lyria's growth, as well as her platonic bond with cassius. both those characters really moved up my favourites list this book!! also super proud of darrow and his development - sometimes i miss book 1 darrow, but his maturity and resolve, and the way he's grown throughout the series is phenomenal.
as per usual, this book was powerful, terrible, and awfully realistic (what do you mean the good guys don't always win??), and i'm horribly attached to some characters who might actually be bad people... whoops. but being a good person is tricky! morals are so complicated, and while the road to hell is paved with good intentions... surely it means something that they have those good intentions at all? maybe i'm just biased (it's definitely that - sevro could go on a random killing spree and i'd be like "eh, justified").
only one book left in this series (or is there...) and i just hope that my 4 main loves (darrow, sevro, virginia, victra) don't die! PLEASE 🙏.
~~~
pre-read review: i'm terrified of this but also dying to read it but also scared for my life... it's a confusing combo.
Want to read
November 5, 2022Dear mr. Brown,
I'm not too patiently yet very anxiously waiting for you to announce the publication date for this book.
Sincerely,
A fan who has yet to start with the second trilogy.
I'm not too patiently yet very anxiously waiting for you to announce the publication date for this book.
Sincerely,
A fan who has yet to start with the second trilogy.
September 24, 2023
After 4 years and many changes in my reading taste, I honestly wasn't sure I would still enjoy this series. I might not even pick this series up nowadays if I hadn't read it already.
This made for an even more amazing reading experience because I realised that I did still love this series and that this book may well be my favourite book of the year.
I always cared more for the the interpersonal relationships of characters and the philosophical themes of these books than any big fighting scenes or fast paced action (the reason Golden Son is actually my least favourite in the series). Light Bringer, while also featuring some epic fights, is I would say more about Darrow's journey back to himself and the message he's fighting for - the man he wants to be. The relationships and bonds between characters and people are another important aspect of this book and were beautifully executed. I read this during my Interrail trip this summer and didn't expect to read too much as my days were very packed and I didn't know how much brain energy I'd have at the end of the day. In the end, I finished this book while still on the trip, on a train ride in the mountains of Norway, and spent the rest of that journey reminiscing and silently crying while looking out the window and listening to Pierce Brown's Light Bringer playlist.
This book has reignited all my love for this series and while I'm a little sceptical whether it will go into the political direction I would prefer, I simply care too deeply for theses characters to not be hyped for the final book.
Per aspera ad astra!
This made for an even more amazing reading experience because I realised that I did still love this series and that this book may well be my favourite book of the year.
I always cared more for the the interpersonal relationships of characters and the philosophical themes of these books than any big fighting scenes or fast paced action (the reason Golden Son is actually my least favourite in the series). Light Bringer, while also featuring some epic fights, is I would say more about Darrow's journey back to himself and the message he's fighting for - the man he wants to be. The relationships and bonds between characters and people are another important aspect of this book and were beautifully executed. I read this during my Interrail trip this summer and didn't expect to read too much as my days were very packed and I didn't know how much brain energy I'd have at the end of the day. In the end, I finished this book while still on the trip, on a train ride in the mountains of Norway, and spent the rest of that journey reminiscing and silently crying while looking out the window and listening to Pierce Brown's Light Bringer playlist.
This book has reignited all my love for this series and while I'm a little sceptical whether it will go into the political direction I would prefer, I simply care too deeply for theses characters to not be hyped for the final book.
Per aspera ad astra!
August 2, 2023
98/100
take your bloodydamn stars, pierce brown. you magnificent man. this book is somehow a level up from Dark Age. the character work is mostly (iykyk) superb here, and on a level i’ve rarely seen (ASOIAF/First Law good). i was fist pumping and moved to tears all throughout this book. it’s so good
the writing here is also mostly a step up. idk how bro’s computer didn’t catch on fire while he was typing this shit
ps. thanks for removing the taste of eileen from my mouth
take your bloodydamn stars, pierce brown. you magnificent man. this book is somehow a level up from Dark Age. the character work is mostly (iykyk) superb here, and on a level i’ve rarely seen (ASOIAF/First Law good). i was fist pumping and moved to tears all throughout this book. it’s so good
the writing here is also mostly a step up. idk how bro’s computer didn’t catch on fire while he was typing this shit
ps. thanks for removing the taste of eileen from my mouth
July 26, 2023
Loved this book. It's not secret that I enjoy the sequel books with Dark Age being my favorite in the entire series. I went into Light Bringer with very high expectations and it met all of them. It's my second favorite out of the 6 published books and it was well worth the wait.
It feels like Pierce Brown just keeps getting better as a writer and it shows here. There were multiple passages of prose that I wish I would have been able to highlight on kindle. I think with each book in the series the way he writes the separate POVs gets better and better and I was no longer just wanting to get back to Darrow. In fact the Lysander chapters were some of my favorites. But then again this book gets very Darrow heavy later and I wasn't mad. Overall the choice to be more focused and go deeper on some POVs was one that really worked.
The thing I was most concerned about going in is that this book a. wouldn't live up to the craziness that was Dark Age and b. feel like a set up book for the finale. In my opinion it dodges both of those bullets quite well. It never tries to be "Dark Age part 2". It's it's own thing story-wise and especially tone-wise. I feel like if it tried to keep upping the "dark" quotient instead of just telling the story that was needed the book wouldn't have worked as well. It's still definitely fits in with the tone of these sequel books, but it's clearly its own thing. Also, this book keeps moving the plot forward and resolves some things that needed to be handled. It never feels like "split book" or a "set up book". It's wholly emotional and satisfying while leaving you wanting more.
And speaking of payoff this book gave me so much of what I had been looking foward to after Dark Age. It has team ups and epic moments that are incredibly memorable and satisfying. There are also parts that will make you angry and/or sad because of choices made by different characters. I loved it. This book is a contender for my book of 2023. Can I have Red God now?
It feels like Pierce Brown just keeps getting better as a writer and it shows here. There were multiple passages of prose that I wish I would have been able to highlight on kindle. I think with each book in the series the way he writes the separate POVs gets better and better and I was no longer just wanting to get back to Darrow. In fact the Lysander chapters were some of my favorites. But then again this book gets very Darrow heavy later and I wasn't mad. Overall the choice to be more focused and go deeper on some POVs was one that really worked.
The thing I was most concerned about going in is that this book a. wouldn't live up to the craziness that was Dark Age and b. feel like a set up book for the finale. In my opinion it dodges both of those bullets quite well. It never tries to be "Dark Age part 2". It's it's own thing story-wise and especially tone-wise. I feel like if it tried to keep upping the "dark" quotient instead of just telling the story that was needed the book wouldn't have worked as well. It's still definitely fits in with the tone of these sequel books, but it's clearly its own thing. Also, this book keeps moving the plot forward and resolves some things that needed to be handled. It never feels like "split book" or a "set up book". It's wholly emotional and satisfying while leaving you wanting more.
And speaking of payoff this book gave me so much of what I had been looking foward to after Dark Age. It has team ups and epic moments that are incredibly memorable and satisfying. There are also parts that will make you angry and/or sad because of choices made by different characters. I loved it. This book is a contender for my book of 2023. Can I have Red God now?
July 25, 2023
Well, this gory damn behemoth of a book just became my favorite of the year.
I hope everyone finds their book. The one that gives them midnight runs to borders vibes, the one that makes you read way past your bedtime and the one that becomes all consuming you don’t even care if people think you are weird for loving something so much.
This series is that book for me.
This is a also a spoiler free review because spoilers are for pixies.
Light Bringer is an absolute gift to the series as a whole and probably my new favorite of the bunch. It is full of non stop action and brings back the found family flame in full force. But it also doesn’t lose the grit and explosive world building that started in book 4.
With odes of nostalgia to the earlier books, it will take you through the full spectrum of emotion. I laughed, I cried, I hated, I mourned, but most of all….I hoped.
I loved every second of this book that I dragged it out and didn’t want it to end. The ending basically broke me open (luckily no one was there to see my ugly crying) 😂 but also filled me with a sense of hope and the need for more. Pierce knows how to pack a solid punch, but it was beautifully done
I need Red God immediately.
I don’t know how he does it, but folks…he’s done it again.
I hope everyone finds their book. The one that gives them midnight runs to borders vibes, the one that makes you read way past your bedtime and the one that becomes all consuming you don’t even care if people think you are weird for loving something so much.
This series is that book for me.
This is a also a spoiler free review because spoilers are for pixies.
Light Bringer is an absolute gift to the series as a whole and probably my new favorite of the bunch. It is full of non stop action and brings back the found family flame in full force. But it also doesn’t lose the grit and explosive world building that started in book 4.
With odes of nostalgia to the earlier books, it will take you through the full spectrum of emotion. I laughed, I cried, I hated, I mourned, but most of all….I hoped.
I loved every second of this book that I dragged it out and didn’t want it to end. The ending basically broke me open (luckily no one was there to see my ugly crying) 😂 but also filled me with a sense of hope and the need for more. Pierce knows how to pack a solid punch, but it was beautifully done
I need Red God immediately.
I don’t know how he does it, but folks…he’s done it again.
August 23, 2023
UPDATE; 2nd reading:
I had to give this a second reading to make sure I wasn’t being biased or quick to judge with my 5 star review.
But I literally love this book even more going through it a second time. And I still cried just as much, if not more. I honestly thought it might be too soon for a re-read but my emotions ran just as intense because the plot is just that insane.
We see more of the rim and core, but we also get introduced to new important characters who bring new elements to the plot.
We delve deeper into the psyches of the characters as they change from age and trauma. Seeing Cassius’ and Darrow’s relationship heal and as they helped each other grow stronger was absolute perfection.
(First reading)
The only bad thing about getting an ARC is having to wait even longer for the sequel. This was a rollercoaster of action and emotion. Just put me in a coma until Red God comes out please. I cried more in this book than any other in the series. Brown does not let us breathe after the events of Dark Age and the stakes somehow become even higher.
I had to give this a second reading to make sure I wasn’t being biased or quick to judge with my 5 star review.
But I literally love this book even more going through it a second time. And I still cried just as much, if not more. I honestly thought it might be too soon for a re-read but my emotions ran just as intense because the plot is just that insane.
We see more of the rim and core, but we also get introduced to new important characters who bring new elements to the plot.
We delve deeper into the psyches of the characters as they change from age and trauma. Seeing Cassius’ and Darrow’s relationship heal and as they helped each other grow stronger was absolute perfection.
(First reading)
The only bad thing about getting an ARC is having to wait even longer for the sequel. This was a rollercoaster of action and emotion. Just put me in a coma until Red God comes out please. I cried more in this book than any other in the series. Brown does not let us breathe after the events of Dark Age and the stakes somehow become even higher.
July 31, 2023
4.5/5
Pierce Brown knows no mercy. I have many thoughts after finishing this book but the one I want to share with you is simple - fuck Lysander.
Pierce Brown knows no mercy. I have many thoughts after finishing this book but the one I want to share with you is simple - fuck Lysander.
August 8, 2023
I was fortunate enough to meet Pierce Brown not too long ago, before reading this book. He was a really cool guy. I liked his vibe. He laughed when I told him my favorite character was Sevro (who deserves more love than he gets and I will defend him to the end!) That said, Pierce Brown better hope we don't meet again, because if we do, it's on sight. I'm sorry Pierce but we have to fight.
Why?
Well because Pierce Brown doesn't care about his reader's feelings and is having way too much fun ruining character's lives.
Added to that, Lysander needs to die. I don't care where. I don't care how. I don't even care who strikes the killing blow. It just needs to happen. That kid isn't allowed to see the end of Red God. He's gotten away with too much already!
Finally, here are some actual thoughts on the story:
I liked this book, but not as much as Dark Age. That is definitely the one to beat in this series. Light Bringer felt like a second-to-last book, which I suppose it is. Its whole purpose was to set the stage for the final battle. This is where Pierce Brown went back and tied all the loose ends, fixed the plot holes, and answered questions. It's also where he decided to introduce a whole new element to the story that I felt came out of left field, but I'll allow it.
In this book, all the pieces started coming together and you can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. This book didn't have me constantly at the edge of my seat and full of stress like Dark Age, maybe because I wasn't fearing for people's lives as much (my mistake). That said, I never knew where this story was going to go. Pierce Brown has a talent for having everything that could go wrong always go horribly wrong so no one's plans ever worked as expected.
Also, I feel like I never noticed before, but these characters are actually hilarious, especially Cassius. I literally laughed out loud while reading. Maybe my humor is broken, who knows?
As always, I had a lot of fun reading. I love Darrow. And I love Sevro. And I love the two of them together. My parting thought is that Red God is going to be pure madness and I am already stressed.
Lastly, I have a lot of theories for the next book. Cicero is definitely in on something right? I got that vibe from him.
Why?
Well because Pierce Brown doesn't care about his reader's feelings and is having way too much fun ruining character's lives.
Added to that, Lysander needs to die. I don't care where. I don't care how. I don't even care who strikes the killing blow. It just needs to happen. That kid isn't allowed to see the end of Red God. He's gotten away with too much already!
Finally, here are some actual thoughts on the story:
I liked this book, but not as much as Dark Age. That is definitely the one to beat in this series. Light Bringer felt like a second-to-last book, which I suppose it is. Its whole purpose was to set the stage for the final battle. This is where Pierce Brown went back and tied all the loose ends, fixed the plot holes, and answered questions. It's also where he decided to introduce a whole new element to the story that I felt came out of left field, but I'll allow it.
In this book, all the pieces started coming together and you can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. This book didn't have me constantly at the edge of my seat and full of stress like Dark Age, maybe because I wasn't fearing for people's lives as much (my mistake). That said, I never knew where this story was going to go. Pierce Brown has a talent for having everything that could go wrong always go horribly wrong so no one's plans ever worked as expected.
Also, I feel like I never noticed before, but these characters are actually hilarious, especially Cassius. I literally laughed out loud while reading. Maybe my humor is broken, who knows?
As always, I had a lot of fun reading. I love Darrow. And I love Sevro. And I love the two of them together. My parting thought is that Red God is going to be pure madness and I am already stressed.
Lastly, I have a lot of theories for the next book. Cicero is definitely in on something right? I got that vibe from him.
November 5, 2023
Acclaimed narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds returns for a solo unabridged reading, lending all the POV characters his monumental gravitas. I worried at first it would be difficult to know when the POV changed, but it was not a problem.
Brown continues to explore the aftermath of the rebels’ victory in the original series, showing clearly that society’s messy problems cannot be solved by a few grand gestures, however dramatic. Darrow begins to worry he’s no better than those he fought against, and the reader begins to wonder, too. Masterfully constructed and paced.
Brown continues to explore the aftermath of the rebels’ victory in the original series, showing clearly that society’s messy problems cannot be solved by a few grand gestures, however dramatic. Darrow begins to worry he’s no better than those he fought against, and the reader begins to wonder, too. Masterfully constructed and paced.
May 29, 2023
I will not be recovering from this
February 22, 2024
AUDIO RE-READ CONCLUDED 22 Feb 2024
TGR brings it again, he does a great job with the various rhetorical orations by distinctly voiced figures throughout and, although I missed having multiple voice performers, I guess if they could only keep one they stuck with the best. Hail Reaper!
Hardcore combat and intrigue across the whole solar system is back, this time interspersed with touching scenes of character growth and surprising narrative decisions that promise to really pay off in the long run.
Mad Lad Darrow flies again.
Bring on Red God, here's hoping we're not kept waiting as long for this one!
TGR brings it again, he does a great job with the various rhetorical orations by distinctly voiced figures throughout and, although I missed having multiple voice performers, I guess if they could only keep one they stuck with the best. Hail Reaper!
Hardcore combat and intrigue across the whole solar system is back, this time interspersed with touching scenes of character growth and surprising narrative decisions that promise to really pay off in the long run.
Mad Lad Darrow flies again.
Bring on Red God, here's hoping we're not kept waiting as long for this one!
July 30, 2023
I am not OK.
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