GOLDEN SON, book two in Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Trilogy, picks up where RED RISING left off --- and don’t think for a moment you’ll have time to think about that first book. If there’s one thing this series does well, it’s run the reader ragged. That’s one of the many reasons I’m enjoying it so much.

Darrow, once more showing his leadership prowess, this time as the captain of a starship, is forced to make life-and-death decisions that involve friends and loved ones. He does it all for a greater cause, or so he believes. After the death of several friends, he questions not only himself but also his mission. Darrow, born a Red, the lowest class of society, was made a Gold. Introduced into the upper echelon and made to bring about the downfall of society, he is to be part of a new world order and feels very much like the traitor he truly is.

"In my review of RED RISING, I said that readers wouldn’t be able to put the book down. I predict the same for this sequel. If there’s one thing Pierce Brown does well, it’s move the story along. Here we’re on a fast-paced ride that’s so worth the fatigue."

Darrow has made others believe, convincing them over and over, that he is a hero to be worshipped. He is alone in his lie and in the world, as he has gone out of his way to let no one in. By doing so, he has set himself apart, strengthening his mystique. With a war raging and ancient families vying for power, all Darrow can think of is his family --- especially his dead wife and the life he could have had with her.

Politics rule this society. It’s a game Darrow plays well but not quite well enough. He wants to go it alone but knows he needs help, even if it means putting his friends in even more danger. He wants to believe humankind can change and even be accepting of that change, but he’s also been rebuffed too many times. He wants to know that what he’s fighting for will lead to something better.

Darrow was always a quiet person but turns much more introspective as he gets further into the mission. He knows what’s at stake and, even more so, what he’s lost and all he stands to lose. He fights like a man who doesn’t care about his life, and in many ways he doesn’t. He’s afraid to open up to those around him, even those he trusts. He knows things are going to change --- and in ways that will alter the entire world he’s come to understand.

In my review of RED RISING, I said that readers wouldn’t be able to put the book down. I predict the same for this sequel. If there’s one thing Pierce Brown does well, it’s move the story along. Here we’re on a fast-paced ride that’s so worth the fatigue. I’m excited to see how Brown will end the series. GOLDEN SON moves swiftly, dropping you at the end out of breath and craving more. Bring on the finale.