I think honoring this work is best accomplished by writing about what this book is, rather than what it is not; by understanding what it says about the universal human condition, rather than making contemporary comparisons, and by discussing the raw emotion that intertwines with the story to create a perfect union.

Long after the battles fade, the dead are buried, and the wounds of the Society begin to heal, the legend of the uprising and its reshaping of the solar system will remain.

This is a deeply personal story, about the possibility of a better future and how to forge it. Darrow is at the center of a maelstrom, but the trust and loyalty of his friends ultimately help change the course of the cosmos. Deciding how to meet his fate amidst countless deaths and the upheaval of the Society, Darrow gambles his color’s future in the conclusion to the Red Rising trilogy. 

It’s a universal story–one of bold action to find peace and freedom–and it is told with so much heart and emotion, you feel the humanity in every page.

The victories feel earned, in blood and sacrifice.

There are key moments that are absolutely stunning. They come in a variety of flavors; space battles, razor fights…against guns, crazy space stunts, surprise attacks with rock-chewing drills, and quiet confessions about family, fate and the cost of freedom.

This is the conclusion to the uprising, though there are other books in the series. It’s an exceptional and shocking conclusion to more than six years of struggle by Darrow as he leads his people and other colors to fight for a new type of humanity. Change for the better is never certain, and the costs keep mounting as the fog of war wreaks havoc on the solar system.

Beyond the big battles, it is the quiet moments, the shared doubt, and the deep wounds between characters that define this tale. There are tragedies and losses, and it’s hard to accept some of them. My favorite parts of the story are how each character is forged by their adversity and seeing glimpses of what drives each of them in the revolution. How each grows and changes through the uprising is a testament to Brown’s writing and commitment to memorable characters.

If you’re looking for a real star wars, look no further. To use the Reds’ rallying cry, “Break the Chains” and give yourself a real sci-fi saga to sink your teeth into.

5 of 5

-Josh 

SPOILERS COMING SOON