Like the rest of the world, I've fallen into the trap of reading about YA dystopia after YA dystopia. When reading the blurb for this novel on Audible.com, I genuinely thought I had gotten back into more serious literature.
Well ... I did, and I didn't. On the one hand, it is about a dystopian, futuristic society and its protagonist is a teenager at the start of the story. On the other hand, however, I have to struggle to remember that these characters are teenagers in ways that I never did with Katniss or the others.
Therefore, I declare that this novel does not belong in the same category as Hunger Games, Divergent, or Maze Runner. It may have a slight resemblance to Ender's Game, but even that seems like a stretch. In truth, it reminds me of many things and nothing else at once.
Now, the review I'm about to write is based on my experience of the novel via audiobook, narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds. Admittedly, the beautiful narration definitely plays a part in my experience of Darrow as an older character than he truly is, but even were I to read this novel on the page, I suspect I would still find him compelling and dynamic.
While all YA fiction is based on the premise of teen years as a catalyst for growth, Darrow's transformations are complex, nuanced, and profound. Some have argued that Darrow's self-reflective moments are dull and long-winded, but I disagree. Yes, the author is guilty of doing more telling than showing during these passages, yet I personally welcomed the moment to pause, reflect on the previous action, and consider Darrow's choices before rushing off to the next battle or intrigue.
To be honest, I'm still having such a book hangover from Red Rising that I am considering purchasing another Audible credit early (gasp!) so that I can continue following Darrow on this adventures. Considering that I have a whole other series about a time-travelling teen from Bethesda, MD to listen to, I'll probably survive. Still ...
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