What You Should Know About the Red Rising Series
Before you dive in, here’s your quick guide to the Red Rising Saga — including how many books there are, what order to read them in, and whether you can read it as a standalone.
What is Red Rising About?
Red Rising is a dystopian sci-fi series by Pierce Brown, set in a brutal caste-based future where humanity has colonized the solar system.
At the center is Darrow, a young miner from Mars’ lowest caste — the Reds — who infiltrates the ruling Gold class in a high-stakes fight for justice, identity, and revolution.
It’s violent, mythic, political, and deeply emotional. Think:
The Hunger Games meets Dune, with the soul of a Greek tragedy and the pace of a modern thriller.
Quick FAQ (Spoiler-Free)
When did Red Rising come out?
The first book, Red Rising, was published on January 28, 2014.
Who wrote it?
Pierce Brown, a New York Times bestselling author who began writing the series in his early twenties. He’s known for blending mythology, revolution, and raw emotion into high-intensity storytelling.
Can Red Rising be read as a standalone?
You can read Book 1 on its own — but the series was written to unfold over multiple arcs. You'll get far more emotional depth and payoff if you continue with the full saga.
Will there be a Red Rising TV show?
A television adaptation has been in development, with Pierce Brown confirmed to be writing the pilot. While no release date has been announced, fans remain hopeful — and the story is rich with cinematic potential.
How Many Red Rising Books Are There?
As of now, there are six published books, with a seventh on the way:
Red Rising (2014)
Golden Son (2015)
Morning Star (2016)
Iron Gold (2018)
Dark Age (2019)
Light Bringer (2023)
Red God (The final book in the Red Rising series. It’s scheduled for release in the Summer of 2026, according to Pierce Brown.)
📌 Books 1–3 form the original trilogy.
📌 Books 4–7 are part of the second arc and take the story into deeper, darker territory.
Reading Order (Yes, It Matters)
Read the books in publication order:
Red Rising
Golden Son
Morning Star
Iron Gold
Dark Age
Light Bringer
Red God (forthcoming)
Each book builds on the one before, so don’t skip around — and avoid summaries if you want to stay spoiler-free.
Is Red Rising Right for You?
You’ll likely love this series if you enjoy:
Dystopian sci-fi with deep worldbuilding
Class rebellion, revolution, and political mind games
Moral complexity and characters you won’t always agree with
High-stakes plots and emotionally rich writing
Series that make you feel and question everything
Not for the faint of heart — but unforgettable for those who take the leap.
Start Reading (or Collecting)
Want to start Red Rising — or collect a special edition? Here are great entry points:
Book 1 – Red Rising
👉 Paperback or Hardcover on Amazon (affiliate link)
Full 6-Book Box Set
👉 Get the Complete Saga (So Far) (affiliate link)
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Want More?
If you’re curious about the emotional side of Red Rising — read our full review:
→ Read our full review with series recommendations and Red Rising links
