Book Review: The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Rating: ★★★★☆
I just completed The Red Queen written by Victoria
Aveyard. I listened to this book on
Libby, and I own the book as well. The
listening time was 10 hours and 56 minutes.
I read along with the book, and there are 388 pages. It took me a while
to complete the book because I mostly listened to it at work. I started the book on 10 March 2025 and
completed it on 16 March 2025. This is
the first book in the Red Queen series. The
debut book plunges you into a richly imagined world of power, deep betrayal,
and revolution. The book combines dystopian intrigue with fantasy elements,
creating a story that is both fast-paced and emotionally gripping.
The protagonist of the story, Mare Barrow, is a relatable
and determined heroine whose journey is from a humble “Red” commoner (this is a
two-caste system) to a key player in a dangerous royal (Silver) court. The plot
is brimming with unexpected twists, political machinations, and a touch of
romance, which keeps the pages turning.
What truly sets The Red Queen apart is its
unique world-building. The dichotomy between the "Reds," ordinary
people, and the "Silvers," elite beings with extraordinary abilities,
is vividly depicted. The writing is engaging; however, at times, the pacing can
feel slightly uneven, and some characters lack development. Even listening to
the story on Libby was sometimes a struggle because I felt like it moved too slowly. I know that in a series of books that are set
in a dystopian world, the first book ends up laying the foundation for others. So, I continued knowing that this is
sometimes a common circumstance.
Overall, The Red Queen is a thrilling start to a
series that promises even more intrigue and excitement. A must-read for fans of
dystopian and fantasy fiction!
What can I compare this book
to?
The Red Queen compares to a few notable works:
- Similarities
to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Both books explore
class struggles, oppression, and rebellion, with a strong and resourceful
female protagonist at the center. Like Katniss, Mare is thrust into a role
she never asked for and must navigate a world of betrayal and political
manipulation.
- Resonance
with Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (this
is my next read for March. Starting
with Assassins Blade): Fans of Sarah J. Maas may enjoy court
politics and power plays in The Red Queen. The focus on a heroine
with hidden strength is also a shared theme, though Aveyard's approach
leans more toward societal commentary.
- Parallels
to Red Queen's dystopian-fantasy blend: It mirrors books like Divergent
by Veronica Roth and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, which also
blend genres and introduce protagonists discovering their unique abilities
in tumultuous worlds.
- Unique
Aspects: Aveyard's world-building is a strong point—it creates a clear
division between Reds and Silvers, a societal structure that's both
intriguing and visually striking. While some YA fantasies focus heavily on
romantic subplots, The Red Queen balances romance with a sharper
emphasis on political intrigue and social dynamics.
The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard explores several
compelling themes that resonate throughout the story:
- Class
Struggle and Inequality: A central theme is the stark division between
the "Reds" and "Silvers." This societal divide, based
on blood color and power, reflects themes of oppression, privilege, and
the fight for equality.
- Power
and Corruption: The novel examines how power can corrupt individuals
and systems. The Silvers' dominance over the Reds, coupled with their
internal scheming for control, underscores how unchecked power can lead to
exploitation and moral decay.
- Identity
and Self-Discovery: Mare's journey of self-discovery—coming to terms
with her powers and her place in a world where she doesn't fully belong—is
a key narrative arc. It touches on themes of personal growth and finding
one's voice.
- Betrayal
and Loyalty: Trust is a fragile thread in the book, with betrayal
lurking at every turn. The constant questioning of allegiances adds
emotional depth and highlights the complexity of human relationships.
- Rebellion
and Resistance: The spark of rebellion ignited by the Reds reflects
broader themes of standing up against injustice and the desire for
freedom. It also explores the sacrifices and moral ambiguities involved in
revolutionary movements.
- Survival
and Sacrifice: Characters frequently face life-threatening situations
and must weigh their survival against the greater good. This theme adds
tension and emotional weight to their choices.
If you read the book, tell me some of your thoughts. If you have not read the book, would you read
it?
