Book Review: The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

 

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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?