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Golden Son

Golden Son

AdventureFantasy
Pages
464
Published
2015
Language
English

Synopsis

Book two of the Red Rising Saga picks up as Darrow, having survived the Institute, rises through the ranks of Gold society while secretly working to bring it down. He is no longer an untested student but a commander whose name carries weight — and whose every decision is watched by rivals, patrons, and enemies who would destroy him if they knew what he truly is.

As the war for control of the Society escalates into fleet engagements and back-room conspiracies, Darrow is forced into ever more dangerous gambles, betting the lives of the people he loves against the chance to strike a decisive blow. Loyalties fracture, old friends become threats, and the line between the man Darrow was and the Gold he pretends to be grows dangerously thin.

Pierce Brown widens the scope from personal rebellion to interplanetary war in a relentless middle volume famous for its political intrigue, explosive set pieces, and a closing turn readers rarely forget.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

DarkTenseGrittyAdventurousEmotional
BetrayalCourt IntrigueRevengeSecret Identity
Writing3.5Impact2.5Characters3.5Plot3.5Atmosphere4.0

Genres

Adventure Fantasy Young Adult Science Fiction Space Opera Dystopian

About the author

P
Pierce Brown

Pierce Brown is an American science fiction author, born 28 January 1988 in Denver, Colorado. He moved frequently as a child, studied political science and economics at Pepperdine University, and worked as an NBC page, at a social media startup and as an aide on a US Senate campaign before his first novel was published. Red Rising (2014) opened the Red Rising saga, continued in Golden Son (2015), Morning Star (2016), Iron Gold (2018), Dark Age (2019) and Light Bringer (2023), with a seventh book...

Characters

DarrowProtagonist

The Red-turned-Gold rebel, now a rising commander waging a hidden war against the Society.

Cassius au BellonaAntagonist

Darrow's former friend from the Institute, now a bitter enemy after learning Darrow killed his brother.

Adrius au AugustusAntagonist

Nicknamed the Jackal; Virginia's ruthless twin brother and second son of ArchGovernor Nero au Augustus.

Sevro au BarcaSupporting

Leader of the Howlers and Darrow's most fearless, loyal ally.

Mustang (Virginia)Supporting

A brilliant Gold whose loyalties and love complicate Darrow's mission.

All characters in Golden Son

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I read this book without reading the first one?

    Starting this series out of order is not recommended because the narrative builds directly upon the foundational events and character motivations established in the first book.

  • Does this book resolve the main conflict or end on a cliffhanger?

    The story concludes with a significant cliffhanger that leaves major plot threads unresolved, necessitating the next book in the series to continue the narrative.

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