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What would you do if the world you lived in turned upside down, where the elite ruled with a heavy fist? Yes, the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown got us all hooked with its conflicts, hot-blooded fighting, and complicated characters. Found yourself wishing for more books like Red Rising? Then check out the full list of similar books.
This article presents 10 books similar to Red Rising that share heart-pounding action, veins of resistance, and complex narrative worlds. If you want to explore more dystopias with dynamic plots, these titles will whet your appetite for adventurous reads.
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Quick answer: Six books like Red Rising
These six novels will provide you with fantastical adventures, rebellion, strong characters, and rich worlds:
| Book title | Author(s) | Genre tags |
|---|---|---|
'Stormlight Archive' | Brandon Sanderson | Epic fantasy, adventure, thrilling battles |
'Dune' | Frank Herbert | Sci-fi, dystopian, political drama |
'The Hunger Games' | Suzanne Collins | Dystopian, young adult, rebellion |
'Ender's Game' | Orson Scott Card | Sci-fi, military, coming-of-age |
'The Will of the Many' | James Islington | Fantasy, political intrigue, rebellion |
'Empire of Silence' | Christopher Ruocchio | Sci-fi, adventure, rebellion |
★★★★★ 172K+ reviews
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Start nowReady to rebel? Ten books like Red Rising to keep you fighting
Fun fact: This space opera novel draws inspiration from Machiavelli's philosophy of power and strategy. Now check out the full list of exciting reads!
1. 'Golden Son' by Pierce Brown
'Golden Son' is the second book in the Red Rising trilogy that takes up right where the first book left off, as Darrow continues to make his way in the politics of the Society. As a Gold, Darrow's stumbling blocks are complicated by betrayal, deadly alliances, and attempting to gain control over the fate of his people. His loyalty and ambitions are tested as he determines the extent to which he is willing to go for the revolution.
Similarities: As a sequel, it carries over themes of revolt, personal sacrifice, and the fight against an oppressive authority structure.
Goodreads rating: 4.49/5 stars, with over 40k reviews.
Book summary recommendation: To get a richer understanding of power struggles and the art of manipulation, try 'The 48 Laws of Power.'
'Golden Son' quote for inspiration:
"Home isn't where you're from, it's where you find light when all grows dark."
2. 'Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson
'Stormlight Archive' is a high fantasy series set in Roshar, a world devastated by storms. The reader is introduced to a world of political intrigue and ancient prophecies in the first book, 'The Way of Kings,' which culminates in a battle for control of a magical resource. 'Stormlight Archive' makes observations about honor, leadership, and the real price of war.
Similarities: In a way, it’s similar to Red Rising. This series is all about multi-dimensional characters fighting back against oppressive powers.
Goodreads rating: 4.66/5 stars, with over 51k reviews (book one).
'Stormlight Archive' quote for inspiration:
"The most important words a man can say are, I will do better."
3. 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson
Another novel series by the same author — 'Mistborn.' A rebellious group of supernaturally gifted individuals tries to topple the Lord Ruler, a godlike autocrat who governs the allomancy world. Through many adventures, Vin must learn how to channel her powers to reinvent her place in the world and support the rebellion. As secrets are revealed, Vin's self-discovery and resistance become essential to liberating the people of the Final Empire.
Similarities: Both books follow powerful protagonists who rise from humble circumstances to take on oppression.
Goodreads rating: 4.49/5 stars, with over 76k reviews (book one).
Book summary recommendation: Into themes about political maneuvering and the rise against tyranny? Check out 'The Prince' summary!
'Mistborn' quote for inspiration:
"Our belief is often strongest when it should be weakest. That is the nature of hope."
4. 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins
In The Hunger Games series, Katniss Everdeen is faced with the challenge: survive in a brutal competition. Children are forced to fight to the death, and it serves as entertainment for the Capitol's upper class. She becomes a symbol of revolt against an oppressive government as she fights for her life in the arena. Her struggle for survival, sacrifice, and resistance is both tragic and uplifting.
Similarities: The series follows concepts of rebellion, survival, and self-sacrifice. Also, both Katniss and Darrow are pushed to protect loved ones and upend systemic corruption.
Goodreads rating: 4.35/5 stars, with over 255k reviews (book one).
'The Hunger Games' quote for inspiration:
"Kind people have a way of working their way inside me and rooting there."
Spoiler: If you’re a true fan of stories about sacrifice and survival, check out our list of the best books like 'Divergent'!
5. 'Dune' by Frank Herbert
As a foundation of the sci-fi genre, 'Dune' follows Paul Atreides on the harsh political and ecological conditions of the desert planet Arrakis. Arrakis's only value is its output of spice, the most valuable and desired substance in the universe. As Paul faces his family's fate and the prophecy around him emerges, he must use power and wisdom if he hopes to survive.
Similarities: Both feature characters who are placed within a fight for freedom against a powerful, oppressive ruling class.
Goodreads rating: 4.29/5 stars, with over 80k reviews (book one).
Book summary recommendation: Eager to learn more about political and corporate controls? Then read or listen to 'The Radium Girls' summary.
'Dune' quote for inspiration:
"The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience."
6. 'The Will of the Many' by James Islington
In the world depicted in 'The Will of the Many,' magic is derived from the collective will of the people. Vis Telimus, the protagonist, is a young student at a prestigious academy who discovers alarming facts about his environment. He must decide whether to remain loyal to the system or to others as he gets more involved in politics.
Similarities: Both fantasy novel series share themes of power and a protagonist who must operate in oppressive systems, confronting the nature of them.
Goodreads rating: 4.60/5 stars, with over 27k reviews (book one).
'The Will of the Many' quoter for inspiration:
"There comes a point in every man's life where he can rail against the unfairness of the world until he loses, or he can do his best in it."
7. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card
In 'Ender's Game,' young and talented Ender Wiggin is recruited into a military training program that uses children to protect Earth from an approaching alien invasion. Ender is continually put to the test to demonstrate that he is a capable military genius. As he succeeds, he is tested to consider the morality of war and the sacrifices it entails.
Similarities: Both stories share young, brilliant protagonists who mature rapidly to lead in seemingly impossible situations.
Goodreads rating: 4.31/5 stars, with over 53k reviews (book one).
Book summary recommendation: Enjoy the themes of loyalty and the complexities of war? Then, 'The Spy and The Traitor' summary is meant for you.
'Ender's Game' quote for inspiration:
"Perhaps it's impossible to wear an identity without becoming what you pretend to be."
8. 'Empire of Silence' by Christopher Ruocchio
'Empire of Silence' is a tale of Hadrian Marlowe, a spoiled rich kid groomed to inherit an empire, who has his life changed unexpectedly. As he tells his story from the future, where he is a fugitive, he recounts how he became a pivotal player in a cosmic rebellion against the oppressive forces. A unique blend of science fiction and epic fantasy.
Similarities: Both tell the stories of privileged protagonists who come to reject their sociopolitical realities.
Goodreads rating: 3.98/5 stars, with over 5.4k reviews (book one).
'Empire of Silence' quote for inspiration:
"The man who hopes for the future delays its arrival, and the man who dreads it summons it to his door."
9. 'The Expanse' by James S.A. Corey
Leviathan Wakes opens The Expanse series in a far-reaching future where humanity has colonized the solar system. Just as tensions are flaring between Earth, Mars, and the Belt, an unrelated cast of characters is drawn into the tangled conspiracy that could create an interplanetary war. The series combines hard science fiction with themes of political intrigue and morality.
Similarities: The series deals with rebellion and loyalty, and the implications of one's resistance, but also describes revolution and sacrifice, all of which 'Red Rising' fans will find relatable.
Goodreads rating: 4.31/5 stars, with over 21k reviews (book one).
Book summary recommendation: Go beyond political intrigue and rebellion tales in the '1984' summary, the all-time Orwell classic.
'The Expanse' quote for inspiration:
"Dying, she could handle. Dying without any answers seemed terribly cruel."
10. 'Shift' by Hugh Howey
'Shift' serves as a prelude to 'Wool,' chronicling the story of how the silo society came to be. It details what led to the underground silos being built, which humanity was compelled to live in after the planet became unlivable. As the plot builds, characters begin to see hidden truths and deal with the decisions that created their society in the first place.
Similarities: Both narratives examine the personal transformation of characters who ultimately grapple with the power structure and fight back in their pursuit of freedom and justice.
Goodreads rating: 4.13/5 stars, with over 9k reviews.
'Shift' quote for inspiration:
"When there's only God to blame, we forgive him. When it's our fellow man, we destroy him."
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These book recommendations are a must-read for fans of 'Red Rising.' Each story teaches you how to overcome oppression and embrace personal transformation. Want to delve deeper into the themes behind these best books on oppression, power, and social injustice? Then you should check out the Headway app.
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FAQs about books like Red Rising
What is the next book after 'Red Rising'?
The following book in the Red Rising saga is 'Golden Son' by Pierce Brown. This novel continues with Darrow and builds on the political tensions introduced in the previous novel. This time, we follow Darrow as he takes his rebellion to the next level while building new alliances in the midst of betrayal.
Does 'Red Rising' have LGBTQ+ representation?
Yes, 'Red Rising' does feature some LGBTQ+ representation. In addition to different types of relationships, there are also characters that embody a variety of sexual identities and orientations. This is not an emphasis of the series, but the inclusion only shows a more diverse and inclusive society living in the world the author created.
What is the sequel to 'Red Rising'?
The 'Red Rising' sequel is 'Golden Son,' which picks up with Darrow amid a political crisis and further obstacles in his revolution. There are more books in the saga after that, like 'Iron Gold' and 'Dark Age,' each deepening the plot with Darrow and the revolution against the ruling class.
How old was Pierce Brown when he wrote 'Red Rising'?
At the time he penned 'Red Rising,' the first book in his dystopian novel series, published in 2014, Pierce Brown was just 27 years old, having started writing the book back in college. Brown had the desire to write about power, rebellion, and class struggle. Being so young allowed him to infuse the series with great energy and freshness.
What POV is 'Red Rising' written in?
Darrow is the protagonist in 'Red Rising,' and the story is told in the first person. This literary perspective allows the reader to experience Darrow's inner issues, emotions, and character development. It also appeals to the reader's desire to be closer to the heroic rebel.
