10 Best Books Like Red Rising to Read Next
Red Rising
by Pierce Brown
Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he toils willingly, trusting that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.
The Will of the Manyby James Islington
An orphan infiltrates a prestigious military academy to take down the hierarchy from within.
Why you'll love it:It mirrors the 'Gold' academy vibes of Red Rising perfectly, with complex political maneuvering and a protagonist driven by vengeance.
Iron Widowby Xiran Jay Zhao
Giant mecha suits and a ruthless rebellion against a patriarchal societal system.
Why you'll love it:The sheer rage and 'burn it all down' energy matches Darrow's early journey precisely.
Mistbornby Brandon Sanderson
A street urchin discovers she has the power of the legendary Allomancers and joins a heist to kill a god.
Why you'll love it:Like Darrow, Vin starts from the absolute bottom and rises to lead a revolution against an immortal tyrant.
Sun Eaterby Christopher Ruocchio
The story of Hadrian Marlowe, a man who will become legend for saving humanity, and then destroying it.
Why you'll love it:A sprawling, epic space opera with a similar level of high drama and philosophical depth as Pierce Brown's later books.
The Hunger Gamesby Suzanne Collins
In a dystopian future, teens are forced to fight to the death on live television.
Why you'll love it:The 'Institute' portion of Red Rising is heavily influenced by the survival games and arena mechanics found here.
Golden Sonby Pierce Brown
The sequel where the scale explodes and the real war begins.
Why you'll love it:If you haven't read the rest of the series, this is the most obvious 'pick like Red Rising'.
Rage of Dragonsby Evan Winter
A world where 1 in 1000 can call down dragons, and 1 in 1000 can become more than human.
Why you'll love it:The most intense combat training and revenge-driven military progression since the Institute.
Ender's Gameby Orson Scott Card
Young tactical geniuses are trained at a space station to lead Earth's fleet against an alien threat.
Why you'll love it:The focus on strategic brilliant and the mental toll of being a young commander is very Darrow-esque.
Skywardby Brandon Sanderson
A girl who dreams of being a pilot in a world where her father is labeled a traitor.
Why you'll love it:The 'defiance against a rigged system' and 'learning to fly' themes will resonate with Red Rising fans.
Woolby Hugh Howey
The last remnants of humanity live in a giant underground silo, oblivious to the truth outside.
Why you'll love it:A more grounded dystopian story, but with the same level of shocking reveals and societal upheaval.
