Iron Gold

****CONTAINS SPOILERS**** I’m torn. The Red Rising books are my favorite books/series. Returning to the world is both exhilarating and scary. I started reading with trepidation but quickly got all caught up in the world and characters again. Just the prologue was enough to give me chills and bring tears to my eyes. Darrow is my favorite character because of both his strengths and weaknesses. He started this war and he feels it is his duty to finish it. Unfortunately, this screws up his priorities. It makes me sad reading Darrow’s arc in Iron Gold. But I have faith in Pierce Brown he will not have his hero continue this way. In each of the previous books, he has always written Darrow at a low and rising up from it. Pax is another amazing character. He is not the perfect fighter (granted yes he’s 10) but he is intelligent and caring. I think he’ll be a great leader for the Republic one day. One of the reasons I love this series so much is because of the constant action. The first 3 books never have a dull moment. Iron Gold had some but I think it’s because of the new characters. Darrow’s POV was my favorite but I also enjoyed Lysander’s. Even though I ultimately disagree with him, I think he’ll have a big part in the end game of the war. Lyria and Ephraim’s POV were just a bit lackluster for me. I found myself not liking their characters. But, I do like that we meet them and get to understand how the war is affecting everyone. I just hope we get new POV’s in Dark Age.

Awful narration. I wish they had stayed with the narrator from the first three books.

Huge disappointment after the first three books. The story was slow and some narrators were truly awful, it took over 10 hours before the story actually picked up some action and became interesting. There are a lot of new characters that the author took chapters and chapters to introduce and the only connection to the original series were a handful of remaining characters. I love the first 3 books and couldn’t wait to get this one, however it took me nearly a month to get through it. It’s such a shame as I really wanted to get to the end of the storyline but I don’t think I’d be able to now.

Still one of the best series I have ever read. However, I struggled to “ like” the new characters. Maybe just a personal preference. I have read all 4 now and will definitely listening to the next one immediately.

Great series, well narrated, look forward to more in the series.

thoroughly enjoyed

Even with the different characters and such this series continues to blow my mind! Truly one of the best series I’ve listened to!

I kind of enjoyed different narrators for the different characters...I helped me visualize what I think they may look like, how they may dress, their body language, etc. However, I had a very difficult time understanding Lysander's narrator - I couldn't get the volume loud enough...perhaps the timid trepidation was on purpose? I am caught up in this world and this war. The characters are glorious, brave, intelligent and merciless - except when they aren't! Like real human beings, deep, textured, thought-provoking and deliciously imperfect! What a cliff hanger you left me dangling on!!

A bit of a slow start, but it all comes together nicely at the end. Looking forward to reading the next book!

"Iron Gold" was not a cheerful book. It did introduce and develop some interesting characters. I do not think that all is as it appears. I hope that reading "Dark Age" clears things up.

This whole series had me reeling, so much emotion and love for all the characters. By far my favorite book series!

good read

Brilliant ideas and great commentary on the topic of a meritocracy

Excellent series. The mix of characters (and narrators) in this latest book brings the story to another level. Book is constantly moving and action packed from start to finish.

I loved the whole series great characters,the narration was superb. The last book was an emotional roller coaster the character of lyria was read with so much emotion I brought me to tears I really was immersed in her agony. Would recommend this series.