Golden Son (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Red Rising Saga Dramatic Adaptations #2, Part 1

by Pierce Brown, Stewart Crank (Reader), Amanda Forstrom (Reader)

Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom. As a Red, Darrow grew up working the mines deep beneath the surface of Mars, enduring backbreaking labor while dreaming of the better future he was building for his descendants. But the Society he faithfully served was built on lies. Darrow's kind have been betrayed and denied by their elitist masters, the Golds--and their only path to liberation is revolution. And so Darrow sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good for which Eo, his true love and inspiration, laid down her own life. He becomes a Gold, infiltrating their privileged realm so that he can destroy it from within.

A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love--but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind's destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution--and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo's principles of love and justice to free his people. He must live for more.

Genres: Audiobook, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Space Opera

1 pages, Audio CD

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

Hello. I'm Pierce Brown, the author of the Red Rising Saga, a NYT #1 bestseller.
I figured I'd write you myself than have corporate copy pasted below my totally natural author photo.

In my books you'll find stories of men and women finding their inner strength when all seems lost. You'll also find me exploring themes of love, violence, hope, and power--what it means, why people seek it, and how they hold onto it.




IG @piercebrownofficial
Twitter @pierce_brown

Reviews

[DianaRose]

of course, nothing beats darrow jumping onto the table at the gala… aside from ragnar’s introduction

[Fahmida]

spectacular gimme all 14 pf em rn

[Rob Hayes]

Not my first time reading(listening) Golden Son, but the Graphic Audio version is very VERY good. To be fair, the book is a bloody damned masterpiece, so it also has that working for it.

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️]

Golden Son Part 1: Power, Politics, and the Price of Rising



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💚💙💛
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Graphic Audio – Full Cast Narration

Characters and Plot Dynamics

Golden Son (Part 1 of 2) continues Darrow’s journey after his rise through the brutal ranks of Gold society. Once a Red—born into slavery beneath the surface of Mars—Darrow now lives among the ruling elite, carrying the dangerous secret of his true identity. His mission remains the same: to tear down the oppressive, color-based caste system from within.

However, this installment quickly makes it clear that survival at the Institute was only the beginning. The world of the Golds is far more complex, political, and ruthless than anything Darrow has faced before. No longer just a student proving his worth, Darrow must now navigate real power—alliances, betrayals, and the constant threat of annihilation.

We see the return of key characters who continue to shape Darrow’s path. Mustang remains a powerful intellectual and emotional counterbalance, often challenging Darrow’s more aggressive instincts. Sevro, loyal and feral, stands by Darrow as one of his most trusted allies. Meanwhile, figures within the Gold hierarchy—both allies and enemies—play dangerous games that force Darrow to constantly adapt.

This first half of Golden Son leans heavily into political intrigue and strategic maneuvering. Darrow attempts to position himself within the upper echelons of Gold power but quickly realizes that strength alone is not enough. Influence, perception, and timing become just as critical as battlefield prowess. Darrow works for the Arch Governor, who holds Darrow’s contract. Though the Arch governor decides early on to trade his contract and get rid of him. Darrow worries bout his life after the trade as there are a lot of people who want him dead from his days at the institute. There is a price on his head on the black market.

The tone is notably darker and more mature than Red Rising, with higher stakes and more devastating consequences. Darrow is no longer just fighting to prove himself—he’s fighting to survive in a world where a single misstep could destroy everything he’s built. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the story builds toward explosive confrontations that set the stage for the second half.

Highlights & Limitations

Highlights:
• Expanded scope: The story moves beyond the confined setting of the Institute into a wider, more complex political landscape.
• Deeper character development: Darrow’s growth continues as he learns to balance brute force with strategy and manipulation.
• Intrigue and tension: The constant power plays and shifting alliances keep the narrative engaging and unpredictable.
• Darker tone: The increased emotional and narrative weight adds depth, making the stakes feel more real and immediate.
• Epic battles: Darrow behaves in a very strategic manner, planning and starting some huge fights with former friends (like Cassius) who are now on opposite sides in order to start a war.
• World-building evolution: The Gold society is explored in greater detail, revealing its inner workings and brutal hierarchy.

Limitations:
• Slower pacing at times: The focus on politics and strategy can occasionally slow the momentum compared to the action-heavy first book.
• Complex relationships: The growing number of characters and alliances may be difficult to track at times.
• Split format: As Part 1 of 2, the story ends before reaching its full payoff, which may feel incomplete on its own.

Narration & Audio Production

The GraphicAudio adaptation once again delivers an exceptional listening experience. With its full cast performance, cinematic music, and immersive sound design, it truly earns its reputation as a “movie in your mind.”

Each voice actor brings a distinct presence to their role, making it easy to follow the expanding cast of characters. The performances capture the emotional intensity and political tension of the story, adding layers of nuance that enhance the listening experience.

The background music and sound effects are particularly effective in this installment. From the grandeur of high-society gatherings to the chaos of battle and the quiet tension of strategic conversations, the audio design creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere. Every scene feels dynamic and alive, pulling the listener deeper into Darrow’s world.

Final Opinion

Golden Son (Part 1 of 2) is a compelling and sophisticated continuation of the Red Rising saga. I loved the way the story expands beyond survival into the realm of power, politics, and long-term strategy. The world-building becomes even richer, and the character development—especially for Darrow—adds meaningful depth to the narrative.

The originality of the color-based society continues to stand out, and Darrow’s mission to dismantle it from within the highest caste remains as gripping as ever. Combined with the outstanding GraphicAudio narration, this installment delivers a fully immersive and engaging experience.

While it serves as a setup for the explosive second half, it never feels dull—only deliberate, building tension and complexity in all the right ways.

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[Madison]

4.5 ⭐️ Wow y’all. I can’t believe that was only the FIRST HALF of this book. So much happened which is also my main complaint, that maybe a little too much happened 🤣 holy moly.

I have to say Pierce Brown is a master at creating tension and anticipation. This series gives me so much anxiety 🤣 for the last 3+ hours of this audiobook I did not want to put it down!

Also the wholesome moments towards the end of this first half were just wonderful, the found family/friendship aspect is so good.

This was extremely fast paced but this didn’t get 5 stars because at one point I was like ANOTHER twist?! When is this sequence of events going to end?! I understand a lot of these plot points needed to happen/come together but damn that was a lot!

Extremely looking forward to the second half!

[M]

These Graphic Audios are hands down the best produced audiobooks I’ve ever listened to! The voice acting, the sound effects, the music! It’s all chef’s kiss!

[Miguel Mariani]

I’ve never said wtf is happening (like meaning the writer cooked, and I was surprised) so much while reading a book

[hadesthehermit]

Absolutely beautiful work done by all of the VA’s! Such incredible performances, that I found myself tearing up many more times then I did when I had first read this🥺😍😍😍

[Claire]

It's taken me a little while to get this one finished but that's been due to mood rather than due to the story. Another brilliant graphic audio performance, it really brings the story and characters to life! I love Sevro and I am so glad that something came to light towards the end of this half regarding him, I am definitely back in the mood for this kind of story now and am looking forward to continuing 🙂

[Andie Burkholder]

When your comfort read is filled with utter chaos and destruction 🤌🏼 I forget how INSANE the ending to this was. Hits just has hard as reading it the first time. Also love Darrow’s voice, exactly how I imagined it. And Jenna of course as Mustang 💕

[avery]

this was only half the book but it’s okay bc i can alr tell my reading goal is gonna need the padding

anyway we’ll see how the second half goes but so far i have felt a lot less engaged than the first book but i have high hopes

[Mariana Martens-Warner]

so do we think they had to pay royalties for the star wars ass music during the academy battle sequence or was darrow’s aura farming payment enough

[Emma Ehrenberg]

I’m sat for this world and these characters!

[Carla Robinson]

I can't believe the ending to this one ahh!!! Immediately picking up the next one! Can't wait to see how Pierce Brown will move the story forward from here.

You would expect this series to just be gore and war and glory but it's actually got mushiness too. And profound thoughts (on freedom and leadership and prejudice and friendship). Also some silly jokes between friends that very much gives guardians of the galaxy in the best way.

I really enjoyed the character development in Darrow. At times I wish he would grow a little faster (and trust his friends sooner), but overall it's been cool to see him learn about himself and his convictions/humanity. It's also cool to see how he changes the people around him!! But alas, change happens so slow.

[Elsi]

Oooooeeeee! This is just the first half?????


(I need to remind myself that Red Rising and Golden Son are split into two parts for the graphic audio.

Finishing each part makes my total read count higher than it is.)

[Caitlin]

third* time through this year and I still haven’t had enough

”My name, gentle lords and ladies, is Darrow au Andromedus. My honor has been pissed upon. And I demand satisfaction.”

darrow’s narrator is killing it 👌

*fourth

[savage_book_review]

Slight disclaimer: I'm writing this review after already having started Part 2, so there is a possibility that I'll have gotten confused about what happens in what part...

My first impression is that you definitely need to be focused on the story of this one; it's a lot more political, a lot more nuanced and, to me at least, had a lot more worldbuilding in than the first one. So while I really enjoyed it and the dramatisation is fab, I think I'd probably have been better served with this version as a reread.

The main thing that sticks out for me is the fact that I can't get the Star Wars visuals out of my head. Just a couple of examples; Luna looks like Coruscant, the Jackal's club was a mix between the Mos Eisley cantina and the bar from AotC (I was just waiting for someone to try and sell Darrow a deathstick), and when Darrow is stood on the deck of his ship with Blues plugged into the flight systems and his team of lieutenants around him... yeah, those ships were Star Destroyers, without question. And then add in Darrow's exclamation of 'never tell me the odds'... suddenly he looks very Harrison Ford-ish... 😁 I'm not complaining by any stretch; I actually find the comparisons vey helpful, but equally I find it a shame that the author's own descriptions aren't strong enough for me to see his own vision clearly.

The characters are all so wonderfully complex; as much as you want to root for Darrow, he's developing a devious side that makes you question whether he hasn't, just a bit, started to 'go native'. And yet you see him grappling with his decisions, trying his best to determine the course of action to take and you are put through the ringer right beside him. I love the fact that there's no shying away from the character's vulnerabilities; allowing him to cry and break down, and feel the weight of his choices - it all makes him so beautifully relatable. In addition, I have to applaud the author for maintaining Eo's presence at the centre of Darrow's motivation, while allowing new FMC to elicit feelings in Darrow. It's the fact that he hasn't just moved on from losing his wife in such a short spell, but still recognises that there might be something between he and Mustang worth pursuing, while also holding back due to the secrets he keeps... it's such a good portrayal of love after loss, albeit in something of a fantastical context.

I will say that I was a little thrown at the outset by the jump forward in time, which in turn meant that the trajectory of the book was different to what I was expecting. Likewise, the dispersal of the characters you became familiar with in book one did mean it took me longer to get settled into this installment. And while the worldbuilding works, there were some instances where I felt a little "information overload" and lost the the thread of what's what and who's who.

The performances were all great, although I'm still struggling with the vast majority of the younger characters sounding so much older than their years! Once again, kudos to Stewart Crank's immaculate switching between the English and Irish accents; I am in awe of the ease in which he performs in both. Yes, there are a couple of other performers which have almost comedically bad accents, but fortunately these are the exception rather than the rule and they do only appear relatively briefly.

Definitely invested in the series now!

[Jai]

4.5 stars

“I do what I need to do. No more. No less. And I need a warlord. I’ll be Odysseus. You be Achilles.”
“Achilles dies in the end.”
“Then learn from his mistakes.”

Golden Son is one of the best second books ever in a trilogy. Pierce Brown's fascinating world of Red Rising gets a massive step up in terms of prose and plotting in this sci-fantasy action drama with incredibly high stakes and character driven plotlines. Darrow, Mustang, Sevro, Victra, Lorn, Octavia, Nero, Jackal, Roque, Ragnar and Fitchner make an enviable cast of characters that rises to some of the best cast in modern fantasy and sci-fi.

A moment that hit me so hard in this reread is the final confrontation between three characters when the truth comes out. I read this scene and went back and listened to the dramatic adaptation again to live through it one more time. PB is incredibly talented in writing high stakes drama.

“If you pull it, you accept that billions should live as slaves. Imagine all those unborn. If it is not me, someone else will rise. Ten years from now. Fifty. A thousand. We will break the chains, no matter the cost. You cannot stop us. We are the tide. All you can do is pray it is not someone like Titus who rises in my place.”

The world expands and mesmerizes in Golden Son. The visual descriptions of the first Iron Rain is still some of the best action I've read and I know this series only gets better. PB's prose improves a lot in this book where it stops feeling like a red rising book and feels like a entirely different story.

“I trusted you at the river, my brother. You are not always right. That is the cost of mortality.”

If you haven't read this series yet, get on it! If you have a friend who doesn't read, recommend this series to them.

[Alex Meitl]

Ok just finished the first half of the book on audio. This is my first audio book and I didn’t know what to expect. Now I know I may have ruined future audio books because this one is amazing!!

So much action and just the right enough of emotional pull to keep you rooting for Darrow. But honestly if they just made the book about Sevro, I wouldn’t be mad!!!! Sevro is the best and he only gets better. So many amazing action scenes.

I don’t usually love political heavy books but this one seems to be great about keeping it simple and interesting. I love all of the daring moves Darrow makes and how he cares. The internal struggle he has is great to explore.

I can’t wait to see what more comes of Victra and of Mustang!!! 😯 soooo much excitement!! But he just needs to dive into his passion for one of them!!

Part 2 here I come!!

[Kristina]

If Red Rising was brutal, Golden Son was a full-speed, blood-soaked emotional disaster 😭 Pierce Brown really said “oh, you liked pain?” and doubled down. Everything I loved from the first book — the scheming, the betrayals, the desperation — just… bigger. Louder. Meaner.

The politics? Messy.
The action? Relentless.
The heartbreak? Unforgivable.

And Darrow? My guy is out here trying to change the universe while barely holding himself together, and I felt every single second of it.

And okay… I thought I loved this book the first time I read it, but listening to the graphic audio version? Holy sh*t. It’s like a full-on movie in your ears. The voices, the sound effects, the chaos — everything hits harder. 10/10 worth the emotional damage.

Still recovering. Still obsessed. Still not over that ending. 😭🔥

[Lucie]

This series will never fail to completely blow my mind every 10-15 minutes, genuinely. Listening to the graphic audios has made consuming these books such a surreal experience, to the point that I think I might have to wait for the graphic audios of the rest of the books to come out before I finish this series…🫣 I’m so nervous for part two, patiently waiting for my library to get a copy so I can dive right in (with loreli of course) (bc listening/reading these books by myself is a test of endurance and strength, and I have failed)

[Roderick Vonhogen]

An action-packed sequel to Red Rising with constant twists and turns. Reads like a movie. This is part 1 of an audio dramatization, and it features the same excellent cast that did the Red Rising dramatization. The quality is top notch and the voices, sound effects and music all enhance the experience tremendously. Can't wait to see what happens in part 2!

[Loreli Cruz]

tea i want part two ugh

[CHIP]

Peak cinema

[Nerdelika]

3.5
Why is Darrow so OP? Yes they have colors and space ships and all that, yet this is the unrealistic part in my eyes...
Hope we see more depth in other characters

[Rosalinda Sherman]

Wow, amazing, I am in awe

[Alex]

3.5 *

[Lauren Massie]

My only negative was how lost I felt for the first half of Part 1.
this could absolutely be a ME issue, but I felt like I had no idea where we were and how we got there for a lot of this book.

[Shelby Sweet]

This one was a little harder for me to get into than the first, but the last 3 hours of this was DIABOLICAL. I need to start the next one STAT.

[Olivia]

Review of Graphic Audio adaptation.

One of my biggest worries about revisiting the Red Rising original trilogy was the amount of time required to go through them. All Red Rising books are behemoth bodies of work, making the audio versions marathons.

The Red Rising GA went by quicker than the original narration, in part from cuts of who said and in other parts because it felt easier to digest Darrow’s internal monologue with the accompaniment of sound effects and background music.

The step in writing quality from Red Rising to Golden Son amplifies how quickly I ate up this Graphic Audio version. Sometimes I have a hard time following large action scenes and it felt like I could so easily see it happen this go around.

Not sure if I’ll ever get over the Jackal’s voice actor sounding nearly 3x his age but the rest of the cast is perfection and amazing.