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Red Rising Saga Dramatic Adaptations #1, Part 1
Red Rising (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
"NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Pierce Brown’s relentlessly entertaining debut channels the excitement of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.
“Red Rising ascends above a crowded dystopian field.”—USA Today Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
“I live for the dream that my children will be born free,” she says. “That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them.” “I live for you,” I say sadly. Eo kisses my cheek. “Then you must live for more.”
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.
But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and lush wilds spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.
Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity’s overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society’s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies... even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
“Red Rising ascends above a crowded dystopian field.”—USA Today Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
“I live for the dream that my children will be born free,” she says. “That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them.” “I live for you,” I say sadly. Eo kisses my cheek. “Then you must live for more.”
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.
But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and lush wilds spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.
Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity’s overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society’s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies... even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
Audiobook
First published April 2, 2023
79 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Pierce Brown
60 books55.2k followersHello. 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
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
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January 31, 2025
the narrating is tasty 😋🥺
i’ll put the whole review for the book on the actual paperback and link it here later 😪
i’ll put the whole review for the book on the actual paperback and link it here later 😪
April 7, 2024
I can’t rate this as anything less than 5 stars. The combination of the incredible book and an amazing production by Graphic Audio is just unmatched in terms of reading experience.
As readers, we are pulled immediately into heart breaking and gut wrenching action. I remember crying within the first hour or two of listening. The pacing of the story itself is great, even the less action packed moments are full of character insight and development.
I’ve heard some fans get a bit defensive when this series is compared to The Hunger Games.. I’m so sorry to those people but despite my best efforts I can’t help but be constantly reminded of it. That’s not a criticism or a suggestion this is a carbon copy, I think there are enough differences to set these apart that they don’t feel identical. However there are undeniable echoes and similarities. Starting with the most obvious, there’s the caste system based on industry and skills, the lethal games and trials made by design to toy with and mould the recruits, Darrow’s wife’s protest song (it’s even whistled at one point), all the violence and death being deliberately broadcast. Hell, the recruits can even be “sponsored” by wealthier benefactors and the team drafted in to do a makeover are crassly overindulgent and out of touch with the reality outside of their bubble. This might lessen as the series goes on, it is early days.
That being said, this part finished at a loose end so I’m off to listen to the rest.
As readers, we are pulled immediately into heart breaking and gut wrenching action. I remember crying within the first hour or two of listening. The pacing of the story itself is great, even the less action packed moments are full of character insight and development.
I’ve heard some fans get a bit defensive when this series is compared to The Hunger Games.. I’m so sorry to those people but despite my best efforts I can’t help but be constantly reminded of it. That’s not a criticism or a suggestion this is a carbon copy, I think there are enough differences to set these apart that they don’t feel identical. However there are undeniable echoes and similarities. Starting with the most obvious, there’s the caste system based on industry and skills, the lethal games and trials made by design to toy with and mould the recruits, Darrow’s wife’s protest song (it’s even whistled at one point), all the violence and death being deliberately broadcast. Hell, the recruits can even be “sponsored” by wealthier benefactors and the team drafted in to do a makeover are crassly overindulgent and out of touch with the reality outside of their bubble. This might lessen as the series goes on, it is early days.
That being said, this part finished at a loose end so I’m off to listen to the rest.
July 3, 2023
4.5 stars
Wow, what an amazing book.
I really didn't expect to read such a story.
It was kind of like space Hunger Games but better.
Amazing plot, world building and characters, I can't believe this was a debut.
Wow, what an amazing book.
I really didn't expect to read such a story.
It was kind of like space Hunger Games but better.
Amazing plot, world building and characters, I can't believe this was a debut.
January 10, 2024
I f-ing hate that they separate the graphic book in two. Like how dare you. I really liked the production, but do not like the price tag attached.
November 8, 2025
Wow!!
This book has definitely grasped me so far, which isn’t too surprising considering I do really love dystopian novels. It does remind me of the hunger games, which is another dystopian series I really love. The socio-political scheme, the body manipulation, and the institute is what reminds me of the Hunger Games but the world building in this book is really unique. This book is also DARK. Or at least I think it is haha! There are a ton of emotional moments and the stakes are very high. I definitely had to take listening breaks sometimes because of the doom and gloom. Many of the characters are excellently unhinged in their own unique ways. I am also enjoying all the tension and scheming.
I generally love graphic audios but I think because of the theme of song in this book that the graphic audio particularly enhances the emotional experience of the book. The audio really just brings this world to life so well! I can’t wait to finish the second part!
This book has definitely grasped me so far, which isn’t too surprising considering I do really love dystopian novels. It does remind me of the hunger games, which is another dystopian series I really love. The socio-political scheme, the body manipulation, and the institute is what reminds me of the Hunger Games but the world building in this book is really unique. This book is also DARK. Or at least I think it is haha! There are a ton of emotional moments and the stakes are very high. I definitely had to take listening breaks sometimes because of the doom and gloom. Many of the characters are excellently unhinged in their own unique ways. I am also enjoying all the tension and scheming.
I generally love graphic audios but I think because of the theme of song in this book that the graphic audio particularly enhances the emotional experience of the book. The audio really just brings this world to life so well! I can’t wait to finish the second part!
July 21, 2024
Holy fuck the graphic audio experience is the way to go for this. So much fun listening to this with a full cast/audio effects/music.
September 5, 2024
PERFECTLY casted!!! This was full of incredibly talented VA’s that brought each and every character to life!
My only critiques would be that Cassius’ and Titus’ VA’s were too mature/aged sounding for their age in the book.
My only critiques would be that Cassius’ and Titus’ VA’s were too mature/aged sounding for their age in the book.
January 14, 2026
The dramatized adaptation is fire!
December 15, 2025
2025 read x4: at least I am a woman of my word
2025 read x3 (😂😂): when I tell you I could literally start over again this instant and mean it with my whole body
2025 read x2: can confirm the following:
2025 read: quite possibly the best audiobook experience of my life to date
2025 read x3 (😂😂): when I tell you I could literally start over again this instant and mean it with my whole body
2025 read x2: can confirm the following:
2025 read: quite possibly the best audiobook experience of my life to date
October 25, 2025
I can’t get enough of Red Rising. Love this dramatized adaption!
January 4, 2025
Such a fun audiobook.
November 13, 2024
This series is right up my alley. I’m so glad I started it.
December 31, 2025
I tried to read this book once and couldn't get into it but the graphic audio immediately pulled me in!
December 20, 2025
The audio production is sooo good, but this genre is not for me. Sorry Noel
July 9, 2025
*** this audiobook is half of the book so ill be talking about the first 22 chapters ****everything was going great until the whole gladiator style battle thing that's been happening for a couple chapters now ... I don't know if it's a "me" thing but whenever there's battles or fighting in a book my brain kinda disconnects. I get why there's this battle happening 'story wise" but the book took a turn to being kinda hunger games- esq and I resent that...ive talked about this before but ive noticed in so many fantasy books they always use a trail or a competition as a plot device and its lazy writing to me. besides that im really intrigued for the rest of the story very anxious for this tribal war game to end...love the spy element and him being amongst his enemies learning to be like them to then inevitably destroy them from within
February 27, 2025
Wow well I devoured part 1 of this. Graphic audio is perfect for this sci fi experience!!! I love the accents brought to life. This is like hunger games x1000. It’s crazy dystopian to think of life on Mars. It’s brutal and also disgusting at times. But shocking and makes you want to keep reading more. Can’t wait to see where the series goes. Onto part 2.
December 18, 2023
The production on this was exceptional. As someone who loves this series and has read it multiple times, listening to the graphic audio was like experiencing it for the first time all over again. Bravo!! This was so fun. Can’t wait to start the graphic audio of Golden Son next.
October 5, 2024
I want to love this book so bad. I love the concept of the world and thought the world building was done beautifully. However, the Institute plot line feels so Hunger Games. I’m interested in how it will turn itself around in the second half
November 15, 2025
از اونجایی که قبلا سه بار جلد اول رو خوندم (این سومین و نصفیه چون کل کتاب نیست) ریویویی مینویسم. بیشتر متنیه برای اینکه چرا قیام رو انقدر دوست دارم.
این بار پنج ستاره کردم این جلد رو چون دیگه وقتی انقدر یه کتاب رو ریرید میکنی و همچنان دوستش داری دیگه امتیاز زیر پنج چه معنایی داره؟ هرچقدر هم که کتاب ایراد داشته باشه.
—میفهمم مردم ممکنه از درو خوششون نیاد چون تو جلد اول قسمتهای زیادیش مثل یه پسر نوجوون مغرور رفتار میکنه و خودنمایی میکنه (ولی آیا این واقعا ایراده؟ چون درو واقعا یه پسر نوجوونه تو جلد اول).
ولی درو یکی از محبوبترین شخصیتها برای منه، این پسر بار دو تا سوگ بزرگ روی دوششه. بخش سوگوار شخصیت درو خوب نوشته شده و همین یکی از دلایلیه که میتونم باهاش ارتباط بگیرم و دوستش داشته باشم.
درو خشم زیادی تو وجودش داره و قسمت زیباش اینه که این خشم سوخت تحقق بخشیدن به یک رویا میشه. رویای آزادی، اینکه روزی فرزندانش توی دنیای آزاد به دنیا بیان. وقتی با در نظر داشتن کتابهای بعدی به دروی این کتاب نگاه میکنم میتونم رشدش رو ببینم، حتی اگه فقط همین کتاب اول رو در نظر بگیرم بازم واضحه که این شخصیت راکد نیست و داره یاد میگیره و بهتر میشه. درو بینقص نیست، اشتباه میکنه. اشتباهاتی که اونو توی خطر میندازه. اونم خطراتی که به تنهایی از پسشون برنمیاد. همین دو تا داینامیک جذاب رو تشکیل میده. رمنس درو و ماستنگ به همراه دوستی برادرگونهی بین درو و سورو.
—نظام رنگها.
سیستم طبقاتیای که پیرس براون ساخته منو مجذوب خودش میکنه. جامعه جزئی و فکر شده و درهم بافتهست. حتی کوچکترین کار زرینها هم فلسفهای پشتشه، از آزمون ورود بگیر تا نحوهی مجازات پسترنگها. تنوع طبقات و رنگها و ویژگی هرکدومشون هم واقعا جالبه.
تا الان کتابی ندیدم که به این خوبی سیستم طبقاتی رو به تصویر کشیده باشه.
—داستانش، اینکه یک فرد از پایینترین طبقهی یک جامعه علیه ظلم و تبعیض قیام کنه توی کتابای فانتزی و دیستوپیا چیز جدیدی نیست. قسمت جالبش تناقضات و عناصر موازییه که وجود دارن. درو یک سرخه و سرخها در حد زرینها نیستن. توی سه جلد اول روند جالبی رو داریم از
به جز این روند تغییرات عناصر مشابهی هم بین فرهنگ سرخها و زرینها وجود داره مثل رقص رزمشون و... ترکیب اینها به نظرم تناقض قشنگیه که سوسایتی توی قیام سرخ سعی میکنه نفی کنه.
—عقاید و فلسفهی پشت شخصیتها، اگه بخوام یک مثال بزنم برای این مورد اون نرو اییو آگوستوس خواهد بود. این شخصیت اصلا دوستداشتنی نیست ولی حرفهایی که میزنه و عقاید پشتشون؟ این یه داستان دیگهست، دو قسمت بولدش برام یکی سخنرانیش برای دانشآموزان موسسه تو جلد اول و بعدی حرفهاش تو اواخر جلد دومه.
—شخصیتهای به یاد موندنی، کی میتونه بگه سورو آیکانیک نیست؟ این مجموعه شخصیتهای متنوع (بعضا خاکستری) داره که به لطف پردازش خوب نویسنده مجموعه رو از چیزی که هست یه سر و گردن بالاتر میکشن. ایدهی قیام سرخ به طور کلی خوبه، ولی قیام بدون سورو، روک، ماستنگ، آدریوس، آرکوس، میکی، دنسر، عمو نرول و...؟ بیراه نیست بگیم به خوبی الانش نمیشد.
پس آره، دوباره و دوباره قیام رو میخونم.
همین دیگه.
این بار پنج ستاره کردم این جلد رو چون دیگه وقتی انقدر یه کتاب رو ریرید میکنی و همچنان دوستش داری دیگه امتیاز زیر پنج چه معنایی داره؟ هرچقدر هم که کتاب ایراد داشته باشه.
—میفهمم مردم ممکنه از درو خوششون نیاد چون تو جلد اول قسمتهای زیادیش مثل یه پسر نوجوون مغرور رفتار میکنه و خودنمایی میکنه (ولی آیا این واقعا ایراده؟ چون درو واقعا یه پسر نوجوونه تو جلد اول).
ولی درو یکی از محبوبترین شخصیتها برای منه، این پسر بار دو تا سوگ بزرگ روی دوششه. بخش سوگوار شخصیت درو خوب نوشته شده و همین یکی از دلایلیه که میتونم باهاش ارتباط بگیرم و دوستش داشته باشم.
درو خشم زیادی تو وجودش داره و قسمت زیباش اینه که این خشم سوخت تحقق بخشیدن به یک رویا میشه. رویای آزادی، اینکه روزی فرزندانش توی دنیای آزاد به دنیا بیان. وقتی با در نظر داشتن کتابهای بعدی به دروی این کتاب نگاه میکنم میتونم رشدش رو ببینم، حتی اگه فقط همین کتاب اول رو در نظر بگیرم بازم واضحه که این شخصیت راکد نیست و داره یاد میگیره و بهتر میشه. درو بینقص نیست، اشتباه میکنه. اشتباهاتی که اونو توی خطر میندازه. اونم خطراتی که به تنهایی از پسشون برنمیاد. همین دو تا داینامیک جذاب رو تشکیل میده. رمنس درو و ماستنگ به همراه دوستی برادرگونهی بین درو و سورو.
—نظام رنگها.
سیستم طبقاتیای که پیرس براون ساخته منو مجذوب خودش میکنه. جامعه جزئی و فکر شده و درهم بافتهست. حتی کوچکترین کار زرینها هم فلسفهای پشتشه، از آزمون ورود بگیر تا نحوهی مجازات پسترنگها. تنوع طبقات و رنگها و ویژگی هرکدومشون هم واقعا جالبه.
تا الان کتابی ندیدم که به این خوبی سیستم طبقاتی رو به تصویر کشیده باشه.
—داستانش، اینکه یک فرد از پایینترین طبقهی یک جامعه علیه ظلم و تبعیض قیام کنه توی کتابای فانتزی و دیستوپیا چیز جدیدی نیست. قسمت جالبش تناقضات و عناصر موازییه که وجود دارن. درو یک سرخه و سرخها در حد زرینها نیستن. توی سه جلد اول روند جالبی رو داریم از
به جز این روند تغییرات عناصر مشابهی هم بین فرهنگ سرخها و زرینها وجود داره مثل رقص رزمشون و... ترکیب اینها به نظرم تناقض قشنگیه که سوسایتی توی قیام سرخ سعی میکنه نفی کنه.
—عقاید و فلسفهی پشت شخصیتها، اگه بخوام یک مثال بزنم برای این مورد اون نرو اییو آگوستوس خواهد بود. این شخصیت اصلا دوستداشتنی نیست ولی حرفهایی که میزنه و عقاید پشتشون؟ این یه داستان دیگهست، دو قسمت بولدش برام یکی سخنرانیش برای دانشآموزان موسسه تو جلد اول و بعدی حرفهاش تو اواخر جلد دومه.
—شخصیتهای به یاد موندنی، کی میتونه بگه سورو آیکانیک نیست؟ این مجموعه شخصیتهای متنوع (بعضا خاکستری) داره که به لطف پردازش خوب نویسنده مجموعه رو از چیزی که هست یه سر و گردن بالاتر میکشن. ایدهی قیام سرخ به طور کلی خوبه، ولی قیام بدون سورو، روک، ماستنگ، آدریوس، آرکوس، میکی، دنسر، عمو نرول و...؟ بیراه نیست بگیم به خوبی الانش نمیشد.
پس آره، دوباره و دوباره قیام رو میخونم.
همین دیگه.
February 7, 2026
Finally picked this up because so many people love it. I was hesitant for a long time, because it sounds like another one of those tedious (sorry) dystopian YA series where kids have to fight for their lives in an organized setting to prove their worth and save the world. My first visit to that type of story was The Hunger Games (published 2008)—which I enjoyed thoroughly, at least the first in the trilogy—and more recently Fourth Wing (published 2023)—I enjoyed the first book enough to finish, but put aside the sequel. It wasn’t substantial enough to keep my interest and I didn‘t like the characters.
So, Red Rising. Violence, murder, a brutal dystopian society led by corporate families, the elite enslaving others for maximum gain. Pretty hateful. Our hero Darrow is a lowly Red, toiling away willingly in the mines of Mars, thinking that he and his fellow workers are paving the way for colonization.
When he realizes that they have been lied to and are used as slave labour for an elite class of Golds living on the terraformed and lush surface of the planet, the game changes and he joins the revolution to infiltrate the Golds with the goal to beat them from the inside.
I went with the Graphic Audio version, which is slightly shorter than the unabridged audiobook. The Irish (?) accent of the suppressed Reds took a little getting used to. I understand the choice. The accent/dialect you speak in indicates your „tribe“, your class and/or entitlement.
“Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects, and cinematic music!“
My thoughts after listening to the first part of this audio version: I don‘t like Darrow much or the story in general. The idea of this type of novel—brutality, gratuitous violence, slavery, abuse, all in the search of the best and most worthy—is very dubious and I don‘t enjoy reading it. Anyway, onwards to part 2, I intend to finish at least the first book of this series.
So, Red Rising. Violence, murder, a brutal dystopian society led by corporate families, the elite enslaving others for maximum gain. Pretty hateful. Our hero Darrow is a lowly Red, toiling away willingly in the mines of Mars, thinking that he and his fellow workers are paving the way for colonization.
When he realizes that they have been lied to and are used as slave labour for an elite class of Golds living on the terraformed and lush surface of the planet, the game changes and he joins the revolution to infiltrate the Golds with the goal to beat them from the inside.
I went with the Graphic Audio version, which is slightly shorter than the unabridged audiobook. The Irish (?) accent of the suppressed Reds took a little getting used to. I understand the choice. The accent/dialect you speak in indicates your „tribe“, your class and/or entitlement.
“Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects, and cinematic music!“
My thoughts after listening to the first part of this audio version: I don‘t like Darrow much or the story in general. The idea of this type of novel—brutality, gratuitous violence, slavery, abuse, all in the search of the best and most worthy—is very dubious and I don‘t enjoy reading it. Anyway, onwards to part 2, I intend to finish at least the first book of this series.
March 18, 2025
off to part two!!
April 2, 2025
You already know I rate this book overall a 5⭐️ - now throw in the killer graphic audio and I’m SOLDDDD. Really puts me in the world and brings all the action to life. Hail Reaper 🫡
January 5, 2026
re-listening to the graphic audio makes me like this book more actually!
October 8, 2025
so good!
second listen: 2025
second listen: 2025
Read
December 27, 2024Can’t decide if I want to finish Part 2.
April 5, 2025
My Red Rising journey began with a birthday gift from a good friend and I tore through the series thereafter, recommending them to everyone who had even the smallest inclination towards fantasy novels with corrupt power structures, biting social commentary and a penchant for dramatics and violence. Returning to them now, with an outstanding full cast via the Graphic Audio versions has been a real treat, and has solidified my love for this incredible series. Stewart Crank who voices Darrow is particularly brilliant.
October 1, 2025
📖 ˗ˏˋ post read ˎˊ˗
⤷ this book is glorious and has a way deeper meaning under the surface. i am absolutely blown away, and especially in love with the graphic audio version, per usual. full rtc in pt 2 💗
📔 ˗ˏˋ pre read ˎˊ˗
⤷ needed a new audiobook while doing chores around the house & figured why not try some sci fi written by a man
⤷ this book is glorious and has a way deeper meaning under the surface. i am absolutely blown away, and especially in love with the graphic audio version, per usual. full rtc in pt 2 💗
📔 ˗ˏˋ pre read ˎˊ˗
⤷ needed a new audiobook while doing chores around the house & figured why not try some sci fi written by a man
June 15, 2024
I loved this book when I read it back in 2017 and re reading the first 3 now that I realize the trilogy has been expanded to more books!
This is my first time listening to a dramatic audiobook and it may be my favorite way to listen to all audiobooks!
This is my first time listening to a dramatic audiobook and it may be my favorite way to listen to all audiobooks!
December 12, 2024
I was really excited to pick up Red Rising because of its sci-fi aspect, but while I liked the plot, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was very similar to The Hunger Games, particularly in the way society’s hierarchy is structured. The plot is engaging, but the writing style isn’t my type, and at times, I found it a bit dragging. I did enjoy the ending of the first book and will continue with the series (maybe!), but I feel it’s a bit overhyped. On a positive note, I love how the main character’s deep love for his wife is portrayed. Very sweet!
July 14, 2023
So, I almost never do re-reads of a book, but when I found out there was a dramatization of Red Rising, I pounced at the chance. It has been so good to hear it come to life with multiple narrators and really gives the story a breadth and depth that "words on page" did not do for me. I found I understood things a little better, deeper, and that makes this a 100% win for me. Already ordered the 2nd one and can't wait to dive in!
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