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Red Rising Saga Dramatic Adaptations #3, Part 1
Morning Star (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
Darrow would have lived in peace, but his enemies brought him war. The Gold overlords demanded his obedience, hanged his wife, and enslaved his people. But Darrow is determined to fight back. Risking everything to transform himself and breach Gold society, Darrow has battled to survive the cutthroat rivalries that breed Society’s mightiest warriors, climbed the ranks, and waited patiently to unleash the revolution that will tear the hierarchy apart from within.
Finally, the time has come.
But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied—and too glorious to surrender.
Finally, the time has come.
But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied—and too glorious to surrender.
Audiobook
Published January 31, 2024
About the author
Pierce Brown
61 books62.7k 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
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January 18, 2026The Red Rising graphic audios are beyond phenomenal. I loved reading the series, but hearing it brought to life takes it to another level entirely. The performances, sound design, and full cast make the story hit harder, deeper, and more viscerally. If you love Red Rising, you have to experience the graphic audios. It’s reliving the heartbreak all over again in the best possible way. Worth every shattered heart 💔
September 11, 2026
this was my first time listening to morning star in graphic audio and it did not disappoint 💔
August 29, 2025
Did I know it was gonna happen? Yeah
Did it still make me crash to my knees in the middle of Walmart like the first time I read it? You’ll never get me to admit it.
Did it still make me crash to my knees in the middle of Walmart like the first time I read it? You’ll never get me to admit it.
May 7, 2026
I'm never recovering from Ragnar's death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2024
For the first time in my many reads/listens of this series I think I'm liking morning star more than golden son.
March 27, 2026
This series has me constantly swinging between “I can’t listen to that right now it’s giving me too much anxiety” and “omg omg HOLY SHIT I can’t stop listening!!!”. Then cue me sobbing.
Am I going to say there aren’t flaws? No, but the emotional pay off and the high intensity is insane and so worth it to me.
If you want action, read this series. If you want high stakes, read this series. If you want emotion, read this series.
Honestly just read this series 🤣 or listen to the GAs, they are amazing.
Am I going to say there aren’t flaws? No, but the emotional pay off and the high intensity is insane and so worth it to me.
If you want action, read this series. If you want high stakes, read this series. If you want emotion, read this series.
Honestly just read this series 🤣 or listen to the GAs, they are amazing.
April 10, 2024
“I will give Eo your love. I will make a house in the Vale of your fathers. It will be beside my own. Join me there when you die. But I am no builder. So take your time. We will wait.” 😭💔😭😭😭😭
pierce brown, everyday I think about what it would be like to meet you, tackle you to the floor, and fight you. I have no combat skills but i will fight you for what you’ve done
Reread 6/27/26 - still devastating on the reread but alas, I preserve - onto part two!!!
pierce brown, everyday I think about what it would be like to meet you, tackle you to the floor, and fight you. I have no combat skills but i will fight you for what you’ve done
Reread 6/27/26 - still devastating on the reread but alas, I preserve - onto part two!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2025
This is a perfect book. A bloodydamn perfect PERFECT book. I can’t contain my heart in my own body when I think about it.
“It is no great thing to die. Not when one has lived. I owe that to you.”
😭😭😭😭😭
“It is no great thing to die. Not when one has lived. I owe that to you.”
😭😭😭😭😭
July 18, 2024
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IT JUST KEEPS GETTING CRAZIER!!!
Songs:
Woke Up a Rebel- Reuben in the Dark
Songs:
Woke Up a Rebel- Reuben in the Dark
August 28, 2026
Again, another phenomenal graphic audio, it really adds tension and emotion to the scenes.
As for the story itself 👌🏻it picks up right where we leave off at the end of golden son so we are thrown straight back into the action, and there is plenty of it!!! What an absolute ride!!!
Ragnar 🥹😭❤️
As for the story itself 👌🏻it picks up right where we leave off at the end of golden son so we are thrown straight back into the action, and there is plenty of it!!! What an absolute ride!!!
Ragnar 🥹😭❤️
April 21, 2025
They really did Cassius dirty with his voice…………………
February 12, 2026
I cried like 20000 times
September 12, 2026
Best book of the series so far. 🥺😭
March 5, 2026
I’m already dreading the mother of all book hangovers once I finish this series.
I think Pierce Brown is trying to kill me, or at least leave me deeply emotionally traumatised. Trying not to sob on a train while listening to the latest character kill off 😭
I think Pierce Brown is trying to kill me, or at least leave me deeply emotionally traumatised. Trying not to sob on a train while listening to the latest character kill off 😭
December 31, 2024
Love these dramatized adaptations so much!
January 8, 2026
Rating: 4.5 stars
Not to be 'that girl', but throughout this book I had some major 'Kingdom of Ash' flashbacks. And while the dystopian, sci-fi bent of this story takes us in completely different directions to the Fae world, the trauma it inspires is just as real, and when there are similarities, man does it hit you in the feels! This is a masterful piece of storytelling by the author, and while I've enjoyed the series so far, this was without doubt my favourite instalment. It just now means I'm slightly terrified for part two!
First and foremost, I have to shout out Stewart Crank's performance. He's fabulous as Darrow anyway, but the subtle shifts in his accent and tone now that the character's true heritage is more widely known is nothing short of perfection. Every emotion, from terror to heartbreak to contentment, doesn't just translate from his narration; it full on consumes your soul. Likewise, Jon Vertullo's performance also gives me chills (and not just because he's my favourite voice to listen to). Hearing his Severo in command and yet almost out of control really brings the character's struggle with percieved inferiority to life, while at the same time still managing to make you laugh with the tone of some of the ridiculous insults and exclamations he comes out with. Their scenes together are by far the best in the book.
There doesn't feel like a missed beat in this instalment; every moment has purpose, drive and emotional resonance, there is no way you can't be engaged throughout. The new characters that are introduced make an immediate impact, existing characters develop beautifully and leave you even more attached to them than before, and the overall storyline starts to come together in a way that inspires. All that being said, it still does require your full concentration to absorb all of the relevant details, and I am aware that my focus was pulled elsewhere in a few key moments that meant I had to rewind to figure out what was what, or continue listening knowing I might have missed a key piece of information. While this is frustrating, it just shows how well written the book is; every moment is important!
It's already clear that the author can write great twists that feel completely inevitable, but still manage to surprise you. But that goes double in this edition. It doesn’t feel like you're holding onto the edge of your seat or that your mind is completely blown by each revalation or sudden shock, but I nonetheless I found myself constantly questioning how I didn't see certain things coming. I love that this leaves you with a sense of not knowing who/what to trust; I side-eyed pretty much everyone at least once during the course of this!
I'm off to listen to Part 2 right now. Don't want this to end!
Not to be 'that girl', but throughout this book I had some major 'Kingdom of Ash' flashbacks. And while the dystopian, sci-fi bent of this story takes us in completely different directions to the Fae world, the trauma it inspires is just as real, and when there are similarities, man does it hit you in the feels! This is a masterful piece of storytelling by the author, and while I've enjoyed the series so far, this was without doubt my favourite instalment. It just now means I'm slightly terrified for part two!
First and foremost, I have to shout out Stewart Crank's performance. He's fabulous as Darrow anyway, but the subtle shifts in his accent and tone now that the character's true heritage is more widely known is nothing short of perfection. Every emotion, from terror to heartbreak to contentment, doesn't just translate from his narration; it full on consumes your soul. Likewise, Jon Vertullo's performance also gives me chills (and not just because he's my favourite voice to listen to). Hearing his Severo in command and yet almost out of control really brings the character's struggle with percieved inferiority to life, while at the same time still managing to make you laugh with the tone of some of the ridiculous insults and exclamations he comes out with. Their scenes together are by far the best in the book.
There doesn't feel like a missed beat in this instalment; every moment has purpose, drive and emotional resonance, there is no way you can't be engaged throughout. The new characters that are introduced make an immediate impact, existing characters develop beautifully and leave you even more attached to them than before, and the overall storyline starts to come together in a way that inspires. All that being said, it still does require your full concentration to absorb all of the relevant details, and I am aware that my focus was pulled elsewhere in a few key moments that meant I had to rewind to figure out what was what, or continue listening knowing I might have missed a key piece of information. While this is frustrating, it just shows how well written the book is; every moment is important!
It's already clear that the author can write great twists that feel completely inevitable, but still manage to surprise you. But that goes double in this edition. It doesn’t feel like you're holding onto the edge of your seat or that your mind is completely blown by each revalation or sudden shock, but I nonetheless I found myself constantly questioning how I didn't see certain things coming. I love that this leaves you with a sense of not knowing who/what to trust; I side-eyed pretty much everyone at least once during the course of this!
I'm off to listen to Part 2 right now. Don't want this to end!
June 29, 2026
If I could give this book ten stars I would. If I could give this series all the stars in the universe I would.
One of my closest friends LOVES this series. So she’s been kind enough to let me spam her with updates. I was telling her that our heroes were constantly getting pommelled and kicked to the ground and she said something which I completely agree with and that is this book is darb darb mafeesh sheteema.
I don’t even know where to start this review because so many things happened in this book. I was also speeding through it as a graphic audio and my mind was reeling.
When Sevro died I was IN DENIAL. I thought Pierce wouldn’t kill him off. I was in denial the whole time saying it can’t be true and IT WAS NOT.
Ragnar’s death was so tragic. I did not believe Aja died on the snow. I refused to believe she was dead until I saw a body and she wasn’t.
Victra and Sevro’s wedding was so sweet. I knew something was going to go wrong though. Whenever there is finally a moment of bliss, I don’t trust it too much. I was right cause 5 minutes later Adrius killed Darrow’s uncle. Death begets death begets death.
The last ten minutes of the audiobook my jaw was on the floor. When she started telling him that he basically lied to her for the first six years they knew each other and that she loves him more than anything or almost more than anything, my radar antennas went up. I was like DID SHE GET PREGNANT, HAVE HIS CHILD IN SECRET THEN HID THE CHILD???? Okay I get why she did it but it’s WILD. Also slay Virginia she disappears, has a child then a few weeks later returns to war. She has a child at the worst possible time. A child that everyone will want to kill if they knew of his existence. Then she needed to leave a part of her in the hands of someone else to go fight. Post partum is scared of her.
I love Lysander and I love that Cassius took him in.
Darrow being tortured at the beginning of the book broke my heart. He came back as a shell of who he was. The whole part where Sevro is leading and he secretly resents Darrow for his father’s death. Then Darrow thinking that Sevro isn’t the best leader, that he’s too impulsive. Then they just beat each other up and talked and all was good.
When Adrius cut off Darrow’s hand I wanted to throttle him. I mean I basically wanted to throttle him every time he was in a scene. Adrius is a very well fleshed out character and it never ceases to amaze me how savage he can be.
At the end when Darrow was thinking to himself and saying I am glad Mustang didn’t tell me about the baby because his people needed a sword not a father 😭😭😭. I really loved when Darrow and Cassius made up in the end. Last note, it’s really creepy that Sevro took Darrow’s eyes from Mickey.
One of my closest friends LOVES this series. So she’s been kind enough to let me spam her with updates. I was telling her that our heroes were constantly getting pommelled and kicked to the ground and she said something which I completely agree with and that is this book is darb darb mafeesh sheteema.
I don’t even know where to start this review because so many things happened in this book. I was also speeding through it as a graphic audio and my mind was reeling.
When Sevro died I was IN DENIAL. I thought Pierce wouldn’t kill him off. I was in denial the whole time saying it can’t be true and IT WAS NOT.
Ragnar’s death was so tragic. I did not believe Aja died on the snow. I refused to believe she was dead until I saw a body and she wasn’t.
Victra and Sevro’s wedding was so sweet. I knew something was going to go wrong though. Whenever there is finally a moment of bliss, I don’t trust it too much. I was right cause 5 minutes later Adrius killed Darrow’s uncle. Death begets death begets death.
The last ten minutes of the audiobook my jaw was on the floor. When she started telling him that he basically lied to her for the first six years they knew each other and that she loves him more than anything or almost more than anything, my radar antennas went up. I was like DID SHE GET PREGNANT, HAVE HIS CHILD IN SECRET THEN HID THE CHILD???? Okay I get why she did it but it’s WILD. Also slay Virginia she disappears, has a child then a few weeks later returns to war. She has a child at the worst possible time. A child that everyone will want to kill if they knew of his existence. Then she needed to leave a part of her in the hands of someone else to go fight. Post partum is scared of her.
I love Lysander and I love that Cassius took him in.
Darrow being tortured at the beginning of the book broke my heart. He came back as a shell of who he was. The whole part where Sevro is leading and he secretly resents Darrow for his father’s death. Then Darrow thinking that Sevro isn’t the best leader, that he’s too impulsive. Then they just beat each other up and talked and all was good.
When Adrius cut off Darrow’s hand I wanted to throttle him. I mean I basically wanted to throttle him every time he was in a scene. Adrius is a very well fleshed out character and it never ceases to amaze me how savage he can be.
At the end when Darrow was thinking to himself and saying I am glad Mustang didn’t tell me about the baby because his people needed a sword not a father 😭😭😭. I really loved when Darrow and Cassius made up in the end. Last note, it’s really creepy that Sevro took Darrow’s eyes from Mickey.
September 9, 2026
Have you ever wanted to reach through a book or your headphones and strangle some characters because they are being stubborn? Oh Sevro and Darrow- I swear I smacked my head and said “bloody men and their communication”
This book was joy and pain and love and heartbreak and hope and solidarity and divide in a beautifully narrated package.
Sevro is still my main man- I just want you to be wrapped in cotton wool and for you to rest.
This book was joy and pain and love and heartbreak and hope and solidarity and divide in a beautifully narrated package.
Sevro is still my main man- I just want you to be wrapped in cotton wool and for you to rest.
November 4, 2024
Absolutely incredible. The way these VA’s make this so real for me as a fan…I’m just so thankful for the talent in this production.
July 11, 2025
I love the Nagal/Obsidian accents. Great choice for Ragnar's VA. Hearing their war throat-chants during the battle scenes is never not epic and bone chilling.
August 20, 2025
But I am no builder. So take your time. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
September 1, 2025
Oh my heart! From the offset part 1 of this book was relentless with action, tension and pulling on my heartstrings.
April 18, 2026
"Government is never the solution, but it is almost always the problem."
August 10, 2026
Book in general: 5/5
Audiobook: phenomenal 5/5
Audiobook: phenomenal 5/5
August 26, 2026
I think this book finished me. And that was only the first half….send help.
September 24, 2026
Deze cast doet iets met me
Read
May 11, 2026GE WEL DIG
May 4, 2024
Gddgjgdbkjgdfj vffhjddgjj vdsfjcfg5hj yfachjusx
May 28th needs to hurry up so I can get part 2!
May 28th needs to hurry up so I can get part 2!
June 6, 2024
I don’t think there is any one more perfect for this role than Stewart Crank 😭
October 21, 2025
Listening to this was like having a full-on Michael Bay movie explode in my head — sound effects, voices, intensity, all of it. It’s cinematic, chaotic, and somehow even more emotional than reading.
This is only Part 1 of the GraphicAudio version, but it already blew me away. I can’t even imagine what Part 2 is going to do to me 😭
I still can’t stand Mustang 😤 no matter what she does, my feelings are locked in. But Victra? Queen behavior. Total badass. Every scene with her had me grinning.
The moment Sevro and Darrow finally ironed out their differences made me cry — their friendship has been through so much, and hearing it play out in full-cast audio just hit different.
Holiday’s growing on me, Ragnar’s the best 💔, and honestly, this whole production reminded me why I love this world so much.
This is only Part 1 of the GraphicAudio version, but it already blew me away. I can’t even imagine what Part 2 is going to do to me 😭
I still can’t stand Mustang 😤 no matter what she does, my feelings are locked in. But Victra? Queen behavior. Total badass. Every scene with her had me grinning.
The moment Sevro and Darrow finally ironed out their differences made me cry — their friendship has been through so much, and hearing it play out in full-cast audio just hit different.
Holiday’s growing on me, Ragnar’s the best 💔, and honestly, this whole production reminded me why I love this world so much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews