Red Rising (Part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Red Rising Saga Dramatic Adaptations #1, Part 1

by Pierce Brown

"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.

Genres: Audiobook, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Fiction, Young Adult, Adult

9 pages, Audiobook

First published April 2, 2023

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

rereading sept 2026; do i have many audiobooks i need to read? yes. am i doing a red rising graphic audio reread instead because i saw so many cassius posts? yes🙂‍↕️

— literally no complaints, finished part one in no time because SO MUCH FUCKING HAPPENS IT’S INSANE🫪

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man, The Myth, The Martian Rebellion Begins



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

Set deep beneath the surface of Mars, Red Rising (Part 1 of 2) introduces us to a brutal, highly stratified society where the lowest caste—the Reds—live and die in the mines. They are told their suffering serves a noble purpose: terraforming the planet so future generations can thrive above ground. But for most, that promise feels distant, almost mythical.

At the center of the story is Darrow, a young Red who has already lived a lifetime of hardship. Married at sixteen to Eo, a fiercely spirited and idealistic young woman, Darrow works as a Hell-Diver—one of the most dangerous and physically demanding jobs in the mines. Despite the risks, he excels, driven by love, loyalty, and the hope of earning a better life for his people.

The Reds’ lives revolve around quotas—impossible targets that determine whether their families eat or go hungry. Even when Darrow’s team outperforms the others, the reward system is rigged. The same team always “wins,” hoarding resources and reinforcing the hopelessness that has begun to settle over the Reds.

Everything changes on Darrow’s birthday, when Eo dares to challenge the system. She takes him beyond the forbidden barriers to the surface—where Darrow discovers the truth: Mars is already alive. There is grass, trees, animals, and an open sky filled with stars. The lie that has defined his entire existence shatters in a single night.

Their act of rebellion comes at a devastating cost. Captured by the Greys—the enforcers of the ruling class—they are sentenced to be whipped. Darrow endures his punishment with quiet strength, but when Eo is brought forward, he begs to take her lashes. Instead, she makes a far more dangerous choice: she sings a forbidden song, a symbol of defiance. The consequence is immediate and horrifying—Eo is executed, leaving Darrow broken and forever changed.

This first installment is a powerful origin story, laying the emotional and ideological groundwork for everything that follows.

Highlights:

• Emotionally gripping foundation: Darrow and Eo’s relationship is beautifully written, making the tragedy hit hard and linger long after the scene ends.
• Compelling dystopian world: The caste system is vividly realized, with clear hierarchies and deeply ingrained oppression that feels both believable and unsettling.
• Strong themes: Rebellion, truth, sacrifice, and systemic injustice are woven seamlessly into the narrative.
• Strategic Plan for Rebellion: I enjoyed how the transformation from red to gold (including futuristic plastic surgery makeover) then learning military tactics in at a leadership training school for golds.
• Pacing and tension: Even in this “setup” portion, the story never drags. There’s a constant sense of unease and inevitability.

Limitations:

• Incomplete narrative arc: As Part 1 of 2, this installment ends before the larger story truly expands, which may feel abrupt or unsatisfying to some listeners.
• Heavy exposition early on: The world-building, while excellent, can feel dense at the beginning as listeners adjust to the terminology and structure.
• Emotional intensity: The story does not hold back, which may be overwhelming for those sensitive to darker themes.

Narration & Audio Production

The GraphicAudio treatment—marketed as a “movie in your mind”—absolutely delivers. This is not just an audiobook; it’s a fully immersive experience.

The full cast, including Stewart Crank, John Kielty, Richard Rohan, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Jenna Sharpe, Kay Eluvian, Jon Vertullo, Ian Russell, Alejandro Ruiz, Andrew Colford, and many others, brings incredible depth and personality to the story. Each character feels distinct and alive, adding layers of nuance that elevate the emotional impact.

The sound design is where this production truly shines. From the rumble of mining equipment to the haunting quiet of the Martian surface, every effect enhances the atmosphere without overpowering the dialogue. The background music and ambient noise pull you deeper into the world, making scenes like Eo’s final act even more visceral and unforgettable.

Final Opinion

Red Rising (Part 1 of 2) – GraphicAudio Edition is a stunning and emotionally charged introduction to a world that feels both alien and eerily familiar. The story is original, unpredictable, and deeply engaging, with twists that challenge both the protagonist and the listener’s expectations.

Pierce Brown’s writing (brought to life brilliantly in this format) combines raw emotional power with intricate world-building, creating a foundation that promises something truly epic. There are many examples of future technology and science fiction elements, that not only show a very advanced world, but also make the gap between the castes so much wider in comparison. Even in this first half, the seeds of revolution, identity, and transformation are planted with precision and care.

If you’re looking for an audiobook that fully immerses you—one that doesn’t just tell a story but surrounds you with it—this GraphicAudio edition is absolutely worth experiencing.

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[ari [gin’s vrsn 🩵] [semi ia] · Rating 5 out of 5]

the narrating is tasty 😋🥺

i’ll put the whole review for the book on the actual paperback and link it here later 😪

[Becci · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Fahmida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐
The book is definitely a good one but I paused quite a few times in between which made me pull out of the story a little!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. I'm already a fan of the book in its regular form, but having the sound effects and music and full cast is just absolutely fantastic.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Taschima · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[CHIP · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Akshay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Rising (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Pierce Brown

Pierce Brown's debut novel is a brutal, propulsive science-fiction epic set in a rigidly stratified future society. Humanity has colonized the solar system and organized itself into a color-coded caste system, with the golden-eyed Golds at the top and the Reds, who toil in the mines beneath Mars, at the bottom. This first half of the dramatized adaptation covers the setup: the world, its cruelty, and the beginning of a young man's transformation into something dangerous.

The Premise

Darrow is a sixteen-year-old Helldiver, a Red who drills for helium-3 in the deep tunnels. He has been told his whole life that his labor is terraforming the surface of Mars for the generations to come. His loyalty to that promise, and his love for his wife, Eo, form the emotional foundation of the story. The book then turns him from a worker into a weapon, and that transformation is the engine of the plot.

The Dramatized Format

A dramatized adaptation is not a standard audiobook. Instead of a single narrator, it uses a full cast of voice actors, a musical score, and layered sound effects. For a story this cinematic, the approach mostly works. Sci-fi action set pieces such as drilling, combat, and the hum and clatter of the Institute's arenas gain real energy from the sound design. Different characters get distinct voices, which helps in a book with a large, politically tangled ensemble. The adaptation also trims some of the novel's interior monologue in favor of dialogue and action, which speeds the pace but occasionally flattens Darrow's inner conflict.

Strengths

Momentum. The story rarely lets up. The opening chapters establish the stakes quickly, and the shift into the second act arrives with real force.

Worldbuilding. The caste system feels lived-in rather than decorative. The color hierarchy, the propaganda that keeps the Reds compliant, and the casual cruelty of the upper castes give the setting weight and give the story a moral spine.

Emotional stakes. Darrow's motivation is personal and easy to follow, which grounds a story that could otherwise drift into abstraction.

Audio production. The score and effects heighten tension without drowning out the performances, and the ensemble cast makes a crowded story easier to follow by ear.

Weaknesses

Familiar echoes. Readers of The Hunger Games, Ender's Game, or Game of Thrones will recognize some of the structure. The book borrows freely, though it usually adds enough of its own intensity to stand apart.

Abridged interiority. Because the format prioritizes action and dialogue, some of Darrow's reflective passages are compressed, so his moral struggle can feel less nuanced than on the page.

Content intensity. The violence is graphic and sustained, and the story deals with cruelty, death, and coercion. Some listeners will find it heavy going.

An incomplete arc. As the first of two parts, this installment ends mid-story. It sets up much more than it resolves, so it works best when you are ready to continue straight into part two.

Plot Notes

The story's early catalyst is Eo's death after a public act of defiance. Her execution shatters Darrow's faith in the system and leads him to the Sons of Ares, a rebel group that offers him a radical chance at revenge. They physically reshape him into a Gold, and he infiltrates the ruling class through the Institute, a savage proving ground where young Golds compete for status. It is a smart, dark twist on the school-of-war story, and it drives the second half of this part.

Verdict

A fast, savage, and emotionally driven sci-fi opener that gains real energy from its full-cast dramatization. It is imperfect and derivative in places, but hard to put down.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Best for: Fans of dystopian and military science fiction, listeners who enjoy immersive full-cast productions, and anyone who likes stories of rebellion and revenge. Less suited to: Readers who prefer gentle pacing or want to avoid graphic violence.

[hadesthehermit · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Catarino ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dramatized adaptation is fire!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Paloma · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 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

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of Red Rising. Love this dramatized adaption!

[Seb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun audiobook.

[Jessica Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is right up my alley. I’m so glad I started it.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried to read this book once and couldn't get into it but the graphic audio immediately pulled me in!

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Andy Pronti · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ally Wrenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[léonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audio production is sooo good, but this genre is not for me. Sorry Noel

[Heds · Rating 5 out of 5]

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
اینکه درو از یک سرخ به یک طلایی و بعد بی‌رنگ تبدیل می‌شه.
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.

[Madyfay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super cool and interesting so far I’m listening to it with my husband so being able to discuss it together is fun.

I like seeing Darrow’s transformation (literally) from who he is in the beginning of the book to who he has to pretend to be being a gold. It’ll be interesting to see if he loses the real him a long the way.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant audio, really immersive, brings the characters and the story to life, especially the song, far more effective than reading it in black and white.

I'm really enjoying the story so far too, I can completely see the Hunger Games similarities, but that is all they are, similarities, the plot is completely different and interesting, I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes 👍🏻

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

off to part two!!

[Julia Vampatella · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🫡

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

re-listening to the graphic audio makes me like this book more actually!