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Red Rising Saga #6
Światłodawca
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Science Fiction (2023)Darrow powraca w emocjonującej kontynuacji Czasu mroku.
Żniwiarz jest legendą, bardziej mitem niż człowiekiem. Ale jest także Darrowem: mężem, ojcem, przyjacielem.
Po druzgocącej klęsce Darrow marzy o powrocie do Virginii, swojej żony i Suwerenki, by bronić Marsa przed Lysandrem. A Lysander, który zamierza zniszczyć Powstanie i przywrócić zwierzchnictwo Złotych, jest gotowy w imię swoich ambicji niszczyć całe światy.
Kiedyś światy potrzebowały Żniwiarza. Dzisiaj potrzebują Darrowa.
Tak oto rozpoczyna się jego podróż powrotna do domu, międzyplanetarna przygoda, w której spotykają się starzy przyjaciele, wykuwają się nowe sojusze, a rywale ścierają się na polach bitew.
Ponieważ sen Eo jest nadal żywy – i po czasie mroku nastanie nowa era: epoka światła, zwycięstwa, nadziei.
Żniwiarz jest legendą, bardziej mitem niż człowiekiem. Ale jest także Darrowem: mężem, ojcem, przyjacielem.
Po druzgocącej klęsce Darrow marzy o powrocie do Virginii, swojej żony i Suwerenki, by bronić Marsa przed Lysandrem. A Lysander, który zamierza zniszczyć Powstanie i przywrócić zwierzchnictwo Złotych, jest gotowy w imię swoich ambicji niszczyć całe światy.
Kiedyś światy potrzebowały Żniwiarza. Dzisiaj potrzebują Darrowa.
Tak oto rozpoczyna się jego podróż powrotna do domu, międzyplanetarna przygoda, w której spotykają się starzy przyjaciele, wykuwają się nowe sojusze, a rywale ścierają się na polach bitew.
Ponieważ sen Eo jest nadal żywy – i po czasie mroku nastanie nowa era: epoka światła, zwycięstwa, nadziei.
880 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2023
About the author
Pierce Brown
59 books62.2k 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 16,073 reviews
September 1, 2023
This review is a copy of the transcript of my video review on Light Bringer
Light Bringer is a bloodydamn near perfect space-opera masterpiece.
*Clang Clang Clang* Can you hear that?
That’s the sound of blades clashing announcing the arrival of Light Bringer as the biggest contender for the best book of 2023. Pierce Brown has done it. I have been a diehard fan of Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga for almost seven years. My admiration and passion for this series has pushed me to willingly read the series from the beginning again—despite how busy I am—in preparation for the arrival of Light Bringer, the sixth and penultimate volume in the series. Although I have unbridled fondness for the series, I am not afraid to admit my favorite book in the entire series prior to the existence of Light Bringer has always been one of the books in the first Red Rising trilogy. On my first read-through up to Dark Age, Golden Son was my favorite installment. On my second read, Morning Star received an escalation to my favorite instead. And I did have a blast in my second read of Iron Gold and Dark Age as well. Dark Age, in particular, received a significant reading experience upgrade for me. But now that I've read my most anticipated release of the year, Light Bringer, I can say with a shattered and mended heart that is filled with contentment and satisfaction, Light Bringer is my favorite book in the entire series so far. I have no idea how Pierce Brown can top this book in Red God. Light Bringer was just that sublime.
Light Bringer begins 8 months after the end of Dark Age, and I strongly believe this is a return to the best of the first Red Rising trilogy while employing the expansive military space opera aspects of Iron Gold and Dark Age. And more. I have mentioned this in my review of Dark Age. For context, Dark Age is one of the darkest books I've ever read. Brown went all out on the gore, darkness, violence, and bleakness of the circumstances and threats Darrow and his friends faced to mercilessly showcase the darkness and cruelty of war and violence. And Brown succeeded at this. There is nothing wrong with this direction. On my second read, I acknowledge this is a necessary and firm foothold needed to be established for Brown to bring the massive emotional reckonings and self-discovery in Light Bringer. But on that review of Dark Age, especially on my first read without a sign of Light Bringer in sight back then, I felt Brown did not implement his most outstanding gift as a storyteller. That is to mix the themes of hope, friendship, love, and light into the chaos of destruction the characters encounter. This blend of chemistry made the first trilogy shine so brightly in many reader’s hearts. Fortunately, as I said earlier, Brown brought that back in Light Bringer multiply without losing the epic scope he meticulously prepared in Iron Gold and Dark Age. As Brown himself said. Light Bringer is a book about journeying through darkness toward light, toward home. It is a book about war, loss, and hope, but most of all, it is a book about friendship and how the bonds we make with those we love are stronger than duty, blood, or chains. And Brown is firing on all cylinders here. Lux ex Tenebris. Light comes after darkness.
Does it mean Light Bringer is less dark or intense compared to Dark Age? No. I will argue the intensity has been heightened even further. There were many moments in the book where I felt like my heart was leaping out of my throat. Part 1 out of 4 of the novel is relatively safe in tension and heartbreak. But remember, we are in the sixth book of seven in Red Rising Saga. My emotional investment (and I think the same notion is felt by other Howlers) toward the characters is real. Darrow and the surviving characters from the first trilogy are not simply fictional characters. Our affection and worries for them are genuine. A slight damage to them could mean a critical emotional hit for us readers. As we learn from the previous books in Red Rising Saga and many other science fiction and fantasy series, being a paragon of honor and virtue doesn’t immortalize or guarantee peace. War portends death, hatred, and vengeance. To form a unity with an armor of love or to be indivisible and invincible could be tougher than waging vengeance. Especially when Darrow and the characters live in a dehumanized world ruled by a ruthless hierarchy where the rule of might make right is absolute. This is, among many other reasons, why Light Bringer is so bloodydamn brilliant. The character’s work, characterizations, and development were masterfully written. My mind and heart swirled with fear, anxiety, love, happiness, and sorrow throughout every page. The sense of care I have for the main characters felt too much, and as I saw them constantly endure heavy adversities, it felt like I spiritually persisted with them, too.
I’ve read more than 600 novels since I read the first Red Rising trilogy for the first time. And the fact that I still regard the brotherhood in Red Rising Saga to be one of—if not—the best portrayal of brotherhood in fiction I’ve ever read is a testament to Brown’s complex, mature, and layered plotting and character motivations. I did mention this at the beginning of this review. Light Bringer brings the series back to its core. In Iron Gold and Dark Age, Darrow is mostly separated from the main characters from the first trilogy. It is why I think there is a bit of a more mixed reception toward both Iron Gold and Dark Age. Even if overall, they were still super positive. But this separation does bring worthy and rewarding payoffs in Light Bringer. I’m trying to not mention the character’s name here to make this review as spoiler-free as possible, but the theme of brotherhood exhibited in Light Bringer was so bloodydamn good. I would consider myself blessed to be able to read more books with this level of believable friendship and brotherhood. With more responsibilities and the march of time, their friendships aren’t as relatively simple as they were before in the first trilogy when they had fewer designated main missions and priorities. The brotherhood between Darrow and his brothers has obstructions, and they are bravely fought for, understood, and nurtured.
Red Rising Saga is still my number 1 favorite sci-fi series. It never feels like work to do a second read of the series from the beginning, and honestly speaking, I am glad I did that before reading Light Bringer. One of my favorite things about Light Bringer is how Pierce Brown totally made sure that crucial and pivotal events from each previous book in the series do matter. A lot. They were established and reflected, and they exponentially enhanced the emotional value I have with the series. When you analyze the storyline and conflicts in Iron Gold up to Light Bringer, especially Light Bringer, you will see many of them are the downfall and results of Darrow’s actions in the first trilogy. And I am not only talking about the endgame in Morning Star, but to mention one, what Darrow decided to do in the Battle of Ilium in Morning Star has a lot of devastating repercussions that can still be felt in Light Bringer. I am so pleased with this storytelling decision. I also think more authors and storytellers should include snippets of recollections or flashbacks like Brown did here. We, readers, have gone through the series from the beginning. In sequels or long series, characters' momentary recollections of the past and their journey can magnificently increase my emotional attachment to the characters and their struggle.
As a result, for the first time in the series, after all the development, I can now say Darrow has become one of my top favorite main characters. This is new to me. Sevro has always been my favorite character in Red Rising Saga. But Darrow is flawed, and his character's arc and development throughout the series are phenomenal. In Light Bringer, I love reading how Darrow took a step back to observe the unforgettable sins of his past. The weight of his guilt was never neglected, and he took action upon them. It is all so incredible. Brown's multiple first-person narration was compelling and engaging, as always. There were many passages I highlighted because they resonated a lot with me. Although Darrow and Lysander's POV chapters have the most spotlights in Light Bringer, the book or series never felt it was exclusively about them. It is about them, their loved ones, their beliefs, and the ruthless hierarchy of their world. And speaking of Lysander, let me say this... He is one of the most despicable and self-righteous characters I've read in speculative fiction. It takes something special to make me want to put my hand inside the pages of a book to strangle a character, and Lysander has achieved this in Light Bringer. Multiple times.
Finally, let’s talk about action scenes. I consider The Battle of Ilium in Morning Star one of the greatest space-opera warfare sequences I’ve ever read. And, of course, Light Bringer won’t reach the critical acclaim it has without the prominent clash of conflicts evident throughout the series. Pierce Brown brought that back again. He features not only one but TWO big battle sequences. And they were absolutely breathtaking. The brutality in The Battle of Phobos was rampant and terrifying. The tone was filled with grim menace, dread, and disorder. And then there’s more… *Clang Clang Clang*. You might have seen those who read Light Bringer mention: “Clang. Clang. Clang.” This is the sound of flashing blades producing a superbly thrilling iconic duel that will be discussed by the Howlers for many years to come. Ashvar is hands down the finest duel scene in the entire series. It was pure energy crystallized by Brown’s narrative. I am in awe. I don’t know how Brown did it. The frantic bedlam and bloodshed he conjures never fails to transport me into his books easily. The free movement in the battle-flow of the breath of stone was incredibly mesmerizing to me. My pulse pounded. I forgot I was reading a book. It was like a vortex of vivid wind had opened its invitation for readers to fly together with the howling lunatics following godkillers in a hunt. I can’t say more than this. If you haven’t read Light Bringer, you will know when you get there. The entire sequence was extremely well-written; I swear any author would be gratified to pen a sequence of chapters reaching that superlative quality. Light Bringer is epic. Also, the three gorgeous maps on the front pages of Light Bringer, illustrated by Joel Daniel Phillips, helped realize the ambitious scope of Brown’s vision in Red Rising Saga.
Picture: The Moon Io & The Moon Europa by Jose Daniel Phillips
Whether it's the cover art or the content, Light Bringer is the crowning glory of Red Rising Saga. This is an example of a marvelous book that reminds me why I love reading. The resonating themes of camaraderie, family, brotherhood, and hope were precisely combined with the grimness of the fine-tuned actions, sacrifice, and darkness. Light Bringer contains some of the most emotional scenes in the series so far, and believe me, it means a great deal. Especially when you put how many hearts have been broken and repaired by the events in the series into the equation. Light Bringer is the best penultimate book I've ever read out of any series. By bringing Light Bringer into existence, Brown has everlastingly carved his name into the archives of science fiction history as one of the greatest sci-fi authors of all time. Only one book remains. It will be bittersweet to read the series to its completion. And I am not sure how Brown can exceed Light Bringer in Red God. But if anyone can, it would be Howler One. Per Aspera ad Astra.
You can order this book from: Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Aliysa, Anastasia, Andrew, Andrew W, Annabeth, Arliss, Barbara, Biskit, Brad, Cade, Casey, Chris, Cullen, David, Dernerror, Diana, Donna, Donuts, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Ellen, Frank, Garrick, Gary, Gregory, Hamad, Helen, Jenn, Jesse, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Justin, Kristina, Lara, Luis, Melinda, Michael, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Norbert, Radiah, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Scott, Shawn, Tori, Tracy, TS, Wendy, Wick, Xero, Yuri, Zoe.
Light Bringer is a bloodydamn near perfect space-opera masterpiece.
“For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother. —Homer”
*Clang Clang Clang* Can you hear that?
That’s the sound of blades clashing announcing the arrival of Light Bringer as the biggest contender for the best book of 2023. Pierce Brown has done it. I have been a diehard fan of Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga for almost seven years. My admiration and passion for this series has pushed me to willingly read the series from the beginning again—despite how busy I am—in preparation for the arrival of Light Bringer, the sixth and penultimate volume in the series. Although I have unbridled fondness for the series, I am not afraid to admit my favorite book in the entire series prior to the existence of Light Bringer has always been one of the books in the first Red Rising trilogy. On my first read-through up to Dark Age, Golden Son was my favorite installment. On my second read, Morning Star received an escalation to my favorite instead. And I did have a blast in my second read of Iron Gold and Dark Age as well. Dark Age, in particular, received a significant reading experience upgrade for me. But now that I've read my most anticipated release of the year, Light Bringer, I can say with a shattered and mended heart that is filled with contentment and satisfaction, Light Bringer is my favorite book in the entire series so far. I have no idea how Pierce Brown can top this book in Red God. Light Bringer was just that sublime.
“The path is made of many stones that look all the same. When you trod upon evil, do not rest or look down because goodness is only a step away. The next may bring ruin, the next joy, but these stones are not your destination, they are but your journey to the path’s end.”
Light Bringer begins 8 months after the end of Dark Age, and I strongly believe this is a return to the best of the first Red Rising trilogy while employing the expansive military space opera aspects of Iron Gold and Dark Age. And more. I have mentioned this in my review of Dark Age. For context, Dark Age is one of the darkest books I've ever read. Brown went all out on the gore, darkness, violence, and bleakness of the circumstances and threats Darrow and his friends faced to mercilessly showcase the darkness and cruelty of war and violence. And Brown succeeded at this. There is nothing wrong with this direction. On my second read, I acknowledge this is a necessary and firm foothold needed to be established for Brown to bring the massive emotional reckonings and self-discovery in Light Bringer. But on that review of Dark Age, especially on my first read without a sign of Light Bringer in sight back then, I felt Brown did not implement his most outstanding gift as a storyteller. That is to mix the themes of hope, friendship, love, and light into the chaos of destruction the characters encounter. This blend of chemistry made the first trilogy shine so brightly in many reader’s hearts. Fortunately, as I said earlier, Brown brought that back in Light Bringer multiply without losing the epic scope he meticulously prepared in Iron Gold and Dark Age. As Brown himself said. Light Bringer is a book about journeying through darkness toward light, toward home. It is a book about war, loss, and hope, but most of all, it is a book about friendship and how the bonds we make with those we love are stronger than duty, blood, or chains. And Brown is firing on all cylinders here. Lux ex Tenebris. Light comes after darkness.
“I think of the eighth understanding. We achieve perfection first by acknowledging our failures. We increase understanding first by recognizing our ignorance.”
Does it mean Light Bringer is less dark or intense compared to Dark Age? No. I will argue the intensity has been heightened even further. There were many moments in the book where I felt like my heart was leaping out of my throat. Part 1 out of 4 of the novel is relatively safe in tension and heartbreak. But remember, we are in the sixth book of seven in Red Rising Saga. My emotional investment (and I think the same notion is felt by other Howlers) toward the characters is real. Darrow and the surviving characters from the first trilogy are not simply fictional characters. Our affection and worries for them are genuine. A slight damage to them could mean a critical emotional hit for us readers. As we learn from the previous books in Red Rising Saga and many other science fiction and fantasy series, being a paragon of honor and virtue doesn’t immortalize or guarantee peace. War portends death, hatred, and vengeance. To form a unity with an armor of love or to be indivisible and invincible could be tougher than waging vengeance. Especially when Darrow and the characters live in a dehumanized world ruled by a ruthless hierarchy where the rule of might make right is absolute. This is, among many other reasons, why Light Bringer is so bloodydamn brilliant. The character’s work, characterizations, and development were masterfully written. My mind and heart swirled with fear, anxiety, love, happiness, and sorrow throughout every page. The sense of care I have for the main characters felt too much, and as I saw them constantly endure heavy adversities, it felt like I spiritually persisted with them, too.
“If we demand restitution for all the evils that have been done to us, there will be no end to this war. It will consume us and the people we claim to lead. The future is more important than our wounds… The purpose of war must not be vengeance. It cannot be to kill your enemies until none are left. That is barbarism. That’s how Earth and its multitude of nations strangled itself… The purpose of war must be to find the road back to peace.”
I’ve read more than 600 novels since I read the first Red Rising trilogy for the first time. And the fact that I still regard the brotherhood in Red Rising Saga to be one of—if not—the best portrayal of brotherhood in fiction I’ve ever read is a testament to Brown’s complex, mature, and layered plotting and character motivations. I did mention this at the beginning of this review. Light Bringer brings the series back to its core. In Iron Gold and Dark Age, Darrow is mostly separated from the main characters from the first trilogy. It is why I think there is a bit of a more mixed reception toward both Iron Gold and Dark Age. Even if overall, they were still super positive. But this separation does bring worthy and rewarding payoffs in Light Bringer. I’m trying to not mention the character’s name here to make this review as spoiler-free as possible, but the theme of brotherhood exhibited in Light Bringer was so bloodydamn good. I would consider myself blessed to be able to read more books with this level of believable friendship and brotherhood. With more responsibilities and the march of time, their friendships aren’t as relatively simple as they were before in the first trilogy when they had fewer designated main missions and priorities. The brotherhood between Darrow and his brothers has obstructions, and they are bravely fought for, understood, and nurtured.
“So what you’re saying is, without your friends , you’d be slagged and the Rising would be ashes?... Welcome to the club, asshole. Where do you think I’d be without you? Without our friends? Dead in a ravine, that’s where. We hold each other up. We always have. That’s not weakness. That’s the only strength we’ve got. More than anyone, you’ve been there for me. You’ve been my engine for half a life. My turn.”
Red Rising Saga is still my number 1 favorite sci-fi series. It never feels like work to do a second read of the series from the beginning, and honestly speaking, I am glad I did that before reading Light Bringer. One of my favorite things about Light Bringer is how Pierce Brown totally made sure that crucial and pivotal events from each previous book in the series do matter. A lot. They were established and reflected, and they exponentially enhanced the emotional value I have with the series. When you analyze the storyline and conflicts in Iron Gold up to Light Bringer, especially Light Bringer, you will see many of them are the downfall and results of Darrow’s actions in the first trilogy. And I am not only talking about the endgame in Morning Star, but to mention one, what Darrow decided to do in the Battle of Ilium in Morning Star has a lot of devastating repercussions that can still be felt in Light Bringer. I am so pleased with this storytelling decision. I also think more authors and storytellers should include snippets of recollections or flashbacks like Brown did here. We, readers, have gone through the series from the beginning. In sequels or long series, characters' momentary recollections of the past and their journey can magnificently increase my emotional attachment to the characters and their struggle.
“In the cold prison of our minds, we are alone with our self-hatred, our doubts, and guilt… A friend may reach through the bars and hold our hand, but they cannot open the door for us. Only the prisoner has the key. All I can do is remind him we’re waiting for him when he gets out.”
As a result, for the first time in the series, after all the development, I can now say Darrow has become one of my top favorite main characters. This is new to me. Sevro has always been my favorite character in Red Rising Saga. But Darrow is flawed, and his character's arc and development throughout the series are phenomenal. In Light Bringer, I love reading how Darrow took a step back to observe the unforgettable sins of his past. The weight of his guilt was never neglected, and he took action upon them. It is all so incredible. Brown's multiple first-person narration was compelling and engaging, as always. There were many passages I highlighted because they resonated a lot with me. Although Darrow and Lysander's POV chapters have the most spotlights in Light Bringer, the book or series never felt it was exclusively about them. It is about them, their loved ones, their beliefs, and the ruthless hierarchy of their world. And speaking of Lysander, let me say this... He is one of the most despicable and self-righteous characters I've read in speculative fiction. It takes something special to make me want to put my hand inside the pages of a book to strangle a character, and Lysander has achieved this in Light Bringer. Multiple times.
“Did Silenius and Akari love war? Did they use war to line their own purses, to vent their rage against the ungrateful masses? Or did they wage war to sculpt the chaos natural in humanity into a future of order and prosperity? Our sacred ancestors knew what we have forgotten: that peace, not war, is our sacred calling. That we were to lead by our example, not to be led by our greed, our hunger for power. I look around, and I am humbled by your acts of valor and sacrifice, but we are no longer a people united by our sacrifice or by our convictions. We are united only in our propensity for self-interest, infighting, and greed.
Finally, let’s talk about action scenes. I consider The Battle of Ilium in Morning Star one of the greatest space-opera warfare sequences I’ve ever read. And, of course, Light Bringer won’t reach the critical acclaim it has without the prominent clash of conflicts evident throughout the series. Pierce Brown brought that back again. He features not only one but TWO big battle sequences. And they were absolutely breathtaking. The brutality in The Battle of Phobos was rampant and terrifying. The tone was filled with grim menace, dread, and disorder. And then there’s more… *Clang Clang Clang*. You might have seen those who read Light Bringer mention: “Clang. Clang. Clang.” This is the sound of flashing blades producing a superbly thrilling iconic duel that will be discussed by the Howlers for many years to come. Ashvar is hands down the finest duel scene in the entire series. It was pure energy crystallized by Brown’s narrative. I am in awe. I don’t know how Brown did it. The frantic bedlam and bloodshed he conjures never fails to transport me into his books easily. The free movement in the battle-flow of the breath of stone was incredibly mesmerizing to me. My pulse pounded. I forgot I was reading a book. It was like a vortex of vivid wind had opened its invitation for readers to fly together with the howling lunatics following godkillers in a hunt. I can’t say more than this. If you haven’t read Light Bringer, you will know when you get there. The entire sequence was extremely well-written; I swear any author would be gratified to pen a sequence of chapters reaching that superlative quality. Light Bringer is epic. Also, the three gorgeous maps on the front pages of Light Bringer, illustrated by Joel Daniel Phillips, helped realize the ambitious scope of Brown’s vision in Red Rising Saga.
Picture: The Moon Io & The Moon Europa by Jose Daniel Phillips
“So why are we fading? Because we don’t wanna be here. We wanna be on the other side of this shit. We’re waiting to live. But this is it. This is our life until we change it. That’s all right. Like Darrow said, it’s a blessing. It is our privilege to fight. So let’s stop eating ourselves, chewing on each other’s legs. It’s stupid. It’s endless. We got more to do.”
Whether it's the cover art or the content, Light Bringer is the crowning glory of Red Rising Saga. This is an example of a marvelous book that reminds me why I love reading. The resonating themes of camaraderie, family, brotherhood, and hope were precisely combined with the grimness of the fine-tuned actions, sacrifice, and darkness. Light Bringer contains some of the most emotional scenes in the series so far, and believe me, it means a great deal. Especially when you put how many hearts have been broken and repaired by the events in the series into the equation. Light Bringer is the best penultimate book I've ever read out of any series. By bringing Light Bringer into existence, Brown has everlastingly carved his name into the archives of science fiction history as one of the greatest sci-fi authors of all time. Only one book remains. It will be bittersweet to read the series to its completion. And I am not sure how Brown can exceed Light Bringer in Red God. But if anyone can, it would be Howler One. Per Aspera ad Astra.
“I’m not really blessed at keeping friends. But you are. I truly respect that. I know how special your friends are to you, how protective you are of them. And it means…quite a bit to me that you’ve invited me into your pack and made me feel welcome. No…it means everything, really. Without this, without your friends, I’m very much alone. You’ve put a lot of faith in me. Faith that I don’t think I’ve always deserved. I just want to say…thank you, Darrow.”
You can order this book from: Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Aliysa, Anastasia, Andrew, Andrew W, Annabeth, Arliss, Barbara, Biskit, Brad, Cade, Casey, Chris, Cullen, David, Dernerror, Diana, Donna, Donuts, Dylan, Edward, Elias, Ellen, Frank, Garrick, Gary, Gregory, Hamad, Helen, Jenn, Jesse, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Justin, Kristina, Lara, Luis, Melinda, Michael, Michael, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Norbert, Radiah, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Scott, Shawn, Tori, Tracy, TS, Wendy, Wick, Xero, Yuri, Zoe.
August 24, 2025
6 ⭐️ of pain and suffering and rage and buckets of my tears.
“In another life, I might have loved him. But he didn’t need a woman’s love. He needed a brother’s.”
Best book in the series hands down, no questions asked. But I have never felt this much sorrow emptiness from a book before. I actually cannot stop crying. This book was so beautiful and exactly what we needed after Dark Age…. Just to have everything ripped away in the most traumatic and agonizing Pierce Brown fashion. I will never recover. I don’t even know how I’ll pick up a book again or go a day without this series making me cry and haunting my life.
What do you mean it’s over? We just got him back……
How do you just expect me to continue acting like a normal member of society??? I cannot function.
New favorite book ever, new favorite series ever. I don’t know how I’m gonna wait for Red God but at the same time I need a break from the pain binge reading this series has instilled in me. I’m also terrified of what the finale is gonna bring. I have no hope. I swear to god Pierce Brown if you kill what’s left of my family………. Well that’ll be it for me. No I can’t stand the thought of what he’s gonna do to them all in the end 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Anyways. This was a journey. I came out on the other side dehydrated, hungry, sleep deprived, pale, depressed….. a little sick tbh. But none of that matters because this was a masterpiece and I would do it again a million times over. If you haven’t read this series yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING??!!!!
“In another life, I might have loved him. But he didn’t need a woman’s love. He needed a brother’s.”
Best book in the series hands down, no questions asked. But I have never felt this much sorrow emptiness from a book before. I actually cannot stop crying. This book was so beautiful and exactly what we needed after Dark Age…. Just to have everything ripped away in the most traumatic and agonizing Pierce Brown fashion. I will never recover. I don’t even know how I’ll pick up a book again or go a day without this series making me cry and haunting my life.
What do you mean it’s over? We just got him back……
How do you just expect me to continue acting like a normal member of society??? I cannot function.
New favorite book ever, new favorite series ever. I don’t know how I’m gonna wait for Red God but at the same time I need a break from the pain binge reading this series has instilled in me. I’m also terrified of what the finale is gonna bring. I have no hope. I swear to god Pierce Brown if you kill what’s left of my family………. Well that’ll be it for me. No I can’t stand the thought of what he’s gonna do to them all in the end 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Anyways. This was a journey. I came out on the other side dehydrated, hungry, sleep deprived, pale, depressed….. a little sick tbh. But none of that matters because this was a masterpiece and I would do it again a million times over. If you haven’t read this series yet, WHAT ARE YOU DOING??!!!!
June 22, 2020
Please don't let anything happen to Darrow. Or Sevro. Or Mustang. Or Victra. Or Holi. Or Lyria. Or Volga. Or Kavax. Or Cassius. Or the kids...
Make Lysander suffer though.
UPDATE: Pierce did it again. The man ripped my heart out and left it shattered in a million tiny pieces.
Make Lysander suffer though.
UPDATE: Pierce did it again. The man ripped my heart out and left it shattered in a million tiny pieces.
Read
July 20, 2023Full video review here: https://youtu.be/STirP2cBd3Y
Spoiler discussion (featuring HowlerPod) here: https://youtube.com/live/Sza_p3nhPiQ
After an incredibly long wait, Light Bringer is finally here. I had my fingers crossed for an ARC but the publisher ghosted me for whatever reason. But when I had Pierce Brown on the channel he said “I got you” and that he did. I was sent an uncorrected proof by Pierce personally in exchange for an honest review.
With so much time between books the theory crafting and speculation can go a little crazy. 4 years is a long time but definitely not in the Song of Ice & Fire kinda long wait that made my theories and speculation dry up. I had many coming into this book and I gotta say; I was wrong on all of them.
What Pierce has done in this book is take the series back to its roots in that this is Darrow’s book. One of the gripes in Iron Gold and Dark Age was too much time away from the OG. Darrow gets the bulk of the page time outside of one stretch in part II where he’s gone for almost 100 pages. But trust me, it’ll be worth it.
We spend so much time with Darrow and his companions (you’ll find zero spoilers here!) that you feel a bond like you haven’t felt those early days back at the Institute. Pierce gives me some team ups and group adventures I’ve been waiting for since Golden Son. And it’s just special.
On the other hand, I do wish we had gotten more Victra and Kavax in this one. Part II has maybe the biggest space battle the series has ever had and it’s amazing, but if you’re hoping for a lot of Victra like we had in Dark Age you might be missing her a little. Characters go MIA the second half of the book but I think it’s for good reason.
The events happening in each Part (4 parts in total) are paced in such a way that to hop across the solar system might be a little jarring. When you’re in a massive space battle, the last thing you want is to jump to another location for a territory dispute. Less hopping makes the book more cohesive but you will miss some of those side characters for long stretches.
I don’t like to say too much, but the last 50 pages of Light Bringer hit me harder emotionally than any other similar stretch in the series. While I didn’t sob I will say that I rolled a manly tear but if I wasn’t at my office I may have wailed. Pierce continues to write a sci-fi epic that hits emotionally every bit as hard as he does with his action (clang clang clang! …you’ll see 😏). That’s what makes this series so special. In the end, he always examines his characters humanity and what makes them tick.
For those worried this will feel like a “bridge” or set up book, fear not. Pierce has delivered another stunning volume to what is my favorite modern sci-fi series and has taken things in a direction I didn’t expect but I’m anxious to see the conclusion for in Red God. Pick this one up on day one because you don’t want that final act spoiled for you. Hail Reaper.
Spoiler discussion (featuring HowlerPod) here: https://youtube.com/live/Sza_p3nhPiQ
After an incredibly long wait, Light Bringer is finally here. I had my fingers crossed for an ARC but the publisher ghosted me for whatever reason. But when I had Pierce Brown on the channel he said “I got you” and that he did. I was sent an uncorrected proof by Pierce personally in exchange for an honest review.
With so much time between books the theory crafting and speculation can go a little crazy. 4 years is a long time but definitely not in the Song of Ice & Fire kinda long wait that made my theories and speculation dry up. I had many coming into this book and I gotta say; I was wrong on all of them.
What Pierce has done in this book is take the series back to its roots in that this is Darrow’s book. One of the gripes in Iron Gold and Dark Age was too much time away from the OG. Darrow gets the bulk of the page time outside of one stretch in part II where he’s gone for almost 100 pages. But trust me, it’ll be worth it.
We spend so much time with Darrow and his companions (you’ll find zero spoilers here!) that you feel a bond like you haven’t felt those early days back at the Institute. Pierce gives me some team ups and group adventures I’ve been waiting for since Golden Son. And it’s just special.
On the other hand, I do wish we had gotten more Victra and Kavax in this one. Part II has maybe the biggest space battle the series has ever had and it’s amazing, but if you’re hoping for a lot of Victra like we had in Dark Age you might be missing her a little. Characters go MIA the second half of the book but I think it’s for good reason.
The events happening in each Part (4 parts in total) are paced in such a way that to hop across the solar system might be a little jarring. When you’re in a massive space battle, the last thing you want is to jump to another location for a territory dispute. Less hopping makes the book more cohesive but you will miss some of those side characters for long stretches.
I don’t like to say too much, but the last 50 pages of Light Bringer hit me harder emotionally than any other similar stretch in the series. While I didn’t sob I will say that I rolled a manly tear but if I wasn’t at my office I may have wailed. Pierce continues to write a sci-fi epic that hits emotionally every bit as hard as he does with his action (clang clang clang! …you’ll see 😏). That’s what makes this series so special. In the end, he always examines his characters humanity and what makes them tick.
For those worried this will feel like a “bridge” or set up book, fear not. Pierce has delivered another stunning volume to what is my favorite modern sci-fi series and has taken things in a direction I didn’t expect but I’m anxious to see the conclusion for in Red God. Pick this one up on day one because you don’t want that final act spoiled for you. Hail Reaper.
August 7, 2019
What a ride!
After 4 years of waiting, I truly wanted to savour this book and read it slowly. However, once I reached 30% mark, the tempo of the story sped up rapidly and it was unable to put it down.
Light Bringer utterly and completely consumed my thoughts. It hit all the right buttons for me. Battle and fight scenes were pure perfection. Once again I not merely read but I LIVED the book written by Pierce Brown. In my opinion, I don't exaggerate when I say that he is master storyteller of our generation.
Brown's characters evolved in this installment, yet they stayed true to themselves. It all felt very natural and I truly enjoyed reading it. Kudos to the author, his writing style has evolved too.
So even though Light Bringer is not as grandiose and emotionally exhausting as Dark Age, this book was worth the wait! I will definitely re-read it many times over while I wait for next and final instalment of this spectacular series.
PRE-REVIEW:
It is official! Book #6 LIGHT BRINGER will be out on July 25th 2023! And afterwards we will get book #7 RED GOD (goosebumps!), which means that two novels are needed to finish this saga.
After Dark Age I am super excited for and simultaneously dreading this book.
After 4 years of waiting, I truly wanted to savour this book and read it slowly. However, once I reached 30% mark, the tempo of the story sped up rapidly and it was unable to put it down.
Light Bringer utterly and completely consumed my thoughts. It hit all the right buttons for me. Battle and fight scenes were pure perfection. Once again I not merely read but I LIVED the book written by Pierce Brown. In my opinion, I don't exaggerate when I say that he is master storyteller of our generation.
Brown's characters evolved in this installment, yet they stayed true to themselves. It all felt very natural and I truly enjoyed reading it. Kudos to the author, his writing style has evolved too.
So even though Light Bringer is not as grandiose and emotionally exhausting as Dark Age, this book was worth the wait! I will definitely re-read it many times over while I wait for next and final instalment of this spectacular series.
PRE-REVIEW:
It is official! Book #6 LIGHT BRINGER will be out on July 25th 2023! And afterwards we will get book #7 RED GOD (goosebumps!), which means that two novels are needed to finish this saga.
After Dark Age I am super excited for and simultaneously dreading this book.
August 1, 2023
Surprising exactly nobody, I loved this book. Also surprising nobody.... Spoilers ahead.
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
LYSANDER BETTER MEET HIS GRUESOME DEMISE IN RED GOD. IF THAT LITTLE TWAT ISN'T SPLIT IN HALF FROM ROOT TO STEM. IF HE ISN'T GIVEN A ONE WAY TICKET TO THE CENTER OF THE SUN. IF HE ISN'T REDUCED TO ATOMS SO HELP ME I WILL FREAK OUT.
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
LYSANDER BETTER MEET HIS GRUESOME DEMISE IN RED GOD. IF THAT LITTLE TWAT ISN'T SPLIT IN HALF FROM ROOT TO STEM. IF HE ISN'T GIVEN A ONE WAY TICKET TO THE CENTER OF THE SUN. IF HE ISN'T REDUCED TO ATOMS SO HELP ME I WILL FREAK OUT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2023
Easy, easy favorite of the series for me. The last 25% of this book is unfairly good. Light Bringer makes me want to start this entire series over immediately.
10/10
10/10
September 20, 2023
I still have not recovered.
January 20, 2018
Looking forward to this more than GoT #6.
Update: Suffice it to say, I believe Pierce Brown is in a league of his own. I was enthralled by the beginning, but from chapter 9 onwards I was utterly bewitched. If a higher power guided the creation of the English language, it was to allow Brown to write.
Update: Suffice it to say, I believe Pierce Brown is in a league of his own. I was enthralled by the beginning, but from chapter 9 onwards I was utterly bewitched. If a higher power guided the creation of the English language, it was to allow Brown to write.
September 4, 2025
reread 1:
This book will haunt me till the end of my days. A genuine masterpiece I can't say anything more than that. The reread was 10000000000 times better but 100000000000000000000000 times more painful.
We were all just lonely and in search of a pack. I WILL NEVER STOP CRYING😭
___________________________________________________________
first read:
"My honor remains."
CRYING IN THE CLUBBBBBB😭😭😭😭😭
"clang clang clang. CONFESS!"
FULL BODY CHILLS AHHHHHHHHH
No the way this ending absolutely shattered my heart and soul💔💔💔 PB must be stopped this can't go on 💔💔💔 I HATE THIS BOOK!!! 6 STARS😭😭😭
I really can't write a review for this book. So much happened and whatever I say can be a spoiler for every other book😭 Even though this was such a long book, I really did not want it to end. These characters and their messed up found family have become a part of me😭😭😭
The politics, the betrayals, the underhandedness, the mirroring of actual real life events...I can go on and on.
There was a me before this series and a me after it and I can never go back 😭😭 What do I even read now? I'm distraught and being overly dramatic rn but Red God isn't out until the summer😭 HOW DO I MOVE ON???
This book will haunt me till the end of my days. A genuine masterpiece I can't say anything more than that. The reread was 10000000000 times better but 100000000000000000000000 times more painful.
We were all just lonely and in search of a pack. I WILL NEVER STOP CRYING😭
___________________________________________________________
first read:
"My honor remains."
CRYING IN THE CLUBBBBBB😭😭😭😭😭
"clang clang clang. CONFESS!"
FULL BODY CHILLS AHHHHHHHHH
No the way this ending absolutely shattered my heart and soul💔💔💔 PB must be stopped this can't go on 💔💔💔 I HATE THIS BOOK!!! 6 STARS😭😭😭
I really can't write a review for this book. So much happened and whatever I say can be a spoiler for every other book😭 Even though this was such a long book, I really did not want it to end. These characters and their messed up found family have become a part of me😭😭😭
The politics, the betrayals, the underhandedness, the mirroring of actual real life events...I can go on and on.
There was a me before this series and a me after it and I can never go back 😭😭 What do I even read now? I'm distraught and being overly dramatic rn but Red God isn't out until the summer😭 HOW DO I MOVE ON???
September 27, 2018
Apart from Red Rising (book 1) back in 2018, Light Bringer is the only book in the Red Rising Saga to get only 3 stars from me. After pondering on this rating for some time, I honestly cannot bring myself to give it any more. I see you, reading this short, meager paragraph, and going: “but 3 stars is still a good score!” And in fact, it is. Light Bringer is an good book, filled with beautiful character arcs, unexpected plot lines, heart-wrenching battles and monstrous villains. But after 5 books short of perfection, Light Bringer feels like a massive downgrade.
In each and everyone of the installments, Pierce has constantly upped his games. From the Institute we go to civil war, from civil war we go to a full scale rebellion: making the stakes and scope of the story bigger and scarier every step of the way is one of the elements I like most about the series. Combined with its unpredictability, Red Rising is truly up there is the Olympus of best sci-fi (or sci-fantasy) ever written. In Light Bringer, everything just stalls. The many villains introduced in Dark Age shrink to a smaller number, some plot lines are dropped at the very beginning or just not touched upon. Months after reading Light Bringer, I am still angry and disappointed at how many characters were handled, above all Lyria and Sevro. If you have read the book, you already know what I’m talking about. Pierce wrote himself into a corner in Dark Age, and had to quickly find excuses to patch everything together. Some parts of Dark Age (especially Virginia’s pov) were unfortunately written in a haste; a dire error that has made cutting plot threads necessary, given the scope the story had evolved to. Pierce went overboard in DA and introduced a myriad of new, compelling events that he couldn’t bring himself to juggle with in the sequel. I understand, it was necessary, but it was still disappointing. I waited 4 years to get resolutions, continuations, and in the end I got a handful of dust.
I could go on and talk about the heartbreaking deaths and the long-awaited reunions, but it would be redundant. Many reviewers - you loved this book way more than me - did it already, and I honestly don’t feel in the mood to praise something that, in the end, left me with more complaints than any other book in the series. Light Bringer is still able to deliver a lot of emotional punches and the leave reader curled in a ball of tears. Red Rising is an amazing series, its core are the humanae gestae and the characters, a cast that, after 5 years since first starting the series, feels like home. I hope Red God doesn’t get a mind of its own and comes out on Christmas 2024.
~
1/8/2023 I feel violated. I am crying like baby and I can’t stop.
~
14/2/2023 Pierce has delivered the completed manuscript his editors! The word count is higher than Dark Age. Expect a 750+ pages beast!
~
27/9/2018 I need this, like, now. And I need Sevro to be happy.
In each and everyone of the installments, Pierce has constantly upped his games. From the Institute we go to civil war, from civil war we go to a full scale rebellion: making the stakes and scope of the story bigger and scarier every step of the way is one of the elements I like most about the series. Combined with its unpredictability, Red Rising is truly up there is the Olympus of best sci-fi (or sci-fantasy) ever written. In Light Bringer, everything just stalls. The many villains introduced in Dark Age shrink to a smaller number, some plot lines are dropped at the very beginning or just not touched upon. Months after reading Light Bringer, I am still angry and disappointed at how many characters were handled, above all Lyria and Sevro. If you have read the book, you already know what I’m talking about. Pierce wrote himself into a corner in Dark Age, and had to quickly find excuses to patch everything together. Some parts of Dark Age (especially Virginia’s pov) were unfortunately written in a haste; a dire error that has made cutting plot threads necessary, given the scope the story had evolved to. Pierce went overboard in DA and introduced a myriad of new, compelling events that he couldn’t bring himself to juggle with in the sequel. I understand, it was necessary, but it was still disappointing. I waited 4 years to get resolutions, continuations, and in the end I got a handful of dust.
I could go on and talk about the heartbreaking deaths and the long-awaited reunions, but it would be redundant. Many reviewers - you loved this book way more than me - did it already, and I honestly don’t feel in the mood to praise something that, in the end, left me with more complaints than any other book in the series. Light Bringer is still able to deliver a lot of emotional punches and the leave reader curled in a ball of tears. Red Rising is an amazing series, its core are the humanae gestae and the characters, a cast that, after 5 years since first starting the series, feels like home. I hope Red God doesn’t get a mind of its own and comes out on Christmas 2024.
~
1/8/2023 I feel violated. I am crying like baby and I can’t stop.
~
14/2/2023 Pierce has delivered the completed manuscript his editors! The word count is higher than Dark Age. Expect a 750+ pages beast!
~
27/9/2018 I need this, like, now. And I need Sevro to be happy.
February 9, 2026
Pierce, I am going to need you to release Red God RIGHT NOW!!!
What a rollercoaster of emotions. It's been incredible (and traumatizing) seeing the bonds that our characters have with each other. Seeing them morph over time. Seeing relationships deepen, seeing some go sour. The emotions of our characters are so complex in this series, and you can really feel for them as they get pulled toward different directions due to their circumstances.
Also noticed that this one felt a lot more true sci-fi than the rest of the series. I have always seen this series as more of a dystopian fantasy with a sci-fi backdrop - but as we continue, I am really feeling more of those questions about tech and how it potentially can morph a society, and ultimately change the core of humanity. Really cool to see the tone of this series shift and grow.
UGH THIS WAS SO GOOD BUT I AM SO DISTRAUGHT.
What a rollercoaster of emotions. It's been incredible (and traumatizing) seeing the bonds that our characters have with each other. Seeing them morph over time. Seeing relationships deepen, seeing some go sour. The emotions of our characters are so complex in this series, and you can really feel for them as they get pulled toward different directions due to their circumstances.
Also noticed that this one felt a lot more true sci-fi than the rest of the series. I have always seen this series as more of a dystopian fantasy with a sci-fi backdrop - but as we continue, I am really feeling more of those questions about tech and how it potentially can morph a society, and ultimately change the core of humanity. Really cool to see the tone of this series shift and grow.
UGH THIS WAS SO GOOD BUT I AM SO DISTRAUGHT.
April 24, 2023
Well, I did say I was ready to be hurt again. This book is everything I wanted it to be. Probably more. I am speechless. Angry that I must wait *however long* for Red God. I can't talk about it yet. It's too soon. I need to think...
Okay, I'm ready. In the interest of not spoiling anything for anyone else, I must be brief. This book follows four characters, the newest of which (though not technically a new perspective to the series, just the newest compared to the others) is probably the weakest in the book (in my opinion). There were also a surprising amount of grammatical errors, but that's to be expected in an "uncorrected" copy, so I won't hold that against it.
Darrow and Lysander have strong showings, as you'd expect, no matter how you feel about Lysander (I'm talking about a particular reddit board, iykyk haha!). But Lyria's story and her budding friendship with a particular character really caught me off guard. She didn't steal the scenes in this book (that honor belongs to someone else), but she did rise in my "favorite character" standings.
Now, if you love these books, you know how twisty and turny they can be. So, for that reason, I don't want to share my feelings on characters too much because it might give stuff away. But I will say, if you loved Iron Gold and Dark Age, you will love this one. And like me, you will laugh, you will cheer, you will gasp, you will stress eat, and you will probably cry.
Please, Mr. Brown. I can't wait four more years for Red God. But also, I don't want this story to end. So...do with that what you will.
*Netgalley graciously gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, I'm ready. In the interest of not spoiling anything for anyone else, I must be brief. This book follows four characters, the newest of which (though not technically a new perspective to the series, just the newest compared to the others) is probably the weakest in the book (in my opinion). There were also a surprising amount of grammatical errors, but that's to be expected in an "uncorrected" copy, so I won't hold that against it.
Darrow and Lysander have strong showings, as you'd expect, no matter how you feel about Lysander (I'm talking about a particular reddit board, iykyk haha!). But Lyria's story and her budding friendship with a particular character really caught me off guard. She didn't steal the scenes in this book (that honor belongs to someone else), but she did rise in my "favorite character" standings.
Now, if you love these books, you know how twisty and turny they can be. So, for that reason, I don't want to share my feelings on characters too much because it might give stuff away. But I will say, if you loved Iron Gold and Dark Age, you will love this one. And like me, you will laugh, you will cheer, you will gasp, you will stress eat, and you will probably cry.
Please, Mr. Brown. I can't wait four more years for Red God. But also, I don't want this story to end. So...do with that what you will.
*Netgalley graciously gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2026
♾️🌟 but truly, at what cost 😭😭😭
”i will see you in the vale…. you know the path” 💔
no i can’t even form words. my eyes are so swollen from crying so much & my chest physically feels like it’s caved in 😭😭 that last 10%, no. my heart is broken beyond any repair.
i see what they say about this somehow being more emotionally devastating than dark age. well, one things for sure - this book will never see me, ever again. fuck you pierce, i’m never forgiving you.. again. as if what you did in dark age wasn’t enough, then tearing us to shreds over and over again. WAS THAT NOT ENOUGH??? COULD YOU NOT HAVE STOPPED THERE? i cannot endure anymore 💔
”i was poor in those days. i’m quite rich now, i think.” 😭😭😭😭😭😭
well, i’m gunna be sick.
yeah pierce knows how to write a masterpiece of a book. he is a genius, and evil one but still, a genius. this book had some of the most EPIC battle scenes i have ever read. the amount of anxiety, rage, fear and despair i felt reading this book. genuinely one of the best things i have ever read - even though it killed me. the war and the politics in this one, the best yet, just incredible!!!
clang, clang, clang CHILLLSS!!
but oh so much pain.
’there are less steps to reach the top of the ramp than I have dead friends to list.’ 💔💔💔💔
i can’t really say much else because it’s at the point where everything would elude to something or spoil something so it’s just me crashing out instead. keeping it vague for anyone reading this who’s yet to read this book - all the best and all that 🌚
anyway, red god better be everyone floating on clouds of glitter together. please no one shatter my delusions, they are the only reason i’m surviving right now 😭
it brings me peace that shaz and i live i the same city, 2-4-1 funeral costs.
sorry for making you relive it a 3rd time youssra & crying to you - but i wouldn’t get through it otherwise 🥺
ily both - the vale awaits us. at least we have lots of people to see there 💔
p.s if pierce reads my dms or maybe he dabbles in goodreads. i do actually love you so much but we have a complicated relationship and that’s on you buddy, not me.
_____________
i'm sure this book is probs the final nail in my coffin. if i don't at least get a couple of okay moments then i will be suing pierce brown 😭
reading with my angel baby shaz & counting on my girl youssra to wait to die with us as a group please. prepare for the spam and probably more voice memos of me crying so much you can't even understand what i am saying. wow gunna throw up already yay.
”i will see you in the vale…. you know the path” 💔
no i can’t even form words. my eyes are so swollen from crying so much & my chest physically feels like it’s caved in 😭😭 that last 10%, no. my heart is broken beyond any repair.
i see what they say about this somehow being more emotionally devastating than dark age. well, one things for sure - this book will never see me, ever again. fuck you pierce, i’m never forgiving you.. again. as if what you did in dark age wasn’t enough, then tearing us to shreds over and over again. WAS THAT NOT ENOUGH??? COULD YOU NOT HAVE STOPPED THERE? i cannot endure anymore 💔
”i was poor in those days. i’m quite rich now, i think.” 😭😭😭😭😭😭
well, i’m gunna be sick.
yeah pierce knows how to write a masterpiece of a book. he is a genius, and evil one but still, a genius. this book had some of the most EPIC battle scenes i have ever read. the amount of anxiety, rage, fear and despair i felt reading this book. genuinely one of the best things i have ever read - even though it killed me. the war and the politics in this one, the best yet, just incredible!!!
clang, clang, clang CHILLLSS!!
but oh so much pain.
’there are less steps to reach the top of the ramp than I have dead friends to list.’ 💔💔💔💔
i can’t really say much else because it’s at the point where everything would elude to something or spoil something so it’s just me crashing out instead. keeping it vague for anyone reading this who’s yet to read this book - all the best and all that 🌚
anyway, red god better be everyone floating on clouds of glitter together. please no one shatter my delusions, they are the only reason i’m surviving right now 😭
it brings me peace that shaz and i live i the same city, 2-4-1 funeral costs.
sorry for making you relive it a 3rd time youssra & crying to you - but i wouldn’t get through it otherwise 🥺
ily both - the vale awaits us. at least we have lots of people to see there 💔
p.s if pierce reads my dms or maybe he dabbles in goodreads. i do actually love you so much but we have a complicated relationship and that’s on you buddy, not me.
_____________
i'm sure this book is probs the final nail in my coffin. if i don't at least get a couple of okay moments then i will be suing pierce brown 😭
reading with my angel baby shaz & counting on my girl youssra to wait to die with us as a group please. prepare for the spam and probably more voice memos of me crying so much you can't even understand what i am saying. wow gunna throw up already yay.
December 14, 2025
I had the opportunity to interview both Pierce Brown and John Gwynne together!
So... Light Bringer is one of my favourite experiences I've ever had. Not just reading experiences, but some of my favourite memories, feelings, intense emotions... they all stem from Light Bringer. It is an experience that will invade your senses, will bring you to your knees, make you feel triumphant and soul-destroyed. If you've read this many books in a series you are invested, and Pierce Brown has built and built and built up this world so well that you feel the weight of every word, every subtle nod and decision, every drawing of a razor. Light Bringer is also the book of the Red Rising Saga that had me in tears, and to feel such emotions to the extent that I did with this read, is a huge part of why I do read. To feel.
This book makes you feel EVERYTHING. A million stars.
*2nd read - goodness me this is incredible.*
So... Light Bringer is one of my favourite experiences I've ever had. Not just reading experiences, but some of my favourite memories, feelings, intense emotions... they all stem from Light Bringer. It is an experience that will invade your senses, will bring you to your knees, make you feel triumphant and soul-destroyed. If you've read this many books in a series you are invested, and Pierce Brown has built and built and built up this world so well that you feel the weight of every word, every subtle nod and decision, every drawing of a razor. Light Bringer is also the book of the Red Rising Saga that had me in tears, and to feel such emotions to the extent that I did with this read, is a huge part of why I do read. To feel.
This book makes you feel EVERYTHING. A million stars.
*2nd read - goodness me this is incredible.*
August 18, 2023
This is the most heartbreaking, soul crushing book I have read. Words cannot even begin to express the effect this book has had on me. The best book I have read this year. There’s nothing else to say.
The Man Who Killed Fear.
The Man Who Killed Fear.
November 1, 2025
5⭐️
I think I need to read fluffy romance HEA books for rest of the year because I am sad and emotionally drained . It was a roller coaster of emotions.
Whole saga is amazing! This maybe unpopular opinion but second arc had me in chokehold.
Especially the last two books. I have NO words left just tears 🥹.
PS : “𝕀 𝕒𝕞 ℂ𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕦𝕤 𝔹𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕒, 𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕋𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕦𝕤, 𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕁𝕦𝕝𝕚𝕒, 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕠𝕗 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕨, 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕂𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕒𝕣 ℝ𝕖𝕡𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕔, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤.” If you know, you know 🙏.
I think I need to read fluffy romance HEA books for rest of the year because I am sad and emotionally drained . It was a roller coaster of emotions.
Whole saga is amazing! This maybe unpopular opinion but second arc had me in chokehold.
Especially the last two books. I have NO words left just tears 🥹.
PS : “𝕀 𝕒𝕞 ℂ𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕦𝕤 𝔹𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕒, 𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕋𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕦𝕤, 𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕁𝕦𝕝𝕚𝕒, 𝕓𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕠𝕗 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕨, 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕂𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕒𝕣 ℝ𝕖𝕡𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕚𝕔, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤.” If you know, you know 🙏.
December 6, 2024
This book finished me. I am so unwell.
Pierce Brown truly never misses in my eyes. The way his brain works is such a wonder to me… like how does he come up with this stuff?
I cried, I laughed, and I gasped. This book had me pacing, sweating, and begging for more.
While this one still felt fast paced, I really appreciated the emphasis it had on the character’s inner turmoil and their journey to get to where they were at the end of the book. In fact, the character/relationship developments brought me to tears throughout. To see my bffs grow, love, grieve, etc is truly my favorite part about this book/series in general.
Hail reaper for now and all time and eternity
I NEED RED GOD NOW. PLEASE JUST GIVE ME A RELEASE DATE IM BEGGING
SPOILERS BELOW
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Lysander needs to die. No character arc for him. I hate him I hate him I hate him
Diomedes 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Darrow and Cassius’ relationship is… well was… quickly becoming my favorite in the series. Heartbreaking that he’s gone, but truly it makes me emotional to know he died knowing he was loved. Half tempted to get, “my honor still remains.” Tattooed on my body
Let’s also mention Darrow’s heart to heart with Sevro. Ugh. Tears.
Virginia and Darrow’s conversation before he goes to find Quicksilver shattered my heart into a billion pieces, and I know their reunion will do the same.
Pierce Brown truly never misses in my eyes. The way his brain works is such a wonder to me… like how does he come up with this stuff?
I cried, I laughed, and I gasped. This book had me pacing, sweating, and begging for more.
While this one still felt fast paced, I really appreciated the emphasis it had on the character’s inner turmoil and their journey to get to where they were at the end of the book. In fact, the character/relationship developments brought me to tears throughout. To see my bffs grow, love, grieve, etc is truly my favorite part about this book/series in general.
Hail reaper for now and all time and eternity
I NEED RED GOD NOW. PLEASE JUST GIVE ME A RELEASE DATE IM BEGGING
SPOILERS BELOW
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Lysander needs to die. No character arc for him. I hate him I hate him I hate him
Diomedes 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Darrow and Cassius’ relationship is… well was… quickly becoming my favorite in the series. Heartbreaking that he’s gone, but truly it makes me emotional to know he died knowing he was loved. Half tempted to get, “my honor still remains.” Tattooed on my body
Let’s also mention Darrow’s heart to heart with Sevro. Ugh. Tears.
Virginia and Darrow’s conversation before he goes to find Quicksilver shattered my heart into a billion pieces, and I know their reunion will do the same.
Read
July 2, 2025idk why i kept reading this series thinking each book would be different. pierce brown put my heart together and then broke it into a million pieces (again)
July 31, 2023
Absolutely incredible and pretty comfortably my favorite in the series so far (with Dark Age right behind it). Was the perfect combination of so many of my fav aspects of the series but also provided so many amazing scenes I was yearning for in the first 5 books. Also, the character work in this one is fantastic and the absolute highlight for me.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
I. Need. Red. God.
Time to reread the series again?
Clang. Clang. Clang.
I. Need. Red. God.
Time to reread the series again?
April 3, 2026
6 🌟
"In another life, I might have loved him. But he didn’t need a woman's love. He needed a brother's."
I will need weeks to recover… honestly, I don’t know if I ever will. 💔😭
No words — just tears and emotional damage.
This saga is a masterpiece, and Light Bringer is the best book in the series for me without question.
It’s now one of my favourite series ever, and I am equal parts excited and terrified for The Red God.
"In another life, I might have loved him. But he didn’t need a woman's love. He needed a brother's."
I will need weeks to recover… honestly, I don’t know if I ever will. 💔😭
No words — just tears and emotional damage.
This saga is a masterpiece, and Light Bringer is the best book in the series for me without question.
It’s now one of my favourite series ever, and I am equal parts excited and terrified for The Red God.
July 31, 2023
4.5/5
Pierce Brown knows no mercy. I have many thoughts after finishing this book but the one I want to share with you is simple - fuck Lysander.
Pierce Brown knows no mercy. I have many thoughts after finishing this book but the one I want to share with you is simple - fuck Lysander.
June 8, 2026
Idk what else I can say…this series is arguably my favorite of all time. This was an absolute masterpiece. I will be dying for the next book to be released.
6 stars ⭐️
Full RTC 🖤
6 stars ⭐️
Full RTC 🖤
Currently Reading
April 15, 2020Buddy read with Wren. Please be better than Dark Age.
Spending the next two years making book 6 predictions when we know PB will shatter at least one within the prologue again
Spending the next two years making book 6 predictions when we know PB will shatter at least one within the prologue again
August 24, 2026
I legitimately don’t have words right now.
”My honor remains”
RTC once I stop crying… if that ever happens 😭
Pre-read: Shine time! Absolutely NOT ready for this but going out with Laura is the only way I wanna go 😭
See y’all on the other side (and by “other side” I do in fact mean the Vale) 💔
”My honor remains”
RTC once I stop crying… if that ever happens 😭
Pre-read: Shine time! Absolutely NOT ready for this but going out with Laura is the only way I wanna go 😭
See y’all on the other side (and by “other side” I do in fact mean the Vale) 💔
March 6, 2025
I need the next book like I need air. This was too good. I loved every second of it even when I was angry & getting my heart shattered.
THESE CHARACTERS MEAN THE WORLD TO ME! The character development was some of the best I’ve read. I love them like they are my own family hahaha.
This series may go down as my ultimate fave. There’s something so special about what Pierce Brown has created. I can’t wait to read them all again before book 7.
**SPOILERS BELOW**
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I knew Cassius was gonna come back & die again after the first time in iron gold but it still wrecked my soul. I LOVE HIM. He climbed the book bf rank. I wanted him to be with Lyria badly.
Lysander SUCKS but I love his POV & character tbh.
I’m scared for Pax next book. All I ask is PB spare him PLEASE. I need a happy reunion with everyone. I seriously cannot wait for it any longer.
SO MANY EPIC BATTLE SCENES I WILL NEVER GET OVER. Vulsung Fa & Darrow? I was sweating. It was amazing.
Volga?! YASS QUEEN.
THESE CHARACTERS MEAN THE WORLD TO ME! The character development was some of the best I’ve read. I love them like they are my own family hahaha.
This series may go down as my ultimate fave. There’s something so special about what Pierce Brown has created. I can’t wait to read them all again before book 7.
**SPOILERS BELOW**
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I knew Cassius was gonna come back & die again after the first time in iron gold but it still wrecked my soul. I LOVE HIM. He climbed the book bf rank. I wanted him to be with Lyria badly.
Lysander SUCKS but I love his POV & character tbh.
I’m scared for Pax next book. All I ask is PB spare him PLEASE. I need a happy reunion with everyone. I seriously cannot wait for it any longer.
SO MANY EPIC BATTLE SCENES I WILL NEVER GET OVER. Vulsung Fa & Darrow? I was sweating. It was amazing.
Volga?! YASS QUEEN.
Read
July 29, 2023Two Words: "Fuck Lysander"
August 2, 2019
I swear if anything happens to Darrow or Pax I’m gonna s c r e a m. I need this book now holy mother of gods I can’t wait
Want to Read
January 18, 2023Omg!!!!! I just saw this!!!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
August 11, 2026
Wrote this review with a very heavy heart because I like documenting my thoughts and feelings while they’re still fresh (basically when I’m at my most vulnerable).
Everyone claims Dark Age is undisputedly the darkest book in this series, and I agree. But somehow, Light Bringer is the one that truly wrecked me.
This book bore witness to how friendships can be fractured by decisions, how the consequences of war extend far beyond the battlefield, and how sometimes true brilliance lies not in winning battles, but in winning allies. Because you simply cannot win a war alone.
And oh, how good it felt to have the Reaper back.
After the absolute devastation of Dark Age, watching Darrow slowly find his way back to himself was everything. Not just back to being the terrifying Reaper, but back to the man beneath the legend. The friend, husband, father, and brother.
And then there was Cassius.
I was desperately holding on to hope that Cassius would somehow escape this book unscathed. Deep down though, I somehow sensed his death was impending.
Of course, Pierce Brown had other plans to set up a culmination between Lysander and Darrow. But I hated how brutal his death had to be.
Cassius's entire arc across these books has been one of the most beautiful redemption arcs I've read. From the arrogant Gold in book one, to the man who finally became the person he always wanted to be. He chose honour when it was difficult. He chose friendship over pride. He chose humanity over the ideology he was raised in.
And that moment when Darrow called Cassius his brother — saying they should have been fighting together for the past ten years — it absolutely destroyed me. After everything they had been through, after all the misunderstandings and choices that had kept them apart, finally hearing Darrow acknowledge what Cassius had become to him was devastatingly beautiful.
That final scene between them was probably the most touching moment in the entire book for me. Cassius deserved so much more.
Diomedes, meanwhile, was such an unexpected highlight for me. I loved watching Darrow earn his respect and seeing these two warriors recognise something in each other despite coming from completely different worlds. Diomedes is everything Lysander thinks he is: honourable, principled, disciplined, and genuinely concerned with his people. He doesn't need to proclaim himself a hero because he simply tries to do what is right. His presence also reinforced one of the things I loved most about this book — Darrow finally understanding that the path to victory isn't just through strength, but through people. Through trust. Through alliances.
It took six books for me to fully appreciate just how brilliant Virginia is. Her intelligence isn't flashy, but it's everywhere — in the way she thinks several moves ahead, in how fiercely she protects her people, and in how she understands that winning a war is about more than winning battles. She is one of the few people who can match Darrow intellectually while also being brave enough to challenge him. I loved seeing her brilliance and bravery finally given the space they deserved.
And Lysander. I genuinely did not think I could hate anyone in this series more than Aja, but apparently I was wrong.
Nothing can change my mind that Lysander is truly evil at this point. Whatever justifications he tells himself, whatever noble intentions he thinks he has, the moment he betrayed and killed Cassius, something in him became irredeemably monstrous to me. And the worst part is that he is so convinced that everything he does is for the greater good.
I sank into grief alongside Darrow when he saw Cassius's brutalised body. I felt that loss so deeply because Cassius wasn't just another casualty of this war. He was Darrow's brother. He was someone who had fought so hard to become a better man, only to have that life cut brutally short.
I'm devastated. I will not be okay for a very long time.
📝 Mr Pierce Brown, respectfully: HOW MUCH LONGER THOUGH?😭 Although honestly after Light Bringer, I think we all need to emotionally prepare ourselves for Red God.
Everyone claims Dark Age is undisputedly the darkest book in this series, and I agree. But somehow, Light Bringer is the one that truly wrecked me.
This book bore witness to how friendships can be fractured by decisions, how the consequences of war extend far beyond the battlefield, and how sometimes true brilliance lies not in winning battles, but in winning allies. Because you simply cannot win a war alone.
And oh, how good it felt to have the Reaper back.
After the absolute devastation of Dark Age, watching Darrow slowly find his way back to himself was everything. Not just back to being the terrifying Reaper, but back to the man beneath the legend. The friend, husband, father, and brother.
And then there was Cassius.
I was desperately holding on to hope that Cassius would somehow escape this book unscathed. Deep down though, I somehow sensed his death was impending.
Of course, Pierce Brown had other plans to set up a culmination between Lysander and Darrow. But I hated how brutal his death had to be.
Cassius's entire arc across these books has been one of the most beautiful redemption arcs I've read. From the arrogant Gold in book one, to the man who finally became the person he always wanted to be. He chose honour when it was difficult. He chose friendship over pride. He chose humanity over the ideology he was raised in.
And that moment when Darrow called Cassius his brother — saying they should have been fighting together for the past ten years — it absolutely destroyed me. After everything they had been through, after all the misunderstandings and choices that had kept them apart, finally hearing Darrow acknowledge what Cassius had become to him was devastatingly beautiful.
That final scene between them was probably the most touching moment in the entire book for me. Cassius deserved so much more.
Diomedes, meanwhile, was such an unexpected highlight for me. I loved watching Darrow earn his respect and seeing these two warriors recognise something in each other despite coming from completely different worlds. Diomedes is everything Lysander thinks he is: honourable, principled, disciplined, and genuinely concerned with his people. He doesn't need to proclaim himself a hero because he simply tries to do what is right. His presence also reinforced one of the things I loved most about this book — Darrow finally understanding that the path to victory isn't just through strength, but through people. Through trust. Through alliances.
It took six books for me to fully appreciate just how brilliant Virginia is. Her intelligence isn't flashy, but it's everywhere — in the way she thinks several moves ahead, in how fiercely she protects her people, and in how she understands that winning a war is about more than winning battles. She is one of the few people who can match Darrow intellectually while also being brave enough to challenge him. I loved seeing her brilliance and bravery finally given the space they deserved.
And Lysander. I genuinely did not think I could hate anyone in this series more than Aja, but apparently I was wrong.
Nothing can change my mind that Lysander is truly evil at this point. Whatever justifications he tells himself, whatever noble intentions he thinks he has, the moment he betrayed and killed Cassius, something in him became irredeemably monstrous to me. And the worst part is that he is so convinced that everything he does is for the greater good.
I sank into grief alongside Darrow when he saw Cassius's brutalised body. I felt that loss so deeply because Cassius wasn't just another casualty of this war. He was Darrow's brother. He was someone who had fought so hard to become a better man, only to have that life cut brutally short.
I'm devastated. I will not be okay for a very long time.
📝 Mr Pierce Brown, respectfully: HOW MUCH LONGER THOUGH?😭 Although honestly after Light Bringer, I think we all need to emotionally prepare ourselves for Red God.
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