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Red Queen Collection: Red Queen, Glass Sword, Queen Song, Steel Scars – A #1 New York Times Bestselling Young Adult Fantasy of Rebellion and Betrayal
The #1 New York Times bestselling series!
Will her power save her or condemn her? The first two novels in the series, plus two prequel novellas, are collected here, perfect for fans of the series, and those who want to find out what all the hype is
Red USA Today calls Victoria Aveyard's debut novel "a sizzling, imaginative thriller, where romance and revolution collide, where power and justice duel." Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief, until, by a twist of fate, she discovers an ability all her own. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.
Glass The hotly anticipated sequel escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they've always known—and pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul.
Queen In this prequel novella, Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary—how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lay ahead for her in royal life.
Steel In this second prequel novella, Captain Farley exchanges coded transmissions with the resistance as she travels the land, recruiting for her first attempt at an attack on the capital. She was raised to be strong, but planting the seeds of rebellion in Norta is a tougher job than expected—until she stumbles upon a connection that may prove to be the key to the entire Mare Barrow.
Plus don't miss Realm Breaker! Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?
Will her power save her or condemn her? The first two novels in the series, plus two prequel novellas, are collected here, perfect for fans of the series, and those who want to find out what all the hype is
Red USA Today calls Victoria Aveyard's debut novel "a sizzling, imaginative thriller, where romance and revolution collide, where power and justice duel." Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief, until, by a twist of fate, she discovers an ability all her own. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.
Glass The hotly anticipated sequel escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they've always known—and pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul.
Queen In this prequel novella, Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary—how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lay ahead for her in royal life.
Steel In this second prequel novella, Captain Farley exchanges coded transmissions with the resistance as she travels the land, recruiting for her first attempt at an attack on the capital. She was raised to be strong, but planting the seeds of rebellion in Norta is a tougher job than expected—until she stumbles upon a connection that may prove to be the key to the entire Mare Barrow.
Plus don't miss Realm Breaker! Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?
862 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2016
382 people are currently reading
5184 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Aveyard
29 books74.4k followersI'm an author/screenwriter who likes books and lists. This site is the nexus of my universe.
I wrote the #1 NYT bestselling series RED QUEEN the #1 NYT bestselling REALM BREAKER trilogy. Next up, my adult fantasy debut, TEMPEST, coming 2026.
The genres I'm into include YA, Fantasy, Historical, Adventure, Apocalyptic - if people are dying, I'm buying.
I wrote the #1 NYT bestselling series RED QUEEN the #1 NYT bestselling REALM BREAKER trilogy. Next up, my adult fantasy debut, TEMPEST, coming 2026.
The genres I'm into include YA, Fantasy, Historical, Adventure, Apocalyptic - if people are dying, I'm buying.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 9, 2016
Red Queen:
I was so very pleased to pick this book up after deciding to leave off on The Scorch Trials right in the middle of itself. I very much ended up liking this book, even though I did figure out the hard, surprise twist by about 50-75% of book, because in my head there was only one big betrayal that could happen to the character that would derail where the novel had been leading.
I do like the stratification displayed in both the Reds, and then the slow revealing of it in the Silvers. I'm curious about the powers and I hope we learn more about them. I, also, hope we learn more about The Scarlet Guard, The Choke, the Lakelanders, and everything else. I can't wait to see some of the effective character changes and arcs coming, too.
My only tiny complaints with this novel was that the author is too reliant on the word 'smirk' and 'murmur,' and then, following closely, 'mutter.' I bet this will be something that slowly winnows down as she learns through her first books.
Queen Song:
I was very curious about this time period and relationship, since it was hinted at forever throughout the first novel. I feel like this novella was far too short for what it tried to cover. The courtship is entirely too short, and the way people felt about her far too brief all together.
The marriage almost non-existently off to the side. The years covering the loss of babies, also, was barely a line or three. We hardly heard about baby Cal. I'm still very, very, VERY confused about how Elara did anything to her, since we never see it (either her being driven insane, or being forced to lose her babies, or whether the dreams are dreams or being forced into her mind) -- and Elara managed to lie through the singing, or something like that? Or? I'm still very baffled about that part.
Basically too short, too jammed, and too much still unexplained.
But -- as a secondary fact, I did like getting hear about her having interests that passed down to Cal and I loved getting to learn more about the stratification of the Silver World.
Steel Scars:
This was a lovely look at the inside of Farley, and I found myself swept away in the world of the Gaurd. I loved getting to see this side of Shade in his appearance as well, and I like that the novella works as a prequel from the other side, before the big things that happen to Mare in the first book of the series. I, also, love the dispatches.
Glass Sword:
This books is so bad I dreamed about how I was going to write this up and somehow even convinced myself that I already had. I was so incredibly disappointed in this book it was like expecting to fall back on a soft, perfect bed and instead getting repeated smashed in the face with a hammer. I loved Red Queen madly, and I can't/won't ever be able to recommend this series to anyone now.
This addition was just so badly written, and the main character slides between hero, leader, martyr as she's needed to be, to get whatever she wants done, every few pages and sometimes just every few sentences. No one else is doing anything except her. I don't understand why the Red Gaurd is no longer doing anything once Mare is free. I don't understand how Farely's whole existence and personality vanishes into being a cardboard follower of Mare. Which really is a good descriptor of what every character in this one becomes.
I was so very pleased to pick this book up after deciding to leave off on The Scorch Trials right in the middle of itself. I very much ended up liking this book, even though I did figure out the hard, surprise twist by about 50-75% of book, because in my head there was only one big betrayal that could happen to the character that would derail where the novel had been leading.
I do like the stratification displayed in both the Reds, and then the slow revealing of it in the Silvers. I'm curious about the powers and I hope we learn more about them. I, also, hope we learn more about The Scarlet Guard, The Choke, the Lakelanders, and everything else. I can't wait to see some of the effective character changes and arcs coming, too.
My only tiny complaints with this novel was that the author is too reliant on the word 'smirk' and 'murmur,' and then, following closely, 'mutter.' I bet this will be something that slowly winnows down as she learns through her first books.
Queen Song:
I was very curious about this time period and relationship, since it was hinted at forever throughout the first novel. I feel like this novella was far too short for what it tried to cover. The courtship is entirely too short, and the way people felt about her far too brief all together.
The marriage almost non-existently off to the side. The years covering the loss of babies, also, was barely a line or three. We hardly heard about baby Cal. I'm still very, very, VERY confused about how Elara did anything to her, since we never see it (either her being driven insane, or being forced to lose her babies, or whether the dreams are dreams or being forced into her mind) -- and Elara managed to lie through the singing, or something like that? Or? I'm still very baffled about that part.
Basically too short, too jammed, and too much still unexplained.
But -- as a secondary fact, I did like getting hear about her having interests that passed down to Cal and I loved getting to learn more about the stratification of the Silver World.
Steel Scars:
This was a lovely look at the inside of Farley, and I found myself swept away in the world of the Gaurd. I loved getting to see this side of Shade in his appearance as well, and I like that the novella works as a prequel from the other side, before the big things that happen to Mare in the first book of the series. I, also, love the dispatches.
Glass Sword:
This books is so bad I dreamed about how I was going to write this up and somehow even convinced myself that I already had. I was so incredibly disappointed in this book it was like expecting to fall back on a soft, perfect bed and instead getting repeated smashed in the face with a hammer. I loved Red Queen madly, and I can't/won't ever be able to recommend this series to anyone now.
This addition was just so badly written, and the main character slides between hero, leader, martyr as she's needed to be, to get whatever she wants done, every few pages and sometimes just every few sentences. No one else is doing anything except her. I don't understand why the Red Gaurd is no longer doing anything once Mare is free. I don't understand how Farely's whole existence and personality vanishes into being a cardboard follower of Mare. Which really is a good descriptor of what every character in this one becomes.
March 6, 2016
Aveyard is a gifted story teller, captivating, great at creating dystopia. I had a little trouble getting beyond the princess selection thing but that's my own bias. I have issues with the contemporary American obsession with turning girls into princesses. We are enough. And. Don't need a patriarchal system telling us we are special only because we attract the romantic attention of a prince.
Having stated my own belief in self empowered girls, let me declare how delighted I was when Aveyard flipped the story into Mare's transition into a human being with her own identity. I like that the character makes mistakes and then owns them. This plot line gives readers space to explore what it feels like to become mature, responsible, accountable.
I also liked that Aveyard's female characters did not have to be sweet and pretty. Elara, Evangeline both demonstrate that females are not more benign rulers because of their genetalia. The capacity to bear children does not make women better than men. What makes a leader great has everything to do with character.
Brava.
Having stated my own belief in self empowered girls, let me declare how delighted I was when Aveyard flipped the story into Mare's transition into a human being with her own identity. I like that the character makes mistakes and then owns them. This plot line gives readers space to explore what it feels like to become mature, responsible, accountable.
I also liked that Aveyard's female characters did not have to be sweet and pretty. Elara, Evangeline both demonstrate that females are not more benign rulers because of their genetalia. The capacity to bear children does not make women better than men. What makes a leader great has everything to do with character.
Brava.
September 3, 2022
Could it been better ... I understand that it's just a novel, for a much more in depth understanding of the characters. Still it was "boring" I think it's the word and "hard" to read ... I liked the Glass sword novel more than I liked the silver scars ...
Read
May 9, 2016The pacing of the sequel was awkward. Some of the sequences were drawn out and others were rushed like the acquiring of the New Bloods started slow and went too fast in many instances. The conclusion was very aggravating; seemed forced to cause a third book.
November 11, 2017
Another dystopian novel staring a seemingly normal girl who turns out to be a princess with super powers? Yes please!
Just kidding. That format is wearing thin on me. That being said I really did like this series though the first book was the most enjoyable by far. Once these series switch over from the hero/heroine solving their own problems to solving the problems of the world it becomes a little too silly for this realist. But I mean, let's face it - who better than to solve complex world problems than a precocious 18 year old princess - I mean after all only they understand how things should really be and after all with their superpowers how could they lose?
I know I finished this series, but sadly i don't remember how it ends. I'm sure there was some kind of war or something...or maybe this is one of those never ending 5+ book sagas.... The first book was really good - - there is a steep downhill slope from there.
Just kidding. That format is wearing thin on me. That being said I really did like this series though the first book was the most enjoyable by far. Once these series switch over from the hero/heroine solving their own problems to solving the problems of the world it becomes a little too silly for this realist. But I mean, let's face it - who better than to solve complex world problems than a precocious 18 year old princess - I mean after all only they understand how things should really be and after all with their superpowers how could they lose?
I know I finished this series, but sadly i don't remember how it ends. I'm sure there was some kind of war or something...or maybe this is one of those never ending 5+ book sagas.... The first book was really good - - there is a steep downhill slope from there.
May 18, 2017
I started reading the two novellas: Queen Song and Steel Scars at first. Queen Song drug me in this world of Red and Silver blood. I couldn't stop reading and finished the whole five books in less than a week. The characters are enthralling, and the story is so good. I know there are other books out there that give the characters powers, but that takes nothing away from this book. It is wholly alone in its gripping story and development. My only irritation is that there is another book that has yet to be published. So I have to wait for the finale! I can't wait. But I'll have to. It was an amazing adventure and the I loved all the characters. It was equally sweet, adventure, and heartbreaking. I highly recommend.
May 31, 2025
2.5* for the series
format: ebook
finished the four main books and two of the novellas; still have the book containing all of the novellas to read. oof..
reading the first book i remembered the voices of upset readers of powerless. yes, there are similarities. but the stories and paths taken differ. having two princes and a teenaged female commoner does not lead to the same story. admittedly, i had a lot of fun reading the first two books of the powerless series. reading through the red queen series, on the other hand, was quite a slog for me.
i cared for none of the characters. too whiney, too righteous, too uncaring, too self-centered,..
the story itself did keep me reading, though. i was curious to know where all this is going and hopeful it would get better. it didn’t. as YA sometimes is, there was a lot of repetition that i probably noticed more because i wasn’t absorbed with the story and didn’t care for the characters, especially mare, the main character. mare’s specialty, apart from her lightening powers, appears to be making not so ideal decisions with fatal outcomes, whining over them, then turning around to repeat the process all over again.
bringing in POV chapters in books 3 and 4 was somewhat refreshing.
and the ending.. dear heavens! she finally gets her wish of abolishing royalty to then walk away from her big love to take some time? the what? also, with how prevalent the war with the lakelands was throughout the series, we do not learn how, or if, it is resolved? maybe that’s part of one of the novellas i haven’t read yet. we’ll see in case i ever get around to reading them.
overall, this series wasn’t for me. some YA works for me, some doesn’t. this one, sadly, didn’t.
format: ebook
finished the four main books and two of the novellas; still have the book containing all of the novellas to read. oof..
reading the first book i remembered the voices of upset readers of powerless. yes, there are similarities. but the stories and paths taken differ. having two princes and a teenaged female commoner does not lead to the same story. admittedly, i had a lot of fun reading the first two books of the powerless series. reading through the red queen series, on the other hand, was quite a slog for me.
i cared for none of the characters. too whiney, too righteous, too uncaring, too self-centered,..
the story itself did keep me reading, though. i was curious to know where all this is going and hopeful it would get better. it didn’t. as YA sometimes is, there was a lot of repetition that i probably noticed more because i wasn’t absorbed with the story and didn’t care for the characters, especially mare, the main character. mare’s specialty, apart from her lightening powers, appears to be making not so ideal decisions with fatal outcomes, whining over them, then turning around to repeat the process all over again.
bringing in POV chapters in books 3 and 4 was somewhat refreshing.
and the ending.. dear heavens! she finally gets her wish of abolishing royalty to then walk away from her big love to take some time? the what? also, with how prevalent the war with the lakelands was throughout the series, we do not learn how, or if, it is resolved? maybe that’s part of one of the novellas i haven’t read yet. we’ll see in case i ever get around to reading them.
overall, this series wasn’t for me. some YA works for me, some doesn’t. this one, sadly, didn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2022
No ha cumplido con mis expectativas para nada. Me parece una mezcla de "Divergente" y "La Selección". Me habían hablado muy bien de la saga y la cogí con gusto, pero no me enganchó en ningún momento ni entendí muy bien el tipo de sociedad y la historia en sí, creo que no tiene ninguna lógica. Lo único que me ha gustado ha sido la manera en cómo la autora ha querido hacer todas las batallas épicas y los plot twists que te dejaban a cuadros.
August 29, 2023
this has the first two books and some prequels in it
The twists in red Queen was pretty predictable but I still enjoyed the read. It took me a little bit to get into the book, maybe 50 pages in I started to enjoy it. This has the second book and some prequels, I got bored with the prequels so skipped them at the end but overall a Pretty good book so far can’t wait to read the third one.
The twists in red Queen was pretty predictable but I still enjoyed the read. It took me a little bit to get into the book, maybe 50 pages in I started to enjoy it. This has the second book and some prequels, I got bored with the prequels so skipped them at the end but overall a Pretty good book so far can’t wait to read the third one.
June 4, 2019
Better than Red Queen
I still have some issues with the lead’s voice and how integral male characters are to the plot compared to female characters, but I liked Glass Sword SO much better than Red Queen. The writing was less stilted and relied less heavily on genre tropes and a Hunger Games template.
I still have some issues with the lead’s voice and how integral male characters are to the plot compared to female characters, but I liked Glass Sword SO much better than Red Queen. The writing was less stilted and relied less heavily on genre tropes and a Hunger Games template.
March 17, 2024
This book is like The Hunger Games meets Divergent meets a King and Queen saga. A first the book really gripped my attention and I couldn’t put the book down. Then when I got further into the book, I kept thinking “why is this book so long”. I think the author could have gotten the point across in a shorter fashion. Overall, I enjoyed the story but I’m not so sure I’ll read the sequel!
April 27, 2018
Book one: 3 stars
Book two: 2 stars. Generous.
Novella 1: 2 stars
Novella 2: 1 star
These novellas served no purpose to the development of the series. And the characters aren't people I was ever that interested in.
Book two: 2 stars. Generous.
Novella 1: 2 stars
Novella 2: 1 star
These novellas served no purpose to the development of the series. And the characters aren't people I was ever that interested in.
June 10, 2018
I found this short audiobook after I had finished up the 3rd book in the series. I figured since I had read all the others, I probably should read this one too. I enjoyed Queen Song more than Steel Scars. You definitely don’t need to read these to enjoy the rest of the story.
July 7, 2017
Person: What's so great about Red Queen anyway?
Me: *eyes widen*
Me: *smiles maniacally*
Me: *pulls up a podium*
Me: *cues up a powerpoint*
Me: *shuffles notecards*
Me: *clears throat*
Me: I'm glad you asked
Me: *eyes widen*
Me: *smiles maniacally*
Me: *pulls up a podium*
Me: *cues up a powerpoint*
Me: *shuffles notecards*
Me: *clears throat*
Me: I'm glad you asked
July 12, 2018
See individual reviews
I reviewed these books all separately. I’m not as impressed with this series as I thought I would be. I will finish it though.
I reviewed these books all separately. I’m not as impressed with this series as I thought I would be. I will finish it though.
April 5, 2020
Love this series
April 9, 2020
Keeps you invested throughout the whole book, with well thought out characters and a immersive world to fall into.
June 1, 2020
Save yourself time
And just reread The Hunger Games. This series is devoid of original thought and chock full of dystopian YA tropes.
And just reread The Hunger Games. This series is devoid of original thought and chock full of dystopian YA tropes.
June 15, 2020
Good read.
Read
July 2, 2020Nice to have all these in one place.
Read
September 1, 2020loved It!
February 26, 2021
4.75 out of 5 stars
July 28, 2021
I love the red queen series😀
It was so action packed and it was full a twist and turns it was exhilarating.
I couldn't put the book down until I read the last page.
It was so action packed and it was full a twist and turns it was exhilarating.
I couldn't put the book down until I read the last page.
October 17, 2021
Easily digesible ya read
November 16, 2021
I liked only the first book in the series but it was good
June 12, 2022
Just read the novellas. Good, but I don’t really remember where they fit since I read the rest of the series so long ago.
July 28, 2023
Loved this series!!
July 28, 2023
So well written i love all the characters. Mare is kind of a little bitch though
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews