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Sons of Ares #7-12
Red Rising: Sons of Ares, Vol. 2: Wrath
The world of Pierce Brown's Red Rising expands further in the next installment of the Sons of Ares storyline.
Fitchner's quest for revenge continues as he and the other Sons of Ares seek out the Golds who have wronged his family. But actions come with repercussions and an elaborate game of cat and mouse is on. A battle of Gold versus Gold erupts further into more than acts of vengeance and becomes the seeds of a revolution.
Fitchner's quest for revenge continues as he and the other Sons of Ares seek out the Golds who have wronged his family. But actions come with repercussions and an elaborate game of cat and mouse is on. A battle of Gold versus Gold erupts further into more than acts of vengeance and becomes the seeds of a revolution.
132 pages, Hardcover
First published February 18, 2020
202 people are currently reading
2461 people want to read
About the author
Pierce Brown
54 books53.1k 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 199 reviews
January 26, 2020
The story was pretty interesting, picking up on Ares's quest to end the caste system while he's blackmailed into working for Quicksilver. I was very interested in the part of the story about how humans were genetically modified to complete different jobs in space. It picks up on some of the threads used in series like The Expanse. There's also a very good chance mankind will need to do something like this to explore the rest of our solar system and head to the stars.
What I couldn't stand about this miniseries is the art. Even though it's the same artist as volume 1, the art has gotten even worse. It's looks like thumbnails that were then colored as opposed to finished art. Honestly, I've seen better art from my niece and she's 10. Characters often look like muppets with removeable noses. It's so terrible, I'm actually embarrassed for the creators.
Received a review copy from Dynamite and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
What I couldn't stand about this miniseries is the art. Even though it's the same artist as volume 1, the art has gotten even worse. It's looks like thumbnails that were then colored as opposed to finished art. Honestly, I've seen better art from my niece and she's 10. Characters often look like muppets with removeable noses. It's so terrible, I'm actually embarrassed for the creators.
Received a review copy from Dynamite and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
January 10, 2020
As a hardcore fan of Pierce Brown and Howler at heart, I rejoice whenever there is expansion to Red Rising Saga universe, no matter what form. So even though Red Rising: Sons of Ares, Vol.1 didn't sweep me off my feet, I still couldn't wait to get my hands on this continuation of Fitchner's story.
Surprisingly, I liked Red Rising: Sons of Ares, Vol. 2: Wrath better than Vol.1. Storyline was more well-knit which enabled me to enjoy it more. It had the beginning, the action and the end. Simply said it weren't just random scenes glued together as often happens in graphic novels. So I really enjoyed the storyline part. Artistic part was also great. I liked the gloomy colours that illustrator used, they set perfect atmosphere for the story.
I'm really glad that I picked this graphic novel up and could witness the birth of true spirit of Sons of Ares. All in all, great addition to Red Rising Saga universe!
*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*
Surprisingly, I liked Red Rising: Sons of Ares, Vol. 2: Wrath better than Vol.1. Storyline was more well-knit which enabled me to enjoy it more. It had the beginning, the action and the end. Simply said it weren't just random scenes glued together as often happens in graphic novels. So I really enjoyed the storyline part. Artistic part was also great. I liked the gloomy colours that illustrator used, they set perfect atmosphere for the story.
I'm really glad that I picked this graphic novel up and could witness the birth of true spirit of Sons of Ares. All in all, great addition to Red Rising Saga universe!
*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*
March 3, 2020
Great continuation of some of the themes from the previous volume and the Red Rising series as a whole.
For those who don't care for the art, it's understandable you'd feel that way. Personally I think the decision to go hyper-stylized is probably a sound one as it prevents the artist from having to design every otherworldly aspect of the fictitious future tech and lifestyle of The Society and focus more on the characters and their interactions. But that's just my own take.
For those who don't care for the art, it's understandable you'd feel that way. Personally I think the decision to go hyper-stylized is probably a sound one as it prevents the artist from having to design every otherworldly aspect of the fictitious future tech and lifestyle of The Society and focus more on the characters and their interactions. But that's just my own take.
March 8, 2020
It’s a great story, if I wasn't so behind in my reading and reviews, I would seek out the novel version of Pierce's "Red Rising, Sons of Ares".
As an artist, I have never had the pleasure of drawing a comic book or graphic novel, so I do NOT know how hard it might be. I felt the artwork could be a hair better. Sometimes I did not know what character was in the panel, as I read through this work.
Still an excellent graphic novel by both writer and artist. I would recommend this work.
And yes, I did get an ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
As an artist, I have never had the pleasure of drawing a comic book or graphic novel, so I do NOT know how hard it might be. I felt the artwork could be a hair better. Sometimes I did not know what character was in the panel, as I read through this work.
Still an excellent graphic novel by both writer and artist. I would recommend this work.
And yes, I did get an ARC in exchanged for an honest review.
November 21, 2020
Rereading the Red Rising series this was a lot of fun to read in a prequel fill in the blanks sort of way.
It's really great to see Fitchner in action. Dude was brutal and he did whatever he had to do to get things done. What's most fun of reading this is how similar he is to Darrow, but lacks the "strength" darrow head in force but he's just as cunning if not more. So he uses his brains to get what he wants, and pushes him forward to meet his old friend once more. The one who cut down and killed his wife from the previous books.
Overall, really good stuff. I can't say I love the art. I think the art gives a good look to the overall world but the faces and action lack anything worth mentioning. Though I'll say baby Goblin is adorbs. But overall it's still worth reading for Red Rising fans. I liked this one even more than the previous volume. Red rising fans check it out.
It's really great to see Fitchner in action. Dude was brutal and he did whatever he had to do to get things done. What's most fun of reading this is how similar he is to Darrow, but lacks the "strength" darrow head in force but he's just as cunning if not more. So he uses his brains to get what he wants, and pushes him forward to meet his old friend once more. The one who cut down and killed his wife from the previous books.
Overall, really good stuff. I can't say I love the art. I think the art gives a good look to the overall world but the faces and action lack anything worth mentioning. Though I'll say baby Goblin is adorbs. But overall it's still worth reading for Red Rising fans. I liked this one even more than the previous volume. Red rising fans check it out.
May 22, 2025
parallels between him and Darrow😭
June 11, 2021
Bloodydamb prime!
Honestly I could read a 1000 page book of Fitchner changing baby Sevro's diapers lol
I wish it was a lengthy book of how he became who he is and that includes how he became Rage knight.
I was so hyped to see that but even without that I had such a fun with the story.
My only complain is that Fitchner was too serious which is odd because he's actually quite fun in the RR trilogy even when everything is going to shit but I can see that's the result of his situation and the stage he is right in.
I'm just sad I'm out of RR material to keep myself from missing it so much.
I hope Pierce writes more stories surrounding this phenomenal story.
Honestly I could read a 1000 page book of Fitchner changing baby Sevro's diapers lol
I wish it was a lengthy book of how he became who he is and that includes how he became Rage knight.
I was so hyped to see that but even without that I had such a fun with the story.
My only complain is that Fitchner was too serious which is odd because he's actually quite fun in the RR trilogy even when everything is going to shit but I can see that's the result of his situation and the stage he is right in.
I'm just sad I'm out of RR material to keep myself from missing it so much.
I hope Pierce writes more stories surrounding this phenomenal story.
April 16, 2020
This definitely didn't feel long enough! As always, Pierce Brown's characters and story are captivating from the beginning. My only complaint is the same as I had with the first volume, I just don't love the artwork as much as it pains me to say. The dark and grittiness of the story comes across in it, I just dislike the lack of detail in the artwork.
4.75 stars
4.75 stars
October 25, 2020
One less star because of the art style.
Time spent: 48min
Time spent: 48min
February 18, 2023
I still utterly despise the art for this series, but I enjoyed the story. The Graphic Audiobook is really well done though I do struggle with the audiobook and graphic novel not matching up.
I’m excited for the next volume either way.
I’m excited for the next volume either way.
September 8, 2020
3.5 Stars
I have been with the Red Rising series from when the first book was published, and I have been enjoying it a lot. So naturally, I would enjoy all the little extras that are being published in the same universe. In this case, the graphic novels focus on parts of the story that take place before the events in Red Rising (I will try not to say too much in case of spoilers).
I liked the story of these first two volumes - even if one already knows where it is heading. The art itself, however, is not really my style. But to each their own, of course.
If you plan on reading this, make sure to start with the books first - especially Red Rising. It will all make a lot more sense that way.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I have been with the Red Rising series from when the first book was published, and I have been enjoying it a lot. So naturally, I would enjoy all the little extras that are being published in the same universe. In this case, the graphic novels focus on parts of the story that take place before the events in Red Rising (I will try not to say too much in case of spoilers).
I liked the story of these first two volumes - even if one already knows where it is heading. The art itself, however, is not really my style. But to each their own, of course.
If you plan on reading this, make sure to start with the books first - especially Red Rising. It will all make a lot more sense that way.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 24, 2023
The first volume was a Fitchner Au Barca origin story, while this Volume is a sons of Ares origin story. Things can get really spoilers for the OG Red Rising Trilogy So I'd advise only fans that have finished the first trilogy would proceed with the graphic novels.
Pierce Browns writing is on point and I would also like to emphasize that this is created by the author not an adaptation etc. Which is critical since Pierce is one hell of a writer and I don't think anyone could authentically pull off his dialogue with all the idioms of his books.
One glaring weakness since this series outset is the art with is a huge let down. This world is amazing and I need to see some amazing visuals to go along with it. Red Rising is long overdue for some screentime. This franchise could really take off in a Game of Thrones level popularity if done right IMO
Pierce Browns writing is on point and I would also like to emphasize that this is created by the author not an adaptation etc. Which is critical since Pierce is one hell of a writer and I don't think anyone could authentically pull off his dialogue with all the idioms of his books.
One glaring weakness since this series outset is the art with is a huge let down. This world is amazing and I need to see some amazing visuals to go along with it. Red Rising is long overdue for some screentime. This franchise could really take off in a Game of Thrones level popularity if done right IMO
April 10, 2020
Honestly the only reason I got to read this was because my friend got a job in a bookshop and lets me use her discount. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me.
December 4, 2025
Love a good prequel
November 10, 2024
I need to start this review off with a caveat, I really didn't intend to red volume 1 or 2 of Red Rising: Son of Ares but I needed to find something to listen to in the car. ALSO, I never really even heard of an audio graphic novel before listening to this series so that was a new experience for me.
Red Rising: Sons of Ares is a prequel graphic novel to the Red Rising saga be Pierce Brown. I read this series as a dramatized adaptation, including an ensemble cast, music, and sound effects. Without even getting into the story, I honestly can't say that I enjoyed this presentation format. The narrator and most of the main characters have good performances in this adaptation, however, the side characters were seriously lacking. Because of the nature of this adaptation, each character has their own voice, meaning either their own voice actor or a previous voice actor doing a different voice. It was honestly really jarring at times to hear the difference in the quality of these performances clash while listening to the novel. Pair that with music and sound effects that sound tacked on and just added for the sake of having them and you can begin to understand why I didn't really enjoy this format. I'd much rather listen to an audiobook consisting of just the voice actor preforming and allowing me to take in that performance without embellishment.
The story of Sons of Ares is decent. It provides some interesting context for the Red Rising saga which diehard fans of the novels could enjoy. However, I definitely don't feel that it is necessary reading in anyway. There really is only 2 major characters from Sons of Ares that carry over to the main saga, one of which play a minor role in this story. Even though Pierce Brown has writing credit for this series, I doubt that he did the bulk of said writing. Even so the writing is fair and keeps the reader engaged even if it is subpair to original novels.
Lastly, I unfortunately can't comment on the artwork for this series as I never read from the physical novel itself but I do regret not being able to see the vision that this story was tied to. Ultimately, I would pass on Sons of Ares.
Red Rising: Sons of Ares is a prequel graphic novel to the Red Rising saga be Pierce Brown. I read this series as a dramatized adaptation, including an ensemble cast, music, and sound effects. Without even getting into the story, I honestly can't say that I enjoyed this presentation format. The narrator and most of the main characters have good performances in this adaptation, however, the side characters were seriously lacking. Because of the nature of this adaptation, each character has their own voice, meaning either their own voice actor or a previous voice actor doing a different voice. It was honestly really jarring at times to hear the difference in the quality of these performances clash while listening to the novel. Pair that with music and sound effects that sound tacked on and just added for the sake of having them and you can begin to understand why I didn't really enjoy this format. I'd much rather listen to an audiobook consisting of just the voice actor preforming and allowing me to take in that performance without embellishment.
The story of Sons of Ares is decent. It provides some interesting context for the Red Rising saga which diehard fans of the novels could enjoy. However, I definitely don't feel that it is necessary reading in anyway. There really is only 2 major characters from Sons of Ares that carry over to the main saga, one of which play a minor role in this story. Even though Pierce Brown has writing credit for this series, I doubt that he did the bulk of said writing. Even so the writing is fair and keeps the reader engaged even if it is subpair to original novels.
Lastly, I unfortunately can't comment on the artwork for this series as I never read from the physical novel itself but I do regret not being able to see the vision that this story was tied to. Ultimately, I would pass on Sons of Ares.
March 25, 2023
4 Stars
This is my second time going through Sons of Ares Volumes 1 and 2. The first time, I read the comics only and was very unimpressed. For being a huge fan of Red Rising, I thought the art was uninspiring in both entries and the story seemed really weak in the first volume and only slightly better in the second. Then I heard Graphic Audio was producing an audio experience of both volumes and I decided to give them a try...
Graphic Audio's presentation took a subpar reading experience and made it very engaging. Even without Tim Gerard Reynolds, who does an amazing job narrating the main series, (most of) the voice actors in Graphic Audio's depiction breath life into their characters that seemed to fall flat on the page.
Separately, at the end of the first volume, there was an interview with Pierce Brown where he stated that he was more hands off on the first volume and more involved for the second, which made so much sense. Wrath has much more of Brown's signature flair and intrigue than the first and the expansion of the Sons of Ares and other plot points really shine in Volume 2. Excited to see where the story goes and mostly to continue listening to Graphic Audio's future renditions of Brown's work. I'd highly recommend giving them a try if the comic wasn't your favorite!
This is my second time going through Sons of Ares Volumes 1 and 2. The first time, I read the comics only and was very unimpressed. For being a huge fan of Red Rising, I thought the art was uninspiring in both entries and the story seemed really weak in the first volume and only slightly better in the second. Then I heard Graphic Audio was producing an audio experience of both volumes and I decided to give them a try...
Graphic Audio's presentation took a subpar reading experience and made it very engaging. Even without Tim Gerard Reynolds, who does an amazing job narrating the main series, (most of) the voice actors in Graphic Audio's depiction breath life into their characters that seemed to fall flat on the page.
Separately, at the end of the first volume, there was an interview with Pierce Brown where he stated that he was more hands off on the first volume and more involved for the second, which made so much sense. Wrath has much more of Brown's signature flair and intrigue than the first and the expansion of the Sons of Ares and other plot points really shine in Volume 2. Excited to see where the story goes and mostly to continue listening to Graphic Audio's future renditions of Brown's work. I'd highly recommend giving them a try if the comic wasn't your favorite!
Want to read
March 21, 2022How had I missed that there will be a new book in the Red Rising graphic novel series coming out in NOVEMBER?? Consider me excited!
May 5, 2021
Well this one was definitely an improvement from the first volume. Fitchner gets so much more added depth to him that makes me want to reread the books again and focus on Fitchners decision making and what lengths he would go to to achieve his goal. For decades leading up to the events of the Red Rising Trilogy, Fitchner has been given a dilemma by his fellow Aureate, to be the lamb or the scythe, to run or to fight, and in this volume it becomes clear what led to Fitchners choice.
August 8, 2023
This was a huge step up from the first volume in the series. Also, instead of reading the graphic novel, I chose to listen to the dramatized audiobook, which has different voice actors for all the characters, plus a lot of different sound effects to tell the story. I found that this was a much better way to consume the story, as I didn't like the art in the first volume.
The story presented here adds interesting texture to the red rising novel series and brings up aspects of the world that become very important in later books. At this rate, I'm going to continue the series in audio format.
The story presented here adds interesting texture to the red rising novel series and brings up aspects of the world that become very important in later books. At this rate, I'm going to continue the series in audio format.
December 28, 2023
Solid. There is vibrant art once again, although I see a lot of people complaining about the sketchy style. I didn’t mind it, but I was disappointed by the lack of cover art for each chapter; I enjoyed that about Volume 1. There’s quite a bit of pretentious monologuing, which makes sense for the characters, but I still found it annoying. This series is great at building tension and the plot is good (especially for a prequel), I just wish there was more of it. Overall I enjoyed this installment, but I wanted more story and less monologue. Looking forward to reading Volume 3.
December 31, 2020
And with this, marks my end of my 2020 reading year. I'm pleased to have finally read the Red Rising prequels, even if I didn't love them as much as I love the main series. This volume was slightly more confusing than the one before, but still interesting to see Fitchner's story before Red Rising begins. I don't know if there will be any further Sons of Ares volumes, but it seemed to wrap up well. Would recommend to all RR fans, for sure.
June 14, 2023
2.5 stars—
The art kinda ruined this for me. I get it’s a rough world and the art is suppose to reflect that by using lots of angles and sharp edges…but Quicksilvers face especially, along with a few stills of Artie and Ares were just bad. I don’t know if there I’m missing something, but I see the art in the 3rd installment has improved significantly (in my opinion).
The plot also fell flat for me, it was predictable and the razor battles were it’s only saving grace.
The art kinda ruined this for me. I get it’s a rough world and the art is suppose to reflect that by using lots of angles and sharp edges…but Quicksilvers face especially, along with a few stills of Artie and Ares were just bad. I don’t know if there I’m missing something, but I see the art in the 3rd installment has improved significantly (in my opinion).
The plot also fell flat for me, it was predictable and the razor battles were it’s only saving grace.
March 10, 2020
These comics are just awesome. I love seeing complexity to Fitchner that we don't really get in the books, and knowing why the Sons of Ares was created makes me root for them more as I'm rereading the books with my husband. I think they're a lot like Antifa: good intentions, not always the cleanest way to handle it.
April 27, 2020
Good but not great. Only worth your time if you are a reader of the books. It adds some context to the overall story and it's not as engrossing as the books. Still it's a good backstory and I enjoyed it. 3 stars.
March 5, 2020
A very interesting take on how good old Fichtner learnt to exchange personal revenge for long term plans & change as Ares.
March 9, 2020
I’m loving all of this backstory, the artwork just isn’t my favorite.
October 22, 2020
4.5 cause I don't like the art style but I love Fitchner and Sevro and Quicksilver
February 17, 2021
Kind of weird to rate comics, but the art was absolutely gorgeous and I love reading more about Fitchner. Finished it in hardly 25 mins.
April 27, 2021
Yeay for the story, meh for the artwork.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews