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Books like Red Rising

If you loved Red Rising by Pierce Brown, Renee Joiner, these books share its strongest themes, tone, pacing, or atmosphere.

Top Shelf Score84Cover of Golden Son

Golden Son

Pierce Brown

As a sequel to 'Red Rising', 'Golden Son' continues Darrow's intense journey within a treacherous elite society. The themes of rebellion, survival, and high-stakes rivalry align perfectly, making this a must-read for fans of the series looking for thrilling narrative progression and character depth.

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Shelf Score83Cover of Morning Star

Morning Star

Pierce Brown

'Morning Star' is the conclusion of Darrow's saga, focusing on themes of rebellion and resistance against oppression that resonate deeply with 'Red Rising'. The culmination of character arcs and the high-stakes narrative ensure that this will captivate readers who enjoyed the first book.

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Shelf Score83Cover of Parable of the Talents

Parable of the Talents

Octavia E. Butler

'Parable of the Talents' mirrors 'Red Rising' with its gripping narrative of societal collapse, complex politics, and strong character arcs. Readers will appreciate the intense emotional states and moral dilemmas both protagonists face within dystopian frameworks.

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Shelf Score82Cover of American war

American war

Omar El Akkad

'American War' resonates with 'Red Rising' through its portrayal of conflict and the consequences of societal collapse. Both narratives involve strong, evolving characters navigating a world torn apart, making it a solid pick for readers interested in intense rivalries and political intrigue.

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Shelf Score78Cover of Parable of the Sower

Parable of the Sower

Octavia E. Butler

Both 'Red Rising' and 'Parable of the Sower' depict worlds ravaged by chaos, driven by compelling characters seeking justice and survival. The shared themes of societal collapse and a longing for a better future resonate deeply, appealing to readers seeking profound emotional journeys amidst dystopian narratives.

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Shelf Score78Cover of The fifth season

The fifth season

N. K. Jemisin

'The Fifth Season' shares a richly developed setting, exploring themes of oppression and resistance much like 'Red Rising'. Both novels delve into societal hierarchies and the struggle for personal freedom. Jemisin's world-building and character complexity resonate with those engaged by Brown's narrative intensity and dark themes of survival and rebellion.

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Shelf Score77Cover of The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood

Both novels explore dystopian societies with a focus on power struggles and the fight against oppression. Darrow's journey in 'Red Rising' mirrors Offred's fight for agency in 'The Handmaid's Tale.' Readers seeking complex female characters in a harsh world will find emotional depth and moral quandaries in both.

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Shelf Score72Cover of The Priory of the Orange Tree

The Priory of the Orange Tree

Samantha Shannon

Both 'Red Rising' and 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' weave intricate narratives filled with rich world-building, intense rivalries, and complex political systems. Readers who appreciate the blend of action and emotional stakes in a richly crafted universe will likely resonate with both stories.

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Shelf Score71Cover of Vicious

Vicious

V. E. Schwab

Both 'Vicious' and 'Red Rising' explore anti-heroes within a conflict-driven narrative. Themes of betrayal, ambition, and moral ambiguity resonate deeply in both works, while the settings vary in their futuristic and darker elements. Readers drawn to complex characters navigating their dark desires in pursuit of power will appreciate the connections.

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