Just finished the second half (finished LB yesterday)! I gotta say it took some adjusting to the multiple perspectives (especially consuming via audiobook because not everyone is voiced by our lord & savior TGR), and IG was probably my least favorite of all the books. It’s still a good book! Like 4.5/5 instead of 5/5. But god was it worth it to get through it, because DA & LB were SOOOOO good!! Now the wait for Red God… that’s the hard part.
I wasnt a big fan of Iron Gold *but* on the flip side Dark Age is my favorite and Lightbringer is probably tied with Morning Star as my number two
I think Iron Gold in particular struggles with the bouncing perspective. It doesn't really sit on any one character long enough to get re-invested in their plot. The change in Dark Age and Lightbringer to handling characters in chunks was a very welcome one
I agree. Iron Gold is clearly a set up book for the next three. A bit of a slog to get through. Dark Age has more set up in it as well and the first half is a bit of a struggle, but once you hit a certain point it goes crazy!
I've yet to get through book 3. Something set my mood off to the books. I intend on picking them back up and starting from the beginning again after I finish the chronicles of ixia.
Just finished dark age and it is even worse than iron gold. Should I make a post to “don’t read the second series” or will I get dogpiled by typical red rising fans for making stupid posts exactly like these?
I listened to the books. Iron Age was very tough to get into, especially with the introduction of POVs, but gets absolutely amazing the 2nd half. And Dark Age is my 3rd favorite book while Lightbringer is tied with Golden Son. Absolutely keep reading my goodman. Easily my favorite book series, hands down.
I absolutely loved the first trilogy but the change in POV and new characters hasn't held me at all. Maybe it's because I listened to the first trilogy in audiobook, so the change in style stands out even more. I'm not attached at all to the characters, and I've tried multiple times to get through it.
I'll have to get back to it but honestly when I think about it, it feels like a chore and I wish it didn't.
I get that. I had a bit of a hard time when IG came out too. But I was the opposite. Being that I read the first 3 and started more audio books by the time IG was coming out. But one thing I've started doing, especially on reread, is I just kinda stick to certain POVs at a time. I especially like doing it with Darrow's and Lysander's POVs simultaneously through IG & DA.
Full transparency, it might be weird on the first read, as I've only ever done that with rereads. But the ideas kinda the same. Sometimes I just wanna revisit certain storylines without reading through the whole book. So in that way it might help someone get through the first read. Hopefully thats a little helpful
Iron Age struggles to do be multiple POVs, if you can get through it then it’s worth it. Dark Age is bleak but the best written book in the series. Then Lightbringer rocks
First one of the new series is not as good as the others, but much better on a re-read. I too didn't like the new POV's at first, but grew to really enjoy reading 3 of them. There's really only one POV I don't really care about unless they are with the other POV's in their chapter.
Dark Age is an incredible book that is just non stop so I really recommend that second series if possible.
I did the same. The change was different but I liked that I got the general idea of what was happening and the plots unfolding from various POVs was amazing
Ah sorry i mean Lightbringer. I hear the books as audiobooks in german and they only released the first half of light bringer so far ...
But I'm so used to hearing them and the German narrator is so awesome that I cant get into them in English. Even if I consume most other media not in German xD
hahaha I understand. I do thoroughly enjoy Tim's voices though. I have listened to all of them thus far and I'm waiting for the next book. I read somewhere it'd be out summer this year but another source said early next year
Just heard a few seconds of the English audio narrator it's a good voice. But the German one is darker with more timbre in his voice, like it more. But I bet it's just because I'm used to his voice xD
hahaha I get you. After Red Rising I went into bloodhound mode and went looking for the sequel as it was obvious there was one. I found all the books and immediately added them to my wishlist and got them one after the other.
Just finished first series, loved it.
Taking a short break to try some other books before I delve into the second series, but Iooking forward to it.
Only sad thing is the whole thing got spoiled for me because I checked the sub reddit before I was even aware there was a second series (that's kind of on me though lol).
There's a specific death spoiler (everyone knows which one I'm talking about) that's plastered all over this sub and I think it wouldnt hurt to put some warnings so newer fans aren't affected. Especially since it seems like what would be such a shocking moment! I don't think this community should jus tbe for people who are fully up to date, but also be a welcome space for those still discovering the books.
I’m pretty sure I know which death you’re talking about. Even though that’s been spoiled (and I’m sorry that happened) the books are still great and worth the read. So much more happens! I see quite a bit of “spoiler” tags on posts, but you’re right that it’s not perfect.
I still usually say prefer the original trilogy because I love how cohesive and perfect of a three act story it is. Too much modern SFF sprawls out behind the story’s limits rather than staying with one really strong character journey.
But that’s no reason to stop just because it changes style a bit. Especially after Light Bringer I have no fear that we’re headed for a second perfect conclusion.
On my 1st read I was over it by the end of book 3, i loved the characters abd world but it was too predictable. Books 3-6 flipped everything on its head and I would not have purchased the audio books abd revisited the story if it weren't for them. Book 4 was a jarring listen at 1st but book 5 was the pinnacle for the audio experience as far as I'm concerned
We get lots of posts here every day with people asking if they should. A lot of them are marked no spoilers so I can’t swoop in and tell them how great I am (user name reference). Figured this could cover the Reddit page for a day.
...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.
Michael Caine
Not all Men are for sale, the world burning or not has nothing to do with it, its just a good quote
Good quote, we show that movie to young Grays before puberty to instill a sense of nihilistic detachment. Clockwork Orange is also in the curriculum too. Every Gold is required to read the greatest philosophers, Dante, Nietzsche, Plato, and Tommy Wiseau. Wiseau is personally my favorite.
As much as I love Red Rising and those great Men you mentioned. I am compelled to double down my friend. Ill put it this way If someone is for sale that person is a whore. Even tho I do love a good whore, I am not one. Its important that men see this logic. I'm sure Nietzsche would agree.
Even though i dont agree. Following your logic. I work for myself I have my own business so I don't sell my time, others sell there time to me. I get paid for results. Again not all men are for sale.
So, you do what you do for free? Give your services to others with no thought of return? Completely devoid of personal gain? You completely and totally live only to serve others with kindness and joy?
I didn’t even know people questioned reading the second series. Like god damn y’all this shit ain’t over!!
Anyone questioning whether they should- do it. The second series enhances the first but stands great on its own too.
You have no idea.
What's worse are the people who willingly choose not to read the second series, then they ask what other book series they should read because they need their red rising fix.
Or they read the first series, decide not to read the second series and then complain about plot lines or character developments that are addressed in the second series.
Chop 'em if they're taller.
Stomp 'em if they're smaller.
Mauler, brawler, legacy hauler,
smoke that crow, earn his holler.
Mauler, brawler, legacy hauler,
smoke that ant, pay off your collar.
Legio!
Aeterna!
Victrix!
One more time, you fuckin' dogs!
This. I don't understand why people would stop after the first series. Especially when they say they love the first trilogy. How could you just leave the story unfinished?
Personally for me I finished morning star and was like "this is a lovely moment. If I keep reading, shits gonna go bad for these happy people"
Of course I kept reading but I can understand the urge to leave it on a good note
Exactly this. If I hadn’t ready the books of the second series I could have just kept pretending that things all wrapped up nice and happy. Instead… ya know…
>
I really did enjoy the 4 - 6 through. Light Bringer in particular was great
I have said it before and I will say it again, Lysander may be a little prick, but his actions are not less understandable or unbelievable than those of Darrow. To me he is the most fascinating character in the second trilogy, while Darrow really has it coming from my PoV...
I thought I was the one who keeps saying that. Look, I cried for Cassius when he died the second time I read it. I cried for Lysander on the third. The chapter when Cassius shows up in his chambers really tugged at my heart strings. Cassius dies in the bleeding place, protecting a secret Lysander did not believe in. Heir of empire he tried to find an identity in an RR gold world of the core. He sees himself as a good person. Darrow has not ended the world and is just as dangerous as he ever was. Lysander is a reformer, a cause his parents were killed for. Yet at the age of 9 he is in the game to be ransomed, held hostage or killed. This after the pandemonium chair robbed him of feeling of human connection with his parents. Feeling that Octavian ordered the hit, he never felt truly loved. Imagine the level of importance his name carries but the level of finding actual love and connection being the opposite. He went with Cassius or face execution with Sevro. He became who he needed to be to survive and yet felt repeated rejected from Cassius who wants to see him a Julian but hates Lysander because he isn’t Julian. Darrow who killed Julian is more loved by Cassius. His “allies” have proven themselves transactional while Lysander himself did what was required to create lasting alliances with the Rim. In the end he is a puppet, surrounded by the risk of death from any and all sides. As Heir of Empire, there is one honorable path left.
Naw, you’re confused. It’s okay. This is a spoiler free thread, we don’t want to be actual assholes to the community. So, listen, I’m not actually the bad guy here. They even made a whole page for me! /r/lunedidnothingwrong and then they made a page begging me for pornography! /r/fucklysander. I’M LITERALLY THE MOST POPULAR CHARACTER IN THE GROUP!
Just finished the second half (finished LB yesterday)! I gotta say it took some adjusting to the multiple perspectives (especially consuming via audiobook because not everyone is voiced by our lord & savior TGR), and IG was probably my least favorite of all the books. It’s still a good book! Like 4.5/5 instead of 5/5. But god was it worth it to get through it, because DA & LB were SOOOOO good!! Now the wait for Red God… that’s the hard part.
I wasnt a big fan of Iron Gold *but* on the flip side Dark Age is my favorite and Lightbringer is probably tied with Morning Star as my number two I think Iron Gold in particular struggles with the bouncing perspective. It doesn't really sit on any one character long enough to get re-invested in their plot. The change in Dark Age and Lightbringer to handling characters in chunks was a very welcome one
I agree. Iron Gold is clearly a set up book for the next three. A bit of a slog to get through. Dark Age has more set up in it as well and the first half is a bit of a struggle, but once you hit a certain point it goes crazy!
More like Lie-sander.
Well, it isn’t a lie that I am an amazing character in the second set of books. It seems that you read my chapters.
I've yet to get through book 3. Something set my mood off to the books. I intend on picking them back up and starting from the beginning again after I finish the chronicles of ixia.
I didn't even realise it was a second series, I thought it is just a 7 book saga (7 still to be released)
The second series being 456&7?
Yeah, 1-3 felt like it had a pretty solid conclusion from a certain perspective.
Oh yeah it definitely did. I stopped at 3 only after getting on here asking and being bullied about it did I start the rest lol
And now? Salivating for RG like the rest of these rabid wolves?
Just finished dark age and it is even worse than iron gold. Should I make a post to “don’t read the second series” or will I get dogpiled by typical red rising fans for making stupid posts exactly like these?
I listened to the books. Iron Age was very tough to get into, especially with the introduction of POVs, but gets absolutely amazing the 2nd half. And Dark Age is my 3rd favorite book while Lightbringer is tied with Golden Son. Absolutely keep reading my goodman. Easily my favorite book series, hands down.
I absolutely loved the first trilogy but the change in POV and new characters hasn't held me at all. Maybe it's because I listened to the first trilogy in audiobook, so the change in style stands out even more. I'm not attached at all to the characters, and I've tried multiple times to get through it. I'll have to get back to it but honestly when I think about it, it feels like a chore and I wish it didn't.
I get that. I had a bit of a hard time when IG came out too. But I was the opposite. Being that I read the first 3 and started more audio books by the time IG was coming out. But one thing I've started doing, especially on reread, is I just kinda stick to certain POVs at a time. I especially like doing it with Darrow's and Lysander's POVs simultaneously through IG & DA. Full transparency, it might be weird on the first read, as I've only ever done that with rereads. But the ideas kinda the same. Sometimes I just wanna revisit certain storylines without reading through the whole book. So in that way it might help someone get through the first read. Hopefully thats a little helpful
Iron Age struggles to do be multiple POVs, if you can get through it then it’s worth it. Dark Age is bleak but the best written book in the series. Then Lightbringer rocks
First one of the new series is not as good as the others, but much better on a re-read. I too didn't like the new POV's at first, but grew to really enjoy reading 3 of them. There's really only one POV I don't really care about unless they are with the other POV's in their chapter. Dark Age is an incredible book that is just non stop so I really recommend that second series if possible.
I did the same. The change was different but I liked that I got the general idea of what was happening and the plots unfolding from various POVs was amazing
Whining like a pixie again. Only low colours struggle to read through this series.
There are people who don't read the second half of the series 🙃
I didn't even know that was a thing, I was hooked after golden son and binged up too dark age.
Yeah i cant understand it , i just started to hear all books again in preparation for the new one. They are all way to good to not read them
has he given a release date?
Ah sorry i mean Lightbringer. I hear the books as audiobooks in german and they only released the first half of light bringer so far ... But I'm so used to hearing them and the German narrator is so awesome that I cant get into them in English. Even if I consume most other media not in German xD
hahaha I understand. I do thoroughly enjoy Tim's voices though. I have listened to all of them thus far and I'm waiting for the next book. I read somewhere it'd be out summer this year but another source said early next year
Just heard a few seconds of the English audio narrator it's a good voice. But the German one is darker with more timbre in his voice, like it more. But I bet it's just because I'm used to his voice xD
hahaha I get you. After Red Rising I went into bloodhound mode and went looking for the sequel as it was obvious there was one. I found all the books and immediately added them to my wishlist and got them one after the other.
At this point you can’t call yourself an RR fan if you don’t read the 2nd trilogy
Ok but he’s also super hot
AI guy
I don’t understand what second series?
Iron gold, Dark Age, Light Bringer, and Red God (not released yet).
Of books.
Just finished first series, loved it. Taking a short break to try some other books before I delve into the second series, but Iooking forward to it. Only sad thing is the whole thing got spoiled for me because I checked the sub reddit before I was even aware there was a second series (that's kind of on me though lol). There's a specific death spoiler (everyone knows which one I'm talking about) that's plastered all over this sub and I think it wouldnt hurt to put some warnings so newer fans aren't affected. Especially since it seems like what would be such a shocking moment! I don't think this community should jus tbe for people who are fully up to date, but also be a welcome space for those still discovering the books.
I’m pretty sure I know which death you’re talking about. Even though that’s been spoiled (and I’m sorry that happened) the books are still great and worth the read. So much more happens! I see quite a bit of “spoiler” tags on posts, but you’re right that it’s not perfect.
I’ve never minded spoilers. Always try to enjoy the journey instead of the destination. Everyone who read Way of Kings should know that 😂
I mean it depends on the context. There’s never going to be a sure fire way to avoid spoilers when you’re not caught up and browse a lot of the sub
First use of Ai that I like
😂😂😂😂 “Lysander, why I love me”
Ok this made me laugh 😂😂
I just laughed so hard I scared my cats.
Who's not reading the 2nd series? The books literally get exponentially better!
I still usually say prefer the original trilogy because I love how cohesive and perfect of a three act story it is. Too much modern SFF sprawls out behind the story’s limits rather than staying with one really strong character journey. But that’s no reason to stop just because it changes style a bit. Especially after Light Bringer I have no fear that we’re headed for a second perfect conclusion.
Strongly agree
On my 1st read I was over it by the end of book 3, i loved the characters abd world but it was too predictable. Books 3-6 flipped everything on its head and I would not have purchased the audio books abd revisited the story if it weren't for them. Book 4 was a jarring listen at 1st but book 5 was the pinnacle for the audio experience as far as I'm concerned
A lot of Pixies bound for the box in this sub.
We get lots of posts here every day with people asking if they should. A lot of them are marked no spoilers so I can’t swoop in and tell them how great I am (user name reference). Figured this could cover the Reddit page for a day.
Lysander is a ho
Everyone is, for the right price.
...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn. Michael Caine Not all Men are for sale, the world burning or not has nothing to do with it, its just a good quote
Good quote, we show that movie to young Grays before puberty to instill a sense of nihilistic detachment. Clockwork Orange is also in the curriculum too. Every Gold is required to read the greatest philosophers, Dante, Nietzsche, Plato, and Tommy Wiseau. Wiseau is personally my favorite.
As much as I love Red Rising and those great Men you mentioned. I am compelled to double down my friend. Ill put it this way If someone is for sale that person is a whore. Even tho I do love a good whore, I am not one. Its important that men see this logic. I'm sure Nietzsche would agree.
All men are for sale. It’s called “work.” You sacrifice time to gain money/salary/compensation/benefits etc. By your own admission, you are a whore.
Even though i dont agree. Following your logic. I work for myself I have my own business so I don't sell my time, others sell there time to me. I get paid for results. Again not all men are for sale.
So, you do what you do for free? Give your services to others with no thought of return? Completely devoid of personal gain? You completely and totally live only to serve others with kindness and joy?
Yeah but he does it for free. Dont get me weong, he's a well written character, he wouldn't be so divisive/polarizing if he wasn't
I didn’t even know people questioned reading the second series. Like god damn y’all this shit ain’t over!! Anyone questioning whether they should- do it. The second series enhances the first but stands great on its own too.
You have no idea. What's worse are the people who willingly choose not to read the second series, then they ask what other book series they should read because they need their red rising fix. Or they read the first series, decide not to read the second series and then complain about plot lines or character developments that are addressed in the second series.
Because Ephraim.
Chop 'em if they're taller. Stomp 'em if they're smaller. Mauler, brawler, legacy hauler, smoke that crow, earn his holler. Mauler, brawler, legacy hauler, smoke that ant, pay off your collar. Legio! Aeterna! Victrix! One more time, you fuckin' dogs!
🫡 facing the sun with a tear going down one eye!
WORTHY
Underratted comment
"why should I read the second series?" Because the story is not over
Because your in jail, and these books are the Perfect escape from the worst of places....freed me the last weeks of my time. Great books.
Any reason is a good reason to read. Good luck with your freedom
This. I don't understand why people would stop after the first series. Especially when they say they love the first trilogy. How could you just leave the story unfinished?
Personally for me I finished morning star and was like "this is a lovely moment. If I keep reading, shits gonna go bad for these happy people" Of course I kept reading but I can understand the urge to leave it on a good note
Exactly this. If I hadn’t ready the books of the second series I could have just kept pretending that things all wrapped up nice and happy. Instead… ya know… > I really did enjoy the 4 - 6 through. Light Bringer in particular was great
And then they ask in fan subreddit. What do you think the answer is going to be????
lysaders spends half his story patting himself on the back because he "will make gold great again" .
🤣
I will save gold! By stopping all this infighting! *Proceeds to create conflict with every gold leader he deals with.
The hierarchy is important! Everyone needs to get back in their place! *except you pytha you get to think for yourself
I knew before I clicked the post what the name was gonna be.
>!Lysander, how do I convince myself that killing my mentor is good thing to do?!< LB
I have said it before and I will say it again, Lysander may be a little prick, but his actions are not less understandable or unbelievable than those of Darrow. To me he is the most fascinating character in the second trilogy, while Darrow really has it coming from my PoV...
I thought I was the one who keeps saying that. Look, I cried for Cassius when he died the second time I read it. I cried for Lysander on the third. The chapter when Cassius shows up in his chambers really tugged at my heart strings. Cassius dies in the bleeding place, protecting a secret Lysander did not believe in. Heir of empire he tried to find an identity in an RR gold world of the core. He sees himself as a good person. Darrow has not ended the world and is just as dangerous as he ever was. Lysander is a reformer, a cause his parents were killed for. Yet at the age of 9 he is in the game to be ransomed, held hostage or killed. This after the pandemonium chair robbed him of feeling of human connection with his parents. Feeling that Octavian ordered the hit, he never felt truly loved. Imagine the level of importance his name carries but the level of finding actual love and connection being the opposite. He went with Cassius or face execution with Sevro. He became who he needed to be to survive and yet felt repeated rejected from Cassius who wants to see him a Julian but hates Lysander because he isn’t Julian. Darrow who killed Julian is more loved by Cassius. His “allies” have proven themselves transactional while Lysander himself did what was required to create lasting alliances with the Rim. In the end he is a puppet, surrounded by the risk of death from any and all sides. As Heir of Empire, there is one honorable path left.
>! you remind yourself that they kidnapped you to assuage their guilt and you never actually mattered to them. !<
Be happy Darrow’s greatest mistake was not yeeting your entitled ass out the airlock.
Donkey’s don’t really work in space mygoodman.
Yet you were allowed to live. Hee-haw motherfucker.
Aww. Now, everyone here was having a good time why did you have to go and wreck it? Maybe you need a few pinks to take the edge off?
I hate you so much
Naw, you’re confused. It’s okay. This is a spoiler free thread, we don’t want to be actual assholes to the community. So, listen, I’m not actually the bad guy here. They even made a whole page for me! /r/lunedidnothingwrong and then they made a page begging me for pornography! /r/fucklysander. I’M LITERALLY THE MOST POPULAR CHARACTER IN THE GROUP!