Morning Star by Pierce Brown - Book Review

 Book Review:

Morning Star

by Pierce Brown

Release Date: February 09, 2016 

Genre: Sci-Fi

Age Range: Adult

Series: Red Rising

Proceeded By: Golden Son 

Goodreads Avg. Rating: 4.52 stars

The conclusion to the Red Rising trilogy picks up in a spectacular fashion. The rebellion between the classes stagers on after the loss of their two figureheads. Darrow is no longer the rash self-confident boy he was. Now a broken man Darrow begins to wonder what the worlds look like on the other side of this conflict. Surrounded by the memories of those he lost Darrow, clings to his found family as they are still engulfed in battle and dangers.

I loved where and how this book picked up. We left Darrow just as his world had crumbled and such a cliffhanger. Now to pick up at a seemingly near point that is uncertain due to his mental state. To move from there onto seeing what is happening with the rebellion in the absence of Aries. This felt so real and right, as I can imagine the fracturing and struggle of the lower leaders after such a key figure is lost.

For this book, we have some new locations. The first two books in the series showed us some ship scenes but for the most part, we were on Mars. Now in Morning Star, we get to travel to several new locations. Thinking about it now they are mostly moons, from Phobos to Io and even our own Luna. Each location seems to be vastly different than the one before to show the contrasts of society, even within the Golds. Phobos is an industrial mining hub that is barren and bleak, while Io is called a bread basket. Then Luna the seat of Gold power is steeped in ancient splendor and abundance.

Darrow of Lykos continues to be our main character and the only perspective we see from. With the way the series started, it could be assumed that he couldn't be broken more. This book starts Darrow in a very dark place. All the revenge and hope he had clung to dashed while watching those he cared for fall. From this, he does have good revelations though, regarding Eo and the future. It is war so Darrow seems to grow so much in just the short amount of years we have seen him. Even still there will be times through the book when I questioned what decisions were being made. Were they wise or should it have been done differently based on his past experiences?

Our story picks up after Darrow and House Augustus' defeat at the end of Golden Son. Even with the loss of key parts the Sons of Aries have continued the rebellion. Skirmishes wage across several planets and the space in between. Both sides seek vengeance for the losses and to uphold the honor of their color. As new allies join the cause there are more terrible losses as well. While gold victory seems inevitable Darrow and the Sons refuse to give up on their dream for a better future.

As this was originally planned (I believe) to be a trilogy I would say that the book ends well. It had me gripped after a turn towards the end that made me debate throwing the book. The twists that are pulled off were executed so believably. The only thing I would question is the outcome of one person that could be a future problem. The decision made at the moment of conflict was the right one though.

No idea when I will get to the later books. While I still plan to eventually this book leaves you with a sense of enough completion to wait. I enjoyed this book so much. Was it perfect no but it did a spectacular job of showing the conflict. From action scenes to emotional moments, I felt so much from the novel.

You can find this book from the below retailers or many others:
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