Anyone can betray anyone...
Reds are commoners, living in poverty stricken lands under the rule of the Silvers.
Silvers are powerful and ambitious warriors with lethal powers.
Mare Barrow is a Red living in the Stilts, nothing will change that. Until one day, a chance encounter gives her a job at the Silver Palace. But to her shock, she discovers that she possesses a lethal ability of her own; one that could destroy the Silvers and their world. Soon Mare becomes entangled in a dangerous game of power, blood and lies, as she attempts to bring down the regime from the inside…
Red Queen… The novel that has graced the bestseller list and is now on nearly everyone’s bookshelves, its beautiful cover staring at me every time I visit a bookshop; demanding I give in and buy it. For a while I had been debating about whether to read this novel or not, but eventually I gave in and delved into its pages.
From the very first page, Victoria Aveyard’s writing instantly captured my attention; the writing was simple but also detailed as well. The opening scene catapults the reader into this mysterious world and gives strong, well-written descriptions, allowing you to see, hear and smell everything in this novel. Instantly I was eager to see the plot develop as the action kicked in. This was fast paced and incredibly gripping, the author’s writing leaves you breathless at some moments and I really couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Despite the unique plot line I felt some parts were not wholly original; I thought I had read it before in other novels, such as The Selection and Divergent. On the other hand, Aveyard creates an incredibly believable world that was easy to immerse yourself in. One of the highlights of this novel for me, personally, was the action and the supernatural elements such as the character’s powers.
This was creative and interesting to see it develop. The plot twists were also very well executed, shocking and surprising me as I flipped through the pages, it was unpredictable and enjoyable.
The characters in this novel were also well written and developed, each one incredibly three dimensional and realistic.
I adored the variety of characters; each one had unique traits that made it even easier to sympathise and empathise with them. The protagonist, Mare, was an excellent character as she explored and tried to defy the regime, her point of view and actions made this novel unique and an action packed read. But it wasn’t just the protagonist that was well written, the antagonists shone through every time they appeared on the page. Their ambitious, ruthless and at times brutal personalities and actions made them incredibly strong and addictive characters to read.
In conclusion, this novel is full of plot twists, action and suspense, it is Game of Thrones meets X-Men and this novel is just as exciting as I had hoped it would be.
I give Red Queen Four Stars and recommend it to all readers over the age of sixteen.
- Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop
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As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in literature, particularly within the realms of fantasy and young adult fiction, I am well-versed in dissecting the intricate nuances of popular novels. My extensive exposure to a myriad of genres, coupled with a keen eye for narrative structure and character development, allows me to provide insightful analysis and evaluations. Now, let's delve into the concepts embedded in the article about "Red Queen."
The Red Queen, penned by Victoria Aveyard, immerses readers in a dystopian world divided into Reds and Silvers. The Reds, commoners residing in impoverished lands, are subjected to the dominance of the Silvers, a powerful and ambitious warrior class endowed with lethal powers. The protagonist, Mare Barrow, hailing from the Red faction, finds herself unexpectedly employed at the Silver Palace. To her astonishment, she discovers her own lethal ability, a potential threat to the Silvers and their dominion. The narrative unfolds as Mare becomes entangled in a perilous game of power, blood, and deception, attempting to dismantle the regime from within.
Aveyard's writing style is a standout feature, characterized by simplicity yet rich in detail. The opening scene propels readers into a mysterious world with vivid and well-crafted descriptions, enabling them to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the novel. The fast-paced and gripping nature of the plot, coupled with the author's breathless prose, contributes to an immersive reading experience.
While acknowledging the uniqueness of the plot, the reviewer notes elements that may not be entirely original, drawing comparisons to other novels like "The Selection" and "Divergent." However, Aveyard compensates with her ability to create a believably immersive world. Notably, the inclusion of supernatural elements, such as characters' powers, adds a creative and interesting dimension to the narrative.
The novel's strength lies in its well-executed plot twists, providing shocks and surprises that enhance the overall unpredictability and enjoyment of the story. The characters, both protagonists and antagonists, are lauded for their three-dimensional and realistic portrayals. Mare, in particular, stands out as an excellent character, exploring and challenging the regime, making the narrative unique and action-packed.
In conclusion, the reviewer likens "Red Queen" to a fusion of "Game of Thrones" and "X-Men," highlighting its excitement and delivering on anticipated thrills. The novel receives a commendable four-star rating and is recommended for readers aged sixteen and above. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the book, touching on its strengths in writing, character development, and plot execution.
