Is the highly anticipated sixth installment in the Red Rising series worth the four year wait after Dark Age? Within pages, it’s clear the answer is emphatically yes! Pierce Brown has somehow managed to surpass himself once again.
Light Bringer is overall a fantastic read. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, epic, and stressful. It has some of the funniest moments of the series as well as the most devastating death yet. It will run you through the full gamut of emotions. And, by the end, you’ll once again thank Pierce Brown for making you suffer.
From jump, Light Bringer subverts expectations in a way fans are familiar with. Even when things fans predicted come true, it is done with a shocking twist no one saw coming. But a majority of the time, the story pulls you along in completely unexpected, exciting, thought-provoking ways.
After the darkness of the previous book, Light Bringer is much more hopeful. It challenges the characters to ask themselves, “where do I go from here?” after losing everything. They must undergo the challenge of remaking themselves after being broken.

this book. oh my god this book. i didn’t realize how much i’d missed these characters until i read this.
light bringer was, like every other book in this series, absolutely incredible. pierce brown has an ability to make me care about his characters like no other author can. i loved how lyria and cassius grew throughout this book, and i especially loved their relationship. diomedes was also a really fun character and he quickly became one of my favorites.
that being said, if i ever see pierce brown it’s on sight. he did not need to do that to [redacted]. im never going to be okay ever again.

Well, I’m absolutely wrecked after this book, same as every other in the series.

First off let me say that I truly cannot IMAGINE how hard it is to write a 6th installment in a series that is so beloved by so many. The pressure on Pierce Brown must be absolutely enormous and I do not envy him in the least but I am grateful for his fortitude daily.

That being said, he did not disappoint. I feel like the rhythm of this book is more similar to the first three books than the fourth or fifth. Where the first three books made me feel that I was actually in the story, the last two felt more technical, like I was being told the story by someone else, which was a little off-putting for me personally. I was worried that Light Bringer would be like the last two, but I am so happy to say that it is “back to basics” in the best way. It has so much feeling and I am loving the deep POV moments where I truly felt I was inside each character’s mind, feeling what they were feeling in real time versus reading a re-telling of the events. He also has an uncanny ability to write characters that remind you of people in your own life, which makes the books so very gut-wrenching to read.

I really like that Pierce Brown does not fantasize war and fighting like so many others do. He keeps it real and shows you the cost of war emotionally, mentally, financially, etc. I really appreciate the groundedness, which is hard to do in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre especially.

I also appreciate the small pieces of wisdom he laces in the books. I find that they are usually pertinent to what is happening in my life at the time and I really appreciate those points of light along the harrowing path that is the Red Rising series.

All of my criticisms are extremely petty. I do wish certain characters got more airtime, and certain ones didn’t. I won’t say whom as to keep this review spoiler free- but I definitely skipped over some monologues by certain characters because I just couldn’t get into them at all. There are just so many amazing characters in this series and I would have loved to get some POV chapters from them, or at least some more scenes with them. One heroine in particular…. iykyk. I was also excited to see how certain plotlines played out from the last book, but they just sort of ended in Light Bringer. I know you can’t fit everything in one book- so I’m hoping maybe something still comes back around in book 7.

5/5 overall. I will continue to be in ruins for the foreseeable future. My TikTok review link is also included here.

Thank you so much Random House Publishing Group for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

My new favorite book in this series. The pacing left you no time to feel the length of this book. The characters, as always, feel intimate and personal. I feel so close to this world. I laughed. I cried (SO HARD... it's actually not cool Pierce... you know what you did). I cheered. I paced the room. I worried. I am now devastated to core and I am waiting for the next book. I will be BEGGING for the next book. this was PHENOMENAL 👏🏼😭👏🏼

How do you write a non-spoiler review for the sixth installment of such an epic powerhouse of a series such as this?

Just as the darkness of Dark Age truly showed the most vicious brutality of what war among the colors means, Ligh Bringer brought light and hope in the midst of that darkness. Those who were lost, and broken were restored and redeemed in small ways.

Though we know Cassius has been on a redemption arc through this second series, my favorite thing was having brought back into the fold. Everyone's older, but some things never changed.

As can be expected, don't hold any of your darlings to close, because inevitably they're going to be killed off. No one is safe, except for the Reaper who has proved he can resurrect. I'm not ok with what was done here.

Being the superfan that I am. This book was perfect, this series is perfect, everything perfect.

Thank you to Random House -Ballantine and Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for review.

I have been a giant fan of Brown’s work since he released Red Rising. These books manage to be filled with action and characters with depth and drive who truly instill a curiosity and devotion from the reader.

Light Bringer is no exception! Brown uses cliff hangers and abrupt twists to hook the reader multiple times per chapter. His writing style is intricate without being difficult to digest. And, as always, his characters – even ones readers have followed from the beginning – go through changes and growth that create interesting nuances for readers to follow.

The action scenes are superbly written – I’m talking edge of your seat, eyes wanting to jump ahead – well written! The plot is intricate and well crafted. And in true Brown fashion, the ending will leave readers salivating for Red God. Five stars is not enough…and brace yourself, this book is a rollercoaster of emotion.

Light Bringer has far and away been my most anticipated release since I've gotten into reading. Pierce Brown has been five for five in the world of Red Rising. Dark Age, his last book, was arguably his best to date, so how did Light Bringer stack up against my expectations? In short it met them with ease. Now let's dive into why this book is in some ways, the best Brown has written.

I'll start off with one point of contention regarding Light Bringer. There were some plot lines in Dark Age that did not continue into this book, but Brown seemed to touch on it throughout the story and leave bread crumbs for the reader, so I anticipate these narratives to be picked up in the final instalment.

Now what makes this book so enthralling, is how much heart it has. Light Bringer is more emotionally charged than any prior book in the series. Its story is deeply focused on its characters and what years of war has done to them. The decision to be even more character focused than prior books is enhanced by Brown's dialogue, which is at an all time high. The more heartfelt content of this book still remains tonally consistent with the rest of the series as well.

As always, Brown brings the high octane action and twists to accompany his addictive space opera. This book sent me through a roller coaster of emotions. I was pumped up, I cried, and I was left in awe.

If you enjoyed the direction of the series after Morning Star, this should scratch that itch and give you much of what you're looking for in Red Rising.

Bravo to Pierce Brown for this incredible book. I look forward to the finale, Red God, whenever that's fresh off the presses.

Also, thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me a digital ARC of this book.

Loved it.

Rating: A

Make sure to check out Light Bringer when it releases on July 25th!

A big thanks to NetGalley and Random House for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Deep inhale* *strained exhale* This was a wild ride, and I was all for it. Even if it hurt.

Light Bringer by Pierce Brown is the sixth installment in the wildly popular sci-fy series, Red Rising by the legendary Pierce Brown. To save time, and to save people from spoilers, I will not be adding the summary to this review. However, here are my general thoughts, all spoiler free of course.

This book was fast, as there ALWAYS something happening. Which made the lengthy 704 pages fly by quite quickly. The chapters in each of the parts seamlessly flowed into one another, allowing little time for you to digest what the heck just happened. In a really good way, as it made you want to keep reading. The main characters from the original trilogy, make a heroic return, which I really liked. As it felt like a good nod to the original nostalgia that made me fall in love with this series to begin with. Which in turned helped with the overall emotional (damage) that was this book, as it closely followed the likes of the original trilogy.

However, I did have problems with this book. For one, some of the characters that were the main focus of this trilogy just vanish. They might have a line or two but nothing else. Which felt kind of disheartening, because they didn't get the proper light to shine in. For second, there are some really, really long monologues that feel like they were written as if this was a screenplay. I found myself skimming at this point, sadly. Thirdly some of the plot points and character motivations felt convoluted.

Light Bringer feels like a return to the story telling that made the original trilogy so good while also embracing the new multi-pov style of the sequels. It lifts you up and then throws you back down over and over again like the originals. This book is easily in my top 4 of the series, if not top 3, and makes me really excited to see how everything is wrapped up in the finale, Red God.

Mr. Brown has truly outdone himself here. His writing has grown exponentially with Light Bringer. This book was beautiful, heartbreaking, and truly some of the best actual writing I've ever saw on page. Laughs, tears, gasps, intense, glorious work! Get ready as best as you can. Light Bringer is almost here, and the world's are about to change.

Bloodydamn, Pierce, you’ve done it again with All. The. Freaking. Feels. with Light Bringer! So many chills from that last chapter.

Once again, Pierce takes his Howlers on another epic journey with Darrow, Sevro, Cassius, Virginia, Lyria, and damn you to hell - Lysander.

I’m not going to get into spoiler territory, (just read the synopsis) but there were so many highs and lows in this newest masterpiece from Pierce. I’m not sure how many times I had to close my book just to bring my racing heart back down, because the battles were fierce, and the story so twisty, and to be honest, I was terrified at what would happen next. Dark Age proved to me that Pierce will do whatever it takes to destroy his readers.

Lyria really stepped it up and may now be close to my feelings for Sevro. Sevro has always been my favorite, but in Lightbringer, I really fell hard (again) for most of the others.

Red God, book 7, can’t get here soon enough. I’ll be doing a reread shortly by audiobook so I can get my fill of Tim Gerard Reynolds.

*Thank you so much to Del Rey for the early galley. Wow, what a chonker!*

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for providing me with an ARC copy! An absolute riveting and behemoth of an installment in the Red Rising Saga. 5/5 stars. I simply could not put this book down. Pierce has an amazing way of illustrating the richness of the characters and story. When you think things can’t get any more high stakes, they do! The book is an amazing commentary and illustration of society, revenge, redemption, and most notable growth. This series hands down is my favorite, and will likely continue to be. As always Pierce certainly leaves you wanting more, and I will be eagerly waiting on Red God, the next and (hopefully not - fingers crossed) final installment.

I would very much like to thank NetGalley and random publishing group- Ballantine for giving me this ARC.
I had very high expectations going into this book after that ending of the last book Dark Age. I was so happy when I got this ARC. I’m glad to report that my expectations were not only met but surpassed! This book was excellent to read from beginning to end. One of my biggest factors in deciding in how good a book is how many times I willingly to reread it. Since getting my hands on this ARC, I’ve been constantly rereading it because it’s so much fun to read. I cannot stress enough how excited and eager I’m for the final book. If you have enjoyed the Red Rising saga and are eager for the answers to questions that were raised at the end of Dark Age. I can assure you that this book will be joy to read!

In my review of the fifth RED RISING book, The Dark Ages, I said that Pierce Brown’s series was beginning to feel its length. Brown is out now with that book’s sequel, Light Bringer, and I’d say that description holds even more true, even if there’s lots of good writing here.

The issue I’m having with these later books isn’t with the individual titles themselves. Considered on its own, Light Bringer brings the same strengths that made books one-four so fantastic: well-drawn characters who change over time; wildly, prolifically fertile imaginings of future technology, huge space opera battle scenes and smaller but no less tense one-on-one duels, a good sense of balance between those loud, boisterous action scenes and much more quietly introspective moments with characters having meaningful conversations in pairs or single characters communing with their own interior demons and fears; a propulsive and explosive (literally) plot with a host of twists and turns; betrayals, alliances, and deaths oh my, and more.

Brown showed out of the gate with book one, Red Rising, that he was a good writer, and that hold just as true now. So again, withing the pages of this singular book, there’s a lot to like. But, and this is the key element, this isn’t a stand-alone novel. It’s the sixth in a series with at least one more to go. And the problem, which was also a problem in the Dark Ages and now is worse of one due to the cumulative effect, is that all of what happens now feels fully familiar and even predictable in its unpredictability (trust me, it does make sense). Those battle scenes are good, but I’m not sure I could distinguish them at all from any of the sundry lot that come before. The same goes for the betrayals, the duels, the “our hero (Darrow or others) is doomed!” moments, or the “our hero miraculously turns the tables/is rescued!” moments. To Brown’s credit, the characters change, but the plot elements are starting to feel like we’re going through a rotation.

In a somewhat similar vein, other aspects are having this sort of cumulative effect. The first few times a major character loses a leg or an arm or is stabbed in the chest and then through the miracle of science comes back just as good (or stronger) than before it’s kind of a shock and then cool. But now when I read someone has their arm cut off, I just shrug: “ho hum, they’ll grow a new one or get a fancy metal one in the next chapter.” Meanwhile, the incredibly frequent nature of these graphic injuries is both numbing and also starting to feel a bit, let’s say, disturbing, in its focus, and the same holds true for the more faceless scale of the deaths, which number in the millions. Probably tens to hundreds of millions. The characters remain the highlight of this series: Darrow, Cassius, Sevro, Lyria especially are compelling creations both in their individual personas and in their relationships (shifting relationships) with each other. But for the first time in this series I was tempted to skim through the action scenes.

Meanwhile, while I won’t go into the plot details as a) I don’t want to spoil things and b) as usual they’re just too much of it to try to recap even shallowly, it’s beginning to have the same problem as the action scenes. I loved how the fourth book in this series shows us the successful underdog rebels having to deal with winning: we get to see the actual struggle that comes with the collapse of a structured society rather than just have it be an amorphous “and they must have lived happily ever after” implication. The struggle continues here, but rather than feel like an extension or deepening of the problem, it just feels like the same problem still happening. Certainly one of the themes here is that Darrow is growing (as are others) and is finding a new way to deal with these problems, but a lot of it, no matter what he says or thinks, still ends up with someone sticking the point end of something into someone else, or shooting them, or blowing up their ship, or their cities.

So what does all that mean? Well, I can’t imagine anyone stopping at book five of this series, and this certainly won’t make you stop here. Nor should you. As noted, on its own, this is a very good book. And I’ll certainly look forward to its sequel. But I’ll do so hoping it isn’t just book seven but the concluding book seven, and probably with a bit of wistfulness that the series had been compressed into four or five rather than seven. Not just because it feels like it’s spinning its wheels and starting to go over the same ground (yes, I know those two don’t work together) or because despite my criticisms here I’m sure he will pull off a fantastic conclusion. Beyond those points, I’m simply eager to see Brown turn his hand to another story/group of characters to see what he can do with wholly fresh material. So I look forward to the conclusion of this mostly excellent series, and to the start of something new.

This will be non spoilers for obvious reasons, But Pierce Brown has outdone himself in the latest chapter of the Red Rising saga. This novel is truly a master class piece of science fiction and has smashed new peaks for the series. This is by far the best novel in the series, since golden son and the stakes are at thee absolute highest they have ever been at. The characters are at their absolute peak and are treated with the respect they are warranted and the depth they are written at is truly remarkable. When this book releases to the public it will absolutely be a hit, when I say the hype is absolutely real, I mean it. I will most likely write a spoiler review eventually, just know that you will not be disappointed when you read this. The ending is bittersweet but also one filled with hope for the future. I would like to thank Random House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC, giving me the ability to read this phenomenal novel early and review it. I already cant wait for Red God and Light Bringer isn't even out yet.

First, I want to say thank you to Penguin Random House of giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. There are no spoilers in this review.

5 stars. It’s more a 4.5 out of 5 but I loved this book so it’s closer to a 5 than a 4.

Wow, what a ride this book was. I felt like Lightbringer was written more like the original trilogy than the last two books were, and I mean that as a compliment. There were some really great character moments, ones that made me laugh and cry.

But then there were also the horrifying moments that fans of Brown have come to know as the trademark to this series. It was like Brown was giving me a comforting hug and then punching me in the mouth immediately after. No one is safe. It had me throwing my ARC across the room.

My one complaint is that it seemed like some VERY important plot points (and perhaps some characters) were dropped that were built up in Dark Age. I’m not really sure what the reason is for not following it but I was expecting something to pop up that never came.

Ultimately, a great edition to the series. It had the plot structure I love and, of course, Brown’s amazing character development work. In Lightbringer, your faves will do incredible things, share unforgettable moments with other . Your faves will also go through some horrifying, gut-wrenching ordeals. It might be my 3rd favorite edition to the series!

Howlers, I think you’ll be happy with how this book turned out.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and to Del Ray for giving me the opportunity to read one of my most anticipated books of the year!

Lightbringer reminded me of why I love this series so much. The previous books showed us how Darrow grew to be a revolutionary, a weapon, and a flawed leader. He’s made countless mistakes and here, he starts to confront them. More than anything, this series is Darrow’s story and this book reminds us (the readers) and Darrow of this.

The book started out slow but that was only to set the stage for the devastating climax. I’ve also always been fascinated by the glimpses of the Rim these books have shown thus far and so I loved that we got to learn more about its worlds and people.

When I say this book devastated me, I mean it.

Darrow, Sevro, and Cassius are everything (let’s go house mars/ howlers). Virginia, Victra, and Lyria are badass women and I love them desperately.

Okay one maybe spoiler, that’s not really a spoiler, just a vague comment I want to make:
Do I understand that Lysander is a broken person? Yes. Does that mean I have to like him? Absolutely fucking not.

PB keeps bringing gold with these Red Risin g novels, Light Bringer has high stakes and wonderfully written action. I cannot say much without spoiling plot devices, however I can say this one is a must!!!

Darrow is living the life of an exile on Mercury after defeat at the hands of Lysander, Cassius’ protege and Atalantia au Grimmus. Gone are the days when the Red Hand’s influence spread to the outer rim of the system, capturing hearts and allies that would finally put an end to the crushing power of the Golds and the Color Society that keeps them under the Gold thumb.
Yet some hope exists: Virginia reigns on Mars and Pax, Darrow’s son, is alive, and Darrow has the shredded remains of his army with him…
It’s a fragile hope; enemies will do everything to smother the soul of the Solar Republic, even if that means sacrifices beyond belief. If you’ve read the series up to this point, and you should (don’t start here!), you’ll understand the kind of sacrifices the Society is willing to make to keep Golds at the head.
You’ll also be accustomed to the rock-opera-esque drama that makes friends enemies and enemies friends, the glorious and devastating battles, the gore and the tenderness of a bear hug.
Remember that we are on a journey and this is not the end – I would say this book is taking us the Pierce Brown way from point F to point G in a trajectory of additional points, and since that’s the case, you just cannot expect the catharsis that will come at the final denouement. You’ll get some, though.
Because this is an epic, Brown gets to bring characters to the fore as he retires others. On this book’s stage, we get to know characters like Lyria and Aurae, whose true colors impress. There’s room for finesse and sleek, diplomatic infiltration in a war that tends to favor destructive bulk and brawn.

Reader Advisory: Gore and violence, torture, brutality, deprivation - sexual references are references only

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for sending this book for review. Any opinions are my own; I’m not receiving any kind of douceur for my review.

Thank you to Sabrina at Del Ray and Penguin Random House for an early copy of this book.

This has the nostalgia of Red Rising, the pace Golden Son, the heart of Morning Star, the political intrigue of Iron Gold and the weight of Dark Age -- all wrapped up into one brilliant story. As a long time fan of this series, I am overwhelmed by the journey of Light Bringer. Dare I say it had more heart than any of the other books in the series while simultaneously offering some of the most action-packed scenes I have ever read. It was truly a masterclass in storytelling. Pierce Brown fans will be rejoicing (and let's be honest, feeling some big emotions) once they get their hands on this book.

Brown has truly outdone himself with this one --and it was well worth the wait after Dark Age. I couldn't put this book down, and it has me extremely excited for the final installment, Red God.

I will post a more detailed review after the release date, as I don't want to even hint at spoilers this early in the process, but if you are a fan of Red Rising this will absolutely be one of your favorites of the series.

The sixth book in the Red Rising Series does not disappoint, it is fabulous! the reader returns with many of the characters he has grown to love and respect. Darrow is imprisoned on Mercury as he makes and attempt to rescue Sevro. Sevro has already begun an escape and with the help of Cassius they manage to escape destroying much of the docks as they depart. They all just want to get home to their families on Mars.
The book involves spies, betrayals epic battles out in the Rim and closer to Mars. Marvelous new technologies and brutal fights.
It is to be read, savored, and enjoyed. It unfortunately can be a quick read as it is very action packed and hard to put down! I have read the entire series and enjoyed each installment. With some research I found there is already a 7th novel in the works. I can't wait to read more in this universe!!!!