Red Queen

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Goodreads rating 5 Stars

This book is the first in a series and follows a young girl named Mare. I have wanted to read this book for a while, so when I found it on sale, I decided now was the time. This book will capture you from the very beginning. It is based in a dystopian type setting in which there is a separation between the Reds and the Silvers. The Silvers rule the world, they have silver blood and special powers. The Reds have red blood and are treated like scum. The Reds do not have powers and do not have wealth of any kind. The Reds are the first to be sent off to a war that has lasted over a hundred years. They are what keep the Silvers going. The Silvers like to exert their power and prestige over the Reds.

Like any good book, there are a couple of delicious guys involved that you don’t know who to root for. And of course, like any good book there is a female who can’t decide who she trusts and who she loves. And of course, there is a mass deception, but by who? I won’t give it away. I knew who would betray based on accidental Goodreads glimpses of a friend’s status update during her own adventure with these characters.

I found that Mare, the leading lady in this story, could sometimes be annoying. I understand that she was being forced to live in a different world due to her…interesting differences as a Red, but you could tell she secretly loved living the life of Silver, even if she was disgusted with them. She was getting to live in a life where she didn’t have to worry about stealing food to survive or items to sell at the black market.

I like that this book is different yet the same as all the other books out there. Mare is a strong, stubborn, resilient young lady who is forced to leave a world she knows because of some innate ability to create electricity out of thin air. This is a feat that should be impossible for a Red. This story follows her struggle to protect her family, save the Reds from the oppressive Silvers, bring about equality between the two groups and figure out if she loves either of the princes and if so, which one will help her bring about that which she wants most in the world…freedom. It is a wonderful read, beautifully written and will break your heart in ways you didn’t think possible. I highly suggest adding it to your book repertoire as soon as humanly possible.