The Red Queen Series is a captivating and thrilling series of five books written by Victoria Aveyard. Set in a dystopian world, the series follows the journey of Mare Barrow, a lowly Red who discovers she possesses a unique ability that makes her stand out in a society where abilities are restricted to the privileged Silvers.
The first book in the series, Red Queen, introduces us to this world where the Reds are oppressed and forced to serve the Silvers, who possess superhuman abilities. The story follows Mare as she is thrust into the world of the Silvers and discovers her own ability to control electricity. Mare becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of politics and power struggles, with both the Silvers and the Red Rebellion vying for her allegiance.
In the second book, Glass Sword, Mare leads a group of fellow Reds with abilities, known as the Newbloods, on a mission to find others like them and build an army to fight against the oppressive Silver regime. But as Mare struggles with the weight of her leadership role and the toll it takes on her relationships, she begins to question whether she can trust those around her.
The third book, King's Cage, sees Mare captured by the Silvers and held as a prisoner of war. Forced to navigate the treacherous court of King Maven, Mare faces constant danger and must rely on her wits to survive. Meanwhile, the Red Rebellion wages a brutal war against the Silvers, with Mare's absence leaving them without a clear leader.
The fourth book, War Storm, brings the war between the Reds and Silvers to its climactic conclusion. As Mare and her allies fight for the freedom of the oppressed Red population, they must also confront their own personal demons and the sacrifices they must make to achieve their goals.
The final book, Broken Throne, is a collection of short stories set in the world of the Red Queen series. It provides a deeper look into the history and motivations of the series' characters and adds an extra layer of depth to the world-building of the series.
One of the strengths of the Red Queen Series is its complex and multi-layered characters. Mare Barrow is a flawed but relatable protagonist, struggling with the weight of her own power and the moral implications of her actions. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character possessing their own motivations and goals that often conflict with one another.
In addition, the world-building in the Red Queen Series is masterful. Aveyard has created a fully-realized dystopian society that is both believable and immersive. The contrast between the opulent lives of the Silvers and the poverty and oppression of the Reds is stark, and the political intrigue and power struggles add an extra layer of depth to the world-building.
Another strength of the series is its action-packed plot. Each book is filled with thrilling battle scenes, political manoeuvring, and plot twists that keep the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. The series also explores important themes such as power, oppression, and the consequences of violence.
Overall, the Red Queen Series is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone who enjoys a gripping and well-crafted story. With its well-developed characters, immersive world-building, and thrilling plot, the series is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
Titles in this set :
- Red Queen
- Glass Sword
- King's Cage
- War Storm
- Broken Throne
Description from the publisher:
Red Queen
The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own.
Glass Sword
If there's one thing Mare Barrow knows, it's that she's different. Mare's blood is red - the colour of common folk - but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court wants to control.
King's Cage
Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven continues weaving his web in an attempt to maintain control over his country - and his prisoner.
As Mare remains trapped in the palace, the remnants of the Red Rebellion continue organizing and expanding. As they prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows, Cal - the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart - will stop at nothing to bring her back.
War Storm
Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal's betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her-Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all . . . starting with the crown on Maven's head.
But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal's powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything - and everyone - in his path.
War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?
Broken Throne
The perfect addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen series, Broken Throne features three brand-new novellas, alongside two previously published novellas, Steel Scars and Queen Song - as well as never-before-seen maps, flags, bonus scenes, journal entries, and much more exclusive content.