Science fiction · Dystopian
Red Rising
A young miner on Mars believes his labour is building a future for humanity, then learns that his caste is being lied to. He is surgically remade as one of the ruling elite and sent to infiltrate their brutal training school.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2014
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 382
- Format
- Book 1 of 6 in Red Rising Saga
Read this if you like violent, high-stakes stories of rebellion and want a hero who has to become what he hates.
Skip this if you are sensitive to graphic violence, because the school section is relentlessly brutal.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Red Rising
- What is Red Rising about?
- A young miner on Mars believes his labour is building a future for humanity, then learns that his caste is being lied to. He is surgically remade as one of the ruling elite and sent to infiltrate their brutal training school.
- Who should read Red Rising?
- Read it if you like violent, high-stakes stories of rebellion and want a hero who has to become what he hates. Skip it if you are sensitive to graphic violence, because the school section is relentlessly brutal.
- How long and how fast is Red Rising?
- It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 382 pages, first published in 2014.
- Does Red Rising have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Gore, War.
- Can I borrow Red Rising for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Red Rising; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Red Rising?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Hunger Games, Ender's Game, The Poppy War.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Red Rising
-
The Hunger Games
A cleaner, shorter story of an oppressed young person forced into a deadly arena.
-
Ender's Game Also about a gifted young recruit and a school that trains leaders with harsh methods.
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The Poppy War An even bleaker military school story, in a fantasy world, where the cost of power keeps rising.
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