Table of Contents
Introduction: Why We Need More Books like Red Rising
Since its explosive debut in 2014, Red Rising by Pierce Brown has redefined modern sci-fi, mixing brutal dystopian politics with heart-pounding action and layered characters. Darrow’s journey—from a lowborn “Red” laborer to infiltrating the elite “Gold” caste—delivers an unforgettable story of rebellion and revenge that’s captivated millions.
It’s no surprise that “books like Red Rising” has become a common quest for readers craving the same pulse-racing intensity, deadly competitions, and complex alliances that made Brown’s saga a phenomenon. With its mix of The Hunger Games’s raw survival, Ender’s Game’s tactical brilliance, and Game of Thrones’s political intrigue, Red Rising leaves us hungry for more.
Books by Pierce Brown to Read if You Loved Red Rising
Golden Son – Pierce Brown
Synopsis: Darrow rises in the ranks of the Golds but faces deeper betrayals and galactic conspiracies as he fights to free the Reds.
Random fact: Won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction in 2015.
Similarity: Continues the high-stakes war, emotional depth, and Machiavellian plots of Red Rising.
Awards: #1 New York Times bestseller.
Goodreads Review: “If you want books like Red Rising, Golden Son is the most intense sequel I’ve ever read—nonstop twists!”
The Life of Pierce Brown
Pierce Brown, born 1988 in Denver, Colorado, worked as a political campaigner and tech startup employee before breaking out with Red Rising. After writing six novels that didn’t sell, he completed Red Rising in just two months. His vivid world-building and cinematic pacing transformed him into a modern sci-fi superstar.
Fun fact: Brown lived in his parents’ garage while finishing Red Rising.
Sales data: By 2023, the Red Rising series sold over 5 million copies worldwide, with rights in more than 30 languages.
Inspirations Behind Red Rising
Brown has said Red Rising was inspired by classical myths like The Iliad, Roman history, and modern works like Ender’s Game and Dune. Elements of Battle Royale and The Hunger Games shaped the brutal Institute trials. The series’ mix of ancient and futuristic themes reflects Brown’s fascination with power, loyalty, and revolution.
8 Books Like Red Rising to Fuel Your Next Adventure
1. Red Queen – Victoria Aveyard
Synopsis: In a world where blood color defines power, Mare Barrow, a Red, discovers she has Silver abilities, sparking revolution.
Random fact: The film rights sold to Universal Pictures.
Similarity: Power struggles, deadly competitions, and a fierce underdog heroine.
Awards: #1 New York Times bestseller.
Goodreads Review: “Red Queen is perfect if you liked Red Rising—full of treachery and unexpected twists.”
More on HarperCollins’ website
2. The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
Synopsis: Katniss Everdeen volunteers for a televised death match, sparking rebellion in a dystopian future.
Random fact: Inspired by Greek mythology’s Theseus and the Minotaur.
Similarity: Brutal survival, class oppression, and rebellion against a tyrannical system.
Awards: Winner of the California Young Reader Medal.
Goodreads Review: “Books similar to Red Rising? The Hunger Games is essential—pure, raw adrenaline.”
3. Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
Synopsis: Gifted child Ender Wiggin trains at Battle School to fight an alien race in a mind-bending strategy war.
Random fact: Won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards in 1986.
Similarity: High-stakes training, military strategy, and moral ambiguity.
Awards: Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards.
Goodreads Review: “If you liked Red Rising, read these: Ender’s Game blends genius-level tactics with emotional weight.”
4. The Lies of Locke Lamora – Scott Lynch
Synopsis: Orphan Locke leads a gang of thieves through political and criminal chaos in a Venice-like city.
Random fact: Movie rights were optioned by Warner Bros.
Similarity: Clever schemes, shifting alliances, and darkly humorous betrayals.
Awards: World Fantasy Award finalist.
Goodreads Review: “Searching for books like Red Rising? Lies of Locke Lamora is cunning, bloody, and brilliant.”
5. An Ember in the Ashes – Sabaa Tahir
Synopsis: Slave girl Laia infiltrates the Martial Empire’s military academy to save her brother, while elite soldier Elias plots escape.
Random fact: Named Amazon’s Best Book of the Year in 2015.
Similarity: Dangerous academies, oppressive empires, and star-crossed characters.
Awards: Goodreads Choice Award finalist.
Goodreads Review: “An Ember in the Ashes is a brutal, epic ride—just like books similar to Red Rising.”
6. Mistborn: The Final Empire – Brandon Sanderson
Synopsis: In a world ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, street thief Vin learns she has Allomantic powers and joins a heist to overthrow the empire.
Random fact: Film adaptation is in development by DMG Entertainment.
Similarity: Unique magic systems, impossible rebellions, and underdog heroes.
Awards: Featured on Time’s list of best fantasy novels.
Goodreads Review: “Mistborn is essential if you liked Red Rising—high-stakes and mind-blowingly clever.”
Check Brandon Sanderson’s official site
7. Scythe – Neal Shusterman
Synopsis: In a future without death, Scythes must kill to control population, but apprentices Citra and Rowan question the morality of their role.
Random fact: Universal acquired movie rights in 2017.
Similarity: High-concept dystopia, moral dilemmas, and intense competitions.
Awards: Michael L. Printz Honor.
Goodreads Review: “For books like Red Rising, Scythe is dark, sharp, and unputdownable.”
8. Dune – Frank Herbert
Synopsis: Paul Atreides leads a rebellion on desert planet Arrakis, where politics, prophecy, and spice control the galaxy.
Random fact: The 2021 film adaptation won 6 Oscars.
Similarity: Epic scope, shifting alliances, and philosophical depth.
Awards: Hugo and Nebula Awards.
Goodreads Review: “If you liked Red Rising, read these: Dune is the granddaddy of epic, complex sci-fi.”
FAQs about Books Like Red Rising
What genre is Red Rising?
It’s a mix of dystopian sci-fi, military fiction, and epic fantasy with political intrigue.
Is there a movie or series adaptation of Red Rising?
Yes—Universal Pictures and director Marc Forster have been attached, but it’s still in development.
What age group is Red Rising suitable for?
It’s targeted at adults and mature young adults due to violence and dark themes.
How many books are in the Red Rising series?
As of 2025, there are six books, starting with Red Rising and ending (so far) with Light Bringer.
Why are books like Red Rising so popular?
They combine thrilling action, strategic warfare, and deep character arcs in immersive worlds.
Are there comics or graphic novels for Red Rising?
Yes—Red Rising: Sons of Ares is a comic prequel series exploring the rebellion’s early days.
