Red Queen

The Red Queen

Additional Authors

No items found.

Book Synopsis

Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood—those with common Red blood serve the Silver-blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. There, before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard—a growing Red rebellion—even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.

This sweeping story of palace intrigue, class hierarchy, and deception will keep readers hurtling along, desperate to find out Mare’s fate. Her honesty and determination, quick wit, and no-holds-barred attitude will surely make readers fall in love with her.

The Hook

From the moment I cracked open Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, I knew I was in for a ride. The synopsis alone hinted at a world where the lines between power and survival are razor-thin, a place where the elite rule with iron fists while the oppressed live underfoot. We are thrust into the life of Mare Barrow, a girl who’s about to see her world turn upside down. She’s not just a lowly Red anymore—suddenly, she’s thrust into the intricate, dangerous dance of the nobility. The court is a nest of snakes, full of hidden agendas, double-crosses, and the ever-watchful eyes of those who would see her fail.

As we embark on this journey together, my hopes for Mare are high. She’s about to become part of a court full of secrets and lies, where every glance could hold a hidden message, and every smile could be a mask for betrayal. I’m particularly intrigued by the cover-up hinted at in the synopsis—something about Mare’s new life doesn’t add up, and I can’t help but think that this secret won’t stay buried for long. After all, it’s been said that a secret between two people is no longer a secret. Will Mare uncover the truth, or will the lies woven around her continue to smother the kingdom? Only time will tell as we dive into the pages of Red Queen.

I can’t wait to see how the rebellion brewing in the shadows might unravel the delicate balance of power in the kingdom. Will Mare, with her new status and the growing unrest beneath the surface, be able to navigate the treacherous waters of royalty, or will the wolves in sheep’s clothing circle too close? Let’s find out what fate has in store for Mare and the kingdom in Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.

Free Book Sample For Member Download:

Book Review

By Blogger:

Dee Szuba

Now that I’ve finished Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, I can reflect on how well-written and captivating the story turned out to be. From the very beginning, Aveyard’s descriptive writing painted a vivid picture of the world of the Silvers and Reds. Her attention to detail made it easy to imagine the stark contrast between the lives of these two classes: the Silvers, with their nobility and immense power, living in luxury and security, while the Reds suffer as slaves, always struggling to survive. The division between them is clear, and the author does an excellent job of explaining how this inequality shapes the world Mare Barrow inhabits.

What stood out most to me was Mare’s character. Unlike the typical female protagonist who is often portrayed as gentle and selfless, Mare is far from that. She’s a petty thief, fighting her way through a world she knows little about. Aveyard made her a unique character—violent, manipulative, and willing to use others to achieve her goals. It’s a refreshing change from the usual protagonist trope, though it sometimes made Mare harder to root for. I found myself both frustrated and intrigued by her. She’s not the noble hero we often expect, and I’m hoping that in future books, we see her evolve into someone who can balance that edge with genuine leadership and trustworthiness.

All in all, despite the slower pace at the start, Red Queen pulled me in towards the middle and kept me engaged through to the end. The world-building, the tension between the classes, and Mare’s complex, darker character all worked together to create a compelling story. If you're looking for something with a protagonist who's not your typical hero, but someone more morally gray and complex, Red Queen is definitely worth the read.

Book Spoilers

Disclaimer: This section might contain Spoilers about the book because, as we read the books we try to provide readers with information that might catch them off guard and/or trigger them to in one way or another. This is the main reason for this blog was created.

After finishing Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, I can confidently say that this is a relatively safe read for most readers. It falls into the young adult and preteen age category, though due to some of the darker content, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone under the age of 13. The book delves into themes of slavery, executions, and assassinations, and while they aren’t overly graphic, these topics are prevalent throughout the story. If any of these subjects are particularly triggering for you, this might not be the best series to dive into, as they form a significant part of the world-building and plot.

Spoiler alert: What I found interesting was the chain of events that really kicked off Mare’s problems. It all started when she decided to steal from Cal, a mysterious stranger in her village. I have to say, I totally called it—there was definitely something between Mare and Cal from the moment they met. It’s the only explanation for why he let her off the hook after catching her in the act. His decision to get her a job set everything in motion, from her dramatic fall into the arena to the shocking reveal of her powers. In a way, it’s all Cal’s fault, but it made for a fascinating journey to watch how Mare’s life unraveled because of that one encounter.

Overall, Red Queen turned out to be a solid read. The character development and plot twists kept me engaged, and I enjoyed seeing how everything played out. The blend of court intrigue, rebellion, and the dynamics between Mare and the other characters made this a satisfying story, even with its darker themes. If you’re looking for a young adult book with a bit of an edge, this is definitely one to consider.