Red Queen Book Review
When I first picked up “Red Queen,” I was sure it would be a high fantasy novel. Everything suggested it: the back cover summary, the reviews, and the detailed descriptions of the world. It felt like a high fantasy world where people with magical powers ruled over those who didn’t.
But then Mare Barrow and her father started talking about electricity rations. The book had the vibe of high fantasy but turned out to be a dystopian, X-Men-like story, bridging the gap between the two genres. I stared at the book in shock for a good three minutes.
Like many books, “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard has its ups and downs, but the positives far outshine the negatives. The society in the book is divided into two groups: regular people with red blood and those with silver blood who have magical powers.
Mare Barrow, our main character, has red blood. She’s a clever and determined young woman, much like other YA heroines. She starts off as a thief, stealing from other “reds” in her town to support her family before she is forced to join the army and sent to die at the front. A series of events lands Mare in the silver palace, pretending to be a long-lost silver princess.
The book is packed with politics, court intrigue, and thrilling battles with superpowers. It’s perfect for fans of high fantasy, superheroes, and action. But even if that’s not your thing, “Red Queen” offers plenty of romance. Instead of a simple love triangle, there’s a complex web of relationships revolving around Mare. Normally, I dislike multiple love interests, but Victoria Aveyard weaves this one so well that I didn’t mind. By the time I noticed, it was too late to turn back. What stood out to me most was that the love stories didn’t dominate the plot. Mare’s main struggle was more about betraying her people than choosing which boy she liked.
Overall, “Red Queen” is a fantastic, thought-provoking read with an ending that leaves you gasping and eager for the next book.
Adaptation Recommendation
If it were adapted into a film, I’d definitely watch it, provided it’s directed well. Some scenes could be montaged or cut for time, but they do enrich the book.
Overall Rating
“You had me at hello.”
Romance Rating
This one is tough to rate. Like true romance, it’s multifaceted. Some parts deserve two hearts, while others earn five. So, I’ll split the difference:
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.”
