Dark Age

Book Summary

“Dark Age,” the fifth book in the “Red Rising” series, delves further into the complexities of the interplanetary universe that Brown has expertly crafted. The society, once neatly segmented into Colors, is now in chaos following the events of the previous book. Darrow, the central figure in the series, continues his rebellion against the tyrannical Sovereign while grappling with the personal consequences of his choices. This installment centers on a period of brutal warfare across the Solar System, specifically on Mars, Mercury, and Luna. The narrative alternates between several viewpoints, including Darrow, Lysander au Lune, Ephraim ti Horn, Lyria of Lagalos, and Virginia “Mustang” au Augustus, providing a multi-faceted perspective of the conflicts unfolding. The characters face treacherous political alliances, intense battles, personal betrayals, and deep-seated fear and loss. “Dark Age” is a tale of endurance in the face of unimaginable hardships and the cost of war. It asks significant questions about authority, power, and the lengths one would go to for the sake of a ‘greater good.’ The battle lines are no longer clear, and the characters grapple with the complex reality of their world and their roles within it.

Author Intro

Pierce Brown

Pierce Brown is an American science fiction author who first gained recognition for his debut novel, “Red Rising.” Born in 1988 in Denver, Colorado, Brown spent his early years working a myriad of jobs, from NBC page to political campaign aide, before his writing career took off. His “Red Rising” series, a blend of dystopian fiction and mythology set in a hierarchical interplanetary society, has topped the New York Times Bestseller list and earned him a dedicated fan base. Known for his immersive world-building, complex characters, and plotlines rich with political intrigue, Brown continues to be a significant name in modern science fiction.

Book Reviews

In “Dark Age,” Pierce Brown delivers an absolute tour de force. The novel is a complex web of power struggles, political maneuvering, and characters pushed to their limits. The multiple viewpoints enrich the narrative, providing varied perspectives on the war and its consequences. Each character’s journey is laden with action, emotion, and intricate personal dilemmas. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on their toes from start to finish. “Dark Age” is a testament to Brown’s prowess as a storyteller in the realm of science fiction.

Brown’s “Dark Age” is a masterful addition to the “Red Rising” series, taking it to new heights of complexity and depth. The novel is steeped in action, intrigue, and emotional intensity. The shifting viewpoints give a layered and nuanced view of the war-ravaged Solar System. What stands out is the characters’ evolution; their journeys, whether towards redemption or destruction, make for an intense reading experience. “Dark Age” is a dark, daring, and thoroughly engrossing read, solidifying Pierce Brown’s standing as an exceptional science fiction writer.

“Dark Age” continues the trend of Pierce Brown’s spellbinding storytelling, complete with rich world-building, complex characters, and a relentless plot. The universe is more chaotic, the stakes are higher, and the characters are faced with graver challenges. Brown’s skill in presenting multiple viewpoints allows readers to fully comprehend the depth of the conflicts and the extent of their implications. Amidst the epic scale of the battles and the political schemes, the novel does not lose sight of its characters’ human emotions and internal struggles. This novel is a captivating blend of action, drama, and philosophy.

Pierce Brown’s “Dark Age” takes the “Red Rising” series into grim new territory, presenting a compellingly brutal portrait of a society in turmoil. Brown masterfully weaves together the complex narratives of multiple characters, each contributing their unique viewpoint to the overarching conflict. The intensity never lets up, with stunning plot twists, shocking betrayals, and spectacular action sequences throughout. Yet, amid all the chaos, Brown takes the time to delve into the emotional arcs of his characters, rendering them as fully-fledged, sympathetic figures. “Dark Age” is a powerhouse of a novel, at once relentless and deeply thoughtful.

Best Lines

  • “Society has three stages: Savagery, Ascendance, Decadence. The great rise because of Savagery. They rule in Ascendance. They fall because of their own Decadence.”
  • “I would have lived in peace. But my enemies brought me war.”
  • “They say a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. They made no mention of the heart.”
  • “All men fall. It’s but time and method that differ.”

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