“Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard
Book review by Eryn Keenan
“Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood — those with red and those with silver.”
In “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard, the author creates a hierarchical society where everyone is supposed to have a place.
There are Silvers and Reds. Silvers are the more elite group and they are endowed with godlike powers. The Reds are commoners and servants. Some lucky Reds become apprentices to the Silvers but others are sent to act as soldiers in a war that has raged on for centuries.
Mare Barrow is supposed to be a Red. She lives in an area known as the Stilts and has accepted her lower place in society. Mare finds herself working in the Silver’s Palace, employed by the ones she loathes the most. As the days pass, Mare begins to exhibit powers of her own. How can this be? She is a Red and only Silvers are supposed to have powers.
Knowing she is a Red, the royals are now in a frenzy. Mare is removed from her servant duties and the Royals fabricate a new identity to make Mare appear as if she has always been a Silver. Mare is even betrothed to one of the Silver Princes.
As the novel progresses, Mare becomes ensnarled in an opposing battle between Reds and Silvers. There are many unforeseen events leading Mare to make life and death choices not only for herself but for all the other Reds. Can she trust the Silvers, love two brothers and escape with her life? Read “Red Queen” to find out.
This book is suitable for ages 13-17 years old and weighs in at 388 pages. This romance novel was packed full of betrayal, lies, and danger. The story was intriguing, however, if readers aren’t mindful of minor details the plot can be disorientating. Overall, fans of complex plots and diverse cultures will adore “Red Queen.” Books similar to “Red Queen” are “Trial by Fire” by Josephine Angelini and “The Jewel” by Amy Ewing.
Eryn is an eighth grader at Edythe J. Hayes Middle School.