With that cry, Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen catapults readers into a world where blood determines fate—and one girl dares to change the rules.
Red Queen kicks off a high-stakes fantasy series that blends dystopian politics with royal court drama. As someone who loves stories that explore rebellion, identity, and power struggles, I found myself quickly immersed in Mare Barrow’s dangerous world—one where blood determines your destiny and betrayal lurks behind every crown. While not without flaws, Red Queen delivered a gripping ride that left me eager for the next installment.
💙 What Worked
Core Concept: The blood-based caste system immediately draws a line in the sand—Reds serve, Silvers rule—and Aveyard does a strong job of establishing that tension early. The moment Mare’s powers emerge, shattering the known order, the stakes skyrocket.
Political Intrigue & Betrayal: This is where Red Queen truly shines. The plotting, double-crossing, and morally gray characters constantly keep the reader on edge. Aveyard isn’t afraid to remind us:
“The truth doesn’t matter. It only matters what the people believe.”
Quotes with Punch: From declarations about manipulation and control to devastating truths about systemic oppression, Aveyard delivers lines that linger. One of the most haunting:
“As beautiful as this world is, it’s just as dangerous. People who are not useful…they can be removed. You can be removed.”
The Rebellion’s Spirit: The Scarlet Guard and their rally cry—“Rise up, Red as the Dawn”—inject the story with urgency and a beating heart. You can feel the rebellion brewing under every surface.
⚠️ What Fell Short
Underwhelming Romantic Tension: While romance isn’t the focus, the dynamic between Mare, the two princes, and her childhood friend never quite delivers the emotional depth readers might expect. Unlike other YA fantasies like Powerless, the chemistry here feels undercooked, and a bit forced. You can view my full review on Powerless, here.
Mare’s Character Development: Though Mare is courageous, her thief-to-princess transformation feels more functional than emotionally grounded. Her darker traits—lying, stealing—are interesting, but we don’t get enough of her internal growth to truly feel her shift into a revolutionary figure.
Underdeveloped World-building: Cities with tech, airships, a hinted-at futuristic or steampunk setting… and yet, little explanation. The backdrop is compelling but feels half-painted. A richer dive into the world’s history and mechanics could have made the setting as memorable as the plot.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen is a pulse-pounding debut that expertly mixes dystopia, magic, and revolution. While the romance may not win every reader over and the setting could use more texture, the themes of power, oppression, and personal sacrifice hit hard. This is a story that dares to ask how far you’re willing to go to change the world—and whether the world will change you first.
Mare may be caught between worlds, but her story reminds us that rebellion begins with belief. Live Your Lore, and “rise up, red as the dawn.”
Have you read Red Queen? Did Mare’s journey resonate with you—or did you find yourself questioning the price of power?
Let’s talk about it. Drop your thoughts below or head over to my socials to chat more bookish thoughts and theories. 💙
