The Next Hunger Games: The Red Rising Trilogy

15839976A few weeks ago I mentioned to a friend that I wished the next big book series would come along. It’s been a while. For voracious readers of speculative fiction like me, we had Harry Potter for about 10 years, then The Hunger Games, then a bunch of knock-off dystopian fiction.

Sure, along the way I’ve stumbled upon some great series. I recently mentioned The Magicians, which was great. Hugh Howey did a good job with his Wool series. I’ve really enjoyed pretty much anything John Scalzi has written, particularly books in the world of Old Man’s War. Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicles is excellent, albeit woefully unfinished. The Expanse series is awesome, as is everything in the Hyperion Cantos. The Passage and The Twelve are great (the final book is a year away, though). And even though it’s been a few years, the Acacia trilogy still sits with me as one of the best fantasy series ever.

But I’ve been waiting for the next big thing. The next really big thing. The kind of book that I pre-order and block off an entire day to read when the next book arrives.

I think it’s here. In fact, it’s been here since January.

Last week I discovered a book called Red Rising by Pierce Brown. It is so unbelievably good that I’m in awe it even exists. I couldn’t put it down.

I can’t say much about the book without spoiling anything. Really, this is one of those books that’s best to dive into without know much about it, because it unfolds in such a unique way. The writing is superb, and the characters are fully developed (and not stagnant–they truly evolve throughout the book).

I will say this: It’s not for the faint of heart. Red Rising, while wholly entertaining and captivating, deals with some tough subjects. They aren’t in the book for shock value–there’s a reason for everything in this book–but just prepare to brace yourself.

I want to say more, but I really want you to unravel the treasure that is Red Rising. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the second book in the trilogy is due out in early January.

If I were a betting man, I would bet anything that this is the next big dystopian series. I look forward to seeing it achieve its full potential.

What’s a series of books that you’re surprised isn’t the next big thing (or that you think could be the next big thing)?

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