Review: Morning Star by Pierce Brown

Posted by Jessi (Geo) on April 4, 2016 | 0 Comments


Review: Morning Star by Pierce BrownMorning Star by Pierce Brown
Series: Red Rising #3
Published by Del Rey (2.9.2016)
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover, 518 pages
Source: Library


4 Stars

Darrow would have lived in peace, but his enemies brought him war. The Gold overlords demanded his obedience, hanged his wife, and enslaved his people. But Darrow is determined to fight back. Risking everything to transform himself and breach Gold society, Darrow has battled to survive the cutthroat rivalries that breed Society's mightiest warriors, climbed the ranks, and waited patiently to unleash the revolution that will tear the hierarchy apart from within.

Finally, the time has come.

But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied - and too glorious to surrender.

My thoughts

We are the tide. And we are rising.

While I still enjoyed this one – it’s hard not to, with the lovely prose and amazing world – I had the same problem with this one that I did with Golden Son: Yet more politics and war strategy dominating the majority of this book. There was a good chunk in the middle that was downright boring because of that. I think some of that could have been condensed and the story shortened a bit (this book was SO long), and it would have maintained my interest a little better. Without the boring chunks, this book probably could have been 5 stars (same with the second book).

In the absence of a sun, there can only be darkness.

It’s kind of hard to talk about this without any spoilers, I don’t want to give anything away!

View Spoiler »

I LOVE SEVRO SO FREAKING MUCH YOU GUYS. I can’t even. He is by far my favorite character in this whole series! I love that he’s there for Darrow through thick and thin, unconditionally. Despite what Darrow is. Sevro has the most genuine, pure friendship of any character that I’ve read in a long time. He had his moments, sure – there was one point in the middle where I was like noooo, Sevro what are you doing?! and my heart kept sinking because they were drifting apart. I’m so glad that didn’t last! Sevro had Darrow’s back right until the very end. I read so few true friendships, there needs to be more of that!  View Spoiler »

The Reaper has come. And he’s brought hell with him.

I like how Brown wrapped everything up in the end. It was a satisfying ending, and it made sense. View Spoiler »

Favorite Quotes

Man is no island. We need those who love us. We need those who hate us. We need others to tether us to life, to give us a reason to live, to feel.

“You! Troll!” Sevro shouts. “I’m a terrorist warlord! Stop throwing me. You made me drop my candy! Wait. Where is it? Dammit, Ragnar. Where is my peanut bar? You know how many people I had to kill to get that. Six! Six!”
I FREAKING LOVE SEVRO!

I truly do believe we choose who we want to be in this life. It isn’t preordained. You taught me loyalty, more than Mustang, more than Roque. And because of that, I believe in you, Victra. As much as I’ve ever believed in anyone.” I hold out my hand. “Be my family and I will never forsake you. I will never lie to you. I will be your brother as long as you live.”
FEEEEEEELSSSSS.

“A man thinks he can fly, but he is afraid to jump. A poor friend pushes him from behind. A good friend jumps with.” -Ragnar

“It is no great thing to die. Not when one has lived.”

“You fly into the night, and when all grows dark, remember who you are. Remember you are never alone. The hopes and dreams of our people go with you. Remember home. Remember you are loved.”

Overall Assessment

Plot: 4/5
Premise: 4.5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 4.5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
World-building: 3.5/5
Pace: 3/5
Feels: 4.5/5
Cover: 2.5/5
Overall rating: 4/5

The Red Rising Trilogy

red rising brown golden sun pierce brown morning star pierce brown

Overall series rating:
4 half heartbeats

Jessi (Geo)

Posted in: Book Reviews | Tags: , , ,

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