Blood matters. Or does it? In a world where those born with Silver blood reign supreme over others with Red blood, Victoria Aveyard spins a majestic world of historical fiction that tells the life of Mare Barrow in her book Red Queen.
In Red Queen, blood is everything. It is the deciding factor for how you’ll live your life, either high in luxury with magical gifts, or down in the trenches fighting the war. Mare was born Red. Disposable and insignificant to the Silver King. Silvers had abilities, such as healing and controlling the elements, while Reds were just normal people with no abilities. Looming upon Mare is her 18th birthday, where she will have to enlist in the military. After a stroke of luck, Mare is hired as a palace maid and is thrust into the Queenstrial ceremony, barely surviving the ordeal and finding out she has the ability to control lightning, a phenomenon that the Silver King and Queen want to hide. With her unique abilities, Mare is forced to take upon a new identity and betrothed to the Second Prince and act as a Silver, all the while secretly discovering romantic interests, freedom, betrayal, and working with a rebellion.
I really enjoy how the world is built and how the author emphasizes that certain things cannot be just done willy-nilly as they would have consequences. Mare Barrow’s character is admirable and it is clearly seen in how much she struggles with her decisions and her new way of living. The plot is fast-paced and quite unique. Certain cliche plot points are present that may make it slightly predictable, but it overall is a good read.
To summarize, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is a Young Adult Historical Fantasy novel telling the story of Mare Barrow and paints a world separated by blood. With a beautifully written and detailed world and fast-paced plot, the reader is able to learn about the major events in Mare Barrow’s life. Surprising plot twists are sprinkled in between the book that makes the reader curious for more. Overall, I would recommend this book for people who like a bit of romance mixed in with fantasy and historical fiction. It is a pleasant read that would surely keep them curious and eager throughout the book.
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