Dark Age
by Pierce Brown
9 / 10 128K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2020
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Pages
- 800
- ISBN
- 9780425285961
A decade after leading a revolution, Darrow finds himself an outlaw, cast out of the very Republic he founded. Now, with half his fleet destroyed, he wages a rogue war on Mercury, desperately fighting to salvage the dream of a free society. Outnumbered and outgunned, his path is fraught with moral compromises, blurring the line between hero and the very evil he sought to destroy.
As Darrow battles for survival, other key figures navigate their own treacherous landscapes. Virginia au Augustus, Sovereign of the Republic, contends with political enemies on Luna while Lysander au Lune, the exiled heir to the old empire, seeks to unite the treacherous Gold families against the fledgling Republic. With alliances shifting and the solar system fracturing, the consequences of power and the brutal realities of war threaten to plunge humanity into a new Dark Age.
As Darrow battles for survival, other key figures navigate their own treacherous landscapes. Virginia au Augustus, Sovereign of the Republic, contends with political enemies on Luna while Lysander au Lune, the exiled heir to the old empire, seeks to unite the treacherous Gold families against the fledgling Republic. With alliances shifting and the solar system fracturing, the consequences of power and the brutal realities of war threaten to plunge humanity into a new Dark Age.
Subjects
Original edition
Dark AgeOriginally published in 2019 English Taylor & Francis Group
Other editions (9)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
The war for the future of humanity rages across the solar system, a decade after the chains of the Society were broken, yet the promise of a golden age has curdled into a dark and bloody epoch. On Mercury, Darrow of Lykos, the legendary Reaper, finds himself a general marooned, his celebrated Free Legions battered and dwindling. The White Fleet, once the Republic's pride, lies shattered in orbit, a testament to the cunning and brutality of Atalantia au Grimmus, Dictator of the Society Remnant. Against overwhelming odds and a relentless enemy, Darrow fights a desperate, consuming battle for survival, his body and spirit worn thin by the ceaseless conflict, questioning if he is still the hero who broke the chains or merely another monster forged by war.
Meanwhile, on Luna, Sovereign Virginia au Augustus, Darrow's wife, struggles to hold the fragile Solar Republic together. Beset by political enemies and internal strife, she navigates a labyrinth of betrayal and shifting alliances, her every decision a gamble for the fate of billions. The ideals of democracy she champions are threatened not only by the resurgent Golds but by the Republic's own fracturing loyalties, as whispers of doubt and dissent turn into open rebellion. She fights to send aid to Mercury, knowing her husband's life and the Republic's future hang by a thread.
Across the void, Lysander au Lune, the exiled heir of the old empire, makes his own play for power. He has returned to the Core, forging alliances with the formidable Rim Golds, his ambition burning with a cold, aristocratic resolve to restore what he believes is humanity's rightful order. He joins Atalantia's forces on Mercury, his strategic brilliance and the terrifying power of his Mind's Eye making him a formidable, ruthless adversary. Yet, beneath the veneer of noble intent, his actions grow increasingly violent and self-serving, revealing the corrupting influence of the power he seeks.
Far from the grand battles, the former thief Ephraim ti Horn finds himself on a path of reluctant atonement. After a botched kidnapping, he is tasked with protecting Pax and Electra, the children of Darrow and Sevro, from a new, terrifying threat. His cynical wit is tempered by a growing sense of responsibility, as he becomes entangled with the enigmatic Obsidian queen, Sefi, and her people. Their journey is one of harrowing escapes and brutal encounters, forcing Ephraim to confront his past and the value of lives beyond his own.
Lyria, a young Red refugee scarred by unimaginable loss, endures her own crucible. Accused of treason and imprisoned, she faces betrayal and torture, pushing her to the brink. Yet, from the depths of her despair, a fierce resolve ignites. She transforms from a traumatized survivor into a cunning and resilient figure, driven by a burning desire for vengeance and justice, refusing to be a passive victim in a galaxy consumed by fire.
As Darrow's forces on Mercury are decimated in brutal engagements, including the devastating fall of Heliopolis, the hope of the Rising dims. The planet becomes a charnel house, filled with the echoes of shattered dreams and the stench of death. Lysander's betrayal, the relentless advance of Atalantia's legions, and the emergence of ancient, terrifying weapons push Darrow to make impossible choices, sacrificing his own humanity for the sake of a fading cause. The galaxy spirals into a true Dark Age, where alliances shift like sand, heroes are broken, and the cost of power is paid in blood and despair, leaving a trail of destruction that threatens to consume all that was fought for.
Meanwhile, on Luna, Sovereign Virginia au Augustus, Darrow's wife, struggles to hold the fragile Solar Republic together. Beset by political enemies and internal strife, she navigates a labyrinth of betrayal and shifting alliances, her every decision a gamble for the fate of billions. The ideals of democracy she champions are threatened not only by the resurgent Golds but by the Republic's own fracturing loyalties, as whispers of doubt and dissent turn into open rebellion. She fights to send aid to Mercury, knowing her husband's life and the Republic's future hang by a thread.
Across the void, Lysander au Lune, the exiled heir of the old empire, makes his own play for power. He has returned to the Core, forging alliances with the formidable Rim Golds, his ambition burning with a cold, aristocratic resolve to restore what he believes is humanity's rightful order. He joins Atalantia's forces on Mercury, his strategic brilliance and the terrifying power of his Mind's Eye making him a formidable, ruthless adversary. Yet, beneath the veneer of noble intent, his actions grow increasingly violent and self-serving, revealing the corrupting influence of the power he seeks.
Far from the grand battles, the former thief Ephraim ti Horn finds himself on a path of reluctant atonement. After a botched kidnapping, he is tasked with protecting Pax and Electra, the children of Darrow and Sevro, from a new, terrifying threat. His cynical wit is tempered by a growing sense of responsibility, as he becomes entangled with the enigmatic Obsidian queen, Sefi, and her people. Their journey is one of harrowing escapes and brutal encounters, forcing Ephraim to confront his past and the value of lives beyond his own.
Lyria, a young Red refugee scarred by unimaginable loss, endures her own crucible. Accused of treason and imprisoned, she faces betrayal and torture, pushing her to the brink. Yet, from the depths of her despair, a fierce resolve ignites. She transforms from a traumatized survivor into a cunning and resilient figure, driven by a burning desire for vengeance and justice, refusing to be a passive victim in a galaxy consumed by fire.
As Darrow's forces on Mercury are decimated in brutal engagements, including the devastating fall of Heliopolis, the hope of the Rising dims. The planet becomes a charnel house, filled with the echoes of shattered dreams and the stench of death. Lysander's betrayal, the relentless advance of Atalantia's legions, and the emergence of ancient, terrifying weapons push Darrow to make impossible choices, sacrificing his own humanity for the sake of a fading cause. The galaxy spirals into a true Dark Age, where alliances shift like sand, heroes are broken, and the cost of power is paid in blood and despair, leaving a trail of destruction that threatens to consume all that was fought for.
What other readers say
Liked
Dark Age is widely praised for its relentless intensity and epic scale, significantly expanding the universe of the Red Rising Saga. Reviewers frequently highlight the author's strong prose and masterful storytelling, which immerse readers in a brutal and unflinching depiction of war. Many found the book to be a deeply emotional and impactful experience, with some character arcs noted for their compelling development and villains for their complexity. The narrative's sheer ambition and its capacity to evoke strong feelings, despite its challenging content, are consistently lauded by those who found it a powerful read, with some declaring it a masterpiece and the best installment in the series.
Disliked
However, the book's extreme darkness and explicit violence are frequently cited as significant drawbacks. Many readers felt the constant exposure to brutal and gory details led to desensitization or even boredom, rather than sustained tension. Pacing was a common point of criticism, with some reviewers finding the book excessively long and slow in parts, particularly due to prolonged battle sequences. Concerns were also raised about a perceived lack of clear plot coherence, an overwhelming number of villains, and a general absence of the humor and hope that characterized earlier installments, leaving some feeling drained and without reprieve. Some also noted that certain character developments or plot devices did not resonate universally.
In short
Ultimately, Dark Age emerges as a polarizing but undeniably significant installment in the series, often described as a necessary, albeit grueling, phase. While some consider it a pinnacle of the saga, others found its unrelenting brutality and structural issues too challenging. It is recommended for readers who appreciate grimdark science fiction, are prepared for an emotionally and mentally demanding experience, and value an unflinching portrayal of large-scale conflict. Those who prefer lighter tones, faster-paced plots, or less graphic content may find it a difficult read, with some suggesting a re-read of previous books might enhance the experience.
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