Golden Son
by Pierce Brown
9 / 10 514K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2015
- Publisher
- Hodder & Stoughton
- Pages
- 442
- ISBN
- 9781444759037
Having survived the brutal trials of the Institute, Darrow au Andromedus is no longer just a Red masquerading as a Gold. He is the Reaper, a rising star in the ruling class he swore to destroy. Now, he must navigate the treacherous political landscape of a solar system on the brink of war. Surrounded by enemies who would kill him if they knew his true identity and allies he can barely trust, Darrow is forced to play a deadly game of power, ambition, and betrayal where the stakes are not just his own life, but the fate of all the oppressed colors.
The friendships forged in blood are tested, and the line between hero and monster begins to blur. As Darrow rises higher in the Gold hierarchy, he is drawn deeper into their world of decadent violence and ruthless ambition. The boy who sought to break the chains is becoming the very thing he despises in order to win a war that will either liberate mankind or burn his civilization to the ground. This is not a story about a simple rebellion; it is an exploration of the cost of revolution and the difficult choice between a hopeful rebirth and a devastating retribution.
The friendships forged in blood are tested, and the line between hero and monster begins to blur. As Darrow rises higher in the Gold hierarchy, he is drawn deeper into their world of decadent violence and ruthless ambition. The boy who sought to break the chains is becoming the very thing he despises in order to win a war that will either liberate mankind or burn his civilization to the ground. This is not a story about a simple rebellion; it is an exploration of the cost of revolution and the difficult choice between a hopeful rebirth and a devastating retribution.
Subjects
Original edition
Golden SonOriginally published in 2015 English Turtleback
Other editions (17)
What other readers say
Liked
Many readers found Golden Son to be a significant and magnificent improvement over its predecessor, with several describing it as a marked leap forward for the series. It is widely praised for transitioning firmly into adult military science fiction and space opera territory, offering a more brutal, gritty, and mature narrative. Reviewers consistently highlight the book's relentless pacing, packed with non-stop action, thrilling political intrigue, and intense space and ground warfare. The writing style is frequently lauded as more engrossing, immersive, and poetic, with many memorable quotes. Characters, both new and returning, are noted for their terrific development, fostering deep emotional attachment and complex relationships, particularly between the protagonist and his closest allies. The world-building expands significantly, incorporating space travel and world-hopping with greater ease and visualization, while the plot is filled with twists and turns designed to grip readers from beginning to end.
Disliked
Despite widespread acclaim, some reviewers expressed reservations, primarily concerning the protagonist. Critics occasionally found him to be overly melodramatic, self-obsessed, or a 'Gary Stu' figure whose failures felt unconvincing or served only to highlight his heroism. His inner monologues and speeches were sometimes perceived as insufferably good or as a 'bad actor' reading from a script, leading to a lack of genuine emotional connection for these readers. A few also found the writing style to be pretentious or overly flowery, obscuring clear meaning with elaborate prose. While many praised the action, some reviewers felt the plot became a 'space invader video game' of constant skirmishes and too much double-crossing, making it difficult to track allegiances or care about character motivations. For these readers, the sheer scale and complexity of the political landscape sometimes led to disengagement, rather than increased investment.
In short
Overall, Golden Son is widely regarded as a powerful and emotionally impactful sequel that often leaves readers reeling, with its mind-blowing plot developments and brutal cliffhangers frequently mentioned as highlights. It is highly recommended for those who enjoy adult military science fiction and space opera, particularly readers who appreciate fast-paced narratives, intricate political maneuvering, and high-stakes action. Fans of complex character arcs, intense emotional experiences, and stories that delve into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and revolution will likely find this book compelling. However, readers sensitive to graphic violence, complex political machinations, or who prefer less intense, more straightforward protagonists, might find certain aspects challenging.
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