“I live for the dream that my children will be born free,” she says. “That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them.”
 “I live for you,” I say sadly.
 Eo kisses my cheek. “Then you must live for more.”

Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he toils willingly, trusting that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children. 

 But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and lush wilds spread across the planet. Darrow–and Reds like him–are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class. 

 Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity’s overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society’s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies . . . even if it means he has to become one of them to do so. 

I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading.

Letter R on my alphabet reading challenge came from a book I saw someone reading on the train once. I very much judged the book by its cover, and ran with it. I’m glad I did as it’s a dark dystopian sci-fi meets historical mythology crossed with The Hunger Games all in one book.

Darrow, a Red, knows only toil and hardship. He and his people are the advance party, preparing Mars for habitation by the “higher colours” when they move from Earth. After tragedy strikes, he discovers the truth to be very different. The Reds, living on meagre rations in harsh conditions and carrying out back breaking work, are not alone. An entire society exists beyond the walls they know, with some enjoying luxury and excess while they toil in misery.

Darrow finds himself drafted in to try and overthrow the Golds, those at the top of society. But to elevate the Reds and destroy the colour caste system, he must become one of those he hates the most. What follows is a brutal, bloodthirsty initiation into the Institute where victory would see him rise through the ranks and onward to positions of power.

I loved this book. Dark and gritty, filled with hatred and sorrow it was a fantastic read. I immediately purchased book two in the series, and look forward to diving in!

My rating: