"Golden Son" by Pierce Brown is an epic continuation of Darrow’s journey as he navigates political intrigue, intense battles, and personal betrayals in a quest to overthrow the oppressive Society that governs the solar system.
Book Title: Golden Son (Red Rising Saga, #2)
Author: Pierce Brown
ISBN: 978-0345539816
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Action, Political, Space Opera
Published Year: 2015
Introduction
"Golden Son" is the second installment in Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Saga, continuing the story of Darrow, a former Red, a low-caste miner who has been transformed into a Gold, the highest caste of the oppressive Society. The book is a thrilling blend of science fiction, political intrigue, and action, taking place in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system and is divided into rigid social hierarchies, each represented by a color. Darrow’s mission is to bring down the Golds from within, and "Golden Son" explores the complexities of revolution, loyalty, and personal sacrifice.
Part One: Rise to Power
The story picks up two years after the events of "Red Rising", with Darrow having solidified his place among the elite Golds. He is now a Lancer for the House Augustus, serving under Nero au Augustus, a powerful ArchGovernor. However, despite his position, Darrow is acutely aware that he remains a pawn in a much larger game.
The Academy and Betrayal
Darrow's rise to prominence begins at the Academy, where young Golds are trained in space warfare. Darrow excels, but his ambition to win the Academy’s prestigious competition puts him at odds with powerful rivals, particularly Cassius au Bellona, a former friend whose family Darrow is sworn to destroy. The betrayal at the Academy comes when Augustus and his allies turn on Darrow, leaving him politically isolated and vulnerable.
Key Moments:
- The Academy’s War Games: Darrow’s fleet is sabotaged by Roque au Fabii, a close friend, which leads to his devastating defeat.
- Cassius and the Bellonas: The rivalry between Darrow and Cassius intensifies, as Cassius seeks vengeance for Darrow's killing of his brother, Julian, in the previous book.
Quote:
“He’s at war with himself, like so many Golds. They love the way things are because they fear change. They want justice, but the world they rule thrives on injustice.”
Part Two: The Fall of the Golds
Darrow’s ambitions to destabilize the Gold hierarchy are complicated by his complex relationships with key figures. His loyalty to the Sons of Ares, the rebel group who gave him his mission, is constantly tested as he becomes more embroiled in the political power struggles of the Golds.
Alliances and Manipulation
To regain his influence, Darrow forms alliances with other Golds, most notably Lorn au Arcos, a former Praetor and legendary warrior, and Victra au Julii, a sharp and unpredictable ally. His maneuvering leads him to participate in the Conclave, a political assembly where houses vie for power. Here, Darrow plays a dangerous game, manipulating both friends and enemies to secure Augustus’s position and weaken the Bellona family.
Key Elements of This Section:
- The Conclave and Power Plays: Darrow’s speech at the Conclave is a pivotal moment where he asserts his dominance and defies the Bellona family, making a bold move against the Sovereign, Octavia au Lune, the ruler of the Society.
- Lorn au Arcos’ Loyalty: Lorn becomes a crucial ally but warns Darrow of the dangers of his path, both from external enemies and his internal struggles.
The Inner Conflict
Despite his growing power, Darrow is haunted by his dual identity as both a Gold and a Red. His guilt over the deaths he’s caused, especially his continued deception of his Gold friends like Roque and Mustang, weighs heavily on him. This inner turmoil is further exacerbated by his love for Virginia "Mustang" au Augustus, Nero's daughter, who is unaware of his true identity.
Quote:
“Rise so high, in mud you lie.”
Part Three: War and Rebellion
As the story escalates, Darrow’s plans to incite rebellion within the Society become more dangerous. The political machinations lead to outright war, and Darrow must navigate not only the battlefield but also the treacherous relationships with those around him.
The Betrayal
One of the most significant moments in the novel is Ragnar’s betrayal. Darrow’s trusted lieutenant, a massive Obsidians warrior, turns on him after being manipulated by the Sovereign. This leads to a catastrophic loss for Darrow, as his carefully laid plans begin to unravel.
Highlights:
- The Fall of Augustus: Nero au Augustus is overthrown by the combined forces of the Sovereign and the Bellona family, forcing Darrow to retreat and regroup with his remaining allies.
- The Sons of Ares: Darrow’s ties to the rebel group deepen as he reconnects with Dancer and Sevro, his fiercest allies in the fight against the Golds. Sevro’s loyalty is unwavering, but Darrow begins to question his place in both worlds—the rebel and the ruling class.
The Final Battle
The climactic battle at the end of "Golden Son" is a sprawling, bloody conflict that sees Darrow’s forces engage with the Sovereign’s armies. Darrow's hope for a decisive victory is dashed when Roque, who has become disillusioned with Darrow’s lies, betrays him, siding with the Sovereign and Cassius. In a brutal moment of treachery, Darrow is captured and tortured, leaving the reader on a dramatic cliffhanger.
Quote:
“If I am a blade, I am a blade that is made of flame.”
Themes and Symbolism
"Golden Son" delves deeper into the themes that began in "Red Rising", while adding new layers of complexity to Darrow’s story. Some of the key themes explored include:
Betrayal and Loyalty: The novel is filled with betrayals, from Roque’s devastating defection to Darrow’s manipulation of his friends. The shifting allegiances make Darrow question who he can trust, even as he tries to maintain his own loyalties to the Sons of Ares and his friends.
Class Warfare and Revolution: Pierce Brown uses Darrow’s mission as a broader commentary on class struggles. The rigid caste system of the Society is a clear metaphor for real-world systems of inequality, and Darrow’s fight is symbolic of all oppressed peoples seeking freedom from their rulers.
Identity and Sacrifice: Darrow’s struggle with his identity is at the heart of the novel. He is a Red living as a Gold, constantly torn between his love for the people he must destroy and his hatred of the system they represent. This duality forces Darrow to make significant sacrifices, including his personal happiness and relationships.
Conclusion
"Golden Son" is a masterful continuation of the Red Rising Saga, delivering intense action, emotional depth, and political intrigue. Pierce Brown expertly builds on the foundations laid in the first book, expanding the world of the Society and delving deeper into its moral complexities. The novel’s exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and revolution keeps the reader on edge, while Darrow’s personal journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The cliffhanger ending leaves the reader desperate to continue Darrow’s story in the next book, "Morning Star".
One-sentence summary: In "Golden Son", Darrow’s rise to power is marked by betrayals, alliances, and brutal warfare as he navigates the dangerous world of Golds while secretly working to bring down their entire system.