Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

 

The novel Red Queen opens describing the grim life of main character, Mare Barrow, a 17-year old girl who is one of the last remaining siblings in her family that has not gone off to war. In the world she lives in that we are introduced to, her societal status is based off the color of your blood. Mare is red-blooded, growing up as a commoner and doing work for silvers, who are the royals and rulers that have special powers, putting them above everyone else. 

Mare is a pickpocket, living off the things in peoples pockets in order to help her family get by, as her father is permanently injured from being in the military many years. Most of her family knows she's a pickpocket, but aren't proud of her doing it. One of the few people Mare can confide in is her best friend Kilorn, her partner-in-crime and who she spends all her time with until she is sent to the military when she turns 18. After getting into a little too much trouble, Mare is sent to the serve the King, discovering a secret that might change her life forever. 

Ratings

Plot: 7.5/10

Characters: 9/10

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

I really enjoyed reading this book. Initially, I started reading it because I was recommended it by my friends, and wanted to see how I would like it as well. Red Queen is very similar to The Hunger Games, having that sort of dystopian vibe that made the book a lot more interesting. While the plot was a little confusing towards the middle, the unexpected plot-twist is something that changed my perspective on the book entirely. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy dystopian novels, and also want a little love triangle and plot twist as well. 

- Cali