13 books like Red Queen

13 books like Red Queen

January 27, 2024
·
Written by: the NextBook team

Hey there! So you've stumbled upon the fantastic world of Red Queen and you're itching to know more, huh? Well, my book-loving friend, you're in luck! I'm here to give you the lowdown on this gripping novel that's been taking the literary world by storm. Think of it as your one-stop-shop for all things Red Queen-related. Buckle up, because this is about to get exciting!


First things first, what's Red Queen all about? Written by Victoria Aveyard, this book is a thrilling blend of fantasy, dystopia, and a dash of romance. Set in a world divided by blood – yep, you heard me right – the story revolves around Mare Barrow, a young girl who unexpectedly finds herself possessing a power that could change the fate of her society. The Silvers, the ruling class with supernatural abilities, and the Reds, the powerless and oppressed, collide in a battle for power, freedom, and the very essence of identity. Get ready for mind-bending twists, heart-pounding action, and more drama than a season finale of your favorite TV show. Trust me, once you start, you won't want to put it down!


Now, in case you're worried about what to read next after devouring Red Queen, fear not. I've got your back! In the next few paragraphs, I'll be sharing some handpicked recommendations for books that capture the same exhilarating spirit and themes as Red Queen. So keep your bookshelf ready and your imagination primed, because we're about to embark on a literary adventure that'll leave you hungry for more. Ready? Let's dig in!

The Book Cover Image for Red Queen
The Book Cover Image for Red Queen
Fantasy
Young Adult
Action

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass follows the journey of an assassin named Celaena Sardothien as she is offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly tournament. As she faces formidable opponents and uncovers dark secrets, Celaena must navigate a world filled with magic, intrigue, and romance to ultimately claim her destiny.
Author
Sarah J. Maas
Year Written
2012
Read Time
7h12m
Throne of Glass
Dystopian
Adventure
Survival

The Hunger Games

"The Hunger Games" is a dystopian novel set in a future where children from different districts are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death. It follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the oppressive regime and fights for survival and rebellion.
Author
Suzanne Collins
Year Written
2008
Read Time
6h24m
The Hunger Games
Fantasy
Adventure
Romance

Graceling

"Graceling" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world where certain individuals possess extraordinary abilities called Graces. The story follows a young woman named Katsa, a skilled warrior with a unique Grace, as she embarks on a dangerous journey that challenges her beliefs, exposes political intrigue, and explores themes of power, love, and self-discovery.
Author
Kristin Cashore.
Year Written
2008
Read Time
Graceling

An Ember in the Ashes

"An Ember in the Ashes" is a captivating and dark fantasy novel that follows the intertwining stories of Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a soldier with a secret desire for freedom. With its immersive world-building and morally complex characters, this book explores themes of resilience, loyalty, and the quest for justice.
Author
Sabaa Tahir
Year Written
2015
Read Time
An Ember in the Ashes
Fantasy
Adventure
Romance

Shadow and Bone

"Shadow and Bone" is an enthralling fantasy novel that follows an orphaned mapmaker named Alina Starkov as she discovers a dormant power that could save her war-torn country. As she trains with the Grisha, an elite group of magical soldiers, Alina must navigate dangerous alliances and face the dark forces that threaten to consume her world.
Author
Leigh Bardugo
Year Written
2012
Read Time
6h8m
Shadow and Bone
Dystopian
Young Adult
Thriller

Legend

"Legend" is a dystopian young adult novel set in a future where the United States is divided into two warring factions. It follows the thrilling journey of a prodigious teenage criminal, Day, and a driven young prodigy, June, as their paths intertwine in a quest for truth and justice.
Author
Marie Lu
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Legend
Science Fiction
Dystopian
Adventure

Red Rising

"Red Rising" is a thrilling and intense science fiction novel set in a dystopian future where society is divided by color-coded castes. It follows the journey of Darrow, a young member of the lowest caste, as he infiltrates the ruling class to bring about revolution and equality.
Author
Pierce Brown
Year Written
2014
Read Time
Red Rising

The Selection

"The Selection" is a captivating and romantic dystopian novel where a young girl is thrust into a competition to win the heart of a prince. The book delves into themes of love, social class, and the struggle for acceptance, making it an engaging read for fans of romance and dystopian fiction.
Author
Kiera Cass
Year Written
2012
Read Time
The Selection
Fantasy
Young Adult
Superpowers

The Young Elites

"The Young Elites" is a captivating tale of a surviving girl named Adelina who possesses dark powers in a world torn by political intrigue and fear. As she navigates through a secret society of fellow misfit teenagers, Adelina must decide whether to embrace her powers or succumb to the darkness within her.
Author
Marie Lu
Year Written
2014
Read Time
6h40m
The Young Elites
Dystopian
Adventure
Mystery

The Maze Runner

"The Maze Runner" is a gripping dystopian novel where a group of young boys are trapped in a maze, with no memory of their past, and must find a way to escape before time runs out. As they face deadly creatures and unravel the mysteries of the maze, the story delves into themes of survival, friendship, and sacrifice.
Author
James Dashner
Year Written
2009
Read Time
The Maze Runner
Fantasy
Dystopian
Adventure

The Queen of the Tearling

"The Queen of the Tearling" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a dystopian world, where a young and courageous queen must reclaim her kingdom and confront dark forces. With a blend of intrigue, political intrigue, and a touch of magic, this gripping tale takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with twists and turns.
Author
Erika Johansen
Year Written
2014
Read Time
9h4m
The Queen of the Tearling
Dystopian
Adventure
Coming of Age

Divergent

In a dystopian society, "Divergent" follows Tris Prior as she discovers her unique identity and challenges the rigid system that divides people based on their traits. With action, romance, and exploration of identity, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
Author
Veronica Roth
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Divergent

FAQ

Overview

In Red Queen, a captivating fantasy novel by Victoria Aveyard, society is divided into two classes based on blood: Silvers and Reds. Silvers are born with extraordinary powers and hold all the wealth and power, while Reds are ordinary people living in poverty. Our protagonist, Mare Barrow, is a Red who discovers she possesses an extraordinary ability that could tip the balance of power. As she is thrust into the world of Silvers and their political games, Mare is torn between her loyalty to the oppressed Reds and the allure of the Silver lifestyle. With romance, political intrigue, and unexpected plot twists, Red Queen takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world where power defines everything and revolutions are born.


Victoria Aveyard masterfully blends elements of fantasy, dystopia, and romance to create a gripping tale that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The stark societal divide, the complexities of power, and the struggle for identity are central themes that resonate throughout the story, making Red Queen not just a thrilling read, but also a thought-provoking exploration of societal structures and the choices we face in the face of injustice. With its compelling characters and rollercoaster plot, Red Queen is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy who crave a dose of adventure, rebellion, and a touch of romance.

Length of Read

The average reader, reading at a speed of 300 WPM, would take 7 hours and 27 minutes to read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.

Main Characters

Alright, let's meet the main players in the electrifying world of Red Queen! Here's a rundown of the characters and what makes them stand out:

  • Mare Barrow: Our fierce and feisty protagonist, she's a Red with a power that challenges the status quo and sets the story in motion.
  • Cal Calore: The dashing and conflicted prince, torn between his duties as a Silver and his growing affection for Mare, he adds a dash of romance to the mix.
  • Maven Calore: Cal's enigmatic and complex younger brother, his actions and motivations keep us guessing and add a twist of intrigue to the plot.
  • Kilorn Warren: Mare's loyal best friend, a Red who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of the Silvers, his unwavering support and bravery make him an integral part of the story.
  • Queen Elara: The chillingly manipulative queen, she brings an extra layer of suspense and danger to the narrative with her cunning ways.

These characters, with their unique personalities and roles, create a vibrant tapestry of alliances, betrayals, and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So get ready to root for the underdogs, question everyone's motives, and immerse yourself in the enthralling world of Red Queen.

Ending & Meaning

Hold on tight, because I'm about to spill the beans on the ending of Red Queen! Brace yourself for some serious plot twists and emotional rollercoasters. At the end of the book, Mare finds herself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal. Just when she thinks she's figured out who to trust, the rug gets pulled out from under her. Secrets are revealed, alliances crumble, and the battle between the Silvers and Reds reaches a boiling point. In the midst of chaos, Mare must make some tough choices that will shape the destiny of her world.


Now, let's dive into the themes and meanings that we can extract from this epic conclusion. One major theme that emerges is the corrupting nature of power. Throughout the story, we see how the Silvers abuse their powers to maintain control over the Reds, while some Reds, like Mare, are willing to do whatever it takes to gain power and bring about change. Red Queen also explores the idea of identity and the struggle to find one's place in a divided society. Mare, as a Red with Silver abilities, constantly grapples with her dual identity and the expectations placed upon her. It's a powerful reminder that who we are is not solely determined by our blood or abilities, but by the choices we make and the actions we take.


So, if you're ready for a mind-bending ending that will leave you gasping for breath, Red Queen is the book for you. But wait, there's more! In the next paragraph, I'll be sharing some other amazing books that delve into similar themes and will leave you craving more of that heart-pounding, thought-provoking goodness. Stay tuned, my bookish friends!

View all
No items found.