Books like Red Rising

If you've finished Pierce Brown's thrilling Red Rising saga and find yourself craving more epic science fiction with ruthless politics, fierce battles, and complex characters, you're not alone. The journey of Darrow from lowly Red miner to revolutionary leader captivates readers with its blend of dystopian drama and space opera grandeur. In this post, I'll share the best books like Red Rising that capture the same intensity, political intrigue, and character growth that made Brown's series so addictive. Whether you're drawn to Red Rising's brutal academy training, its class warfare, or its morally gray protagonists navigating corrupt systems, these books similar to Red Rising will satisfy your hunger for high-stakes science fiction. From military academies to interplanetary conflicts, each recommendation offers the perfect next read for fans waiting for the next installment in the Red Rising universe. Just a heads-up, this post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!)

Books Similar to Red Rising

Book Cover

Dark Matter

Blake Crouch

If the dark intensity and high-stakes survival of Red Rising hooked you, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is another mind-bending thriller you won’t want to miss. Both books feature deeply character-driven narratives told through multiple perspectives, with dialogue-heavy storytelling that keeps the tension razor-sharp. Like Darrow, Dark Matter’s protagonist is an outsider forced into an impossible fight for survival, navigating themes of sacrifice, love, and the search for meaning in a world that feels rigged against him. Both stories grapple with grief and loss while exploring the depths of human resilience, all wrapped in a fast-paced, heart-pounding plot that challenges everything the characters, and the readers, believe to be true.

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How it's similar to Red Rising

Subgenre

Mystery/Thriller
Sci-Fi

Tone

Dark/Serious
Suspenseful/Thrilling

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Lyrical/Descriptive
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Anti-Hero
The Hero
The Lover
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Mysterious Location

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning
Book Cover

Ender's Game

Orson Scott Card

If you were drawn to Red Rising for its gripping mix of rebellion, strategy, and intense character dynamics, Ender’s Game delivers a similar punch. Both novels are character-driven, unfolding through multiple perspectives, and center on outsiders, Darrow and Ender, who are thrust into ruthless, high-stakes battles where survival depends on their cunning and adaptability. Themes of betrayal, revenge, and dysfunctional families run deep in both stories, as do explorations of friendship, grief, and the painful process of coming of age in a world that demands violence and sacrifice. With its mix of sci-fi warfare, morally complex characters, and a protagonist fighting against a system that seeks to control him, Ender’s Game is a must-read for Red Rising fans.

How it's similar to Red Rising

Subgenre

Sci-Fi

Tone

Dark/Serious
Suspenseful/Thrilling

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Anti-Hero
The Hero
The Mentor
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Dystopia
Mysterious Location

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning
Book Cover

Hyperion

Dan Simmons

Both Hyperion and Red Rising plunge readers into dark, suspenseful worlds where survival comes at a cost. Their narratives are rich with dialogue and striking descriptions, immersing you in dystopian landscapes filled with towering cities and dangerous power struggles. At their core, both books explore themes of love, sacrifice, and the journey, whether it’s Darrow’s rise through the rigid hierarchy of Mars or the pilgrimage of Hyperion’s travelers, each carrying secrets that could alter the fate of humanity. Betrayal, revenge, and the eternal battle of good vs. evil drive these stories forward, making Hyperion a perfect pick for Red Rising fans craving another epic, thought-provoking adventure.

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How it's similar to Red Rising

Subgenre

Literary Fiction
Sci-Fi

Tone

Dark/Serious
Suspenseful/Thrilling

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Lyrical/Descriptive
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Anti-Hero
The Hero
The Lover
The Mentor
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Big City
Dystopia
Mysterious Location
Nature
Ruined World

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning
Book Cover

The Will of the Many

James Islington

Blending elements of both fantasy and sci-fi, The Will of the Many delivers the same gripping intensity that makes Red Rising so addictive. Both novels are deeply character-driven, with dialogue-heavy storytelling and lyrical descriptions that bring their brutal, hierarchical worlds to life. Their protagonists, outsiders and rebels at heart, are shaped by betrayal, revenge, and the constant struggle between good and evil, all while battling their own inner demons. Themes of coming of age, friendship, and grief run deep, making every victory hard-earned and every loss devastating. If you’re looking for another epic tale of power, survival, and rebellion, The Will of the Many is a must-read.

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How it's similar to Red Rising

Subgenre

Fantasy
Sci-Fi

Tone

Dark/Serious
Suspenseful/Thrilling

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Lyrical/Descriptive
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Anti-Hero
The Hero
The Lover
The Mentor
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Dystopia
Mysterious Location

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning