Summary
Golden Son is the second installment in Pierce Brown's acclaimed Red Rising series. Published in 2015, this science fiction novel continues the saga of Darrow, a lowborn rebel infiltrating the oppressive Gold ruling class. Set in a dystopian future, Golden Son expands on the complex world-building and political intrigue established in Red Rising. Praised for its blend of action, strategy, and character development, the novel debuted at #6 on the New York Times bestseller list and won the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award for Science Fiction.
Plot
Golden Son continues the story of Darrow, a lowborn Red who has infiltrated the ruling Gold class. Now fully embedded as a Gold, Darrow serves as a lancer for House Augustus while secretly working to bring down the oppressive society from within. He faces fierce competition at the Academy and political machinations that threaten his position. When Darrow loses a crucial competition, he faces the risk of being disowned by his patron, Nero au Augustus.
To salvage his position, Darrow makes a bold move at the Summit of ruling Gold families. He challenges and defeats Cassius au Bellona in a duel, sparking a civil war among the Golds. In the chaos that follows, Darrow and his allies manage to escape from Luna. They then launch a daring assault to retake Mars from society forces. Along the way, Darrow frees the fierce Obsidian warrior Ragnar and forges new alliances while also facing betrayal from unexpected quarters.
As the conflict escalates, Darrow leads an invasion of Mars in a massive “Iron Rain” assault. His forces clash with those loyal to the Sovereign in brutal combat across the planet's surface. Darrow confronts several of his greatest enemies, including the deadly Olympic Knight Cassius and the cunning Jackal. He also struggles with the moral implications of the widening war and the casualties mounting on both sides.
Just as victory seems within reach, Darrow falls victim to a shocking betrayal orchestrated by his friend Roque. At a feast celebrating their triumph, Darrow is drugged and captured. He watches helplessly as his allies, including his mentor Nero au Augustus, are taken prisoner or killed. The novel ends with Darrow in enemy hands, his carefully laid plans in ruins, and the future of his revolution hanging in the balance.
Themes
Class struggle and oppression
Loyalty and betrayal
Power and corruption
Identity and deception
Revolution and societal change
Sacrifice and personal cost
Moral ambiguity in warfare
Setting
Golden Son is set in a distant future, hundreds of years from now, in a society that spans the solar system. The story unfolds primarily on Mars and Luna (Earth's moon), with some scenes occurring on other planets and moons. This interplanetary setting reflects the advanced technological capabilities of the society, which has colonized much of the solar system.
Within this vast geographical area, specific locations play important roles. The grand halls and opulent estates of the ruling Gold class contrast sharply with the harsh mining tunnels of Mars where the lowborn Reds toil. Key scenes unfold aboard massive starships and during epic space battles, highlighting the militaristic nature of this futuristic civilization.
The era depicted is one of extreme social stratification, with humanity divided into a rigid color-coded caste system. At the apex are the Golds, who rule over the other Colors with an iron fist. This dystopian society, while technologically advanced, is marked by brutal oppression and inequality. The setting serves as a backdrop for Darrow's continued struggle to overthrow this unjust system from within, as he navigates the treacherous world of the Gold elite.
Characters
Darrow au Andromedus: The protagonist, a lowborn Red disguised as a Gold to infiltrate and destroy the society from within. Nicknamed “The Reaper," Darrow is a skilled warrior and tactician who struggles with the moral implications of his mission. He faces numerous challenges as he rises through the ranks of Gold society while trying to maintain his true identity and purpose.
Virginia au Augustus: Daughter of Nero au Augustus and twin sister of Adrius. Nicknamed “Mustang," she is highly intelligent and becomes one of Darrow's closest allies. Virginia grapples with her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Darrow as she learns more about the injustices of their society.
Adrius au Augustus: Virginia's sociopathic twin brother, known as “The Jackal." A cunning and ruthless schemer, Adrius becomes both an ally and rival to Darrow. His actions have far-reaching consequences for the plot and other characters.
Sevro au Barca: Leader of the Howlers and Darrow's loyal friend. Fierce, unpredictable, and utterly devoted to Darrow's cause, Sevro plays a crucial role in many of the story's key events.
Nero au Augustus: The ArchGovernor of Mars and father of Virginia and Adrius. A powerful and ambitious man, Nero becomes a key figure in Darrow's plans to overthrow the society. His relationships with his children and political maneuvering significantly impact the story's progression.
Roque au Fabii: A lancer of House Augustus and one of Darrow's closest friends. Roque is a poet and intellectual who struggles with the violent nature of their society. His loyalty is tested throughout the story.
Victra au Julii: A lancer of House Augustus and half-sister to Antonia. Victra is a fierce warrior who becomes one of Darrow's most trusted allies. She plays a significant role in many of the novel's key battles and political intrigues.
Cassius au Bellona: Once Darrow's friend, now his bitter rival. Cassius is a skilled fighter and member of the powerful House Bellona. His quest for vengeance against Darrow drives much of the conflict in the story.
Octavia au Lune: The Sovereign of the society, she is the ultimate authority and Darrow's primary antagonist. Octavia's political machinations and efforts to maintain control of the society pose significant challenges to Darrow's plans.
Fitchner au Barca: Former Proctor of Mars at the Institute and Sevro's father. He plays a crucial role in Darrow's journey and the overall rebellion against the society. Fitchner's true identity and motivations are revealed as the story progresses.
Quick facts
Golden Son is the second book in Pierce Brown's Red Rising series, following the debut novel Red Rising.
The book debuted at #6 on the New York Times bestseller list when it was released in January 2015.
Golden Son won the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction novel.
The audiobook version is narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, who performs all six books in the series.
Golden Son expands the scope of the story from Mars to other planets and moons in the solar system, including Luna and Europa.
A major plot point involves Darrow infiltrating Gold society as a “mole” working to bring it down from within.
The book introduces several new characters, including Ragnar, an Obsidian who becomes an important ally to Darrow.
Golden Son reveals that Fitchner, a character from Red Rising, is actually Ares, the leader of the rebel Sons of Ares.
The story takes place over approximately two years, with Darrow now 20 years old.
The novel ends on a major cliffhanger that shocked many readers and set up the final book in the trilogy.
About the Author
Pierce Brown (1988-) is an American science fiction author. He is best known for his Red Rising series, set in a future dystopian society on Mars and expanding to other planets. Launched in 2014 with Red Rising, the series has been praised for its cinematic action, plot twists, and layered characters, yielding successive New York Times bestsellers, most recently Light Bringer (2023), As of 2024, the series had sold over six million copies.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Brown spent his childhood in multiple states, building forts and setting traps in woods and deserts. This adventurous upbringing likely influenced his later storytelling, which often explores themes of inner strength, love, violence, hope, and power.
Brown's journey to literary success was not without obstacles. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a degree in political science and economics, he worked various jobs in politics and tech startups. He wrote six novels and faced rejection from over 120 agents before finally selling Red Rising in 2012 while working for the NBC Page Program and living in his former professor's garage.
Brown's ability to create immersive worlds and complex characters has earned him several accolades, including Goodreads awards for Best New Novelist and Best Science Fiction Novel. Beyond novels, Brown has expanded the Red Rising universe through comic books and is developing a television adaptation. He has also contributed to the Star Wars franchise.
