Iron Gold

By: Pierce Brown

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds, John Curless, Julian Elfer, Aedin Moloney

Length: 23 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Honor and betrayal fuel a caste-shattering revolution in the action-packed new novel from the number one New York Times best-selling author of the Red Rising Trilogy.

Ten years after the events of Morning Star, Darrow and the Rising are battling the remaining Gold loyalist forces and are closer than ever to abolishing the color-coded caste system of Society for good. But new foes will emerge from the shadows to threaten the imperfect victory Darrow and his friends have earned. Pierce Brown expands the size and scope of his impressive Red Rising universe with new characters, enemies, and conflicts among the stars.

©2017 Pierce Brown (P)2017 Recorded Books

Another great story, poor narration

Overall, I enjoyed the story and am eager for the next installment. I liked Pierce Brown's decision to fast-forward through the first 10 years of the war and to see how the characters have developed. In particular, I love how Darrow's character evolved (I'll say no more to prevent any spoiler).

I was very disappointed with the audiobook's narration. The first 3 audiobooks were narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, a master of his craft. In this book, 3 additional narrators are added for various points of view. I'd have preferred TGR as the sole narrator for this book, but was open to the change. Unfortunately, the other narrators were not up for the task.

In particular, Julian Elfer's narration of Lysander au Lune's story almost ruined the book: his overall pacing was too quick; character voices lacked any significant distinction; he flowed through sentences with an annoying cadance that would lower the pitch at the end; conversations between characters and internal monologues were read without appropriate pauses or changes in pace (it was always at the same rhythm). As a result, during his narrations I never felt as though I was 'in the story'. Instead, it felt like someone was reading the book aloud in a class and I had to imagine the nuances. For me, it ruined this subplot of the story. I sincerely hope that this book is re-recorded with different narrators (or, better yet, just TGR). In the next installment of the series, I hope that Julian Elfer is not the narrator for Lysander's subplot. If he continues, I may not listen.

great story audio issues

The story was excellent but there was audio issues. The quiet parts were almost inaudible.

Maybe I wasn't ready

After starting this story I was quickly reminded how the first trilogy effected my emotional well being. I felt for Darrow's plight and his battle to make a better life for himself and family. But, most of all I remember how it played on my emotions with all the behind the scenes back-stabbing. Just when you thought things couldn't get worse, a secret deal would present itself and the day would be saved. This book seems to be following the same path, with surprises throughout as expected, but the day is still looking gloomy.
My main problem was seeing the fall of Darrow after 10 years of war. His character is tired, the war has him drained, he's lost perspective. I kept wondering if after getting into this second trilogy if I'd done the right thing by starting it. I liked the ending of the Red Rising trilogy, and perhaps should have left this new dilemma alone, showing all the disillusionment of the enduring war.
That being said, I have to give it 5 stars, because it's that good, revealing the realistic side of this war from several different perspectives. Survivors all, but not better off for it and maybe not surviving much longer.
Meh, to the four narrators....I just don't care for multiple narrators in an audible listen. Tim Gerard Reynolds is a master of his craft, so let him shine.

terrible sound production

The volume of the performances varies wildly and is frequently inaudible. The story itself is quite good but I would not reccomend it unless you can listen in a completely silent environment

Just read it

The newest pinnacle in novels. The mixing of genres and making fiction still feel like potential reality is great.

slow burn, uneven narration, good setup

Good book, takes a LONG time to get interesting. three of four narrators are good

So happy to be returned to the world of Red Rising

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since I read about it last year. I loved the Red Rising Trilogy and the series of comics based on the Sons of Aries.
The setup is a little different this time, we have 4 points of view, rather than just Darrow, (but don't worry, Tim Gerard Reynolds returns to voice Darrow). Ephraim, a grey thief who has connections to the Rising, Lyria, a Red, is the only truly "new" character, and Lysander Au Lune, the grandson of the last set of books' villain. It's 10 years after the Rising, 10 years after a Republic was founded in place of The Society. As in our world, the heady days of revolution have become overcome by corruption, broken promises, and forgotten people. New villains emerge, power corrupts, and the young rebels become old(er) politicians. I would recommend listening to the first series before listening to this one, even if you have listened to it already, because a lot of characters return and it's helpful to reorient them in your mind. As with Red Rising, Brown is merciless, dialing every battle up to 11, every stake is super high. But there are also valuable meditations on the nature of power and the nature of equality and whether warlords can ever live in peace once their objectives are met.
The narration is excellent, with 3 new voices added to Tim Gerard Reynolds. And we have a second book to look forward to in September! Definitely listen to this book.

Amazing

One of the best sci fi series out there. This book continues the trilogy in a way that few other books do. The author does not just keep going to the same bag of tricks, he molds a world that feels real and is unpredictable. His descriptions put you in the middle of it, and the emotions that come through are amazing.

I can't wait for the next book.

The legend overshadows the man

Reap what you sow takes a dark twist in as new characters face the perils of a changing society and old favorites battle remnants of the past.

As good as first 3

I liked this book just as much as the first 3 for the most part. The multiple narrators make this a great performance. very well done. Epheron is my favorite character.