A review by bibliorama
Golden Son by Pierce Brown
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Enjoyment - 5
Ah the part where shit hits the fan. My favorite!
Also I'd like to preface this by saying the terror that these Golds cause, while entertaining to me in book form, does not mean I want real life politics to emulate it in the slightest (even though I think sometimes it does to our detriment).
Start - 4.5
Once the book gets going, it doesn't stop. It's full steam ahead.
Characters - 5
Faves are still my faves (Sevro and Virginia looking straight at you). Though some new dynamics were introduced that by the end caused some major heartbreak and backstabbyness.
These are some of the most chaotic characters I have ever read, like every intrusive thought wins out. The theatrics of this book are also top tier and its politics are such a show. This book has one of my all-time favorite scenes being where Darrow challenges Cassius to a duel in the most dramatic fashion. It serves a political purpose while also being satisfying to see a character not half ass anything, he just takes it there.
Best quote: “My honour has been pissed upon. And I demand satisfaction.”
Atmosphere - 5
We get a lot more of the world in this book and more of the Sci Fi elements which were fun.
Plot - 4
Again, is it plot or is it vibes? It's very much just characters doing the absolute most and then having to deal with the consequences of their own actions. This creates a fascinating journey to watch go down, and man that ending was . . . the worst in the best way.
Ending - 5
Everything culminates to that ending and I'm not entirely sure how Darrow gets himself out of this one. There are betrayals where some I could see coming, but they still hurt. The characters are the stars of the show being complex, messy, and endearing.
Style - 3
Writing is good, it has to be for me to connect as much as I did to the characters.
Overall - 4.5
After finishing this review, I want to go pick up the third one now. I've waited long enough.
Ah the part where shit hits the fan. My favorite!
Also I'd like to preface this by saying the terror that these Golds cause, while entertaining to me in book form, does not mean I want real life politics to emulate it in the slightest (even though I think sometimes it does to our detriment).
Start - 4.5
Once the book gets going, it doesn't stop. It's full steam ahead.
Characters - 5
Faves are still my faves (Sevro and Virginia looking straight at you). Though some new dynamics were introduced that by the end caused some major heartbreak and backstabbyness.
These are some of the most chaotic characters I have ever read, like every intrusive thought wins out. The theatrics of this book are also top tier and its politics are such a show. This book has one of my all-time favorite scenes being where Darrow challenges Cassius to a duel in the most dramatic fashion. It serves a political purpose while also being satisfying to see a character not half ass anything, he just takes it there.
Best quote: “My honour has been pissed upon. And I demand satisfaction.”
Atmosphere - 5
We get a lot more of the world in this book and more of the Sci Fi elements which were fun.
Plot - 4
Again, is it plot or is it vibes? It's very much just characters doing the absolute most and then having to deal with the consequences of their own actions. This creates a fascinating journey to watch go down, and man that ending was . . . the worst in the best way.
Ending - 5
Everything culminates to that ending and I'm not entirely sure how Darrow gets himself out of this one. There are betrayals where some I could see coming, but they still hurt. The characters are the stars of the show being complex, messy, and endearing.
Spoiler
and dammit I second guessed Virginia again. She's my literal fave and yet there's the feeling that her and Darrow are going to have a tragic end.Style - 3
Writing is good, it has to be for me to connect as much as I did to the characters.
Overall - 4.5
After finishing this review, I want to go pick up the third one now. I've waited long enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, War, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Classism